Whisky Magazine 56

Scotland's Lowlands Shake it up China and India Glengoyne Indian food Highlander Inn Japanese Tastings

Editor's Word A world in motion The whisky industry seems to be rising to the challenge of attracting new drinkers while keeping the experts happy says\rDominic Roskrow

By Dominic Roskrow

Musings with Michael Jackson When I'm 64... Michael Jackson contemplates not so old age

By Michael Jackson

A Dram with Dave Broom You've nicked my beard! Dave Broom has a hairy experience in Moscow

By Dave Broom

People Stamp of authority Tax stamps are being introduced for bottles of British spirits. In this issue we ask a panel whether they think...

Awards & Events Spirits rising There's a real sense of purpose on Speyside at the moment, reflected by its rapidly developing Spirit of Speyside Festival.\rDominic...

By Dominic Roskrow

News Full of Eastern promise The Star in the East is beginning to rise.And if the markets of China,India and Russia perform anywhere near to...

By Richard Jones

Cocktails A captivating cocktail Ian Wisniewski looks at the Atholl Brose

By Ian Wisniewski

Distillery Focus Stepping in the right direction (Glengoyne) Glengoyne,close to Glasgow and not quite Lowlands or Highlands,is a charming but under-rated distillery. Ian Buxton returned there 30...

By Ian Buxton

Whisky & Culture Short and to the point American literary journals have kept alive some of the best traditions of independent writing. Jefferson Chase reports

By Jefferson Chase

Bars A potted history Justifiably famous for its range of Irish whiskies, the Pot Still in Gloucester is also a haven for lovers of...

By Richard Jones

People Welsh wizard Gillian Howell is a rarity – a female whisky distiller.Another example of how Welsh distillery Penderyn is different. Richard Woodard reports

By Richard Woodard

Cocktails All in the mix Whisky cocktails are at the forefront of a cocktail revolution. Sally Toms reports

By Sally Toms

History The deil's awa wi th' exciseman Gaugers were the hated excisemen who hounded whisky smugglers in the 18th and early 19th century. And Malcolm Gillespie was...

Whisky & Culture Streams of whiskey Few bands have captured the exuberance of drinking whiskey in the way The Pogues have. Lew Guthrie III looks back...

By Lew Guthrie

Food A touch of spice Spicy food works well with whisky.Martine Nouet visited La Porte des Indes for a special Indian food and whisky tasting

By Martine Nouet

Travel Retail Finns can only get better Joe Bates looks at the solid duty free store in Helsinki

By Joe Bates

Travel The beautiful South The Lowlands distilleries are surprisingly varied and highly satisfying.Caroline Dewar reports

By Caroline Dewar

Awards & Events A world united Whisky Live events are now held across the world and are attracting new drinkers

Awards & Events A Capital Event Whisky Live London attracted a new audience this year. Rob Allanson reports

By Rob Allanson

Awards & Events A record for Belgium Whisky Live Belgium was held for the first time recently and it attracted 2,000 visitors

Awards & Events Tokyo calling Amazingly, Japan's Whisky Live event is now in its sixth year

Awards & Events So good we held it twice Whisky Live New York is establishing itself as a major date in the Big Apple diary. Roddy Martinereports

By Roddy Martine

Bars Phoenix rising Anyone who read Issue 53 on Great Whisky Bars of The World will know that Whisky Magazine rates The Highlander...

By Richard Jones

Production A view to a kiln Kilning might seem to be a standard practice,but it has a large bearing on the whisky-making process. Ian Wisniewski reports

By Ian Wisniewski

Rob AllansonA Capital EventWhisky Live London attracted a new audience this year. Rob Allanson reports

Joe BatesFinns can only get betterJoe Bates looks at the solid duty free store in Helsinki

Dave BroomYou've nicked my beard!Dave Broom has a hairy experience in Moscow

Ian BuxtonStepping in the right direction (Glengoyne)Glengoyne,close to Glasgow and not quite Lowlands or Highlands,is a charming but under-rated distillery. ...

Jefferson ChaseShort and to the pointAmerican literary journals have kept alive some of the best traditions of independent writing. Jefferson...

Caroline DewarThe beautiful SouthThe Lowlands distilleries are surprisingly varied and highly satisfying.Caroline Dewar reports

Lew GuthrieStreams of whiskeyFew bands have captured the exuberance of drinking whiskey in the way The Pogues have....

Michael JacksonWhen I'm 64...Michael Jackson contemplates not so old age

Richard JonesA potted historyJustifiably famous for its range of Irish whiskies, the Pot Still in Gloucester is also...

Roddy MartineSo good we held it twiceWhisky Live New York is establishing itself as a major date in the Big Apple...

Martine NouetA touch of spiceSpicy food works well with whisky.Martine Nouet visited La Porte des Indes for a special...

Dominic RoskrowSpirits risingThere's a real sense of purpose on Speyside at the moment, reflected by its rapidly...

Sally TomsAll in the mixWhisky cocktails are at the forefront of a cocktail revolution. Sally Toms reports

Ian WisniewskiA view to a kilnKilning might seem to be a standard practice,but it has a large bearing on the...

Richard WoodardWelsh wizardGillian Howell is a rarity – a female whisky distiller.Another example of how Welsh distillery...

Dewar Rattray
1991, 14 Years Old

ABV 59.6%

Comments: A little mucky on the nose when diluted.

Overall score

7.7

Hakushu
12 Years Old

ABV 43%

Comments: A trembling and rather sensitive wee soul, but a charming afternoon companion.

Overall score

7.4

Hakushu
18 Years Old

ABV 43%

Comments: Less sweet and fruity on the palate than the nose led you to expect. The balance is not there. Water makes it more bitter.

Overall score

7.3

Highland Harvest
Organic Scotch Whisky

ABV 40%

Comments: Fine, but no dandy.

Overall score

7.3

Hokuto
Aged 12 Years

ABV 40%

Comments: A pleasant summery dram. Keeps fruity all the way.

Overall score

7.6

Ichiro's Malt
1985, Ace of Spades

ABV 55%

Comments: If you like your whisky in yer face then this is for you.

Overall score

7.9

Ichiro's Malt
1988, King of Diamonds

ABV 56%

Comments: This has classic Japanese finesse (and excellent viscimetry). Great whisky is about balance and this has it...in diamonds, not spades.

Overall score

8.4

Ichiro's Malt
1990, Queen of Hearts

ABV 54%

Comments: A well balanced and refreshing dram. Try it with raw fish and ginger in vinegar.

Overall score

7.8

Ichiro's Malt
Aged 20 Years

ABV 46%

Comments: The nose is more enticing than the palate. Water reduces the gap, bringing in a velvety texture.

Overall score

7.7

Ichiro's Malt
1988, Vintage Single Malt

ABV 56%

Comments: A pungent character. Warm phenolic and uncompromising but hiding a pleasant cereal sweetness. The alcoholic strength is somewhat burning though. Water helps but does not cut all the sharp edges.

Overall score

8.2

Jon, Mark and Robbo's
The Fresh Fruity One

ABV 40%

Comments: A very clean spirit, but I was left with a sense of absence.

Overall score

7.0

Karuizawa
1974, Aged 31 Years

ABV 65%

Comments: Can't see the point in offering such an unbalanced oaky profile. It is whisky we want to enjoy, not a wood infusion.

Overall score

6.9

Karuizawa
1988, Aged 17 Years

ABV 59.3%

Comments: Sherry masks the distillery character. Fine if you are a big fan. That sickening sweetness with water added is questionable.

Overall score

8.1

Karuizawa
1993, Aged 12 Years

ABV 60.1%

Comments: A herbal tea for those who like it hot and pungent. Lovely nose. Good balance. Definitely needs water to tame the strength.

Overall score

7.3

Karuizawa
17 Years Old

ABV 40%

Comments: A superb balance and richness. Luscious bouquet, satisfying and flavoursome.

Overall score

7.9

Kirin
Fuji-Sanroku, 18 Years Old

ABV 43%

Comments: For those who like cider rather sour than sweet! interesting combination for a whisky cooler. A refreshing aperitif.

Overall score

8.1

MWBH
1972, 34 Years Old

ABV 53.3%

Comments: Balanced, and totally, utterly, sexy. A real rarity as well.

Overall score

8.1

Nikka
Miyagikyo, 1987, Cask No.60236

ABV 61%

Comments: How can whisky leave its signature behind that thick oak panelling? No chance.

Overall score

7.2

Nikka
Miyagikyo, 1987, Cask No. 89714

ABV 61%

Comments: Another example of sherry domination. Where's the balance?

Overall score

7.7

Nikka
Miyagikyo, 1991, Cask No.117705

ABV 61%

Comments: Quite a nice refreshing dram when generously diluted.

Overall score

7.5

Nikka
Yoichi 1985, Cask No. 250216

ABV 58%

Comments: A sharp character, full of life. Needs water to tame the alcohol. For an outdoor invigorating crisp morning walk.

Overall score

7.8

Nikka
Yoichi 1991, Cask No.129504

ABV 64%

Comments: A real head opener which is slightly of the wall, but wonderfully likeable.

Overall score

8.4

Nikka Key Malt
Yoichi, Aged 12 Years, Peaty & Salty

ABV 55%

Comments: An interesting combination of fruit and peat. They don't mingle, they keep playing hide and seek. More complexity than it appears. Water makes it caressing.

Overall score

8.2