Whisky Magazine 186

International innovators Archie Rose Distillery Takamine's Koji spirit Rapid maturation

Editor's Word Opinion: What is whisky? In 2022, there's no simple answer New distillers are changing the formula and giving me a headache

By Christopher Coates

Whisky Focus House of Hazelwood: Bottling the private casks of Scotch whisky’s ‘first family’ This new independent bottler is offering the rare chance to purchase - and taste - old and rare whiskies owned...

By Gavin D. Smith

Distillery Focus Distillery Focus: Australia’s Archie Rose Is Blooming Known for championing speciality malts and a patented production process, this Rosebery-based distillery is coming into its own

By Marie-Ève Venne

Production Did a Japanese distiller working in America create a whole new kind of whisky over a century ago? What if whisky makers used Koji mould, usually used for making sake and shochu, instead of malting barley?

By Stefan van Eycken

Production Bending Time: meet the whisky makers breaking the time barrier to rapidly age their spirits Some distillers have discovered formulas for making young spirit taste old

By Matt Strickland

Production Small Fortunes: Could a technique from the Cognac-makers' playbook help make whiskies taste better? From petites eaux to slow dilution, taking a lead from Cognac production is an interesting proposition when it comes...

By Millie Milliken

Distillery Focus Distillery Focus: Torabhaig — The Isle of Skye's newest single malt distillery The 'well-tempered' whisky made at Torabhaig is a lesson in creative constraint

By Malcolm Triggs

Travel Retail Travel retail: New exclusives provide cheer amidst travel chaos Travelling overseas isn’t much fun at present, but at least distillers are stepping up to the plate with some exciting,...

By Joe Bates

Caskaway Caskaway: Jarkko Nikkanen's desert island drams In each edition, we ask one of the industry’s great and good which drams they would take to our desert island

By Bradley Weir

Joe BatesTravel retail: New exclusives provide cheer amidst travel chaosTravelling overseas isn’t much fun at present, but at least distillers are stepping up to...

Christopher CoatesOpinion: What is whisky? In 2022, there's no simple answerNew distillers are changing the formula and giving me a headache

Millie MillikenSmall Fortunes: Could a technique from the Cognac-makers' playbook help make whiskies taste better?From petites eaux to slow dilution, taking a lead from Cognac production is an interesting...

Gavin D. SmithHouse of Hazelwood: Bottling the private casks of Scotch whisky’s ‘first family’This new independent bottler is offering the rare chance to purchase - and taste -...

Matt StricklandBending Time: meet the whisky makers breaking the time barrier to rapidly age their spiritsSome distillers have discovered formulas for making young spirit taste old

Malcolm TriggsDistillery Focus: Torabhaig — The Isle of Skye's newest single malt distilleryThe 'well-tempered' whisky made at Torabhaig is a lesson in creative constraint

Stefan van EyckenDid a Japanese distiller working in America create a whole new kind of whisky over a century ago?What if whisky makers used Koji mould, usually used for making sake and shochu, instead...

Marie-Ève VenneDistillery Focus: Australia’s Archie Rose Is BloomingKnown for championing speciality malts and a patented production process, this Rosebery-based distillery is coming...

Bradley WeirCaskaway: Jarkko Nikkanen's desert island dramsIn each edition, we ask one of the industry’s great and good which drams they...

Black Forest Rothaus
Single Malt

ABV 43%

Comments: This is pretty unique. There is good complexity and development from the nose through to the finish.

Overall score

8.2

Caisteal Chamuis
Caisteal Chamuis

ABV 46%

Comments: It manages some complexity, while also having some notes that dominate the flavour profile.

Overall score

7.8

Caisteal Chamuis
12 Years Old

ABV 46%

Comments: A lovely balance between peated oily notes, sweet fruit and herbal hints.

Overall score

8.1

Copperworks Distilling
Release No. 042

ABV 51%

Comments: YUM. Already looking forward to another glass of this.

Overall score

8.9

Copperworks Distilling
Release No. 043

ABV 50%

Comments: This is a beautiful example of American single malt, showcasing character, delicacy and some real punch.

Overall score

8.6

Famous Grouse
The Famous One

ABV 40%

Comments: Although the palate starts a little shy, it becomes very well balanced and full of intrigue.

Overall score

8.0

Filey Bay
Peated Finish

ABV 46%

Comments: It’s full of surprises. It’s pretty hot hot hot, but does still allow the complexity to make itself known. A little water did make all the difference.

Overall score

8.1

Jack Daniel’s
Bonded Tennessee Whiskey

ABV 50%

Comments: This is dreamy. It’s balanced and characterful. I also feel like this would play well in cocktails.

Overall score

8.6

Jack Daniel’s
Triple Mash

ABV 50%

Comments: Lovely and rich, starting out all warming caramel and vanilla, before it adds in an array of complexities.

Overall score

8.8

Jameson
Crested Barleywine Irish Oak Cask Finish

ABV 45%

Comments: Interesting combination of creaminess and dry, woody notes.

Overall score

7.8

Label 5
Bourbon Barrel

ABV 40%

Comments: Pretty punchy in the spice flavour department.

Overall score

7.6

Lot 40
Dark Oak

ABV 48%

Comments: I’m a little bit in love with this to be honest – it has that spiced kick, but with a whole lot of balance and excitement in the flavour profile.

Overall score

8.5

Molly Malone
Small Batch

ABV 40%

Comments: The palate takes a little while to come to life, but when it does it’s warming and full of character.

Overall score

7.7

Pike Creek
10 Years Old

ABV 42%

Comments: This is a spicy little treat, with a lovely combination of rye spice
and sweetness.

Overall score

7.7

Spot Whiskey
Gold Spot Single Pot Still

ABV 51.4%

Comments: It manages to be both delicate and punchy. This is the perfect autumnal dram that takes you through myriad fruits into those warming notes.

Overall score

8.7

Teerenpeli
PALO Peated Sherry

ABV 46%

Comments: A really intriguing sip here – I like the combination between the peat and the rich sweetness. I’d certainly revisit this.

Overall score

8.3

Teerenpeli
KULO Sherry Matured

ABV 50.7%

Comments: I had high hopes and there’s plenty of good but the palate does leave a little to be desired.

Overall score

7.5

The Glenrothes
18 Years Old

ABV 43%

Comments: A real journey here, with nicely balanced spice and complexity giving it plenty of bite.

Overall score

8.4

The Whistler
Mosaic Marsala Cask

ABV 46%

Comments: It has some spice about it, and lovely character that continues to develop throughout.

Overall score

7.9

Wire Works
Small Batch

ABV 46.2%

Comments: It does take a little time to open up, but it’s a lovely combination of grain and sweetness that intrigues me.

Overall score

8.2

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Whisky Magazine 186

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