Whisky Magazine 116

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Editor's Word Editor's Word The joy of occasions

By Rob Allanson

A Dram with Dave Broom Call me Cassandra Dave looks at how history can point to the future

By Dave Broom

Thoughts from... Bullet Proof The importance of strength when creating cocktails

By Naren Young

Whisky & Culture The Story of Re-creation Neville Peat tells the tale of Shackleton's Whisky

By Rupert Wheeler

Production Future Dream Drams Having experienced rocketing sales in the last few years, we see what is happening to the Japanese distilling scene

By Stefan van Eycken

Distillery Focus Canadian Club and The Windsor Hum Our intrepid duo go in search of the source of the phenomenon

By Blair Phillips and Davin de Kergommeaux

People The Scents of Whisky The little kit that helps you expand your aroma bank

By Martin Mitchell

Production Achieving Closure We investigate cork stoppers and their route to the bottle

By Ian Wisniewski

History On the Ball Whisky labels and football

By Hans Offringa

Distillery Focus A Point of Difference Our man visits the hear of Whyte and Mackay's grain supply

By Gavin D. Smith

Travel A Polish Surprise In search of some elusive Polish Whisky

By Fred Blans

Cocktails Eastern Promise Our man behind the stick looks for inspiration in Asia

By Ryan Chetiyawardana

Food The Michelin Star One of the world's greatest chefs talks about his malt journey

By Joel Harrison

Whisky & Culture Arranging Life We look at another writer with an interesting diverse background

By Jefferson Chase

Collections Distinctive Spectrum The rise of Japanese whiskies is beginning to tempt collectors

By Jonny McCormick

Travel Retail A Whisky Treasure Trove A report from the the duty free event of the year

By Joe Bates

Whisky Magazine Index Creating the Mood A round up from the auction world

By Jonny McCormick

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 AllansonEditor's WordThe joy of occasions

Joe BatesA Whisky Treasure TroveA report from the the duty free event of the year

Fred BlansA Polish SurpriseIn search of some elusive Polish Whisky

Dave BroomCall me CassandraDave looks at how history can point to the future

Jefferson ChaseArranging LifeWe look at another writer with an interesting diverse background

Ryan ChetiyawardanaEastern PromiseOur man behind the stick looks for inspiration in Asia

Blair Phillips and Davin de KergommeauxCanadian Club and The Windsor HumOur intrepid duo go in search of the source of the phenomenon

Joel HarrisonThe Michelin StarOne of the world's greatest chefs talks about his malt journey

Jonny McCormickCreating the MoodA round up from the auction world

Martin MitchellThe Scents of WhiskyThe little kit that helps you expand your aroma bank

Hans OffringaOn the BallWhisky labels and football

Gavin D. SmithA Point of DifferenceOur man visits the hear of Whyte and Mackay's grain supply

Stefan van EyckenFuture Dream DramsHaving experienced rocketing sales in the last few years, we see what is happening to...

Rupert WheelerThe Story of Re-creationNeville Peat tells the tale of Shackleton's Whisky

Ian WisniewskiAchieving ClosureWe investigate cork stoppers and their route to the bottle

Naren YoungBullet ProofThe importance of strength when creating cocktails

Arkansas Lightning
Apple Pie

ABV 20%

Comments: I didn’t know what to make of this but it was oddly likeable.

Overall score

7.3

Auchentoshan
Virgin Oak

ABV 46%

Comments: Almost the perfect breakfast in a glass really.

Overall score

8.0

Balcones
Texas Straight Bourbon Fifth Anniversary

ABV 64.2%

Comments: I love the pure intensity of aroma and flavour that packs a punch.

Overall score

8.1

Berry Bros. & Rudd
7th Limited Release

ABV 45.6%

Comments: A sophisticated dram ideal for after dinner.

Overall score

7.9

Black Bottle
Blended Scotch Whisky

ABV 40%

Comments: It is so different from the old bottling. But if you are going to make a change you might as well make it radical. The result is great – I remain a loyal fan.

Overall score

7.8

Bowmore
The Devil’s Casks, 10 Years Old

ABV 56.9%

Comments: An odd, but pleasing dram.

Overall score

8.0

Cù Bòcan
Single Malt

ABV 46%

Comments: The nose is so much lighter than the taste – very one dimensional whisky.

Overall score

7.5

Dunadd
Blended Scotch Whisky

ABV 40%

Comments: Too young for me – I need more depth and integration.

Overall score

6.8

Dunadd
12 Years Old

ABV 40%

Comments: I was left feeling unfulfilled, it didn’t deliver enough of anything for me.

Overall score

7.1

Duncan Taylor
Gentleman's Dram

ABV 40%

Comments: A clean mouthfeel with lingering menthol. Comments: A dram that delivers everything it should without overwhelming you.

Overall score

7.7

Duncan Taylor Dimensions
2005, 8 Years Old

ABV 52.1%

Comments: I think the age explains the chameleon character but I enjoyed its cheekiness.

Overall score

7.9

Duncan Taylor Dimensions
1996, 17 Years Old

ABV 52.6%

Comments: A fine example of a dram that hides it light under a bushel.

Overall score

7.9

Duncan Taylor Dimensions
1989, 23 Years Old

ABV 55.8%

Comments: Classic and just what I would have expected from this distillery as well.

Overall score

8.0

Four Roses
125th Anniversary

ABV 51.6%

Comments: I loved the balance and texture. A great start to an evening as it wakes up your palate.

Overall score

8.4

Glen Garioch
1999, 14 Years Old

ABV 56.3%

Comments: It’s a big bear hug of a whisky for those sherry lovers.

Overall score

7.9

Glen Garioch
Virgin Oak

ABV 48%

Comments: It was interesting to see how the virgin wood has softened the big bear up.

Overall score

8.0

Glenfarclas
1953, The Coronation

ABV 51.1%

Comments: I liked this, despite the delicate levels of sulphur on the palate, there is still some life in this dram.

Overall score

7.7

Glenfiddich
Cask Collection, Reserve Cask

ABV 40%

Comments: It is great to see three such individual characters and I enjoyed them all on their own merit. I would love to see this one at a slightly higher strength.

Overall score

7.9

Glenfiddich
Cask Collection, Select Cask

ABV 40%

Comments: A gentle easy drinking dram, don’t add too much water.

Overall score

8.3

Glenfiddich
Cask Collection, Vintage Cask

ABV 40%

Comments: I kept on changing my mind about this but the smoke adds an amazing dimension.

Overall score

8.3

Hankey Bannister
40 Years Old

ABV 44.3%

Comments: I have to confess I was so excited I knocked my glass over. My notes smelled lovely though afterwards!

Overall score

8.4

Master of Malt
1991, 21 Years Old

ABV 52.4%

Comments: This is a beautiful example of the delicacy and subtlety you can find in a Lowland whisky – I love this.

Overall score

8.2

Master of Malt
1997, 15 Years Old

ABV 55.7%

Comments: I wanted this to deliver more to be honest, and would have expected it from the age and strength.

Overall score

7.3

Master of Malt
1992, 20 Years Old

ABV 53.3%

Comments: I liked this slightly more for the lightness and subtlety.

Overall score

8.5

New Holland
Beer Barrel Bourbon

ABV 40%

Comments: I was perplexed by this but the new wood and beer finishing explain the flavours.

Overall score

7.4

New Holland
Bill’s Michigan Wheat

ABV 45%

Comments: This was a new one for me. The wheat creates interesting sweet toasty aromas but I didn’t feel so confident with the flavour.

Overall score

7.4

New Holland
Zeppelin Bend

ABV 45%

Comments: I feel the new oak, heavy char has played its part but water has pulled it apart.

Overall score

7.3

Old Forester
Birthday Bourbon, 2013

ABV 49%

Comments: Once again, out of my comfort zone but really enjoyed the richness.

Overall score

8.4

Powers
Gold Label

ABV 43.2%

Comments: Unusual savoury characteristics which I liked.

Overall score

7.6

Powers
Signature Release

ABV 46%

Comments: I struggled to find a distinctive character, perhaps too balanced for my taste.

Overall score

7.2

Redbreast
21 Years Old

ABV 46%

Comments: The blackcurrant flavours washed the more subtle spices away.

Overall score

7.8

That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Batch 2

ABV 53.9%

Comments: The heavier notes make it a bit of a challenge.

Overall score

7.0

That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Batch 1

ABV 47.8%

Comments: I’d like to get my hands on a bottle of this, lots to hold
your attention.

Overall score

7.8

That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Batch 1

ABV 44.7%

Comments: This dram took its time to open up but it rewards you in time.

Overall score

7.3

That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Batch 1

ABV 51.2%

Comments: Interesting to go back and compare the two bottlings. Both took a while to unravel but worth the wait.

Overall score

8.3

The Famous Grouse
40 Years Old

ABV 40%

Comments: A superbly structured example which demonstrates how complex a blended whisky can be.

Overall score

8.8

The Glenrothes
Elder’s Reserve

ABV 43%

Comments: Better with time, this is a dram full of energy and life, but little immature on the palate.

Overall score

7.9

The Glenrothes
Manse Reserve

ABV 43%

Comments: A little unbalanced and erratic, not a dram for me.

Overall score

7.3

The Glenrothes
Minister’s Reserve

ABV 43%

Comments: Classic whisky making has given this a tight flavour, if not a little lacking in personality. Very easy to drink.

Overall score

8.1

The One
Blended Whisky

ABV 40%

Comments: An interesting idea but it needs more identity.

Overall score

6.8

The Tweeddale Blend
14 Years Old, Batch 4

ABV 46%

Comments: A very nice, easy drinking, smoky whisky.

Overall score

8.3

Woodford Reserve
Master's Collection, Classic Malt

ABV 45.2%

Comments: The initial nose threw me off balance, but it grew on me. I’d enjoy this with a cube of ice.

Overall score

7.4

Woodford Reserve
Master's Collection, Straight Malt

ABV 45.2%

Comments: This would be good with food.

Overall score

7.7

Whisky Magazine 116

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