Unlike wine, for example, whisky is not really about mystification, but it does bring its own jargon. Any unusual terms you are likely to come across are described and defined in this section.
Kentucky, Louisville, Benromach
While oak ageing is an historic tradition, wood management is a far more recent discipline. The benefits of oak ageing have long been appreciated, rather than understood, but it's only since the 1970s...
August 2002, Issue 25, page 59
100 Greatest Distilleries to Visit
Our team of writers around the world give you the distilleries you should visit.
December 2011, Issue 100, page 30
100 Greatest Whisky People
We highlight the people who have left a lasting legacy on the whisky world over the years.
December 2011, Issue 100, page 16
4 Roses blooming
As most American whiskeys look overseas for new drinkers, Four Roses finds its growth back home. Charles Cowdery investigates.
July 2008, Issue 73, page 14
50 not out
In these times when both job security and loyalty are so often at a premium, it seems remarkable that one man has worked for the same company for 50 years.
Even in the Scotch whisky industry, where f...
January 1970, Issue 84, page 8
A balance of tradition and efficiency (Speyburn)
Deanston Distillery is something of a hidden gem. Ian Buxton visited it
April 2006, Issue 55, page 26
A barrel of laughs
Brian Hennigan chuckles his way through a rich supply of Scottish whisky humour
August 2002, Issue 25, page 18
A big hand for gambling nights
Social poker nights both at home or at style bars and clubs have been the fad trend of 2005 – and whisky has been the drink of choice. Rob Allanson reports
January 2006, Issue 53, page 18
A blue grass state of mind
Now in its 16th year, this annual event has become the gathering for bourbon fans. Rob Allanson went to find out more.
November 2007, Issue 67, page 56
A book with a central Flaws
Guttered is a decadent and bawdy drinking romp. Perfect terrain for Jefferson Chase, then
June 2004, Issue 40, page 37
A bourbon thoroughbred
Stuart Maclean Ramsay was totally sedcued by Kentucky's smallest distillery, which uses Scottish copper pot stills and a rare method of distillation.
December 1999, Issue 7, page 30
A brave new world
The world of whisky may well still be dominated by the big five traditional producers,but they're no longer having
it all their own way.Dominic Roskrow looks at the new wave of world whisky
September 2007, Issue 66, page 18
A brave new world
Using his knowledge and passion for wine,whisky maker John Hall is creating one of the most iconic Canadian brands, Rob Allanson went to find out why.
November 2007, Issue 67, page 45
A Bridge Further
Whisky chef Martine Nouet looks at some extreme pairings
March 2012, Issue 102, page 57
A Canadian Feast
Martine Nouet heads north for a challenging pairing
March 2011, Issue 94, page 52
A Capital Event
Whisky Live London attracted a new audience this year. Rob Allanson reports
June 2006, Issue 56, page 54
A Case for Blends
Gavin D. Smithis a regular contributor to Whisky Magazine and the author of more than a dozen books about whisky, along with several on beer and Scottish history. He is also contributing editor of www...
September 2011, Issue 98, page 13
A case of Norwegian wood
Martin Moodle conducts his annual survey on what's hot - and good value - in the duty free shops of the world
August 2002, Issue 25, page 56
A China crisis?
Dominic Roskrow considers what the long term effects of an increased demand for whisky might be
March 2006, Issue 54, page 5
A choice dram
Tom Bruce-Gardyne meets one of single-cask bottling's real success stories, as Lorne Mackillop and his Mackillop's Choice label go from strength to strength
May 2002, Issue 22, page 48
A City of Secret Spots
Davin de Kergommeauxgoes searching in Taipei for some excellent bars
December 2012, Issue 108, page 46
A class of their own
Tom Bruce-Gardyne looks into the story of the Haig empire
October 2002, Issue 26, page 48
A country beyond kentucky
Think American whiskey and you think Kentucky. But across the United States there are other options – including the biggest of them all
April 2008, Issue 71, page 38
A cure for hiccups
Robin Laing takes a gentle stroll with his friend through Speyside
November 2004, Issue 44, page 34
A cut (or two) above the rest
After reading this disturbing Scotland-based offering from Christopher Brookmyre you'll never look at school reunions the same way again says Jefferson Chase.
January 2006, Issue 53, page 47
A day in the life... (Richard Paterson)
Dave Broom follows JBB's Richard Paterson on a typical working day and learns much about blending, showbiz and living life at full pelt
July 2001, Issue 17, page 20
A Decade of Challenges
Martine Nouetheads to Sweden to find out what has
been happening at the country's foremost distillery
February 2012, Issue 101, page 34
A decade of drams
Whisky Live! in Japan became the first Live to reach the 10 year anniversary, again at Tokyo Big Sight on Sunday February 21st.
The event continues to both grow -just under 5,500 participants through...
April 2010, Issue 87, page 10
A decade of words
To mark our 10th anniversary we decided to dig into our archives and bring some of the wittiest, incisive and often poignant words from our two columnists, starting the late, great Michael Jackson.
November 2008, Issue 76, page 14
A different beast
Canada's whisky industry is a pale imitation of what it once was. But if you're thinking of visiting its distilleries be prepared for a lot of travel – its few remaining distilleries are spread righ...
September 2007, Issue 66, page 32
A distillery seeped in history (Clynelish)
Ian Buxton travels North of Inverness to the remote distillery at Clynelish
July 2005, Issue 49, page 34
A distillery well off the beaten track (Tomatin)
Our mystery visitor made the long trek to Tomatin and found a distillery not geared up for the tourist or casual visitor
November 2004, Issue 44, page 17
A dram online
Bruichladdich's Jim McEwan is set to bring his whisky tasting sessions into your home. Mike Gerrard reports
September 2003, Issue 33, page 23
A dream of a distillery (Arran)
Our Mystery Visitor travels to Arran
November 2003, Issue 35, page 42
A drink not to mess with
In the first of a new series on great whisky cocktails, Ian Wisniewski looks at The Manhattan
January 2005, Issue 45, page 54
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 9 Years Old, Millennium Malt
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.10%
9 Frighteningly good. Godzilla is alive and well and living in Campbeltown.
Glengoyne 32 Years Old, Single Cask
Single Malt - Scotland - 48.70%
8 Complex, old, not perfect, but good darned fun!
BenRiach Heredotus Famosus Pedro Ximinez Finish
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
8 Fantastic balance and richness of character.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Sting of a bee 42.5 1973 33 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 48.50%
8 Very satisfying.A beautiful bourbon cask maturation. Superb to match with a cheesecake or lemon meringue pie. But the sting of the bee must be blunt,I did not feel it.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 1972 Birthday Bottle
Single Malt - Scotland - 54.60%
8 Lovely chestnut colour. Soothing. After dinner and in front of a log fire. A touch woody, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society Old Fettercairn, 37 Years Old, 94.3
Single Malt - Scotland - 50.10%
8 An elegant, elderly chatelaine.
Bunnahabhain 1963
Single Malt - Scotland - 42.90%
8 The Islay origins become more obvious the more mature Bunnahabhain is. This one would be comfortable in distant Cathay or in Tokyo or even 42nd Street.
Bunnahabhain 1968, The Family Silver Vintage Reserve
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
8 Because it is less aggressive than some of its neighbours, Bunnahabhain is often regarded as not being a proper Islay malt. This proves it can be.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society Hakushu 1981, 21 Years Old, 120.1
Single Malt - Japan - 60.70%
8 A very enigmatic malt. Lighter in body but drier and more assertive in flavour than Yamazaki. A digestif.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society Yoichi, 116.1
Single Malt - Japan - 56.60%
8 A whole sequence of flavours emerges in this vintage. These are flavours I have found before in Nikka whiskies, but they have not been especially evident elsewhere in this flight.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society Yoichi, 116.4
Single Malt - Japan - 64.90%
8 Lots happening. Nice interplay of elements.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society Caol Ila 7 Years Old, 53.50
Single Malt - Scotland - 62.10%
8 Young and hot. If that sounds flirtatiously sexy, you have the right idea.
Glengoyne 17 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00%
7 Quite a complex character for its age. The palate is well-structured, just a little too woodframed.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society Glenlivet 24 Years Old, 2.35
Single Malt - Scotland - 61.00%
7 A heavily sherried whisky that is nonetheless surprisingly lively for its age.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Macallan 11 Years Old, 24.48
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.80%
7 It is always interesting to taste a Macallan that is less sherried than usual. This one could have been rounder.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 33.70 Ardbeg Keith Richards meets Socrates 1998 10 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.30%
7 An effusively phenolic smouldering hulk. Recommended.
Glengoyne 19 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.80%
7 A nice fresh feel. But alcohol is not tamed. Water cools it down but takes the zesty kick away.
Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.30%
7 What was already a very fine (if underrated) 12yo has been given greater depth with a bump up in strength and non chill filtering. It's now one of the best on the market.
Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
7 Appetising and remarkably refreshing.
BenRiach 17 Years Old 1993 Burgundy Wood
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
7 Just a little lacking in full integration. You can sense the whisky sitting
underneath the finish.
BenRiach 17 Years Old 1992 Rioja Wood
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
7 Slightly over-active finishing cask has had a negative effect.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 64.17 Mannochmore Oozes Juiciness 1992 16 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 54.70%
7 Don't water. Decent aperitif dram.
The Macallan 1949, 50 Years Old, Millennium
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
9 A beautifully composed, luxurious whisky.
The Macallan 1979 18 Years Old, Gran Reserva
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
9 Strictly for lovers of powerfully oaked whiskies.
Highland Park 1977 Bicentenary Vintage Reserve
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
9 My favourite expression of whisky's greatest all rounder. Sets an incredibly high standard for Highland Park to maintain.
Black Bull 40 Years Old Batch No. 2
Blended - Scotland - 41.90%
9 A pure beauty. The age without the wrinkles...
Highland Park 1970 Vintage
Single Malt - Scotland - 48.00%
9 A slow, learned intellectual of a malt. If you are going to put out a 40yo,
here's the benchmark.
Ardbeg 1976, Distillery Manager's Choice
Single Malt - Scotland - 56.00%
9 Real Ardbeg peatiness and smokiness.
The Macallan 18 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
9 A lovely whisky in its own right, but not quite as layered as the best vintages.
The Macallan 1961 Vintage
Single Malt - Scotland - 54.70%
9 This one I loved. The flavours have melded beautifully, in what must have been an excellent cask.
The Macallan 50 Years Old, Millennium Decanter
Single Malt - Scotland - 0.00%
9 This is on the woody side. A little too woody for me in its late astringency, but it is always a privilege to taste such old whiskies.
Adelphi Highland Park 17 Years Old, Cask 2903
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.30%
9 That dance might have been led by Fred Astaire. The great all-rounder in lean and energetic mood. Makes it look easy. Try it with a late-night movie.
Talisker 18 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.80%
9 Loch Harport on a winter's day, gale force eight! Less peppery than younger versions. Complex, endearing, balanced. 18 seems a perfect age for malts.
The Balvenie 1970 Vintage Cask
Single Malt - Scotland - 44.60%
9 Extraordinarily distinctive. All the characteristics I expect in Balvenie, but I have never experienced them in such a concentrated intensity.
The Balvenie 1972 Vintage Cask
Single Malt - Scotland - 49.40%
9 The ultimate dessert dram. Beautifully composed.
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