Elmer T. Lee
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 45.00% 8 A superbly balanced giant. More on the sweet side than the spicy one. Should marry so well with my pecan pie! Avoid water.

The Wee Dram Caol Ila 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00% 8 I like this young man: he's showered and shaved, suited and booted, and off for a night on the town.

Blanton's
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 46.50% 8 A complex, rich and interesting character. Water cuts the edges and adds creaminess. A real delight.

Cooper's Choice Caol Ila 1992, 13 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00% 8 Incredibly appetising. Perhaps a touch more acidity somewhere would balance the sweetness.

Dewar Rattray Invergordon 40 Years Old
Single Grain - Scotland - 48.10% 8 A strange, huge, dark and dense whisky. Try with Pecan pie or scallops seared in burnt butter. Surely a nod to the Ozarks?

Old Fitzgerald Very Special
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 45.00% 8 Surprising. Seems subdued at first, then shines through when oxygenated.

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Years Old, Family Reserve
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 53.50% 8 A big guy. On a frosty Christmas Eve maybe, waiting for Santa Claus by the fireplace. No risk of falling asleep with this fellow!

Basil Hayden's 8 Years Old
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 40.00% 7 Has an aromatic profile close to a rye whiskey. Quite charming. Too bad it has been emasculated by an excessive dilution. A handsome eunuch?

Berry's Own Selection Rosebank 1990
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00% 7 A teasing early freshness is the overture to a richer, modestly structured, conclusion.

Booker's Bourbon
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 63.40% 7 An enticing nose but quite a rough palate. Water does not seem to tame the firewater much as it enhances spices. And don't say it is too virile for a female palate. It is NOT that!

Cadenhead's Classic Range, Highland
Blended Malt - Scotland - 50.00% 7 How nice this would be with one of those tasteful desserts that involves a ‘sugar nest' and some fresh fruit.

Chieftain's Choice Banff 1978, Sherry Wood
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00% 7 Too burnt and dry. Not for everyone. Reminds me of a particular espresso and grappa, standing outside the Arsenale, on a winter's morning.

Elijah Craig 12 Years Old
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 47.00% 7 Oak (and age) has lessened the creaminess and sweetness of the spirit. Would probably tune in with a cigar, but too oaky for me.

Evan Williams Black
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 43.00% 7 Reminiscent of an old calvados at first. Palate is less creamy than the nose. For those who like it spicy. Water tames spices a little though.

George T. Stagg
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 65.90% 6 Where is the pleasure? Even with water, one feels the burn, which covers the flavours. I am no masochist, thank you.

Gordon & MacPhail Benromach 22 Years Old, Port Wood Finish
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.00% 7 Should the pink tangerine blush of this whisky hint at Bacchus? He may have glanced at the cask, but I can't find him in the glass.

Jon, Mark and Robbo's The Smooth Sweeter One
Blended - Scotland - 40.00% 7 A curious whisky. Not sure where it's coming from, or going to.

JTS Brown
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 40.00% 7 A pleasant balance between oaky and creamy notes. The finish is surprisingly long for the alcoholic strength. The mid palate is a bit watery.

Old Islay Single Malt Bunnahabhain 33 Years Old selected by Royal Mile Whiskies
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.50% 7 Caramel and creamy notes dominate this whisky, which could be boring were it not for the intriguing hints or ripe fruit and Calvados.

Queen of the Moorlands 12 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00% 7 Has nothing to be ashamed of, but could do with more action at the front end.

W.L. Weller 12 Years Old
Bourbon - U.S.A. - 45.00% 7 The nose delivers more than the palate. Once more, oak overwhelms fruit and bitterly dries the finish.