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.
Tamdhu, Coopering, Toronto
Whisk(e)y bottled at the alcoholic strength at which it aged in cask, without being diluted with water to 40 per cent Abv In practice most is very slightly reduced in order that strength may be consistent.
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
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 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 dream of a distillery (Arran)
Our Mystery Visitor travels to Arran
November 2003, Issue 35, page 42
A drop of the soft stuff
Ian Wisniewski assesses the effect of the water used in whisky production and as mixer on the drink we love
October 2002, Issue 26, page 52
A family affair
John Lamond examines the history of this independent distillery
July 2002, Issue 24, page 52
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 grievous loss (Rosebank)
In the latest of our series Gavin D Smith looks at the history behind Rosebank
July 2007, Issue 65, page 31
A Real Revival
Ian Buxton looks at the resurrection of a distillery
July 2012, Issue 105, page 34
A Speyside landmark
Joel Harrison braves a cold snap and heads up to Benromach
April 2013, Issue 111, page 40
A Spicy Experience
Elbow deep in rices, spices and whiskie.
April 2013, Issue 111, page 56
A spirited event
James Millard explains why the Speyside Whisky Festival is a mean contender in the whisky event stakes
August 2002, Issue 25, page 26
A unique taste of Ireland
Jamie Walker had revived the Adelphi name after nearly a century. Ken Hyder talks to the man whose cask crusade promises to widen the horizons of Irish Whiskey and Scotch drinkers.
April 2000, Issue 9, page 48
A week in paradise
The Islay Festival is the highlight of the Scotch whisky year. Martine Nouet looks ahead to this year's activities
May 2004, Issue 39, page 36
A world of difference
Of all the events that this job involves, the Best of the Best tasting is among my favourites.
January 2005, Issue 45, page 5
A-Z of the world's best blends
Ailsa Craig
Company: A Dewar Rattray
Age: none
ABV: 40%
Territories: NA
Description: smoky but has a unique and unusual taste created by the harsh grain and the oily and interesting malt content
The...
October 2004, Issue 43, page 24
Age Concern
Tom BG began writing about drink 20 years
ago, starting with wine and progressing to whisky when he moved back to Scotland in 1998. He has worked for The Sunday Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers and Whisky...
October 2011, Issue 99, page 13
An alternative whisky map of the world...
Tom Bruce-Gardyne takes an irreverent look at the world's 15 largest whisky markets - plus the characters and caricatures you might find in each country. The world of whisky is full of exaggerated per...
July 2002, Issue 24, page 24
Arcade classics
The Arcade Fire are on the verge of superstardom.Lew Guthrie III checks out their credentials and reviews new album The Neon Bible
April 2007, Issue 63, page 31
Arranged marriage
So how do whiskies cope once they have come of age and are ready for single-malt marriage? Ian Wisniewski investigates
June 2003, Issue 31, page 72
Asia Loves Macallan
Jonny McComick reflects on three very different whisky sales
July 2011, Issue 97, page 82
Ask the expert
John Rose answers another selection of our readers' letters
August 2006, Issue 58, page 53
Ask the expert
A few months ago we started the renovation of an old house that we bought some time ago.
In the basement we found a wooden box with several old bottles of whisky. I made a phone call to a whisky and ...
December 2007, Issue 68, page 35
Ask the expert
I have a bottle of Usher's Old Vatted Glenlivet intact and in very good condition and good level just above the neck of the bottle,dated 1907.
Is it possible to tell me what it might beworth?
C.Brou...
July 2008, Issue 73, page 37
Ask the expert
I would like your help with the value of a bottle of The Balvenie I purchased a few years ago in Scotland. It is a Vintage Cask 1951 hand bottled at the distillery 7th November 1996 from Cask 1236. It...
July 2009, Issue 81, page 72
Ask the expert
In 2003 I purchased a bottle of Glenfiddich Concorde Private Vintage 1976 while on a transatlantic flight. I hasten to add that I was travelling on air miles. I paid £200 for the whisky and it remain...
September 2009, Issue 82, page 73
Ask the Expert
I am in possession of a Tomintoul Glenlivet 12 Years Old in a perfume shaped bottle.
I have been told it is from the late 80s. Can you estimate the value? Would it be worth me keeping it for longer?
T...
March 2012, Issue 102, page 9
Ask The Expert
I have been left two bottles of whisky which have been in a cupboard for more than 13 years. Can you tell me how old they are? Are they worth anything or should I drink them as I am partial to a drop ...
December 2012, Issue 108, page 74
Ask The Expert
Send your questionsto editorial@whiskymag.com or by post to: Q&A, Whisky Magazine, St Faiths House, Mountergate, Norwich, England, NR1 1PY
April 2013, Issue 111, page 82
Ben Nevis
Ian Buxton peeks behind the scenes at one of Scotland's most enduring distilleries
June 2002, Issue 23, page 52
BIG Apple Bars
Liza Weisstuch takes us out to some favourite haunts in New York city's boroughs
July 2011, Issue 97, page 56
Blackadder goes forth
Tom Bruce-Gardyne talks to Robin Tcek, proprietor of the independent bottler blackadder, and finds out why he dislikes filtering, industry attitudes and armchairs
April 2001, Issue 15, page 52
Blue is the colour
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a thoroughbred whisky but does it live up to the hype? Ian Buxton got close and personal
July 2006, Issue 57, page 50
Bruichladdich bonanza
Ian Buxton gets his taste buds tickled with the latest releases
October 2006, Issue 59, page 59
Cask Strength Malts
The tradition of high strength bottlings was a natural launch pad for cask strength malts,which have gathered momentum since the late 1980s. Ian Wisniewski finds out more.
March 2007, Issue 62, page 60
Redbreast Cask Strength
Pot Still - Republic of Ireland - 57.70%
9 Redbreast is one of the world's great whiskeys. Delicious!
The Macallan 1981, Unfiltered Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.00%
9 When I tasted this bottling, I was shocked by its spiciness. When I had recovered my composure, I gradually began to find it very more-ish.
Talisker 1975, 25 Years Old, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 59.90%
9 Less instantly explosive than the regular 10. The flavours in the 25 are more tightly combined and take longer to unfold. You pays your money...
Laphroaig 17 Years Old, Feis Ile 2004, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.20%
8 A touch sophisticated for the likes of me. Where are those stinging iodine notes? They are in there somewhere, but beautifully balanced and rounded.
Port Ellen 25 Years Old, Special Release 2005
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.40%
8 Old, intense and busting for an olifactory fight. Complex and grizzly, like Clint Eastwood in The Unforgiven.
Caol Ila Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.00%
8 Bold, well-balanced example, most drinkable.
The Glenlivet 16 Years Old, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 56.60%
8 The rich fruity profile of Glenlivet blossoms at cask strength. So well balanced.
Vintage Malt Whisky Co. Classic of Islay Cask Strength Single Islay Malt
Single Malt - Scotland - 60.20%
8 Powerful, pungent malt with everything an Islay enthusiast would wish for.
Connemara Cask Strength
Single Malt - Ireland - 60.00%
8 I just love this un-chill filtered version; it's fat, it's loud and it's fun. In this price bracket, there are very few Scottish single malts that can match it.
Duncan Taylor Glen Grant C3490 Cask Strength Rare Auld Scotch Whisky
Single Malt - Scotland - 49.70%
8 Elegant and sophisticated.
Old Malt Cask Bruichladdich 1969
Single Malt - Scotland - 53.50%
8 Shows that this whisky can handle some age and sherry.
The Macallan 10 Years Old, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.80%
8 With its distinctly reddish chestnut colour, this is clearly well sherried. An uncomplicated, robust, Macallan. Simply delicious.
Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 1
Single Malt - Scotland - 54.80%
8 Despite its appearance in a youthful, trendy overcoat, this has some developing, interesting and complex under garments.
Laphroaig 10 Years Old, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.30%
8 A fine robust dram with lots happening. Laphroaig at its best.
Old Pulteney 15 Years Old, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.80%
8 A slightly odd melange of flavours and textures...but it works.
Parker's Heritage Collection 1996 Cask Strength Small Batch Bourbon
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 61.30%
8 Copes with high alcohol well. Great balance, poise and sophistication.
Signatory Bowmore 1975 Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 51.80%
8 Has mellowed with age. I missed the more assertively maritime characteristics in some younger Bowmores.
Signatory Caol Ila 1989, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.30%
8 The more typical of the two 1989 versions. For me, classic Caol Ila, with a touch of peat, noses ahead of the fruitier, more sensuous, expression.
Strathisla 15 Years Old, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.10%
8 Make the effort to sample a cracking dram and to visit the bonniest distillery in Scotland.
Chivas Brothers Glenallachie 15 Years Old, Cask Strength Edition
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.00%
8 Perhaps too sweet for some malt lovers but packed with flavour. Bland it ain't.
Longmorn 17 Years Old, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.20%
8 Maybe not as balanced as the classic 15 year-old. But who would turn one's nose up to a Longmorn? So rare, so satisfying. Yummy.
Old Malt Cask Laphroaig 1985 17 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 50.00%
8 This seems far less lively and rounded than the 1987 whisky bottled in 1992.
Caol Ila Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.00%
8 The most fruity, fresh, peppery and lively of the three expressions. I loved all three. Scoring was a tough call.
Connemara Cask Strength
Single Malt - Ireland - 59.60%
8 The paler colour suggests less interesting casks. The higher the alcohol adds to the pepperiness. The end result is drier, more cutting, but less rounded than the 40%.
Famous Grouse Cask Strength
Blended - Scotland - 56.00%
8 Like the regular Grouse, it tastes maltier and bigger than it really is. An excellent justification of cask strength.
Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet 1973 Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.90%
8 Some of the older Smith's Glenlivets are too woody for me, but this one is a delight.
Islay Mist 17 Years Old
Blended - Scotland - 40.00%
8 Cutting this to 40% means it's lost some of its energy. Let's have a cask strength version!
Chivas Brothers Caperdonich 16 Years Old, Cask Strength Edition
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.80%
7 Promises more than it delivers. Try it with sweet Turkish coffee or espresso.
Gordon & MacPhail Ardmore 1990, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.80%
7 A hidden complexity on the palate. A malt to give you a tender kick on “one of those days, you know…”
Glen Grant 14 Years Old, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.30%
7 A midsummer's night dream dram. So delicate, so rich but without ostentation.
Gordon & MacPhail Ardmore 1990 Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.80%
7 Starts slowly, and seems uncertain as to where it is going.
Mortlach 1980, 17 Years Old, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 63.10%
7 A big, rich interpretation; an outstanding digestif.
Signatory Caol Ila 1981 Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 62.50%
7 Quite sharp at the beginning then gradually softening. Fruitier than previous Signatory bottlings. Very sensitive to dilution.
Whisky Galore Mortlach 1988, Cask Strength
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.90%
7 Good weight of spirit, but needs more from the cask to make it great.
Bowmore Cask Strength Islay Single Malt
Single Malt - Scotland - 56.00%
7 Doesn't leap out of the glass at you, but well balanced and unthreatening.
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