Whisky Magazine 118

Best Whiskies in the World Evan Williams Experience Speyside Cooperage A look at Speyside distilleries

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Editor's Word Judged by Association Rob finds a craft distilling scene bursting with stunning spirits

By Rob Allanson

A Dram with Dave Broom A Kuschty Moment in Time Is rye whisky about to hit the big time? Dave thinks it certainly is...

By Dave Broom

Thoughts from... Diageo, Micro-distilled Dave is a freelance writer and contributor to Whisky Magazine

By Dave Waddell

Whisky & Culture Manual Dexterity Broom sweeps neat whisky out of the door

By Rob Allanson

Places The New Story on Whiskey Row Dave Waddell finds a visitor centre with a twist

By Dave Waddell

Production Feeding Demand More casks are required

By Gavin D. Smith

Distillery Focus A Rich Heritage Small and perfectly formed, we visit the new Perthshire distillery

By Gavin D. Smith

Places A Whisky Trip from Source to Bay Following the course of the Spey

By Hans Offringa

Places Let the Whisky Speak Our man follows craft distiller Chip Tate on a mission to Scotland

By Dave Waddell

Tastings Lets Go Nuts There is a whole world of nuts out there

By Martine Nouet

Cocktails The Esssence of Speyside Our man looks to East Speyside for inspiration

By Ryan Chetiyawardana

Food Let's go nuts Forget salted peanuts with your whisky, there is a whole world of nuts out there

By Martine Nouet

Whisky & Culture Stimulating Investigations We delve into another whisky laden tome

By Jefferson Chase

Whisky Magazine Index The Year That Was 2013 We reflect on a year in the auction house

By Jonny McCormick

Whisky Magazine Index Record Breaking Macallan Raising the bar at auction

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 AllansonManual DexterityBroom sweeps neat whisky out of the door

Dave BroomA Kuschty Moment in TimeIs rye whisky about to hit the big time? Dave thinks it certainly is...

Jefferson ChaseStimulating InvestigationsWe delve into another whisky laden tome

Ryan ChetiyawardanaThe Esssence of SpeysideOur man looks to East Speyside for inspiration

Jonny McCormickRecord Breaking MacallanRaising the bar at auction

Martine NouetLets Go NutsThere is a whole world of nuts out there

Hans OffringaA Whisky Trip from Source to BayFollowing the course of the Spey

Gavin D. SmithA Rich HeritageSmall and perfectly formed, we visit the new Perthshire distillery

Dave WaddellThe New Story on Whiskey RowDave Waddell finds a visitor centre with a twist

Balblair
1983

ABV 0%

Comments: A lovely dram, brightening like the promise of a warm summer.

Overall score

8.6

Balblair
2003

ABV 46%

Comments: Either a young whisky or a whisky matured in a tired cask. Not unpleasant but too thin. I can imagine it in a granité or as a thirst quencher in summer with lots of ice.

Overall score

7.7

Compass Box
Limited Release

ABV 53.4%

Comments: A wonderful nose with an equally cracking palate, let down a little by the dominance of the oaky dominance at the end.

Overall score

8.5

Discovery Road
Four Lions

ABV 46%

Comments: A burning feel. Alcohol is not well mastered. And that oily note is not pleasant.

Overall score

7.5

Discovery Road
Smile, 100% Dutch Rye

ABV 46%

Comments: An aromatic whisky, with a full fruity character. Very well structured.

Overall score

8.7

Discovery Road
Courage, Dutch Single Malt

ABV 46%

Comments: An enticing whisky. Rich without ostentation, sweet without excess. With a luscious nutty finish. I’d love it with coffee.

Overall score

8.4

Evan Williams
Single Barrel 2004

ABV 43.3%

Comments: An old Bourbon? The nose is very interesting. The palate maybe a little behind. Avoid water.

Overall score

8.2

Glenmorangie
Companta

ABV 46%

Comments: Robust and palate coating. Another contemplative dram.

Overall score

8.2

Highland Park
Freya, Aged 15 Years

ABV 51.2%

Comments: A classic Bourbon cask maturation. Refreshing and satisfying. A good springtime malt to enjoy with smoked salmon.

Overall score

8.1

Hudson
Maple Cask Rye

ABV 46%

Comments: The nose is floral to start with then shifting to that fish oil note which disappears at times. The palate is completely different, certainly wood driven.

Overall score

7.7