Whisky Magazine 106

Independent Bottlers Challenge 2012 Islay Drinkers Guide Edinburgh

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Editor's Word Editor's Word

By Rob Allanson

News An unsung hero A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions - Confucius

By Rob Allanson

A Dram with Dave Broom Do the flip flop stomp Dave Broom heads to Rio for cocktails

By Dave Broom

Thoughts from... Individuality Ian Wisniewskiis a freelance journalist writing about spirits, particularly malt whisky and vodka. He contributes to various publications, has written...

By Ian Wisniewski

Production A wealth of choice Neil Ridley meets the independent bottlers dedicated to bringing consumers something a little different.

By Neil Ridley

People Family values Joel Harrison talks to two generations about life in the whiskey world

By Joel Harrison

Production Holy smoke Martine Nouet looks at the kiln's part in whisky making

By Martine Nouet

Distillery Focus Symbols of Intent Gavin D. Smith visits a distillery with big plans for the future

By Gavin D. Smith

History Rugged & canny Gavin D. Smith looks at the fortunes of Vat 69

By Gavin D. Smith

Travel Retail Find whisky heaven on earth Joe bates heads to Schiphol to see what's on offer

By Joe Bates

Travel A Kaleidoscope of Aromas Joel Harrison takes a pilgrimage to the isle of peat and wonder

By Joel Harrison

Distillery Focus A flirtatious spirit Ian Buxton heads north to find a distillery in a basement

By Ian Buxton

Places Drams & culture in Auld Reekie Neil Ridley heads out in Scotland's capital

By Neil Ridley

Production Back to school Mark Gillespie backs his satchel and reports for assembly

By Mark Gillespie

Food Raiding the larder Martin Mitchell heads out to the Islay coastline to forage for food

By Martin Mitchell

Whisky & Culture Different worlds Jefferson Chase looks at a novel set in 1960s London

By Jefferson Chase

Ask the Expert Ask the Expert Send your questions to editorial@whiskymag.com or by post to: Q&A, Whisky Magazine, 6 Woolgate Court, St Benedicts Street, Norwich, England,...

By Jonny McCormick

Rob AllansonAn unsung heroA superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions - Confucius

Joe BatesFind whisky heaven on earthJoe bates heads to Schiphol to see what's on offer

Dave BroomDo the flip flop stompDave Broom heads to Rio for cocktails

Ian BuxtonA flirtatious spiritIan Buxton heads north to find a distillery in a basement

Jefferson ChaseDifferent worldsJefferson Chase looks at a novel set in 1960s London

Mark GillespieBack to schoolMark Gillespie backs his satchel and reports for assembly

Joel HarrisonA Kaleidoscope of AromasJoel Harrison takes a pilgrimage to the isle of peat and wonder

Jonny McCormickAsk the ExpertSend your questions to editorial@whiskymag.com or by post to: Q&A, Whisky Magazine, 6 Woolgate Court,...

Martin MitchellRaiding the larderMartin Mitchell heads out to the Islay coastline to forage for food

Martine NouetHoly smokeMartine Nouet looks at the kiln's part in whisky making

Neil RidleyDrams & culture in Auld ReekieNeil Ridley heads out in Scotland's capital

Gavin D. SmithRugged & cannyGavin D. Smith looks at the fortunes of Vat 69

Ian WisniewskiIndividualityIan Wisniewskiis a freelance journalist writing about spirits, particularly malt whisky and vodka. He contributes...

A. D. Rattray's
Malt 2, 2002, 9 Years Old

ABV 40%

Comments: The palate is more appealing than the nose. A pleasant dram, leaving a freshfeeling. Better neat than diluted.

Overall score

7.8

Aberfeldy
Unravel 16 Years Old

ABV 56.5%

Comments: On the oaky side but lots of fruit as well. The alcohol is well controlled.

Overall score

8.3

Ardbeg
Galileo

ABV 49%

Comments: Perfect balance. Hidden complexity.

Overall score

8.5

Balblair
1975 Vintage 2nd Release 37 Years Old

ABV 46%

Comments: A beautiful example of a well-matured Bourbon cask whisky. Still lively anddashing. The perfect 'herbal tea'

Overall score

8.6

Balcones
True Blue

ABV 63.6%

Comments: Seems to have a rum influence. A finish? No it is a corn American whiskey? I wouldn't have guessed. A rich aromatic profile and a pleasantly surprising alcohol mastering.

Overall score

8.2