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Stories from May, 2011

Glenfarclas 175th Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Glenfarclas

“ A whisky so proud of its heritage that adds whiskies from casks up to sixty years old.”

91
Glenfarclas 175th Anniversary
Glenfarclas Distillery was first licensed in 1836, and this limited edition bottling has been produced to celebrate our 175th Anniversary. In addition to our oldest cask from 1952 we have included three casks from each of the following five decades to produce this exceptional bottling of Glenfarclas.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. honey, fruits, floral, red fruits, peach, a little wood, a bitsherry. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, honey, sherry, hazelnuts, baked apples, citrus, a little floral, wood. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. honey, citrus, wood. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Glenfarclas 175th Anniversary with 91 points over 100.

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Glenfarclas 40 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Glenfarclas
92
Glenfarclas 40 year
Glenfarclas’ stunning new 40 year old whisky launched during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, and not only is it absolutely astonishing, it is also amazing value for money! It offers all of the sherried Glenfarclas character and exceptional maturity too, having been distilled in the 1960s.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, wood, floral, melon, vanilla, oloroso, nuts. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (96): . sweet, wood, spicy, tobacco, vanilla, rubber, oloroso, nuts. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. nuts, wood, citrus. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Glenfarclas 40 year with 92 points over 100.

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Whisky blogs round-up: Impressive old stuff

By Miguel in Blogs

This week I have been a bit late for my whisky blogs round up.

Dramming continues with his series of posts about Dramming in Scotland, with his visit to Knockdhu, Glendronach and Glenturret. He also writes about the people, places and moments that found on the travel.

Edinburgh Whisky Blog write about the Good Spirits Company, a new whisky shop opening at May, 27th in Glasgow. I have been following in Twitter the progress of the shop and I have to say that it look impressive.

Nonjatta writes about new japanese whiskies seen on Europe imported by Les Whiskies du Monde and sold by Royal Mile Whiskies. I have known that the importer is having a bad time and probably is just finishing its stock before closing and by the way, the prices are horrible!.

The Casks does a review of Whiskypedia and he enjoys the book a lot.

John Hansell, from Malt Advocate, post about the six best selling brands of whisky in the US: Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, McClelland and Glenmorangie. He does a review of Glenlivet decades, a collection of five bottles from five different decades to support the release of Glenlivet 70 years old. Also features the second part of the Buffalo Trace’s Single Oak project article.

Serge from Whiskyfun keeps writing about his 80 whiskies around the world, with a German whisky, next Solan, an Indian whisky, and another supposed Indian whisky, and two Amruts from independent bottlers. Then three Amruts bottled by Blackladder, and five Kavalan from Taiwan which gets impressive scores.

WhiskyIsrael tastes some Kintra Single Cask whiskies: A Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, Glen Scotia and finally a SMWS Jura at 20 years old.

Ruben from Whiskynotes posts several interesting tasting notes as Glen Grant 1959, several Malts of Scotland as Glen Keith 1970, Glenrothes 1968 and Strathisla 1970, a Glenrothes 1968 from Duncan Taylor Peerless, a North Port from Scott’s Selection and a Glen Elgin from Whisky Fässle. Impressive stuff

Sorry for the delay.
Enjoy reading.


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Glenfarclas 30 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Glenfarclas
93
Glenfarclas 30 year
A 30 years old Glenfarclas whisky from this wonderful family-owned Speyside distillery.

Past winner of the International Spirits Challenge overall trophy. A prize not awarded without good reason, for this is a rich, complex and spicy malt whisky packed with sherry cask character.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, floral, old, melon, nuts, fino sherry, vanilla, wood. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (96): . sweet, floral, wood, candies, violets, honey, melon, vanilla. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (92): no finish. honey, candies, floral, vanilla. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Glenfarclas 30 year with 93 points over 100.

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Glenfarclas 25 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Glenfarclas

“ A stunning sherried whisky by Glenfarclas. Oloroso notes, fruits, spices, delicious. In my opinion the best one from the range of 10 to 40 years old Glenfarclas whiskies.”

95
Glenfarclas 25 year
Distilled at the Glenfarclas distillery in the Speyside, this awesome 25 years old single malt whisky belongs to one of the last family owned distilleries in Scotland.

An all-time classic, Glenfarclas 25 years old is the epitome of long-aged sherried Speyside, gorgeously smooth and silkily-textured, with rich, generous flavours of fruitcake, hazelnuts, dried fruit and a hint of dark chocolate and coffee. A thoroughly delightful dram.

If you like sherried whiskies you are already late buying one!

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (96): inexistent. sweet, oloroso, wood, tobacco, vanilla, a little citrus. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (96): . sweet, wood, citrus, spices, honey, vanilla, peach, pepper. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (92): no finish. honey, floral, wood, vanilla, spices, a little citrus. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Glenfarclas 25 year with 95 points over 100.

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Glenfarclas 21 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Glenfarclas

“ Fathomless sherry character! Epic dram from Glenfarclas with a great price tag. You need this one!”

92
Glenfarclas 21 year
A heavily sherried 21 year old from the Glenfarclas distillery. This offers loads of depth, a really thick dram and great value for money too.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, oloroso, wood, honey, tobacco, cocoa, good, citrus, a little floral. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (96): . sweet, wood, honey, oloroso, spices, citrus, a little floral. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. honey, wood, a little fruity, mature fruits, a little floral. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Glenfarclas 21 year with 92 points over 100.

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Glenfarclas 15 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Glenfarclas

“ A great whisky that shows its age in a delicious but smooth oloroso sherry notes and great spices tones. A must-drink speyside whisky.”

92
Glenfarclas 15 year
Distilled at one of the last family owned Scotland distilleries, this Glenfarclas 15 years old is an excellent value sherry matured malt which is winning many plaudits all over the place .

It scored highly with Dave Broom and Martine Nouet in Whisky Magazine, won gold with Malt Maniacs and scored 95 with Jim Murray's Whisky Bible.

If you like it, you should try the 25 years old and some of the Macallan Sherry Oak whiskies.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, honey, wood, spices, citrus, a little cocoa, oloroso, nuts, brownie. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (96): . sweet, honey, spices, citrus, red fruits, cocoa, nuts, wood, a little peat. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. spices, cinnamon, honey, wood. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Glenfarclas 15 year with 92 points over 100.

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Glenfarclas 105 Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Glenfarclas
89
Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength
A full 60% abv, yet the sweet, rich, spicy distillery character is still very much in evidence. A very small drop of water is recommended to open the flavours.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, honey, wood, tobacco, spices, vanilla, cinnamon, citrus, oloroso. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, hot, wood, honey, spices, citrus, a little nuts. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. wood, barley, honey. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength with 89 points over 100.

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Glenfarclas 10 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Glenfarclas

“ This fabulous speyside sherried whisky is really delicious with outstanding oloroso sherry notes on its taste. You must get it.”

91
Glenfarclas 10 year
Once upon a time, there was a whisky distillery in the Speyside managed by the same family for generations. And still is, Glenfarclas is one of the last family distilleries out there, in a world of shark-like giant enterprises.

This Glenfarclas 10 years old is a straw-gold , delicately light, sweet and malty dram leaving a long slightly spicy finish. Always impeccably well-made, this is a whisky that always delivers in quality.

If you like the Macallan, this single malt is something you shouldn't miss at all.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, deep oloroso, nutty, citrus, tobacco, wood, spices. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (96): . sweet, wood, honey, tobacco, nuts, citrus, spices. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. wood, honey, spices. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Glenfarclas 10 year with 91 points over 100.

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Mackmyra Special 01 Eminent Sherry Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Mackmyra
85
Mackmyra Special 01 Eminent Sherry
This Mackmyra was matured in Spanish sherry casks, offering the whisky a warming, spicy character. The whisky was matured deep in the Bodås Mine.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (84): inexistent. a little sweet, mature fruit, apples, some raisins, vanilla. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (88): . sweet, grapes, vanilla, honey, oak, hot, floral. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (84): no finish. baked apples, spices, cinnamon, oak. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Mackmyra Special 01 Eminent Sherry with 85 points over 100.

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WhiskyLive Madrid 2011: Masterclasses revealed

By Miguel in News

WhiskyLive Madrid 2011 is the latest edition of the whisky fair celebrated in Spain’s capital on May,26th

I am really looking forward to taste these.

a bottle of DYC Coleccion Barricas
a bottle of HammerHead Czech whisky
a bottle of Hibiki 12 years old
a bottle of Maker's Mark
a bottle of St. George English Whisky Royal Wedding

whiskylive Logo

What is WhiskyLive?

WhiskyLive is the event dedicated one of the largest worldwide whisky events, from London to Tokyo and from Paris to Glasgow now also including Barcelona and Madrid.

Aimed at both professionals and enthusiasts and novices alike with the advice of experts and the opportunity to enter and learn more about the whisky.

WhiskyLive 2011 Madrid Masterclasses

Finally the expositor and the masterclass timetables have been confirmed:
SALA A
16:00 – 17:00 Dominic Roskrow Importance and effects of wood in Whisky.
18:00 – 19:00 Luís García Burgos Director destilación y envejecimiento de DYC
20:00 – 21:00 The Macallan

SALA B
17:00 – 18:00 Dennis Malcom Master distiller de Glen Grant
19:00 – 20:00 Dominic Roskrow Magic of Whisky: How such humble ingredients make such a wonderful whisky?
20:30 – 21:30 Dominic Roskrow Hidden jewels of Scotland Whisky.

WhiskyLive Madrid 2011 Expositors

About the expositors attending the list is this:

  • Auchentoshan
  • Ballechin
  • Bowmore
  • Cardhu
  • Compass Box
  • Dyc
  • Edradour
  • Embrujo de Granada
  • Gentleman Jack
  • Glenfarclas
  • Grand Macnish
  • Glen Grant
  • Hammerhead
  • Hibiki
  • Islay Mist
  • Jack Daniel´s
  • Lagavulin
  • Lauder´s
  • Maker´s Mark
  • Matisse
  • Signatory
  • Six Isles
  • Smokehead
  • Talisker
  • The Glenrothes
  • The Last Drop
  • The Macallan
  • Woodford Reserve
  • Yamazaki

With some special tables to taste:

  • Teerenpeli 2003 – whisky finlandés
  • Red Breast – whisky irlandés
  • St. George´s Distillery Royal Marriage
  • Three Ships 10 years old – whisky africano
  • Lark – whisky australiano
  • Hudson Bourbon
  • Glenglassaugh

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Mackmyra First Edition Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Mackmyra
85
Mackmyra First Edition
After numerous Preludiums, all of which have been incredibly successful, Sweden's first single malt whisky Mackmyra makes its full debut. Interestingly, some roasted Swedish oak casks were used in the maturation.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, peaches, spices, wood, a little sherry, closed. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (84): . sweet, floral, peaches, wood, hot. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (84): no finish. fruity, wood. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Mackmyra First Edition with 85 points over 100.

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Mackmyra: Whisky from Sweden

By Miguel in Featured , Mackmyra

Mackmyra is the brainchild of Magnus Dandanell. It was created by him and a group of friends in 1998.

Macmyra distillery
They took Scotch whisky as their inspiration but decided to create a spirit that really showed the Sweddish heritage.
So they began building their own stills and through a process of trial and error they got a spirit that satisfied them. They tried more than 150 different recipes to get the whisky they wanted, with variations in barley sorts, smoke fuel, yeast brands, length of the fermentation and, of course, adjustments of the still shape.

The investment has been around €3M and now they have more than 2000 shareholders.

In early 2002 the development process was completed and so they bought the still from Forsyth’s of Rothes in Speyside, sweddish stainless stilll washbanks and a german mash tun. All the equipment in the pilot distillery was done in scale.

They release their first whisky in 2006 with its Mackmyra Preludium 01.

An innovation from Mackmyra is Mackmyra Reserve, which consists in maturing the whisky in 30 litres casks that speed up the maturation of the spirit due to the increased wood contact.

My collection of Mackmyra



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Master of Malt Give Away £4,000 Whisky?

By Miguel in News , Glenfarclas

To celebrate Father’s Day 2011, online retailer Master of Malt is giving away a 50 year old, single cask, £4,000 bottle of Glenfarclas single malt Scotch. The one-of-a-kind whisky was bottled in a stunning engraved glass decanter, which celebrates the on-going partnership between Master of Malt and Glenfarclas.

The next 500 bottles of Glenfarclas sold on www.masterofmalt.com will each come with one free entry to win this unique bottle, and because it’s one entry per bottle rather than per order, if you order 10 bottles of Glenfarclas you’ll get 10 chances to win!

The competition closes either when the 500 chances to enter run out, or on Father’s Day (19th June 2011), whichever is sooner. The lucky winner will be announced by the end of June 2011.

Click here to read more about the competition and view the eligible whiskies: http://www.masterofmalt.com/glenfarclas-whisky-competition/

These are your best bets:



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Whisky Blogs Round-up: Still travelling around the world

By Miguel in Blogs

This week features a really interesting article about how Benriach 16 years is done and the travels of Serge around the world in 80 whiskies.

a bottle of Bowmore Tempest

Whiskyfun still travelling around the globe with his Around the world in 80 whiskies. This week is portrays a Czech whisky, a Polish whisky and one Hungarian whisky.

Dramming posts a very interesting disclosure of how Benriach 16 years old is crafted as explained by Stewart Buchanan at the Spirit of Speyside Festival. Also writes about Dufftown distillery.

John Hansell of Malt Advocate writes in What does John know? blog about reviews done to Greenore 18 years old and Mackinlay’s Shacklenton Whisky by Dominic Roskrow and Benromach Origins 12 years old by Dave Broom.

John writes about Glenlivet 70 years old, Four Roses 2011 Limited Edition, Bowmore Tempest and Port Charlotte PC7

John also explains the Buffalo Trace Single Oak project with a two parts article. Here is part 1.

Ruben from WhiskyNotes.be review two more Longmorn 1975 from Daily Dram and Whisky Agency. He writes about the Limburg Whisky Fair 2011 and tasted also Inchgower 1982 from Whisky Doris, a specially bottled Strathisla 1963 for Whisky Fair 2011 from Gordon and MacPhail and a Karuizawa 1991 Noh.

Whisky for Everyone writes about the Master of Malt Blending Challenge. For £29.95 you get 10 blended samples, each corresponding to a renowned blogger who get a kit to create the best possible blended whisky. Really interesting idea. You can read more at Master of Malt blog. Also they write about Glen Garioch 1991 Vintage

Enjoy reading it.


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May Orders: whisky samples from Master of Malt

By Miguel in Orders

Completed the Macallan Fine Oak range, got another Royal Wedding bottle of Littlemill and ordered more samples than I can reasonably drink.

May orders from The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt

Now that I have achieved my goal of having one bottle of every distillery of Scotland, I am after tasting one dram at least of every distillery of Scotland.

Thanks to Master of Malt the goal is cheaper :), I can’t imagine where to store so much full size bottles.

I have also ordered a set of glasses from The Whisky Exchange, the tulip glass of Single Malts of Scotland. They look really cool and the crystal is really fine.

As an extra goal, I have completed my collection of The Macallan Fine Oak range with a 17 year old Fine Oak that is for North America.

Also I have added the bottles I bought at Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Bodega when I visited it. Soon I will publish the tasting notes from its full range of products. Too bad that being an independent reviewer is so expensive.

Anyway, enough wording. Here you have the bottles.

Read the full story »


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Amrut Peated Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Amrut

“ A lot of peat and a bit of fruits. Interesting combination.”

92
Amrut Peated Single Malt
The new 46% Amruts are a very different proposition to the pleasant but unexciting original release. At the higher strength this 24ppm peated effort fairly fizzes along the tastebuds.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. peat, sweet, citrus, banana, mango, a little sherry. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . peat, sweet, peat, citrus, wood, spices, a little raisins. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (92): no finish. peat, wood, banana, citrus. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Amrut Peated Single Malt with 92 points over 100.

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Amrut 46% ABV Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Amrut

“ So much fruit! The sherry, the sweetness. A wonderful dram worthy enought of being called amrut, the drink of Gods.”

93
Amrut 46% Single Malt
The new Amrut Indian Single Malt has been beefed up to 46% and we can't wait to try it.

The peated cask-strength stuff is excellent and this should be a significant improvement on the old 40% bottling.

And in fact it is, just a bit less complex than Amrut Fusion this is a great whisky coming from the Himalaya lands.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (96): inexistent. sweet, fruity, peaches, bananas, mango, cinnamon, a little mint. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, banana, mango, wood, candies, a little sherry. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (92): no finish. fruity, wood, candies. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Amrut 46% Single Malt with 93 points over 100.

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Amrut: the nectar of India

By Miguel in Featured , Amrut

Himalaya’s best keep secret is at last here: Amrut whisky, a real nectar of Gods

Amrut is as old as the history of independent India. Founded in 1948 by Shri Jaddale N. Radhakrisna under the name of Amrut Laboratories.

All started as a small liquor blending plant and a bottling unit. Amrut foray into market with a dark rum, Amrut XXX and Silver Cup Brandy and catering to Indian armed forces.

In 1970 the company began manufacturing grape brandy from famous Bangalore blue grape, “Bejois”.
And then with the experience in brandy and the help of scottish experts they began distilling whisky in 1980.

Actually Amrut has a redistillation plant to produce grain neutral spirit and two bottling plants in Karnataka and Kerala. Its portfolio includes dozens of products like:

  • Amrut Single Malt Whisky
  • Maq Scotch Whisky
  • Maqintosh Whisky
  • Prestige Blended Whisky
  • Club House Whisky
  • Bejois Napoleon Brandy

My collection of Amrut bottles



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Isle of Jura 10 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Isle of Jura
87
Isle of Jura 10 year Origins
Off the west coast of Scotland lies a magical island of soft sea breezes, freshly caught lobster and a bank that comes once a week. As good as life used to be. One shop, one pub, one community. One fine malt whisky distillery. A gift from nature. Pure spring water, clean fresh air and generations of tradition quietly crafting a more delicate island malt. Visit the island, meet the people, drink the whisky.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, honey, vanilla, citrus, a little floral. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (88): . sweet, smoke, wood, honey, citrus, a little floral. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (84): no finish. citrus, wood. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Isle of Jura 10 year Origins with 87 points over 100.

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Inchgower 14 years old Flora & Fauna Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Inchgower

“ Stunning sweet, floral dram with lots of tones of sherry and spices. It is a pity that the Flora and Fauna range is discontinued.”

91
Inchgower 14 year
The Flora and Fauna series is a sadly discontinued range of whiskies, each with an illustration of an animal on the bottle.

This Inchgower is very rare. Bottled at 14 years by Diageo to show some of their stable hidden gems.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, floral, honey, sherry, cinnamon, citrus, spices, wood, tobacco. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, honey, floral, citrus, spices, vanilla, wood, smoke. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (92): no finish. smoke, wood, honey, citrus, grass. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Inchgower 14 year with 91 points over 100.

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Arran 10 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Arran
88
Arran 10 Year Old + Nosing Glasses
A medium-bodied, citrussy dram that shows an elegance and deftness of touch that belies the distillery's youth. Tasting the complexity and assurance of this youngster it is difficult to believe that the distillery only opened in 1995. A great achievement.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, peaches, pears, raisins, honey, wood, wine, cherry, cocoa. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (88): . sweet, hot, fruity, citrus, dry, wood, smoke. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (84): no finish. wood, floral, vanilla, smoke. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Arran 10 Year Old + Nosing Glasses with 88 points over 100.

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Muchacha en la Ventana by Salvador Dali

By Miguel in Laphroaig , Drink & Arts

Woman figure at window is one of the earliest works of the famous Spanish painter.

The Picture

Woman figure at window - Salvador Dali
The model was Ana Maria, Dali’s younger sister and only sibling. For a long time Dali and Ana Maria were extremely close, especially after their mother’s death, when Ana Maria took on the role of mother to the demanding Dali. Ana Maria was the only female model Dali used until Gala replaced her in 1929.

In 1949, Ana Maria wrote an autobiography that portrayed a very different view of Dali to the one he had carefully constructed in his autobiographies; this led to the collapse of their relationship. In revenge for Ana Maria’s disloyalty, Dali painted another version of this Figure at a Window in 1954 and called it Young Virgin Autosodomized by her Own Chastity.

As with Seated Girl Seen from the Rear, we can not see the face of the girl and so our focus is drawn to the view that she is looking at from her window. The view is the bay of Cadaques, a Spanish seaside town where the Dalis spent their summers. The predominant colors of light blues and lavenders give the painting a peaceful feel that is unusual in much of Dali’s work.

The dram: Laphroaig Quarter Cask

a bottle of Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Can you smell the seaweed? Don’t you see the waves dying against the rocks? Smell, Look. It’s smells of Laphroaig.
A vibrant young Laphroaig whose maturation has been speeded up by ageing in Quarter Casks. This shows soft sweetness and a velvety feel when first tasted, then the intense peatiness so unique to Laphroaig comes bursting through. A really terrific whisky and great value.

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Bin Laden Whiskey: One "shot" kills you

By Miguel in News , Bruichladdich

a bottle of Bruichladdich X4

Quadruple distilled Islay whisky: Usquebaugh-Baul

There was a whisky at Islay, distilled four centuries ago, that was quadruple distilled to 90% alc. vol.
It was said that more than two spoons of that whisky could kill a man.

Bruichladdich, according to the original recipe has recreated that whisky and responsibly has reduced it to 50% alcohol volume.

Bruichladdich X4 is the original spirit, unaged, that Bruichladdich released sometime ago.
After a time they have also released (surprise!) a new whisky that is called Bruichladdich X4+3

Osama, you would have done better asking it with water.

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Whisky Blogs Round up: Midleton single pot still whiskey

By Miguel in Blogs

Another week. Another whisky blog round-up. Here is the briefing of this first week of May which has been mainly about the event at Midleton distillery in Ireland.

a bottle of Kilchoman Spring 2011

Dramming writes about Dramming in Scotland, this episode in Glengoyne. And also points the over-regulation of UK safety guidelines (Mind the gap!).

Edinburgh Whisky Blog travelled to Midleton presentation of their new single pot still whiskies. Lucas wrote about all that happened at Midleton and writes about single pot still.

Nonjatta posts a tasting of Karuizawa Vintage 1985, Vintage 1982 and Vintage 1989.
Also Nonjatta is hosting May whisky round table, which asks about how confident you are in your whisky tasting skills and if it is possible to categorize a sip in words. Interesting replies that are worth of reading.

John Hansell of Malt Advocate writes this week also about the Midleton presentation of their new single pot still whiskeys.
He does a tasting of the Gordon and MacPhail Private Collection of Caol Ila: Madeira and Moscatel finishes, Kilchoman Spring 2011. He scores a whooping 96 to the Jefferson’s Presidential Select 18 years old.
Finally writes an interesting review of Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection: “Rediscovered Barrels”.

Whisky for Everyone introduces the new Douglas of Drumlanrig, a new range of independently bottled single malt whiskies. They tasted Bowmore Tempest Batch 2.

a bottle of Mackmyra 1st Edition

Whiskyfun keeps traveling around the world with his 80 whiskies around the world.
He visit Spain and tastes four DYC: Blended, 8 years, Pure Malt and 50º Aniversario.
Then two Welsh whiskies: Aur Cymru Peated and Rich Madeira Limited Edition.
Then moving to Ireland and tasting the lower part of the shelves: Tullamore Dew, Kilbeggan, Jameson, Power’s Gold Label and Tyrconnel. Serge continues with a older irish whiskeys: Tullamore Dew 12 years, Jameson 12 years old, Power’s 12 years old, Connemara 12 years old and the two new single pot still whiskeys: Power’s 12 years old John’s Lane Release and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy.
Still in Ireland, he now write about even older irish drams: Jameson 18 years old, Kilbeggan 18 years old, Greenore 18 years old Small Batch, Bushmills 21 years old and Connemara Single Cask.
Time to move to Sweden: now three Mackmyra: Brukswhisky, 1st Edition and Special 04. And finally three swiss whiskies: Santis Malt, Lakeland 3 years old and Castle One Edition Käser. Woo! Serge, check your liver!.

Whisky Israel tasted Kavalan Vinho, writes about twasting ( a twitter tasting ) of four Mackmyra and review Black Bull 40 years old.

Finally Ruben from WhiskyNotes tastes a Caperdonich 1972, Greenore 10 year old for Belgium, North British 1962, a Banff 1975 and two Longmorn 1975: Daily Dram Germany and Whisky Faessle

Enjoy reading.
Regards,
Miguel


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Highland Park 12 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Highland Park
89
Highland Park 12 year
The first proprietary bottling of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky was as a 12 year old in 1979.

It remains the core expression of the Highland Park range and is a smooth, balanced single malt, with a rich full flavour and a gentle smokey finish.

In fact this is the smokier bottling of all the range. If you like this Highland Park 12 years old, you should try the 18 years old.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, peat, heather, honey, spices, a little tobacco. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (88): . sweet, peat, wood, spices, honey, floral, grass. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. peat, wood, spices, tobacco. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Highland Park 12 year with 89 points over 100.

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Redbreast 12 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Jameson , Redbreast
89
Redbreast 12 year
Redbreast is a beautifully balanced pure pot still Irish Whiskey, with a warm, generous texture, rich, sweet flavours and a spicy kick. In the view of many connoisseurs, the finest Irish whiskey available.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, grain, corn, floral, vanilla, barley. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, corn, hot, honey, vanilla. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. sweet, vanilla, wood. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Redbreast 12 year with 89 points over 100.

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Balblair 1997 Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Balblair
90
Balblair Vintage 1997
Long known to blenders as a category 'A' malt, Balblair is a terrific malt whisky worthy of far greater exposure than it has previously enjoyed. Newly relaunched as a series of vintage expressions, and repositioned as a premium product, hopefully this unsung hero will now finally get the attention and respect it deserves.

This dram has a amber-like color.

Nose (91): more than average. sweet, honey, fruity, pineapple, wood, tobacco, spices, peaches.

Palate (90): smooth, powerful. sweet, fruity, wood, tobacco.

Finish (90): average. wood, tobacco, spices, pinepple.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Balblair Vintage 1997 with 90 points over 100.

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Linkwood 17 years 1990 Signatory Cask Strength Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Linkwood

“ A very interesting Linkwood that opens up with really interesting aromas with a drop of water. I don’t really understand why they don’t sell this as a single malt more.”

92
Linkwood 17 year Cask Strength Collection
Distilled at Linkwood on the 26th November 1990.

This delicious single malt whisky was matured for 17 years in hogshead number 9726 before bottling on the 15th October 2008.

A single cask release of just 262 bottles, bottled by Signatory for their Cask Strength Collection range of whiskies.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, tobacco, wood, spices, smoke, a little fruits. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, honey, wood, spices, red fruits, floral. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (92): no finish. honey, wood, spices. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Linkwood 17 year Cask Strength Collection with 92 points over 100.

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In the Name of the Father by Jim Sheridan

By Miguel in Cooley , Drink & Arts

In the name of truth… In the name of justice… In the name of love.

The movie

In the name of the Father poster
A small time thief from Belfast, Gerry Conlon, is falsely implicated in the IRA bombing of a pub that kills several people while he is in London. Bullied by the British police, he and four of his friends are coerced into confessing their guilt. Gerry’s father and other relatives in London are also implicated in the crime. He spends 15 years in prison with his father trying to prove his innocence with the help of a British attorney, Gareth Peirce. Based on a true story

The dram: Cooley’s Connemara

a bottle of Connemara Peated Irish Single Malt Whisky
Thought peat was all about Islay? Think (or perhaps that should be ‘drink’) again. All Islay fans owe it to themselves to check out Connemara from the splendid Cooley distillery.

I found specially good the Connemara Single Cask.
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Master of Malt Bloggers' Blended Whisky is live

By Miguel in News

Help Master of Malt decide with blogger did the best blended whisky. They need YOU!

Blogger blend whisky tasting set

Master of Malt has decided to create a new blended whisky and it has sent ten prominent whisky bloggers a sample kit with ten whisky samples along with measuring cylinders and pipettes.

Their task was to create using the whisky supplied, the best blended whisky keeping in mind that the final retail price of the blend has to be affordable.

Now you can help Master of Malt choose the best blended whisky by buying the ten resulting blended whiskies that the bloggers created for £29.95.

Run! Grab a tasting set and help them decide.


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Bruichladdich Octomore 02.2 Orpheus Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Bruichladdich

“ Bruichladdich isn’t lightly peated anymore. Very similar to the 02.1 release. This Orpheus has an extravagant pink color and the same peat punch than 02.1, slightly more fruity and delicious.”

93
Octomore 02.2 Orpheus
The third release of Bruichladdich's mega-peated whisky Octomore has been finished in casks from Chateau Petrus.

After the collectors sought Octomore 01.1 and the naked Octomore 02.1, Bruichladdich has launched its peat monster finished in casks of one of the world most expensive wines.

Definitively a must try. for any peat head. By the way, Ardbeg also has their own peat monster: Ardbeg Supernova

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. peat, fruity, peat, marine, a little wood, a little coffee, floral. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (96): . sweet, peat, fruity, red fruits, peat, marine, coffee, wood. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (92): no finish. many peat. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Octomore 02.2 Orpheus with 93 points over 100.

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Bruichladdich Octomore 02.1 Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Bruichladdich

“ Splash! Peat! Splash! More peat! Splash! Octomore! Peat, sea, Islay, awesome whisky from Bruichladdich at an incredible peat level of 140ppm.”

93
Octomore Edition 02.1
This is the second release of Bruichladdich's Octomore, the world's most heavily-peated whisky at 140ppm. This year's edition comes in at 62.5% and promises to be another treat for brave peat-freaks.

Launched after the collectors sought Octomore 01.1

Definitively a must try. for any peat head. By the way, Ardbeg also has their own peat monster: Ardbeg Supernova
TODO: Check if strength is 62.5% or 62%

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. peat, medicinal, marine, iodine, citrus, a little floral. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (96): . sweet, hot, peat, peat, marine, a little red fruits, cocoa. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (92): no finish. peat, peat, iodine. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Octomore Edition 02.1 with 93 points over 100.

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Whisky Blogs Round up

By Miguel in Blogs

Very interesting reviews this week in the blogs. Don’t miss Serge’s 80 whiskies around the world and John’s review of Bowmore 40 years old.

a bottle of Three Ships South Africa WhiskySerge Valentin at WhiskyFun has keeps it Around the world in 80 Whiskies posting with a lot of new post since last week.
He keeps with American whiskies as three Johnny Drum Bourbon, ten easy to find american whiskeys and bourbons as Jim Beam, Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Sazerac 18 years and Van Winkle among others. He does a two more batches of american whiskeys and another with some excellent Buffalo Trace Bourbons before traveling to… Brazil.
Whiskyfun tastes Union Club, a brazilian whisky made near the Uruguayan border.
Finally, he tastes three african whiskies: two Three Ships and another cheap blend from Gambia.

Dramming writes a tasting note of Balvenie 12 years old Signature.

The guys behind EdinburghWhisky Blog publish an interview with Sandy Hyslop, the master blender of Ballantine’s. And they also review Bowmore 1982

John Hansell reviews Bowmore 40 years old and rate it with 96. Just a bit expensive, $11.000.
Shall we order only two so?. He also reviews Jim Beam Devil’s Cut and Bulleit Rye Whiskey.

a bottle of Amrut Intermediate Sherry Whisky
Ruben from WhiskyNotes posted a few interesting tasting notes as Ledaig 2001, Caol Ila 1984, Caol Ila 2000, Ardbeg 1972, Bowmore 2001 and Belgian Own 53 months. Quite interesting.

WhiskyIsrael posts about the Mackmyra twasting ( a tasting using Twitter ) and SMWS Ardbeg 30.70.

Whisky for Everyone portraits a review of St. George Royal Wedding Special. Did you know prince William has married?!. They also write about Kilbeggan 18 years

The Casks was a review of the Amrut Intermediate Sherry and Powers Special Reserve 12 years old. Amrut seems to do very well.

Am I missing another great whisky blog? Write me about it or post a comment!.


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Bruichladdich Waves Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Bruichladdich
89
Bruichladdich Waves
Only moderately peated (15ppm phenol), but a consistent influence. Quite fresh: reminds me of a walk around a traditional distillery, with notes of steeping barley, kiln smoke, and youthful spirit. A subtle, intriguing thread of gin botanicals (especially citrus peel) weaves its way through the palate. A bit too youthful. Otherwise, the smoke and fruit keep your attention.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, plums, strawberries, wood, peat, marine, honey, biscuits. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (88): . sweet, peat, earth, wood, peat, floral, honey, iodine. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. peat and many iodine. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Bruichladdich Waves with 89 points over 100.

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Bruichladdich Rocks Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Bruichladdich

“ A real classic from Bruichladdich. If you don’t like this you don’t like whisky.”

92
Bruichladdich Rocks
The Rock of Ages. Bruichladdich is built on the oldest rocks of any distillery in Scotland - 1800 million year old Gneiss. Master Distiller Jim McEwan, inspired by his native islands rugged yet beautiful scenery, has created Rocks from a range of contrasting cask types and ages to provide wave after wave of compelling citrus and subtle red berry fruit flavours.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, fruity, plums, strawberries, wood, salt, peat, honey, vanilla, biscuit. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (96): . sweet, peat, hot, fruity, wood, biscuit, a little earthy. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. sweet, fruit, wood, honey, peat. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Bruichladdich Rocks with 92 points over 100.

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Los fusilamientos de la montaña del Príncipe Pío de Francisco Goya

By Miguel in DYC

The Third of May 1808 is a painting completed in 1814 by the Spanish painter Francisco Goya, now in the Museo del Prado, Madrid. In the work, Goya sought to commemorate Spanish resistance to Napoleon’s armies during the occupation of 1808.

The picture

Los fusilamientos del tres de mayo Francisco GoyaThe painting’s content, presentation, and emotional force secure its status as a groundbreaking, archetypal image of the horrors of war. Although it draws on many sources from both high and popular art, The Third of May 1808 marks a clear break from convention. Diverging from the traditions of Christian art and traditional depictions of war, it has no distinct precedent, and is acknowledged as one of the first paintings of the modern era.

According to the art historian Kenneth Clark, The Third of May 1808 is “the first great picture which can be called revolutionary in every sense of the word, in style, in subject, and in intention”.

The Third of May 1808 has inspired a number of other major paintings, including a series by Édouard Manet, and Pablo Picasso’s Massacre in Korea as well as his masterpiece Guernica.

The dram: DYC Blended Whisky

a bottle of DYC 5 years
Irregular Spanish forces considerably aided the Spanish, Portuguese, and British armies jointly led by the 1st Duke of Wellington, who first landed in Portugal in August 1808. By the time of the painting’s conception, the public imagination had made the rioters symbols of heroism and patriotism.

So which better rebel whisky to chose than DYC. DYC whisky is marketed to be low budget and is popular in Spain as it is much cheaper than Scottish, Irish or American whiskies. It is designed to be mixed with non alcoholic beverages and be easy drinking in the hot weather. This regular DYC release is a blend of malt and grain whiskies that have been matured in crianza red wine casks.

DYC, like the guerrilla members, isn’t an outstanding whisky but add two rocks and a coke and enjoy the hot spanish night!.

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Bruichladdich Links St. Andrew 17th Hole Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Bruichladdich
91
Bruichladdich Links
Celebrating famous world golf courses. This is the very first release; The Old Course, St Andrews. One of 12,000 bottles.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, fruity, plums and strawberries, honey, vanilla, barley. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, fruity, honey, vanilla, wood, a little oranges, peat. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. peat, wood, fruity and honey. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Bruichladdich Links with 91 points over 100.

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The Kiss by Gustav Klimt

By Miguel in Compass Box , Drink & Arts

The Kiss is a discreet expression of Klimt’s emphasis on eroticism and the liberation therein.

kiss Gustav Klimt

The picture

The Kiss (original Der Kuss) was painted by Gustav Klimt, and is probably his most famous work. He began work on it in 1907 and it is the highpoint of his so-called ‘Golden Period’. It depicts a couple, in various shades of gold and symbols, sharing a kiss against a bronze background.

When he painted The Kiss Klimt was 45 and still lived at home with his mother and two unmarried sisters – but behind the respectable facade he was a man with a ferocious sexual appetite. Klimt fathered at least three illegitimate children and probably many more. He was obsessed by women and he had a fixation with redheads. It is no surprise that the woman in The Kiss has red hair. According to writer Frank Whitford: “Together the man and the woman form the shape of a penis and I think that is intentional – it’s about sex and about the fulfillment of sex between a man and a woman.”

The Dram: Compass Box The Spice Tree

a bottle of Compass Box The Spice Tree
Compass Box’s delicious Spice Tree was briefly illegitimate, according to SWA regulations. After adjusting it’s creation, Spice Tree is back, and better than ever. It’s a blended malt made from Highland malt whiskies, aged in specially made casks with new French oak heads.

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