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Whisky Magazine writer - Rob Allanson

Issue 112 Out Now

Tamdhu, Coopering, Toronto

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Rob Allanson

Rob Allanson is editor of Whisky Magazine.

Rob Allanson's forum profile

Editor's Word
Rob looks at the alchemy of creating tasting notes from the unknown
June 2013, Issue 112, page 3

Editor's Word
Rob looks at what this redesigned magazine means
April 2013, Issue 111, page 3

Editor's Word
There has been a lot of chatter on the social media sites recently about Diageo's latest addition to the Talisker line up, and it throws up that age old topic of age statements, good or bad? It looks...
March 2013, Issue 110, page 5

New World Order
With the search for the Global Icons of Whisky nearing its end, we turn our attention to the rest of the world; this includes producing nations such as Ireland, Japan, Canada and India.
March 2013, Issue 110, page 6

Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky 2013
After many months of debate, scrutiny and four rounds of voting, Whisky Magazine's international panel of judges has finally settled on the winners. Here we reveal who has scooped the coveted Global I...
March 2013, Issue 110, page 39

Drinking and health
Recently, United States broadcaster CNN's culinary news site Eatocracy ran a feature with the headline “Beer, Whiskey and Pork Fat: The New Health Foods?”
February 2013, Issue 109, page 6

Editor's Word
So here we are, as I write, caught in the iron bound grip of winter weather. It is that time of year when you need the warmth of a whisky to take the edge off the day, especially if you are facing the...
February 2013, Issue 109, page 5

The Irish Revolution
There is a lot going on in Ireland at the moment, we summarise the recent developments
February 2013, Issue 109, page 14

Wolfburn
Scotland's latest start-up whisky-making venture came on stream in January.
February 2013, Issue 109, page 7

Ageing Gracefully
The quiet son of Islay whiskies, Bunnahabhain, is to launch a oneoff limited edition 40 Years Old single malt whisky.
December 2012, Issue 108, page 8

Boost for Troops
One of the world's 11 bottles of Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 55 Years Old Scotch sold at auction recently for $52,000 setting a new record for Canada.
December 2012, Issue 108, page 8

Celebrating the Century
This year the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) celebrates 100 years of promoting, protecting and representing the interests of the Scotch whisky industry around the world.
December 2012, Issue 108, page 6

Editors Word
Well it looks like the year might end as it began in the whisky world with some significant changes afoot. Quite how they play out is yet to be seen, but what is certain is that they will have ramifi...
December 2012, Issue 108, page 5

Liquid History
More than four decades ago a batch of premium single malt whisky was crafted at Lochside, one of Scotland's oldest distilleries.
December 2012, Issue 108, page 8

Supermarket Special
Supermarket Aldi is to begin selling a 30-year-old blended Scotch whisky for just £49.99 (70cl) – less than a third of the average price for a premium, aged whisky.
December 2012, Issue 108, page 8

Walker's Voyage
We report on a voyage to recreate Walker's earliest ventures
December 2012, Issue 108, page 42

Editor's Word
The seasons here in the United Kingdom are starting to turn again; not that most of the summer this year was anything to shout about, but so far Autumn has been fairly decent with dry, crisp days. Th...
October 2012, Issue 107, page 5

From Stave to Stage
We follow the process of creating some very special guitars
October 2012, Issue 107, page 50

Inspiring Icons
In the second round of voting our focus is on America. The search is on to find the iconic people and places of whisky
October 2012, Issue 107, page 6

Peat...In...Space!!
As whisky launches go, it is probably fair to say that the team behind Ardbeg Galileo were reaching for the stars...
October 2012, Issue 107, page 8

Quite Extraordinary
Berry Bros. & Rudd Spirits has unveiled a series of single cask bottlings of The Glenrothes from the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a merchant, the role of Berry Bros. & Rudd has always been to select...
October 2012, Issue 107, page 8

The Second Arkle
AnCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has today (10 September) unveiled the second in the series of Limited Edition releases from its collaboration with internationally renowned Scottish illustrat...
October 2012, Issue 107, page 8

Weaving the Magic
Rob Allanson Visits a Resurgent Deanston Distillery
October 2012, Issue 107, page 32

An Unsung Hero
The Scotch whisky industry is blessed with so many high-profile and larger-than-life characters that it is all too easy to overlook the important contributions made in various areas of the business by...
September 2012, Issue 106, page 8

Capturing The Perfect Scene
We launch our annual photographic competition with the chance to win some dazzling prizes from Bowmore single malt Scotch whisky
September 2012, Issue 106, page 10

Colourful Characters
The Macallan: A New Era of Single malt Whisky Creation
September 2012, Issue 106, page 26

Editor's Word
I have often been asked the question before in the past but as our digital edition, the first whisky related magazine to appear for the iPad, starts to gather pace and readers, the issue raised its he...
September 2012, Issue 106, page 5

A Fine Fino
Bowmore recently looked back at their collection of vintage casks and have released an extremely limited edition bottling from 1964, considered by many as the golden age in the distillery's history. ...
July 2012, Issue 105, page 7

Beer and More
Like many, Chris Weld recently bought some Sam Adams beer. Unlike anyone, he bought 12,000 gallons of it. That's because Weld, who founded Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Western Massachusetts in 20...
July 2012, Issue 105, page 7

Blake's Eight
Sir Peter Blake is one of the UK's most important artists; among his meister work, the iconic cover for The Beatles' seminal album Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. As he approached his 80th birth...
July 2012, Issue 105, page 8

Editor's Word
Sometimes life takes funny turns, things that exist in your past reappear in your present like old pennies; the ghosts of memories suddenly take stark sharp focus in your conscience taking you back to...
July 2012, Issue 105, page 5

Festival Heights
Bushmills Distillery held its first music festival, we report
July 2012, Issue 105, page 44

The Islaympic Games
Every year, the Islay Festival of Whisky attracts peat fanatics from across the globe and this year's Ardbeg open day once again proved that the distillery still knows how to throw a party. Anyone wh...
July 2012, Issue 105, page 6

Walking Tall
Diageo have unveiled two new super deluxe additions to their Johnnie Walker portfolio with the release of Gold Label Reserve and Platinum 18 Years Old. Johnnie Walker is the biggest selling global Sco...
July 2012, Issue 105, page 7

Editor's word
This is one of those columns that I had not originally intended to write, it took on a life of its own as I was drafting it. I had intended to pontificate about all the new whisky books that have hit...
June 2012, Issue 104, page 5

More...

Whisky Magazine Issue 112
Tamdhu, Coopering, Toronto.

Published June 2013.

Whisky Magazine Issue 111
Kentucky, Louisville, Benromach.

Published April 2013.

Whisky Magazine Issue 110
World Whiskies Awards edition 2013.

Published March 2013.

Whisky Magazine Issue 109
African Adventure | Caribbean Smuggling | San Francisco.

Published February 2013.

Whisky Magazine Issue 108
Johnnie Walker - Lagavulin Distillery - Suntory.

Published December 2012.

Whisky Magazine Issue 107
Movies & Moonshine - Junior Johnson - Bushmills Cask Guitars.

Published October 2012.

Whisky Magazine Issue 106
Independent Bottlers' Challenge 2012 - Islay - Drinkers Guide Edinburgh.

Published September 2012.

Whisky Magazine Issue 105
USA Special Edition: Kentucky, Mount Vernon, Washington DC, Rodeo Whisky.

Published July 2012.

Whisky Magazine Issue 104
The Macallan, Alternative Grains, Adnams & much more....

Published June 2012.

Whisky Magazine Issue 103
World Whiskies Awards edition 2012.

Published April 2012.

Whisky Magazine Issue 102
Photo Challenge 2012 winners revealed - Ireland spotlight - Bruichladdich Distillery.

Published March 2012.

Whisky Magazine Issue 101
Whisky families, Mackmyra, Buffalo Trace, A drinker's guide to London and much more....

Published February 2012.

Whisky Magazine Issue 100
The Whisky Magazine anniversary issue celebrates 100 years of the greatest whisky people, the 21st Century's 100 greatest bottles and the 100 greatest distilleries to visit plus much more....

Published December 2011.

Whisky Magazine Issue 99
Charley Boorman - Drayman's Distillery - A drinker's guide to Paris - Micro Distilling and much more....

Published October 2011.

Whisky Magazine Issue 98
Icons of whisky Scotland Winners unveiled - Independent Bottlers Challenge Results - Cameronbridge - Whisky Magazine Photographic Challenge 2011 and much more....

Published September 2011.

Whisky Magazine Issue 97
USA spotlight: Wild Turkey, New York, Jack Daniel's and Diageo and much more....

Published July 2011.

Whisky Magazine Issue 96
Jura - Your guide to Speyside - Sydney bars guide and much more....

Published June 2011.

Whisky Magazine Issue 95
World Whiskies Awards and much more....

Published April 2011.

Whisky Magazine Issue 94
Photo challenge 2010 winners revealed - Dr Vijay Mallya - Midleton Distillery.

Published March 2011.

Whisky Magazine Issue 93
Four Roses - Mount Vernon - Old Crow Distillery and much more.

Published January 2011.

Whisky Magazine Issue 92
Albert Watson & The Macallan - Kyoto - Springbank - Zen & whisky and much more....

Published December 2010.

Whisky Magazine Issue 91
Music special part - Back to the seventies - Fettercairn and much more....

Published October 2010.

Whisky Magazine Issue 90
Music Special - Ailsa Bay - Independent Bottlers' Challenge and much more....

Published September 2010.

Whisky Magazine Issue 89
Woodford Reserve - US micro distilleries - Glenlivet - WIN Four Days at Bowmore and much more....

Published July 2010.

Whisky Magazine Issue 88
Benromach Distillery - Incense - Sherry Casks - WIN Four Days at Bowmore and much more....

Published June 2010.

Whisky Magazine Issue 87
Awards Edition - Best Whiskies in the World 2010.

Published April 2010.

Whisky Magazine Issue 86
Shackleton's whisky - Dalwhinnie - New York Bars - Kilbeggan - Cocktails - Peat - Icons of Whisky 2010 and much more....

Published February 2010.

Whisky Magazine Issue 85
Bourbon's Liquid Legend - Elmer T. Lee on 90 years of the American spirit - A drinker's tour of Louisville - Millstone distillery - The Lowlands & much more....

Published January 2010.

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Whisky Magazine Issue 84
Boutique Speyside - Explore The Balvenie - Japanese Focus - Cocktails from New Orleans - Bunnahabhain - Buffalo Trace - Mackmyra - SMWS and much more....

Published January 1970.

Whisky Magazine Issue 83
Exclusive - Diageo's Ambitious Project - Bladnoch - Manhattens in Manhatten - Whisky Islands - Blair Athol - Glenrothes - Macallan and much more....

Published October 2009.

Whisky Magazine Issue 82
Mull's drams - Journey's Blend - Lark's rise - Icons of Whisky Scotland - 11 Page Rum Special - Ardbeg - Laphroaig - Linkwood Bunnahabhain -and much more....

Published September 2009.

Whisky Magazine Issue 81
Evan Williams - Bushmills - Highland Park - Auchentoshan - Bowmore - Mackmyra - Glen Scotia and much more....

Published July 2009.

Whisky Magazine Issue 80
Jim Beam - Sir Robin Knox-Johnston - Kentucky Guide and much more....

Published June 2009.

Whisky Magazine Issue 79
World Whiskies Awards Edition - Best Whiskies in the World 2009.

Published April 2009.

Whisky Magazine Issue 78
Icons of Whisky 2009 - Edradour - Bill Lumsden - Three Glens - Southern Ireland - Evan Williams - The Dalmore & much more....

Published February 2009.

Whisky Magazine Issue 77
The Macallan - Richard Paterson - Diageo - Chieftain's - Edradour- Glenmorangie - SMWS & much more....

Published January 2009.

Whisky Magazine Issue 76
Whisky Magazine Aged 10 Years - Grain whisky comeback - Top 10 lost distilleries - Visitors guide to the islands - Welsh whisky - Top 10 London bars - Tastings, blends - Lewis, new distillery - and more....

Published November 2008.

Whisky Magazine Issue 75
Global blends - Chichibu - Buffalo Trace - Independent Bottlers Challenge - Icons of Whisky - Awards - Yamazaki - Yoichi - The Balvenie - Old Forester - Whisky Kitchen - Bourbon Festival.

Published October 2008.

Whisky Magazine Issue 74
The Ardbeg Story - Glentauchers - New Orlean Cocktails - Rum Special - Caol Ila - Inverleven - Mackmyra - The Dalmore - Benriach - Cragganmore - Tomatin and much more....

Published September 2008.

Whisky Magazine Issue 73
Beautiful Bourbon - Highland Park hits 40 - Balblair - Glenrothes - Tobermory - Auld Reeke - Prince Charles - Caol Ila - Glenmorangie and much more....

Published July 2008.

Whisky Magazine Issue 72
The Dalmore - Forest to Flask - The Whisky Boom - Four Roses - Auchentoshan - Glen Grant - AnCnoc and much more.....

Published June 2008.

Whisky Magazine Issue 71
Best Whiskies in the World 2008 - Wonderful wood - Old Bourbon - Lost Distilleries - Travel Retail - Tastings Grain Whisky and much more....

Published April 2008.

Whisky Magazine Issue 70
Icons of Whisky 2008 - Speyside Treasures - Silent Season - Tour de France - Ireland Guide - Littlemill - Dalmore - Ardmore ... and more.

Published February 2008.

Whisky Magazine Issue 69
Highland Gem - Home of Anoc - Americas youngest distillers - Food matching the Diageo way - Brora - Bartenders Trip - Mackmyra - Ginkgo and more.....

Published January 2008.

Whisky Magazine Issue 68
Lowland perfection - Auchentoshan - History of the cork - Premium whisky - Glenury Royal - Dewars - Makers Mark - Mash Tuns - Glenlivet - Ben Nevis - Inverleven - 40 whiskies tasted.

Published December 2007.

Whisky Magazine Issue 67
Premium Blends - Kittling Ridge - 200 Whiskies Tasted - Icons of Whisky - Whisky and Food - VIP Tours - Climate change ... and more....

Published November 2007.

Whisky Magazine Issue 66
How glass affects your taste - Rise of small stills - Tamnavulin - Woodford Reserve - Jura - Ardbeg Dinner - Michael Jackson - Bunnahabhain.

Published September 2007.

Whisky Magazine Issue 65
Rye rebound - Blood Brothers - Teacher's - Americas whisky heartland - 50 Whiskies tasted - Barbecues - George Dickel - Woman in whisky - Benromach - Bruichladdich - Longmorn - Tullibardine.

Published July 2007.

Whisky Magazine Issue 64
Mixing the Magic - Cocktails - Glengyle comes of age - The Glenlivet - 40 whiskies tasted - Kilbeggan - Duncan Taylor - Grain Whisky - Events - Music - Food and much more....

Published June 2007.

Whisky Magazine Issue 63
World Whiskies Awards - The Best Whiskies in the World - New distilleries - Balblair Vintages - Kentucky Visitors Guide - Whisky and Food - Port Ellen and more....

Published April 2007.

Whisky Magazine Issue 62
Macallan Oak - Cask Strength - Canadian Whisky - Pagodas - Rankin on Rebus - Icons of Whisky 2007 - Ledaig - Glen Grant - Glenmorangie.

Published March 2007.

Whisky Magazine Issue 61
American Distiller of the Year - Icons of Whisky - Buffalo Trace Exclusive - Bar Exams - Premium Bourbon - Ballantines.

Published January 2007.

Whisky Magazine Issue 60
Praban na Linne - Grain production - Marmalade - Laphroaig - Cocktail time - Whisky Islands - New Zealand illicit stills - Hokonui - Compass Box - Old Pulteney - Dewar Rattray.

Published November 2006.

Whisky Magazine Issue 59
The Blenders Art - Kentucky Bourbon Festival - First look at reopened Scapa - Whiskey rebellion - The price of malts - 40 whiskies reviewed - Milling Malts - American Ads - Glenrothes Dinners.

Published October 2006.

Whisky Magazine Issue 58
Independent Bottlers Challenge - Setting up your own distillery - World of the whisky ambassador - Royal Lochnagar - Guide to Ireland - Goat Fell - Distillery Ghosts - Canadian Blends.

Published August 2006.

Whisky Magazine Issue 57
American idols - The legends behind the great brands - The Highlands - The Sma' Still - Speyside history - Sir Iain Noble - Cooley - Silent Stills Tasting - Gotemba - Johnnie Walker Blue.

Published July 2006.

Whisky Magazine Issue 56
Scotland's Lowlands - Shake it up - China and India - Glengoyne - Indian food - Highlander Inn - Japanese Tastings.

Published June 2006.

Whisky Magazine Issue 55
Abraham Lincoln - Up in smoke - Scotch on the rocks - Kentucky visitors' guide - Deanston - Islay and Jura - The Whisky Shop.

Published April 2006.

Whisky Magazine Issue 54
Icons of Whisky 2006 - Islay & Jura guide - Grain whisky - Bourbon's future - Cask strength Higlanders - Deanston.

Published March 2006.

Whisky Magazine Issue 53
On the roll - How malt made social gambling cool - Visiting Speyside - Isle of Jura - Auchentoshan - George Washington - Russia's whisky elite - Lowland malts tasted.

Published January 2006.

Abbey Whisky Bunnahabhain
Single Malt - Scotland - 44.00% 8 Shy at first but revealing pleasant fruity flavours.

Ardbeg Ardbog
Single Malt - Scotland - 52.10% 8 Another stunner from Ardbeg.

CaskStrength Cutty Sark
Single Malt - Scotland - 51.40% 7 The nose is more enticing than the palate. But a decent dram on the whole.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd Big Smoke
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00% 7 The nose is more attractive than the palate. Obviously an Islander. Pleasant springtime outdoor dram though.

Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd Smokin'
Blended - Scotland - 40.00% 7 A well-balanced dram.

Hellyers Road 10 Years Old
Single Malt - Australia - 46.20% 7 The nose is more expressive than the palate. A delicate sweetness.

Highland Park Loki
Single Malt - Scotland - 48.70% 8 An oaky character, slightly dour at first but opening on fruit and toffee. Be light when adding water.

Master of Malt Bally Delicious
Single Malt - Scotland - 54.00% 7 An interesting floral character but not a wide aromatic palate.

Master of Malt Springbank 19 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 55.50% 8 Invigorating like a crisp spring morning. Fragrances in the air. I prefer it neat.

Master of Malt Tobermory 17 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.00% 7 A vibrant character, especially on the palate. Refreshing but with a bite.

Nikka Coffey Grain
Single Grain - Japan - 45.00% 8 Once the funny off note has gone, we have a pleasant whisky, not over sweet. Refreshing spicy profile.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Port Askaig Cask Strength 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.80% A beautifully balanced islander. The marine aromatic display is just enticing, constantly teasing the malty sweet heart.

Port Askaig Cask Strength 19 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 50.40% That whisky needs a dash of water to find its balance. Refreshing, you would have expected more complexity from the age but not unpleasant.

Port Askaig Cask Strength 30 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 51.10% 7 I would never have thought this is a 30 Years Old whisky. Very weird aromatic combination. Water brings them all together in a toffee tone.

Russell's Reserve Small Batch Single Barrel
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 55.00% 8 A big untamed Bourbon which needs a dash of water to calm down. Not much though as it goes on the astringent side. I know there are fans of this style. Too fiery for me.

Talisker Port Ruighe
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.80% 7 Disappointing for a Talisker. The port finish takes it off the shore.

Talisker Storm
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.00% 8 Talisker sailing off the shore, taking more oak on board with it.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Arran
Single Malt - Scotland - 49.10% 8 A lively uplifting elegant dram. Like an invigorating early morning walk in a scented garden.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Tobermory
Single Malt - Scotland - 53.80% 8 A pleasant example of a good Bourbon cask maturation. A good companion for a fish dish as well.

The Dalmore Valour
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00% 7 There is this odd strawberry aroma note on the nose. The palate is better structured but it could have benefited a higher strength I feel.

The Glenlivet Alpha
Single Malt - Scotland - 50.00% 8 Perfect for a summer's day, I hope we actually get one this year!

The Macallan Flask 22 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.00% 7 The effect of water is funny. It hardens the nose and softens the palate at the same time.

AnCnoc 22 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00% 8 A superb nose, the palate is slightly restrained but still very enjoyable and harmonious as well.

Douglas of Drumlanrig Craigellachie 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00% 7 The palate confirms the nose with dominant oak. Water tends to tone the wood down a little. It lacks balance for me. But those who like oakiness will enjoy.

Glen Garioch (A Rare Find) 1978 33 Years Old Cask 10997
Single Malt - Scotland - 54.80% 8 An accomplished whisky, rich with a pleasant liveliness and balance.

Glen Garioch (A Rare Find) 1986 26 Years Old Cask 1807
Single Malt - Scotland - 52.40% 7 A very refreshing dram especially with a dash of water. Not a great deal of complexity but a good structure to it.

Glen Garioch (A Rare Find) 1997 15 Years Old Cask 828
Single Malt - Scotland - 53.80% 7 A soft drink with alcohol? Pleasant and refreshing. A dash of water is necessary to cut the edges though. But it enhances astringency.

Glen Garioch (A Rare Find) 1998 14 Years Old Cask 663
Single Malt - Scotland - 56.30% 8 An enticing “whispering” whisky which makes me think of a fresh watercolour. Or a Schubert “moment sonata.” Definitely a springtime dram.

Glen Garioch (A Rare Find) 1999 12 Years Old Cask 2906
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.20% 7 A shy and sleepy whisky. Water wakes it up a little revealing spices but it still lacks expression.

Glenfarclas The Family Cask 1958 Release X
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.70% 8 Direct and blunt, but with the right amount of intelligence and personality.

Glenfarclas The Family Casks 1959 Release X
Single Malt - Scotland - 48.50% 8 For a ridiculously elderly gentleman, this still has plenty to entertain with. Perhaps the spiciest of the siblings so far.

Glenfarclas The Family Casks 1963 Release X
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.50% 7 Not without merit, but just not quite as exciting, or engaging as the previous whiskies.

Glenfarclas The Family Casks 1965 Release X
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.80% 8 Another big tannic beast.

Glenfarclas The Family Casks 1979 Release X
Single Malt - Scotland - 52.20% 8 A complex nose, a clean and lively palate. Alcohol is well mastered. Oak is well integrated. A touch of water cuts the edges. Very enjoyable.

Glenfarclas The Family Casks 1985 Release X
Single Malt - Scotland - 44.90% 8 A sherry second fill cask? Superb, rewarding, well balanced, complex. Bring the best chocolate!

More...

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