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.
World Whiskies Awards edition 2012
The spirit coming off a still.
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 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
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 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 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 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 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 dream of a distillery (Arran)
Our Mystery Visitor travels to Arran
November 2003, Issue 35, page 42
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 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 frosty reception
Classic malt distillery Dalwhinnie is revamping its visitor experience. Dominic Roskrow spoke to the man charged with ringing the changes.
February 2010, Issue 86, page 44
A future classic from a modern distillery
John Lamond visits the Isle of Arran Distilleryy, a modern distillery that produces a whisky that may well have enthusiasts challenging their own perception of what is their favourite malt
April 2001, Issue 15, page 28
A gardener's world (Hilary Lamont - Linkwood)
In a new series looking at different distillery careers, Richard Jones talks to Hilary Lamont – distillery gardener at Linkwood
September 2004, Issue 42, page 67
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 giant culled
Gavin D Smithlooks at the recent loss of Dumbarton,a once vast grain distillery
November 2007, Issue 67, page 34
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 grievous loss (Rosebank)
In the latest of our series Gavin D Smith looks at the history behind Rosebank
July 2007, Issue 65, page 31
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.
Bunnahabhain 1968 Auld Aquaintance, Hogmanay Edition
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.80%
8 A brilliantly sunny winter's day; a walk by the sea in late afternoon; a dram at dusk. Still Bunnahabhain, but so different.
Bunnahabhain 1966
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.10%
7 The blood-orange hue suggests that this Bunnahabhain will in all senses be more colourful than the gentle 12 Years Old we normally encounter. Sun-dried whisky?
Bunnahabhain Darach Ur
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.30%
7 Seems to be slightly hidden somehow. Maybe it just needs time to settle in the bottle.
Scotch Malt Whisky Society 120.4 Tibetan Joss-Sticks and Polynesian Pork 1990 18 Years Old
Single Malt - Japan - 59.30%
7 The nose is a delight. To enjoy the palate,you have to be a wood freak.
Glengoyne 14 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
7 ?Just get the feeling that bottling at a slightly higher strength might have given it the kick it needs for the palate to balance the nose.
Balblair 38 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 44.00%
9 A pure beauty. Absolutely beaming on nose and palate. The best a sherry cask can offer.
The Balvenie 1972 Vintage Cask
Single Malt - Scotland - 49.40%
9 The ultimate dessert dram. Beautifully composed.
Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey
Non Bourbon - U.S.A. - 45.00%
8 At an ‘all you can eat' buffet in Chicago, a woman piling her plate said to me: “isn't this sinful?” This is temptation in a bottle.
Brora 30 Years Old, Limited Edition
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.70%
8 Exuberant interplay of sweet and dry flavours, pivoted on a firm malt background.
Cutty Sark 25 Years Old
Blended - Scotland - 45.70%
8 The extra years serve Cutty well. It is confident, expressive, expansive.
The Macallan Exceptional Cask IV
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.40%
8 Not so much a winter whisky as a bear-hug. Or do the Grampians have a Mac Yeti?
Auchentoshan 36 Years Old, 1975
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.90%
8 Elegance personified. A great mature complex dram.
Blue Hanger 3rd Release 30 Years Old
Blended Malt - Scotland - 45.60%
8 By definition vatted malts are designed to iron out blemishes but rarely rise above the good or very
good. This is exceptional not just against this competition but in any categoryof whisky. Outstandi...
Bailie Nicol Jarvie
Blended - Scotland - 40.00%
8 Demanding and stern. Take some time to understand it. A complex whisky as it reveals its secrets.
Chivas Regal 18 Years Old
Blended - Scotland - 40.00%
8 A bit overbalanced by sherry, but nicely rounded by the smoky finish.
Midleton Very Rare
Blended - Ireland - 40.00%
8 In general, Midleton is a bit too elegant for me, but this is a lovely vintage. The Yquem of whiskies?
Signatory Straight from the Cask Port Ellen 24 Years Old, Burgundy finish
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.80%
8 Lots happening here. A complex and highly unusual expression of Port Ellen.
The Balvenie 15 Years Old Single Barrel
Single Malt - Scotland - 50.40%
8 Certainly robust. Perhaps a little harsh?
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.
Inverleven Deoch an Dora 1973
Single Malt - Scotland - 48.50%
8 A charming thirst-quencher. No water please. It is perfect straight.
Ardbeg 1976, Single Cask Committee bottling
Single Malt - Scotland - 51.00%
8 A 'no bones about it' Islay whisky, and a fine example of Ardbeg.
Cragganmore 29 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 52.50%
8 At this age, more complex and elegant than ever. No obvious sherry.
Glenfiddich 1973 Vintage
Single Malt - Scotland - 48.10%
8 Beautifully calm and seamless after the rugged attack of the Laphroaig.
Longmorn 15 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.00%
8 I had never noticed the rose water note before, I also find it in Linkwood – from the same valley.
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.
Private Collection Balblair 1973
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.00%
8 Elegant and uncomplicated. Refreshing and appetising. Hides its 50% ABV very well.
Woodford Reserve Master's Collection Seasonsed Oak
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 50.20%
8 A brilliant example of an old bourbon. Wood influenced but in the most refined way.
Ardbeg Supernova
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.90%
8 Has considerable character. Fresh, young but for peat freaks only.
Cooper's Choice Dallas Dhu 1970, 32 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
8 Delicious Dallas Dhu does it again. How long can this go on?
Glen Elgin 32 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.30%
8 A lovely example of a honeyish Speyside whisky.
Glenmorangie 12 Years Old, Millennium Malt
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00%
8 The earlier, and less expensive, of two millennium bottlings. In this one, the emphasis is on first-fill bourbon barrels.
Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
8 All very gentle and softly flowing. It just lacks a little grunt.
Signatory Glen Grant 1976
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.20%
8 So like an armagnac. Sherry at its best. At its peak. Why not with foie gras and a fig compote?
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