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
With this issue Whisky Magazine celebrates its first anniversary. The birthday party will be held in New York because this issue also marks our arrival in the US, the largest consumer of whisky and wh...
October 1999, Issue 6, page 5
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
Apple wrapped in pastry with Aberlour bourbon cask butter - Aberlour chocolate pralines - Aberlour ice cream
June 2003, Issue 31, page 46
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
A Flirtatious Spirit
Ian Buxton heads north to find a Distillery in a basement
September 2012, Issue 106, page 40
A forgotten gem (Deanston)
Deanston is the least-known of Perthshire's six remaining distilleries. Ian Buxton visited it
March 2006, Issue 54, page 30
A free sofa with every case
The dignified advertisements you see in this publication belie the rough and tumble past of
American whiskey promotion. Charles K.Cowdery reports
October 2006, Issue 59, page 52
A gem in the eye of a storm (Cardhu)
Say the word ‘Cardhu' and it stirs up images of underhand dealings. But the distillery intrinsically linked to last year's scandal is charming and impressive, and its staff outstanding. Ian Buxton r...
January 2005, Issue 45, page 30
A Good Bassy Tone
Ian Buxton meets the team behind Tuthilltown Spirits, a craft distillery on the rise
February 2013, Issue 109, page 30
A great vintage
The fourth Whisky Live Paris saw an incredible gathering of rare and exciting drams,we find out more
November 2007, Issue 67, page 10
A Greener Future
We asked two of our writers to look at the issues affecting Scottish and American producers. The problems may be pressing but there is plenty
of innovation out there to keep the industry green
March 2012, Issue 102, page 21
A Little Piece of History
Once, Old Crow was synonymous with quality bourbon, but for some years it has been lost in the wilderness. Now it's set a new lease of life. Dominic Roskrow reports
January 2011, Issue 93, page 22
A Locavore's Tipple
Liza Weisstuch goes in search of slow food whiskey
February 2013, Issue 109, page 34
A Love Supreme
Rob takes a quiet night with a jazz legend to reflect on what whisky can mean
July 2007, Issue 65, page 5
A matter of duty
Eighty-five bottles of Scotch are sold every minute in duty-free shops around the world. Martin Moodie looks at where the best ranges can be found, and where it's worth missing your fight for a specia...
May 1999, Issue 3, page 50
A matter of taste
It seemed like a good idea, and in the end the event turned into a great evening's tasting with some interesting company, cracking spirits and one belter of a cigar. Rob Allanson Reports
June 2008, Issue 72, page 42
A new frontier
Jonathan McCormick looks at selling bourbon to the Scots.
January 2009, Issue 77, page 20
A new relationship
Beer guru Roger Protz looks at some oak aged beers on the market
December 2010, Issue 92, page 58
A Phoenix from the flames
It's nearly 10 years since a major fire all but destroyed a great part of Heaven Hill. But the distillery's now thriving and going from strength to strength. Charles Cowdery reports
July 2005, Issue 49, page 25
A Place where men will be men
Jefferson Chase on Richard Ford's bizarre hunting short story, Calling
October 2004, Issue 43, page 41
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.
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.
Ardbeg Provenance, 1974, 24 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.60%
9 Rich and creamy, with huge flavour development.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 54.20%
9 This is more like a supercharged Wild One. Defiantly robust, but with Devilish charm. I love it.
Cadenhead's 10 Years Old, Bourbon
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 45.00%
9 I especially like bourbons when they are big and robust. This is both hearty and complex. A wonderful winter warmer.
Glenfarclas 40 Years Old, Millennium Edition
Single Malt - Scotland - 54.70%
9 Some of the voluptuousness has sagged with age.
Jameson 18 Years Old Master Selection
Blended - Ireland - 40.00%
9 Robustly sexy. I always enjoy Jameson, but I really relished coming to grips with this one.
Sazerac 18 Years Old
Single Grain - U.S.A. - 45.00%
9 A superb bourbon. As neat and perfectly dressed and combed as Richard Paterson!
The Balvenie Vintage Cask 1967
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
9 A beautifully balanced classic Speyside whisky.
Glenmorangie Astar
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.10%
8 A gorgeous,luscious dram. ‘Morangie to the max.
Evan Williams 1990, Single Barrel
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 43.30%
8 Very different in style. Liqueur-ish.
Rock Hill Farm Single Cask Bourbon
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 50.00%
8 The flavours may sound similar but it is the interplay of their subtleties that make this such an interesting whiskey. Try it with a double chocolate-chip cookie. Or a rocky road icecream.
Tomatin 1976 30 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 49.30%
8 Real character and finesse.
Auchentoshan 1966, 31 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.80%
8 A fine whisky, but does something as fresh and soft benefit from quite so much ageing?
Balblair 1979 Vintage
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00%
8 Needs time to grow in the glass. A dream.
Royal Salute 21 Years Old
Blended - Scotland - 40.00%
8 After dinner, I would usually think of a malt, but have long enjoyed the unashamed luxuriousness of this blend. This example seems fractionally less voluptuous than I remember, but my memories may be ...
Wild Turkey 8 Years Old, 101
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 50.50%
8 A huge whiskey. Put together with style and sophistication, but still with all the robustness of a true bourbon. A classic, of course. A Clint Eastwood of whiskeys.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 45.20%
8 Perhaps encouraged by the dark orange colour, the descriptors sound sweet, but the overall effect is one of flowery dryness, with great finesse.
Parker's Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 50.00%
8 Another big whisky from Heaven Hill. A delight as the nights start to drawn in.
Buffalo Trace Thomas Hardy, Sazerac
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 63.80%
8 A broad shouldered whisky. Not for the fainted-hearts.Some like it hot.
Eagle Rare 17 Years Old
Single Malt - U.S.A. - 45.00%
8 A bourbon for non sweet teeth. Rich, very well structured.
Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Vintage
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 43.30%
8 An old bourbon? With lots of wood notes, all integrated and complex.
Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch 2010 Release
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 55.00%
8 Another unsung hero shows its quality. Excellent layering effect.
Booker's 6 Years Old
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 63.25%
8 Wonderfully expansive. Seems to embrace the tastes of the south, all the way from Kentucky to Louisiana.
Elijah Craig 12 Years Old
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 47.00%
8 Less structured than might be expected in a 12 Years Old, but a perilously drinkable, appetising bourbon.
Jameson Gold
Blended - Ireland - 40.00%
8 There is some virgin oak in this one, along with bourbon casks. Bonus points for trying something new, but would have expected more interesting results. I find it a bit light tasting. Try it with fres...
Pappy Van Winkle 20 Years Old, Family Reserve
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 45.20%
8 Showing its age, but I like its big, earthy, old-fashioned American flavours.
The Macallan 21 Years Old, Fine Oak
Single Malt - Scotland - 0.00%
8 Fine if you're a bourbon fan, but this is perhaps a little too far for me.
The Macallan 30 Years Old, Fine Oak
Single Malt - Scotland - 0.00%
8 I was wrong! This is infinitely better.
Wild Turkey 17 Years Old
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 50.50%
8 I like this very much, for its complexity and originality. As a bourbon? The useful phrase ‘something else' comes to mind.
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 50.50%
8 My descriptors make it sound like a dessert whisky, but it is also very appetising. Just a tad too sophisticated for me.
Balblair 1975 Vintage 2nd Release 37 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
8 A beautiful example of a well-matured Bourbon cask whisky. Still lively and
dashing. The perfect “herbal tea”.
Buffalo Trace William La Rue Weller
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 66.75%
8 A substantial, stylish Bourbon.
Caskstrength & Carry On Benriach 1996 16 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.20%
8 Sherry and Bourbon goodness, quite unusual for Benriach. Perfect for these
autumnal evenings.
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