Whisky Tastings
Duncan Taylor Caperdonich 1969 34 Years Old
Quite engaging, but just past its best.
Glen Moray Classic
Seems rather neutral at first, but develops engaging subtleties.
Glen Moray 16 Years Old
Not quite as complex as the previous 16 Years Old, but delicious.
Glenglassaugh 1976, Dormant Distillery Co.
A distinctive malt, but now slightly past its best.
The Glenlivet 15 Years Old French Oak Reserve
Complex. Entrancing.
Glenmorangie 1995 Artisan Cask
This is a substantially richer style of Glenmorangie, but not overwhelmingly sweet. The balancing spices and herbs are all present and correct.
Old Pogue 9 Years Old, Master's Select
The body is well rounded, but the flavours less so.
Douglas Laing Rosebank 1974 20 Years Old, The Whisky Fair
Who needs afternoon tea?
Three Ships 10 Years Old
Some odd esters on the nose, but a nicely festive whisky.
Tomintoul 16 Years Old
Slightly more grainy and less fruity than I remember.
Tomintoul 27 Years Old
Normally thought of as a light malt but this is a rich, viscous expression.
Isle of Arran The Arran Malt
A subtle yet characterful malt. Sweetness is teased up by dry spices. Beautiful structure. The proof that you can be young and accomplished.
Isle of Arran Non Chill Filtered
More a summery malt than a warmer-up. Pleasant but not captivating. Mid-palate is a bit weak.
Isle of Arran Marsala Finish
Not much connection between nose and palate. But the surprise is pleasant. A beautiful wake-up malt on rainy days.
Isle of Jura Superstition
The nose is lively but the palate is put to sleep by sweetness.
Isle of Jura Legacy, 10 Years Old
Not as enticing as the older versions. Lacks depth but it has nothing to do with youth. Water kills it down.
Isle of Jura 16 Years Old
A very restorative and comforting dram.
Oban 14 Years Old
Classic, gentle and pleasing. A consensual malt. Good match with salmon and light seafood dishes.
Talisker 18 Years Old
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.
Isle of Jura 21 Years Old
The perfect dram to sip on Valentine's night but I am not sure I would spare some for my sweetheart. I wish it had been bottled at a higher strength though.
Ledaig
Nothing to cheer up tastebuds. Water saves the nose but does not help palate. A pale image of Ledaig.
Ledaig 7 Years Old
Quite an unusual profile. A comforting malt to enjoy while camping in the wilderness.
Ledaig Sherry Finish
Quite a rich and complex malt. Needs a long aeration to release it all.
Longrow 14 Years Old
Far more interesting than the 10 Years Old versions. It has the freshness and vibrancy of a crisp cold and rainy morning.
Oban 20 Years Old
The nose is very distinguished and floaty. The palate is a bit too assertive because of the high strength. Requires oxygenation and water.
Springbank 10 Years Old
The nose is lighter and more subtle than the palate. A dash of water tones down the flavours. Disappointing.
Talisker 10 Years Old
Less peppery than in my memory. As if the spicy outburst on mid palate has been tamed. A bit harsh too. Seems to have lost its volcanic temper.
Talisker 25 Years Old
Rich and luscious. Needs a dash of water to cut spirit harshness. The marine influence is overwhelmed by wood but in a charming way.
Tobermory 10 Years Old
Classic bourbon cask profile. Perfumy like Eau de cologne. Well balanced. Nuttier with water but it takes the freshness off.
