Whisky Magazine 24

The world of whisky Max Shapira Glenfarclas New world whisky tasting

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Editor's Word From the Editor

By Marcin Miller

A Dram with Dave Broom Angus Stewart Dave Broom brings a little sunshine to the world of whisky. Next issue

By Dave Broom

Tastings Macallan marathon Marcin Miller joined a very select number of invited guests for the ultimate Macallan tasting.

By Marcin Miller

News An alternative whisky map of the world... Tom Bruce-Gardyne takes an irreverent look at the world's 15 largest whisky markets - plus the characters and caricatures you...

By Tom Bruce-Gardyne

Whisky & Culture A match made in havanna Whisky and cigars can be a perfect combination. And the best way to taste them is in their country of...

By Damian Riley-Smith

People Sharpest tack (Max L Shapira) Stuart Maclean Ramsay meets Heaven Hill Distillery President Max L Shapira to find out how they keep it in the...

By Stuart MacLean Ramsay

Production Blending blocks Drink writer of the year Dave Broom investigates what exactly makes up a blend- and how blenders are steering away...

By Dave Broom

Tastings A touch of glass There is no doubt that the glass you use has an effect on the appreciation of the spirit therein. Marcin...

By Marcin Miller

Distillery Focus A family affair John Lamond examines the history of this independent distillery

By John Lamond

Food Simply the best Martine Nouet exanines the benefits of learning local malts with local produce, a la Islay

By Martine Nouet

Production Peat performance Peat is a staple ingredient of many classic whiskie. Ian Wisniewski looks at the hows, and whys and wherefores of...

By Ian Wisniewski

Collections Inside track Keir Sword of Royal Mile Whiskies is in the chair

By Keir Sword

Whisky & Culture The spirit of adventure Jefferson Chase explores the hard-drinking author Jack London's relationship wiht 'John Barleycorn' both in and out of literature

By Jefferson Chase

Production Blending whisky a dogs life? Richard Paterson, Kyndal's Master Distiller, takes our Editor's thoughts on dogs as whiskies a step or two further

By Richard Paterson

Dave BroomBlending blocksDrink writer of the year Dave Broom investigates what exactly makes up a blend- and...

Tom Bruce-GardyneAn alternative whisky map of the world...Tom Bruce-Gardyne takes an irreverent look at the world's 15 largest whisky markets - plus...

Jefferson ChaseThe spirit of adventureJefferson Chase explores the hard-drinking author Jack London's relationship wiht 'John Barleycorn' both in and...

John LamondA family affairJohn Lamond examines the history of this independent distillery

Marcin MillerMacallan marathonMarcin Miller joined a very select number of invited guests for the ultimate Macallan tasting.

Martine NouetSimply the bestMartine Nouet exanines the benefits of learning local malts with local produce, a la Islay

Richard PatersonBlending whisky a dogs life?Richard Paterson, Kyndal's Master Distiller, takes our Editor's thoughts on dogs as whiskies a step...

Stuart MacLean RamsaySharpest tack (Max L Shapira)Stuart Maclean Ramsay meets Heaven Hill Distillery President Max L Shapira to find out how...

Damian Riley-SmithA match made in havannaWhisky and cigars can be a perfect combination. And the best way to taste them...

Keir SwordInside trackKeir Sword of Royal Mile Whiskies is in the chair

Ian WisniewskiPeat performancePeat is a staple ingredient of many classic whiskie. Ian Wisniewski looks at the hows,...

Adelphi
17 Years Old, Cask 2903

ABV 55.3%

Comments: That dance might have been led by Fred Astaire. The great all-rounder in lean and energetic mood. Makes it look easy. Try it with a late-night movie.

Overall score

9.2

Adelphi
27 Years Old, Cask 5467

ABV 59.5%

Comments: Big and aromatic. There's bags of oaky character and not a lot of the distillery's. One to sip and ponder over.

Overall score

7.7

Cadenhead's
10 Years Old

ABV 49.1%

Comments: This bottling is much more aggressive, and drying, than I remember. What happened to the soft maltiness and apricot fruitiness?

Overall score

7.9

Cradle Mountain
Double Malt

ABV 46%

Comments: Of the two Cradle Mountains I have tasted, this is the better.

Overall score

7.2

Douglas Laing
1987, 15 Years Old

ABV 50%

Comments: A lean and lively Laphroaig, more smoky than seaweedy. The flavours are long and persistent. Enjoyable, more-ish and appetising.

Overall score

8.8

Gordon & MacPhail
1973

ABV 40%

Comments: After a weekend walk in the country? Mid to late afternoon. Who needs tea? Just a slice of fruit pie and a generous dram of Benromach.

Overall score

7.8

Hart Brothers
25 Years Old

ABV 43%

Comments: A pretty phenolic example. Lacks the complexity and harmony of the Adelphi bottling.

Overall score

8.0

Hart Brothers
34 Years Old

ABV 43%

Comments: Ah well.

Overall score

7.3

Isle of Jura
Aged 21 Years

ABV 40%

Comments: A good sipping dram that's not too demanding but has good weight and a supple body.

Overall score

7.9

Jura
Aged 16 Years

ABV 40%

Comments: More wood-extract, or sherry, than I remember. I prefer a drier expression.

Overall score

7.6

Lombard
1989

ABV 50%

Comments: Vivacious but no great depth.

Overall score

8.2

Lombard
1981

ABV 50%

Comments: Vibrant, sure wakes you up.

Overall score

7.4

McCarthy's
Single Malt

ABV 40%

Comments: In a young whisky, I would have expected more freshness of flavour, but the elements are there, and the product shows promise.

Overall score

6.6

McDowell's
Single Malt

ABV 42.8%

Comments: Somewhat one-dimensional.

Overall score

6.9

Milford
Aged 10 Years

ABV 43%

Comments: Good flavour development.

Overall score

7.0

Old Potrero
Straight Rye Whiskey

ABV 62.1%

Comments: Beautifully combined flavours. I loved the younger version for its robust rye character, but this one certainly demonstrates the benefits of maturity.

Overall score

8.7

Old Pulteney
18 Years Old, Sherrywood, Cask 1498

ABV 59.9%

Comments: I hope the new owners value this distillery. Its location, stillhouse design and - most important - its whisky, bring something special to the far north.

Overall score

8.4

St. George
Single Malt

ABV 43%

Comments: A dessert spirit, more muscat than malt.

Overall score

6.0

Waldviertler
Feinster Roggenwhisky

ABV 42%

Comments: A winter whisky. Points for assertiveness.

Overall score

6.7

Waldviertler
Roggen-Malzwhisky

ABV 42%

Comments: Good balance, with zesty rye touches.

Overall score

6.9

Whisky Breton
Single Malt Whisky

ABV 40%

Comments: Approachable. I like it.

Overall score

7.2

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Whisky Magazine 24

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