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“Perhaps that is how grappa is suppose to taste, but it is really bad. I don't like this stuff at all.”
67
Far and away Italy's best-selling premium grappa, Nardini Bianca remains unchallenged as the connoisseur's benchmark. Authentically high in strength, 'Bianca' fills the palate with an exciting sparkle, then - largely thanks to its fine balance and extraordinary distillation quality - surprises the drinker with its remarkably gentle follow-through. It's not hard to appreciate why this grappa continues to be valued for its digestive capabilities as well as its excellent flavour. Scored a coveted 'Silver' in the 2006 International Wine & Spirit Competition.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (67): strong.
herbs, provenzal herbs, olive.
Palate (65): powerful.
herbs, olives, a little grapes, herbs, citrus.
Finish (70): longer than average.
citrus, floral, herbs.
So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Nardini Grappa Bianca with 67 points over 100.
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Distilled at Dalwhinnie distillery in the Highlands, this scotch whisky is a good introduction to the delights of single malt whisky - elegant, smooth and medium-bodied with a light, fruity palate and a whiff of heather on the finish.
Part of Diageo's Classic Malt range.
This dram has a fino-like color.
Nose (90): more than average.
sweet, fruity, baked apples, peaches, spices, wood.
A high-quality Belgian liqueur made with tangerines, cognac and a secret recipe of botanicals. Said to have been a favourite of the Emperor himself.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (80): inexistent.
alcohol, tangerines, sugar, cloves, a little wood, floral.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Palate (84): .
sugar, sugar, tangerines, honey, floral.
Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Finish (80): no finish.
sugar and tangerines.
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 Mandarine Napoleon with 81 points over 100.
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“Great nose, a weak finish. Anyway, i don't like floral whiskies.”
85
The Western Highland representative in Diageo's 'Classic Malt' series is a superb, full-blooded fruity malt with a whiff of heather and more than a hint of peat.
Remy Martin V.S.O.P. is made by distillation of wines exclusively from the two most select areas of Cognac and Champagne, which gives the name of "Fine Champagne". This union produces a smooth texture and rich fruit palate, floral with notes of spices.
This dram has a cooper-like color.
Nose (80): more than average.
grapes, somechampagne, wood, spices, citrus.
In the second decade of the XX century, Domecq brothers decided to increase their involvement in wines and brandies. Encouraged by the magnificent reception and consolidation in the market for brandy Fundador, decided to bring out the old brandies caks stored with care by their father.
Thus was born Carlos I, Solera Gran Reserva that would represent the best brandies from Domecq. It official presentation took place in 1927.
This dram has a mahogany-like color.
Nose (80): more than average.
raisins, brown sugar, grapes, nuts.
“A Kavalan finished in Port casks that smells like american pie. Really interesting.”
88
This Kavalan Port Cask is bottled at 40% ABV and is matured in ex-bourbon casks before being transferred to Port casks. It is currently only available in Taiwan and major cities in China, with a bottle costing around £50.
Many thanks to King Car Distillery for this sample of Kavalan. I have hear that these great whiskies will soon be available in USA and UK. They really worth the waiting.
This dram has a amber-like color.
Nose (89): more than average.
sweet, biscuits, baked apples, dried fruits, dates, wood, a little citrus, almonds.
“Oh godness! Such greatness! This sherry bomb looks more like aged in a sweet oloroso with a good amount of moscatel cask. It works really well. Get one ( or two )”
92
One of the most sought after whiskies from Kavalan's range, matured in sherry casks and one of the most sherried whiskies we've ever had. Big, rich and dark - an impressive dram from the Taiwanese distillery.
Many thanks to King Car Distillery for this sample of Kavalan. I have hear that these great whiskies will soon be available in USA and UK. They really worth the waiting.
This dram has a treacle-like color.
Nose (92): more than average.
varnish, honey, raisins, citrus, vanilla.
There is greatness inside this whisky
Some people have told me that they didn’t like this one. I find it quite interesting but smells and taste more like a brandy than like a whisky. Perhaps the sherry cask have had too much influencie on the whisky. Anyway, in my opinion is a whisky that is worth trying.
“The best from the Kavalan range. A rather good whisky with lovely floral themes tuned with spices and vanilla.”
90
A perfect showcase for the quality of Kavalan's Taiwanese made and matured spirit - a single cask bottling from a first-fill bourbon cask. Rich and fruity with lots of woody spice.
Many thanks to King Car Distillery for this sample of Kavalan Solist Bourbon Cask. I have hear that these great whiskies will soon be available in USA and UK. They really worth the waiting.
This dram has a fino-like color.
Nose (91): more than average.
floral, vanilla, citrus, wood, a bit mango, a little apples.
“A rather good whisky that may soon be lauched in Europe. Interesting combination of fruits and vanilla.”
89
The flagship single malt from Taiwan's Kavalan. Only operating since 2005 they have wowed the world with their young but full flavoured whisky, concentrating on their signature flavours of tropical fruit.
Many thanks to King Car Distillery for this sample of Kavalan. I have hear that these great whiskies will soon be available in USA and UK. They really worth the waiting.
This dram has a gold-like color.
Nose (90): strong.
mango, pears, cereals, vanilla, a little wood, floral.
One of very few Scottish whiskies to be distilled from unpeated malt - the malt is allowed to dry naturally before fermentation and distillation begin, resulting in an elegant, medium-bodied style.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (96): inexistent.
sweet, wood, mature fruits like apple and peach, tobacco, sherry, good nose, cocoa.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Palate (88): .
sweet, wood, mature fruits, spices, pepper, citrus, a little floral.
Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Finish (84): no finish.
floral, citrus, wood,a little 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 Glengoyne 10 year with 89 points over 100.
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The CV stands for 'Curriculum Vitae' and the whiskies are created using single malts of varying ages from each expression. At this moment, they are only available in a pack which contains one 20cl bottle of each expression.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (92): inexistent.
sweet, rubber, fruity, a little floral, wood, cocoa.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Palate (88): .
sweet, peat, wood, cocoa, fruits, rubber, citrus, hot.
Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Finish (88): no finish.
citrus, wood, a little 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 Hazelburn CV with 89 points over 100.
“ A really smooth interesting Speyside single malt. This whisky has a memorable nose with great floral notes. ”
92
Tomintoul distillery was built in the 1960's in the heart of the famous Speyside-Glenlivet whisky making region.
This Speyside distillery takes fresh water from the Ballantruan spring. This gentle dram is soft, smooth and malty with a biscuity sweetness followed by a long, elegant finish.
A great value single malt that won't dissapoint you.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (96): inexistent.
sweet, honey, tobacco, wood, floral, lavender, some apples and pears.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Palate (92): .
sweet, honey, floral, pepper, wood, spices, toffee, apples.
Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Finish (88): no finish.
honey, citrus, floral, spices, a little 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 Tomintoul 10 year with 92 points over 100.
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“ A bit woody but it is a really interesting whisky from Japan which something that remind me of Wasabi.”
91
Bottled in 2010, this was crafted by Ichiro Akuto, this is a vatting of various single malts which have been aged in Japanese Mizunara oak. It’s an incredible whisky, with loads of character from the Japanese oak.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (92): inexistent.
sweet, floral and sherry and wood, fruits, grapes and melon, a little tobacco.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Palate (92): .
sweet, wood, spicy, wasabi, floral, peach, cool!, hot.
Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Finish (88): no finish.
sweet, honey, wood, floral, 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 Ichiro's Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve with 91 points over 100.
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Finally I got Ardbeg Alligator, a very interesting Macallan 1968 and the much-wanted Kilchoman Inagural 100% Islay.
This month of June I have order a few bottles more for the collection from The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt, not as much as I would like as car is taking a part of the budget but quite a lot anyway.
Also I got some other bottles that I were after, like Hakushu 12 years old or Compass Box Great King Street. I bought some samples from Master of Malt and a bottle of Arran bottled by Caskstrength.net for their 3rd birthday.
And in my quest to get a sample of Shacklenton’s whisky I ordered a few samples from Sjoerd, another whisky zealot ;)
The unpeated malt from the producers of Ledaig, Tobermory hails from the Isle of Mull and is a more gentle medium-bodied, accessible malt than its peated sister. A good aperitif malt.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (92): inexistent.
sweet, sherry, nuts, honey, cocoa, oranges.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Palate (84): .
sweet, hot, smoke, wood, sherry, nuts, citrus, strong.
Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Finish (88): no finish.
honey, sherry, peat, nuts.
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 Tobermory 10 year with 88 points over 100.
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Now it is time for other rum outside the Caribe: Venezuela and Guayana are awesome producers of great rums
Central American rum
Guatemala
To be labeled rum in Guatemala the spirit must be distilled from fermented virgin sugar cane honey, a dark sweet syrup made from freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. The virgin sugar cane honey, as it is called in Guatemala, is made by filtering fresh sugar cane juice and then boiling off the water until the syrup contains about 72% sugar. Only sugar cane grown in Guatemala is used to make this virgin sugar cane honey since it would be impossible to transport cane cut in another country to a Guatemalan sugar mill.
Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 year
“This Guatemalan rum is outstanding! You can taste there every kind of sugar. Spicy!”
90
The Ron Zacapa is produced from a blend of vintage rums with up to 23 years of barrel age
Ron Zacapa represents the pride of Guatemalan rums, the pride of closely guarded recipes known only to skilled master blenders, and the pride of a government that strictly mandates the aging process.
Guatemalan Rum must be made of "cane honey" which is essentially cane juice concentrate. They do take care to prevent caramelization, which would create a molasses.
This dram has a old oak-like color.
Nose (88): more than average.
sugar cane, floral, brown sugar, citrus.
Venezuela produce some high quality rums thanks to its geographic and climatic factors and because the exceptional characteristics of the raw material: the sugar cane.
Santa Teresa Ron Selecto
85
Brown rum distilled from fermented molasses. Aged 3 to 10 years in used whisky and bourbon barrels.
This dram has a cooper-like color.
Nose (84): more than average.
sweet, brown sugar, sugar cane, alcohol, grapes, floral.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
“A really interesting rum from Venezuela with lots of floral and spicy notes.”
91
Master of rums and the flagship of the house, Santa Teresa 1796 results from a careful blend of Santa Teresa’s finest aged spirits ranging from 4 to 35 years that is then further aged in a style borrowed from the Spanish sherry producers. Santa Teresa 1796 is the first premium añejo rum in the world to be aged in the Solera method: a cascade process in four levels of oak barrels that combines barrel ageing and cask "crianzas." The blend of añejo (aged) rums enters the top barrels and is aged until it reaches a desired level of maturity. Half of the contents of the top barrels are then transferred to the oakbarrels below that have also had half of their contents removed and transferred to the barrels below and so on until the fourth set of barrels. When the cascade is concluded, the golden liquid is transferred to large Limousin oak casks that, again, are only ever half emptied thus producing even softer and rounder rum. This system is unique in Venezuela and the Rum industry.
This dram has a cooper-like color.
Nose (92): strong.
sugar cane, floral, vanilla, light, brown sugar, cocoa, wood, tobacco.
A rum liqueur, Rhum Orange is the perfect blending of the finest rums aged for at least 2 years with an exquisite orange peel maceration. With its splendid golden amber color, its fragrant aromas reveal the scent of oranges. Fantastic after a meal on the rocks or blended in cocktails. Substitute for Triple Sec in your next Margarita!
This dram has a tawny-like color.
Nose (84): more than average.
orange, brown sugar, sugar cane, cinnamon.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
The fertile banks of the Demerara River were cultivated by indigenous inhabitants long before European planters arrived in the 16th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, more than 200 plantations produced sugar and rum in Demerara county. Demerara sugar was much sought after while the rum became one of the key ingredients in the Royal Navy Rum which came to be known as Pusser’s Rum.
El Dorado 3 year White Rum
“It is a light white rum but it is a hell better than other similar rums I have tried.”
81
An award winning rum; this took a silver at the 2006 and 2007 International Wine and Spirits Competitions. This also attained a Gold at the International Review of Spirits. A great mixing rum, very crisp and fresh.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (81): strong.
sugar cane, floral, a bit toffee, tropical fruits.
A recent addition to the El Dorado range of splendid golden Demerara rums from Guyana, this brilliantly versatile rum works well in a luxury Mojito or Rum Old-Fashioned, but is also delicious on the rocks or sipped slowly. A terrific all-rounder.
This dram has a tawny-like color.
Nose (85): strong.
sugar cane, floral, burnt sugar, toffee, a bit banana.
Palate (87): oily, powerful.
sugar cane, floral, burnt sugar, citrus, peaches, wood, a little cinnamon.
Finish (87): long.
burnt sugar, sugar cane.
So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this El Dorado 8 year with 86 points over 100.
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“A good step over the El Dorado 8 years old. This 12 years old rum has an incredible flavour. Really worth the money.”
87
An absolutely brilliant 12 year old Demerara rum from Guyana, that uses the Port Morant double pot still as the lead spirit. This wins oodles of awards including the the gold medal at London's Caribbean Rum Taste Test. We cannot recommend this sipping rum highly enough.
This dram has a tawny-like color.
Nose (86): strong.
floral, sugar cane, toffee, a little wood, banana.
“Stunning flavor! Awesome! A great rum from Guyana.”
89
“A monumental aged rum that is one of the world’s greatest rum drinking experiences”
That is how the Beverage Tasting Institute of Chicago summed up their appreciation of El Dorado 21 Year Old Special Reserve. Designed for true rum connoisseurs its warm subtlety is best savoured slowly on its own – and shared with a few very special friends.
The superb colour and character of this exquisite rum is the creation of our Master Blender. His special recipe blends specially selected rums, oak aged for at least 21 years, from the Enmore wooden Coffey still, the Versailles single wooden pot still and the Albion Savalle still.
This dram has a mahogany-like color.
Nose (88): strong.
brown sugar, sugar cane, floral, a little wood, a little cinnamon.
On the Atlantica ocean there are also other rums producers. Mainly in Bermuda islands and Canary islands.
Bermuda
Gosling's Black Seal
“Really interesting rum that remind me a lot of Crema Catalana with a got amount of Cointreau over it. Yummy!”
83
Black Seal has a rich, intricate flavour, well balanced and nuanced with butterscotch, vanilla and caramel. Or, as expressed up by the Beverage Tasting Institute when they recently awarded it their highest honour, the Platinum Medal: 'Deep, assertive and highly flavoured. Very fragrant with herbal sharpness. At the finish there is a softness and elegance. A most complex, unusual spirit.'
This dram has a old oak-like color.
Nose (84): more than average.
brown sugar, sugar cane, floral.
Palate (83): smooth, oily.
brown sugar, sugar cane, custard, cinnamon, burnt sugar, floral, vanilla, a little oranges.
Taste like Crema Catalana, a typical Spanish kind of custard.
Finish (82): longer than average.
brown sugar, floral.
So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Gosling's Black Seal with 83 points over 100.
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“ An stunning Springbank that although young shows an extremly good peaty and fruity muscles.”
92
In the words of Springbank, "What does CV mean? Chairman's Vat? Currriculum vitae? Curvee of Vintages? It means whatever you want it to mean, enjoying the whisky is the most important thing".
A Springbank bottling without an age statement that is crafted to show the distillery profile for their three different styles of whiskies: Springbank, Hazelburn and Longrow.
An awesome value single malt whisky. Very recommended whisky from this Campbeltown distillery.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (92): inexistent.
sweet, fruity, peach, cherry, wine, citrus, cinnamon, cocoa.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Palate (92): .
sweet, peat, wood, cocoa, peach, citrus, spices.
Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Finish (92): no finish.
peat, citrus, 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 Springbank CV with 92 points over 100.
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“Rather good dram with lots of interesting sherry notes. Fruity.”
90
Glendronach is a very welcomed back distillery of the Speyside, that after a few years mothballed has returned with a range of incredible sherried whiskies.
This 12 years old single malt is a dense, heavily-sherried dram from a distillery now producing again after a six-year layoff. A malt best suited to after-dinner sipping
Very recommended, and if you enjoyed this one, you need to try the 15 years Revival. Simply mindblowing!
This dram has a cooper-like color.
Nose (91): strong.
sweet, wood, vanilla, tobacco, spices, a little citrus, floral, fresh.
1996 saw the release of the entry level Ben Nevis single malt, this 10 year old exudes some beautiful coffee, chocolate and toffeed peat notes, a firm representative of the Western Highland style.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (88): inexistent.
sweet, fruits, wood, smoke, sherry.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Palate (84): .
sweet, citrus, wood, floral, spicy, some peat.
Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Finish (84): no finish.
floral, liquorice, citrus, a little 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 Ben Nevis 10 year with 85 points over 100.
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A peated single malt whisky from Ireland. Winner of numerous international plaudits - this truly is a great effort from distillers, Cooley.
This dram has a white-like color.
Nose (88): inexistent.
sweet, floral, tropical fruits, wood, spices, nuts, a little sherry.
First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Palate (84): .
sweet, peat, floral, pears, spices, a little wood.
Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.
Finish (84): no finish.
peat, wood, a little tropical fruits.
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 Connemara 12 year Peated with 85 points over 100.
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