Highland Park 8 yo Ferraretto Import vs Highland Park 1976 First Cask #2013
Modern Highland Park can be very good at a fairly young age, as the recent batch of un-named Orkneys suggest. Assuming they are in fact Highland Park. Though they are … Continue reading
Glenugie 30 yo 1980 / 2011 Deoch an Doras vs Glenugie 32 yo 1977 / 2010 Deoch an Doras
This one comes with a special shoutout and thanks to a keen-eyed Glenugie aficionado. Again there’s not much left to Glenugie, and while it existed it produced some decent and … Continue reading
Laphroaig Cairdeas Fino 2018 vs Laphroaig 200th Anniversary Cairdeas 2015
Laphroaig’s Cairdeas bottles are an annual release made only to the Friends of Laphroaig – easy enough to sign up, and though they do come in significant batch sizes, they … Continue reading
Port Ellen 22 yo 1983 Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask ‘Whisky Festival Noord Netherlands’ vs Port Charlotte 2002 / 2010 Malts of Scotland #1172
Because both are ‘Ports’ and both are Islay bred.. Port Ellen 22 yo 1983 Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask ‘Whisky Festival Noord Netherlands’ 54.3% Nose: It’s a clean style of … Continue reading
Littlemill 21 yo 1991 Hunter Laing Old Malt Cask #9822 vs Littlemill 22 yo 1992 Hunter Laing Old & Rare #10882
This is one closed distillery whose quality is such that we are truly left bemoaning its closing. Those who were around some 5 years ago might remember the batches of … Continue reading
Longrow 8 yo 1987 / 1995 Signatory #136-138 vs Longrow 1987 / 2005 Samaroli #113
One might say 1987 was a good year for Longrow, and one might be accused of stating the obvious. Longrow 8 yo 1987 / 1995 Signatory #136-138 43% Nose: How … Continue reading
Talisker 12 yo Distillers Agency vs Talisker 10 yo ‘Map label’
‘Made By the Sea’ is right, but not the only distillery on Skye anymore now that Torabhaig is up and running, and since the newcomer has thrown down the gauntlet … Continue reading
Bladnoch 20 yo vs Bladnoch 23 yo 1966 Signatory #2674-76
After a very busy 2 weeks, I find myself with some catching up to do. I am frequently asked for an alternative to Rosebank, and in the camp of light … Continue reading
Springbank 5 yo ‘brown glass bottle’ vs Springbank 21 yo ‘pear shape’
Springbank is clearly one of the unquestionable greats, with the added benefit of having a history of fantastic old bottles from their core range of over half a century now. … Continue reading
Glenburgie 1948 & 1961 / 1981 ‘A special vatting to commemorate the wedding of H.R.H The Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer on 29th July 1981’ vs Glenburgie Batch 1 That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Comparing a very old and a rather new Glenburgie, certainly the only Glenburgie I have anyway. Thanks to friends! Glenburgie 1948 & 1961 / 1981 ‘A special vatting to commemorate … Continue reading
Inchmurrin 2001 / 2017 #4157 for The Whisky Exchange vs Inchmurrin 42 yo 1974 / 2016 Cadenhead 44.3%
Inchmurrin, named for the eponymous Island within Loch Lomond, is just one of the distillery’s Single Malt variants. That Swiss Army Knife of a distillery is able to produce so many … Continue reading
Glen Garioch 23 yo 1990 Nectar of the Daily Drams vs Glen Garioch 24 yo 1990 Signatory #2761
I like Glen Garioch a lot. It’s got an interesting history, and great bottles both old and new. These 90s bottles in particular display a very mineral and cutting style … Continue reading
Irish Single Malt 27 yo 1990 / 2017 The Whisky Agency vs Irish Single Malt Cooley 25 yo 1992 / 2017 Cadenhead 175th Anniversary
What’s become of the wave of Irish Single Malt of the last few years? Give thanks and be glad, these were beautifully fruity whiskies like nothing Scotland has produced of … Continue reading
Glen Keith 40 yo 1970 Murray McDavid Aficionado Bottle 1 of 1 vs Glen Elgin 40 yo 1975 Maltbarn
Because who has that many samples of old Glen Keith or Glen Elgin lying around – Glen Keith 40 yo 1970 Murray McDavid Aficionado Bottle 1 of 1 49.2% A … Continue reading
Caol Ila CL4 Speciality Drinks vs Caol Ila Distillery Only 2007
A funny thing I notice about Caol Ila is that great and consistent though it generally is, it wouldn’t pop up as a first thought in the minds of people … Continue reading
Jura 22 yo 1992 / 2014 Douglas Laing Old Particular #10362 vs Jura 25 1991 Douglas Laing XOP #11067
Jura is one of those island whiskies that still comes with a lot of character, and much like Springbank, some people need to warm up to it. But those who … Continue reading
Rosebank 20 yo 1967 / 1988 Cadenhead dumpy vs Rosebank 28 yo 1965 / 1993 Signatory #2498
The wonders of old Rosebank, very different from 90s Rosebanks that can still be easily found, more or less… These old bottles hide a secret or two: Rosebank 20 yo … Continue reading
Ledaig 7 yo 2005 Douglas Laing Provenance #9654 vs Ledaig 8 yo 2001 / 2010 Nectar of the Daily Drams
Quite sure I am not the only one who thinks Tobermory should just make Ledaig full time. Some of the stuff Tobermory has been putting out this side of 2000 … Continue reading
Auchentoshan 25 yo 1992 / 2017 Signatory Vintage #538 vs Auchentoshan 30 yo 1984 / 2015 Douglas Laing Old Particular #10702
I have tried a number of younger (<20 yo) modern Auchentoshans and have not been impressed by any. The over 20s seem better, but perhaps it’s just a matter of … Continue reading
Ben Nevis 34 yo 1966 / 2000 #3663 vs Ben Nevis 10 yo 2002 / 2013 #334 White Port Pipe matured
Ben Nevis often suffers the ignominy of being an ‘alternative’ Malt rather than a first go-to choice, but those who know recognize its potential for a full and big boned … Continue reading
Tamnavulin 20yo 1991 / 2011 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice vs Tamnavulin-Glenlivet 1967 / 1986 “The Old Mill” #1456-1459
Tamnavulin is one of the newer distilleries built in the 60s with the idea of being a major blend component and therefore it’s 6 large stills were intended for a … Continue reading
Ord Over 16, 1998/2014, Selected by Simon & Phil vs Ord 40 yo 1965 / 2005 ‘Bouquet’ Samaroli
Glen Ord … somewhat ignored by it’s owners, somewhat looked over by enthusiasts, which is all a shame because it’s one of those distilleries that has a stellar (but spotty?) … Continue reading
Thompson Brothers: Glenlivet Solera drawn 1994, Springbank solera 1950-1978 drawn 1996, Glen Mhor 1937/1959
The Thompson brothers, Phil and Simon, proprietors of the Dornoch Castle Hotel Bar and new distillers operating the Dornoch Distillery, have in their various travels and searching, acquired three examples … Continue reading
Berlin 2018: Dalmore 35 yo 1965 Big Market, Glen Mhor 34 yo 1966 OMC, Fettercairn 30 yo 1972 #2895, Fettercairn 29 yo 1973 #1966, Glencadam 38yo 1974 The Admiral’s Cask, Port Ellen 26yo 1983 Thosop, Glen Ord 1975 Prenzlow, Brora 37 yo 2015 Special Release, Glen Grant 33 yo 1965 Big Market, Tamdhu 9 yo 1984 Big Market, Macallan 12 yo 1990 Big Market, Inverleven 21yo 1966 Cadenhead, Glentauchers 20yo 1965 Cadenhead, Port Ellen 24 yo 1978 2nd Release
So it was Limburg weekend just a fortnight ago. Those who follow the various Whisky groups on social media would know it was a wonderfully frenetic weekend of excess that … Continue reading
V.S.O Scotch Whisky (Glen Mhor) 1917 95 proof vs Glen Mhor 30 yo 1966 For the 30th Anniversary of Bar Metro
In what may turn out to be an ill-advised session, and because these are the only two Glen Mhor I have on hand. Glen Mhor is of course closed and … Continue reading
Ardbeg Twenty Something 23 yo 46.3% vs Ardbeg 14 yo 1994/2008 Cadenhead 58.3%
Brand new ‘groovy’ Ardbeg is out and I’m playing catch up with Twenty Something, which is really actually 23 years old… Ardbeg Twenty Something 23 yo 46.3% Pre notes conclusion: … Continue reading
Mezcal Siete Misterios Mezcal Espadin 48% vs Siete Misterios Mezcal Doba-Yej 2013 45.5%
Siete Misterios Mezcal Espadin 48% Espadin is a Agave varietal that is commonly used for Mezcal, most bottlers or distillers would have an Espadin offering in their line up. Nose: … Continue reading
Bunnahabhain 35 yo 1974/2009 A.D Rattray #7111 vs Bunnahabhain 39 yo 1976/2016 Cadenhead Small Batch
Some coincidence but a number of friends have opened some 70s Bunnahabhain recently, which is a happy thing to have as early 70s Bunnahabhain are usually excellent, and for some … Continue reading
Brora 40 yo 1972 59.1% for 13th March, a very special day
Wow would you look at the date. It’s been a busy and eventful couple of weeks, but today’s tasting is to mark a very special occasion. My family becomes four. … Continue reading
Balmenach 26 yo 1988 Signatory for The Whisky Exchange #3242 vs Balmenach 1979 / 2009 Berry Brothers #155 + 156
Balmenach is another distillery one does not hear much about, other than the very occasional independent bottling. There is no core range, no vintage focus, no great history, though it … Continue reading
Highland Park 27 yo 1974 / 2001 Silver Seal First Bottling vs Highland Park 18 yo 1976 / 1994 Cadenhead #4648
A funny thing I have found with Highland Park is that the official bottlings are blended with a specific house style in mind – which is normal – but the … Continue reading
Macallan 1977/1992 Samaroli ‘Matured in sherry wood’ vs Macallan 25 yo 1976/2001 Silver Seal First Bottling
The traditional house style of Macallan is dominated by sherry cask maturation. It is to these beautiful whiskies beloved of Michael Jackson that I turn to after a very interesting … Continue reading
Mezcal: Del Maguey Wild Papalome vs Del Maguey Wild Tepextate
Tequila and Mezcal are distilled from the crushed cooked and fermented Agave plant. But while Tequila must be made from the Blue Agave, Mezcal may be made from any variety. … Continue reading
60s Longmorn: Longmorn 38 yo 1968/2006 SMWS 7.35 vs Longmorn-Glenlivet 1966/1985 Moon Import
60s Longmorn are brilliant, but sadly also usually second fiddle to the other stunning whiskies distilled in the 60s. Longmorn 38 yo 1968/2006 SMWS 7.35 49.8% (Photo: whiskyonlineauctions) Nose: Massively … Continue reading
Inter war Glen Grants: Glen Grant 35 yo ‘straight neck’ Gordon & Macphail vs Glen Grant 42 yo Gordon & Macphail
Glen Grant is one of very few distilleries for which a ‘liquid record’ can be traced to early in the 20th century, thanks to the old independent bottlers like Gordon … Continue reading
Ledaig 9 yo 2004/2013 Old Malt Cask ref 10058 vs Ledaig 12 yo 2004/2017 The Whisky Lounge
Ledaig is an excellent heavily peated whisky that is bound to surprise those only familiar with Islay. We even have an accomplished Ledaig collector on our little tropical island, whose … Continue reading
Laphroaig 31 yo 1974 for LMdW 49.7%
As the Earth makes a full round and now continues in its orbit around the Sun, glad tidings to all mankind this new 2018! Just going to have a single … Continue reading
Brora 21 yo 1981/2003 Signatory #1422 vs Brora 24 yo 1972 Connoisseurs Choice 40%
Boxing Day Brora? Brora 21 yo 1981/2003 Signatory Un-Chillfiltered Collection #1422 46% Nose: Note this is a completely different style from early 70s Brora, this one is unpeated and much … Continue reading
Clynelish 28 yo 1965/1993 Signatory #666 50.7% vs Clynelish 23 yo 1965/1989 Cadenhead 51.7%
I’ve been itching to do 1965 Clynelish (ie old Clynelish, the one that was renamed Brora) head to head, unfortunately it is not easy to find these old ones. Ideally … Continue reading
Bowmore 35 yo 1968 Celtic Heartlands vs Bowmore 30 yo Sea Dragon
Bowmore 35 yo 1968 Celtic Heartlands 40.6% This was a range personally selected by Jim McEwan of some stunning old 60s whiskies, bottled at the Bruichladdich plant. The Bowmore naturally … Continue reading
Glen Ord 28 yo Special Release 2003 vs Glen Ord 30 yo Special Release 2005
I read with some interest that in Glen Ord’s long history of distilling, such was it’s quality that it was sold throughout the British Empire, including in Singapore, by the … Continue reading
Lagavulin Feis Ile 2013 vs Lagavulin Jazz Festival 2013
Feis Ile is an annual Islay Festival that draws crowds to an otherwise much quieter Islay to celebrate music, Scottish culture and especially in the last decade, the whisky of … Continue reading
Glen Scotia 37 yo 1972 / 2010 Malts of Scotland #1926 vs Glen Scotia 25 yo 1992 / 2017 The Whisky Agency & The Whisky Exchange
I don’t think we have ever seen a concerted push for Glen Scotia to rise from the third shelf.. Its owners seem to have a start and fizzle approach: revamped … Continue reading
Del Maguey Vida Mezcal vs Del Maguey Espadin Especial Mezcal
The more I drink this stuff the more I am convinced on the overall quality of single origin Mezcal. Del Maguey Vida Mezcal 42% Nose: This is about as friendly … Continue reading
Bunnahabhain 1974 / 2014 Samaroli Infinity #604 vs Bunnahabhain 1968 / 2002 Auld Acquaintance
Bunnahabhain always seemed to want a bit of age to me. It could just be me, but upwards of 30 seems to be the sweet spot for where Bruichladdich is … Continue reading
Glendullan 1997 Connoisseurs Choice vs Glen Keith 1993 Connoisseurs Choice
The Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice series is an old one that’s been refreshed many times over. We’ve seen the original brown paper label iteration under which many old 60s and … Continue reading
Del Maguey San Pedro Taviche Mezcal vs Del Maguey Minero Mezcal
Mezcal is the distilled product from a mash made from the agave plant in Mexico. The better known Tequilla is therefore technically a Mezcal but can only be made in … Continue reading
Rosebank 21 yo 1992 Directors Cut Douglas Laing #10146 vs Rosebank 22 yo 1991 Mackillops Choice #271
For a while now I’ve wondered why Rosebank never rose to the same level of desirability as Brora and Port Ellen. It could be because Rosebank’s later style is one … Continue reading
Laphroaig 34 yo 1975/2010 Gentle Noses #1035 Jack Weibers vs Laphroaig 20 yo 1965 Intertrade ~ 1985
I know people who can’t handle any peaty whisky but when I give them a 70s Laphroaig, they discover they do like it very much after all. Is it just … Continue reading
Clynelish 30 yo 1972 Murray McDavid 46% vs Clynelish 37 yo 1972/2009 The Whisky Exchange ’80 proof’ ‘Ten Years Online’ 46%
A recent discussion: Whisky does not need to be at cask strength to be great. So true. I find it’s the quality of the distillation that matters. And the wood … Continue reading
whiskyrific 