Whisky Magazine 166

Whisky Magazine presents the World Whiskies Awards 2020 results

Editor's Word The joy of scribbling Does Mr Pepys have something we can learn from?

By Rob Allanson

Thoughts from... Reflecting reality Heineken’s message for whisky marketers

By Becky Paskin

Thoughts from... I am Spartacus The passing of a star brings thoughts about whisky

By Liza Weisstuch

Thoughts from... Single malt swing This style is starting to make waves thanks to the craft boom

By Maggie Kimberl

Mythbusters A case of disappearing spirit The Sherlock Holmes of Australian whisky distilling

By Chris Middleton

Whisky Learning A ray of light Figures reveal domestic consumption is on the up

By Liza Weisstuch

Distillery Focus Son of a… Discover Melbourne’s formidable distilling duo

By George Keeble

Distillery Focus Crossing the lines Our man visits the distillery that distils in one region and matures in another

By Gavin D. Smith

Taste Hopes and dreams Shizuoka Distillery’s whisky comes of age

By Stefan van Eycken

History History in the making An adventure in bottle dates

By Jim Leggett

Whisky & Culture Exquisite spiritualist Hans keeps the spirits high, both with the tipple of his choice and the accompanying musician – a toast to...

By Hans Offringa

Whisky Learning What’s in a name? Chinquapin is the new cool kid on the block, but what exactly is it about this American white oak species...

By Becky Paskin

Whisky Learning Return of the native Irish Distillers are helping to revive the country’s oak trees

By Rob Allanson

Production Popularity contest Vanilla is the world’s most popular flavour and in malt whisky it has a multi-dimensional presence, as well as a...

By Ian Wisniewski

Food Taking a little time Occasionally it’s good to slow down and appreciate things

By Rob Allanson

Travel Retail The viral effect Coronavirus causes chaos for travel retail

By Joe Bates

Rob AllansonReturn of the nativeIrish Distillers are helping to revive the country’s oak trees

Joe BatesThe viral effectCoronavirus causes chaos for travel retail

George KeebleSon of a…Discover Melbourne’s formidable distilling duo

Maggie KimberlSingle malt swingThis style is starting to make waves thanks to the craft boom

Jim LeggettHistory in the makingAn adventure in bottle dates

Chris MiddletonA case of disappearing spiritThe Sherlock Holmes of Australian whisky distilling

Hans OffringaExquisite spiritualistHans keeps the spirits high, both with the tipple of his choice and the accompanying...

Becky PaskinWhat’s in a name?Chinquapin is the new cool kid on the block, but what exactly is it about...

Gavin D. SmithCrossing the linesOur man visits the distillery that distils in one region and matures in another

Stefan van EyckenHopes and dreamsShizuoka Distillery’s whisky comes of age

Liza WeisstuchA ray of lightFigures reveal domestic consumption is on the up

Ian WisniewskiPopularity contestVanilla is the world’s most popular flavour and in malt whisky it has a multi-dimensional...

Abbey Whisky
Batch 3, 30 Years Old, 1988, AW Exclusive

ABV 46.6%

Comments: Plenty of punch with excellent spices kicking the tastebuds into life.

Overall score

8.1

Abbey Whisky
11 Years Old, 2008, AW Exclusive

ABV 54.2%

Comments: Interesting but doesn’t seem totally together. The smoke profile is lovely, though.

Overall score

7.7

Abbey Whisky
10 Years Old, 2008, AW Exclusive

ABV 66.2%

Comments: What a stunner. Everything seems to be knit together nicely with great depth and balance. 66.2%? Really?

Overall score

9.2

Abbey Whisky
7 Years Old, 2012, Cask 563, AW Exclusive

ABV 58.7%

Comments: A sherry slap, but tempered with those additional lovely sweet components.

Overall score

8.7

Highfern
Islay Edition, Single Malt

ABV 47%

Comments: A great balance of what smoky whisky can offer, that mix of citrus and wood smoke. Refreshing.

Overall score

8.8

Hyde
No.6 Special Reserve

ABV 46%

Comments: A very gentle whiskey right up to the end with those chilli elements, wonder if it more cask time would round it out more.

Overall score

7.3

Kinahans
The Kasc Project, Batch 1

ABV 43%

Comments: If you like your whiskey woody, this is for you. I just think it lacks some character and punch to it.

Overall score

7.4

Paul John
Oloroso, Single Malt Whisky

ABV 48%

Comments: Nicely put together and the aging has been well handled, all in balance and perfect harmony.

Overall score

9.0

Paul John
Pedro Ximenez, Single Malt Whisky

ABV 48%

Comments: I would have this when tending to the barbecue, even chuck some over the meat as it cooks. Awesome stuff.

Overall score

8.9

Peerless
Kentucky Straight Rye, 3 Years Old, Small Batch

ABV 54%

Comments: Bring on the Manhattans please.

Overall score

8.8

Rampur
Double Cask

ABV 45%

Comments: A wonderfully mad mix of things, but certainly one to put with spicy food and see what happens.

Overall score

7.9

Seven Seals
Peated Single Malt, Port Wood Finish

ABV 40%

Comments: Delicious and a good mix of savoury and sweet. The cask seems to have exerted a little too much influence on the liquid.

Overall score

7.7

Seven Seals
Single Malt Port Wood Finish, Cask Proof

ABV 58.7%

Comments: The elements separately are great but needs a bridge from each of them to be more balanced.

Overall score

7.5

Tin Cup
American Whiskey

ABV 42%

Comments: Like a liquid version of a Bakewell tart. If Mr Kipling did Bourbon.

Overall score

8.9

Tomatin
Warehouse 6 Collection, The 1977 Edition

ABV 49%

Comments: Some great elements roll in here from the nose right through to the palate.
A wonderful balance.

Overall score

9.0

Virginia Distillery Co.
Cider Cask Finished, Virginia-Highland Whisky

ABV 46%

Comments: One for the sweet toothed, but has great balance to it.

Overall score

8.6

Virginia Distillery Co.
Courage & Conviction

ABV 46%

Comments: A great example of an American single malt. A relatively easy drinker.

Overall score

8.3

Virginia Distillery Co.
Port Cask Finished, Virginia-Highland Whisky

ABV 46%

Comments: Well done Virginia, this really is a stunning piece of distilling from the brand.

Overall score

9.0

Wemyss Malts
Aged 25 Years

ABV 42.3%

Comments: An alcoholic fruit salad – what can be wrong with that?

Overall score

8.8

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Whisky Magazine 166

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