Review - BenRiach 17 Solstice Single Malt Scotch Whisky
"Holy Sweet Peat & Band-aids that's a good nose!" - Josh
Rating 4.5 Glasses
- Distillery: BenRiach Distillery
- Years Aged: 17
- Proof: 100
- Local Price (USD): $92.00
- Availability: Uncommon
- Local Price (USD): $92.00
Tasting Notes
- Color & Consistency: Akin to a tanned Donald Trump & slow skinny chicken legs
- Nose: "Holy Sweet Peat & Band-aids that's a good nose!" - Josh. Oh and cranberries.
- Taste: For 100 proof its smooth like Jagger. Slightly dry, butter, apple & toffee
- Finish: Peaty, malty & wheaty. Hangs onto your tongue for dear life
- Conclusion: Unique to Speyside the Solstice is distilled from both peated and non-peated malted barley and finished off in a Tawny port pipe. This 2nd Edition release is just plain delicious and we so wish it was more readily available. This is one to grab if you can as it is definitely a unique duck.
Grooves is groovy but definitely a lighter Ardbeg release that is more approachable for the casual Islay fan. We would compare it to a blend between AN OA and Ardbeg 10 . It’s really good overall and better than Kelpie with less in your face brininess and a little bit o' peat & little bit o' smoke. Great committee release for 2018.
There are 20 different barrels used in this blend: 17 bourbon, 1 port pipe & 2 sherry casks. It's really a great product but the complexity and effort that goes into crafting this whisky doesn't exactly translate into the experience.
Tastes like a burning fishing vessel. Smooth with a taste of the sea and all of the peatiness we have come to know and love from Ardbeg.
Good for sipping or at dinner to pair with lighter fair such as fish, chicken or pasta. As far as a 12 year goes it's better than some and just right for the price.
Sherry finished Scotches are a dime a dozen but try to find an over-proof cask strength that is as balanced as A'bunadh?... good luck.
"The finish leaves your tongue writhing in agony and pleasure, all at the same time hating itself but wanting more."
Absolutely an amazing dram and even though the grass is always greener across the pond, definitely one of if not the finest Speysides we've had to date. Enough said... Delicious.
Just sniff, sip, repeat. Sweeter than most Islay Scotch but really a delicious combination...
Review - Ardbeg Ardbog Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
We would put this up as the best Ardbeg yet and Josh has now made it his personal quest to find a bottle of this almost extinct release.
Josh was fortunate to enjoy this dram over at the Multnomah Whisk{e}y Library. Check out our experience by clicking here...
Rating 4.5 Glasses
- Distillery: Ardbeg Distillery
- Years Aged: NAS
- Proof: 104.2
- Local Price (USD): N/A - Auction Only
- Availability: Rare
- Local Price (USD): N/A - Auction Only
Tasting Notes
- Color: Dark amber
- Nose: Butterscotch, peat & smoke
- Taste: Heaven on fire. Smokey & sweet.
- Finish: Delicious, earthy peat & doesn't linger leaving you wanting more
Conclusion: "Like the Cadbury bunny and a block of peat moss had a love child conceived in a burning candy shop." - Josh. He basically left me to finish up this review alone as he was slightly preoccupied with slowly licking the inside rim of the glass, moaning quietly and garnering awkward looks from the fancy folks across from our table.... Coming back to reality, we would put this up as the best Ardbeg yet and Josh has now made it his personal quest to find a bottle of this almost extinct release. He would like to put next to his bottle of Ardbeg 21 (looking impeccable and never to be opened). Final thought: Ardbog contains the very essence of Islay.
This is a very subtle and subdued whisky with flavors that are pleasant. It is well blended but just wish there was a little more ponch to it… we really wanted Chris Hemsworth but got Tom Hiddleston.
Grooves is groovy but definitely a lighter Ardbeg release that is more approachable for the casual Islay fan. We would compare it to a blend between AN OA and Ardbeg 10 . It’s really good overall and better than Kelpie with less in your face brininess and a little bit o' peat & little bit o' smoke. Great committee release for 2018.
There are 20 different barrels used in this blend: 17 bourbon, 1 port pipe & 2 sherry casks. It's really a great product but the complexity and effort that goes into crafting this whisky doesn't exactly translate into the experience.
Tastes like a burning fishing vessel. Smooth with a taste of the sea and all of the peatiness we have come to know and love from Ardbeg.
Good for sipping or at dinner to pair with lighter fair such as fish, chicken or pasta. As far as a 12 year goes it's better than some and just right for the price.
Sherry finished Scotches are a dime a dozen but try to find an over-proof cask strength that is as balanced as A'bunadh?... good luck.
"The finish leaves your tongue writhing in agony and pleasure, all at the same time hating itself but wanting more."
Absolutely an amazing dram and even though the grass is always greener across the pond, definitely one of if not the finest Speysides we've had to date. Enough said... Delicious.
Just sniff, sip, repeat. Sweeter than most Islay Scotch but really a delicious combination...
Review - Glengoyne 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Good but I would look to compare other sherry forward scotch before jumping on this one based on the price.
Rating 3.5 Glasses
- Distillery: Glengoyne Distillery (Ian Macleod Distillers Limited)
- Years Aged: 18
- Proof: 86
- Price (USD): $113.95
- Availability: Widespread
Tasting Notes
- Color & Consistency: Light caramel & thick legs that slowly develop
- Nose: Caramel, Vanilla & Apple
- Taste: Smooth, slightly oily, citrus & iodine
- Finish: Sherry, decent low heat, stays on the tongue a while like melted butter
- Conclusion: Good but I would look to compare other sherry forward scotch before jumping on this one based on the price. This particular selection is slightly underproof for my taste and could use just a little more kick. There also is just something in the finish, a slight bitterness and tannin-ish aftertaste, that was slightly off-putting.
This is a very subtle and subdued whisky with flavors that are pleasant. It is well blended but just wish there was a little more ponch to it… we really wanted Chris Hemsworth but got Tom Hiddleston.
Grooves is groovy but definitely a lighter Ardbeg release that is more approachable for the casual Islay fan. We would compare it to a blend between AN OA and Ardbeg 10 . It’s really good overall and better than Kelpie with less in your face brininess and a little bit o' peat & little bit o' smoke. Great committee release for 2018.
There are 20 different barrels used in this blend: 17 bourbon, 1 port pipe & 2 sherry casks. It's really a great product but the complexity and effort that goes into crafting this whisky doesn't exactly translate into the experience.
Tastes like a burning fishing vessel. Smooth with a taste of the sea and all of the peatiness we have come to know and love from Ardbeg.
Good for sipping or at dinner to pair with lighter fair such as fish, chicken or pasta. As far as a 12 year goes it's better than some and just right for the price.
Sherry finished Scotches are a dime a dozen but try to find an over-proof cask strength that is as balanced as A'bunadh?... good luck.
"The finish leaves your tongue writhing in agony and pleasure, all at the same time hating itself but wanting more."
Absolutely an amazing dram and even though the grass is always greener across the pond, definitely one of if not the finest Speysides we've had to date. Enough said... Delicious.
Just sniff, sip, repeat. Sweeter than most Islay Scotch but really a delicious combination...
Review - Lagavulin 2000/2016 Distillers Edition Scotch Whisky
The goal of The Distiller's Edition seems to be showcasing the ability of Lagavulin to produce and present a reserved yet broad and rich flavor profiled dram
Rating 4 Glasses
- Distillery: Lagavulin Distillery
- Years Aged: 16
- Proof: 86
- Price (USD): $105.95
- Availability: Rare
Tasting Notes
- Color & Consistency: Dark amber. Its curvaceous sauntering legs show the age of this whisky
- Nose: Beachside candy shop, peat & smoke
- Taste: Slightly bitter, caramel, oak, earthy with a hint of salt
- Finish: Nutty, low heat, nutmeg, smoke that fades quickly
- Conclusion: Lagavulin is traditionally a powerhouse when stacked up against others in its category on the merits of flavor profile, smoke and sheer strength of body. This particular selection of the Distillers Edition is more refined in its smokiness than say an Ardbeg or Laphroaig but falls slightly on its face in terms of strength. 2000/2016 has a very young mouth feel and most likely could have benefited from bottling at a slightly higher proof say 90-92. That being said, the lower alcohol content does allow you to enjoy the myriad of flavors presented without cutting it with water.
- The goal of The Distiller's Edition seems to be showcasing the ability of Lagavulin to produce and present a reserved yet broad and rich flavor profiled dram. The only thing that brings the rating down for us is the longing for a bit more alcohol to help cut through and balance out the rich flavors. This is definitely one that we would buy again.
This is a very subtle and subdued whisky with flavors that are pleasant. It is well blended but just wish there was a little more ponch to it… we really wanted Chris Hemsworth but got Tom Hiddleston.
Grooves is groovy but definitely a lighter Ardbeg release that is more approachable for the casual Islay fan. We would compare it to a blend between AN OA and Ardbeg 10 . It’s really good overall and better than Kelpie with less in your face brininess and a little bit o' peat & little bit o' smoke. Great committee release for 2018.
There are 20 different barrels used in this blend: 17 bourbon, 1 port pipe & 2 sherry casks. It's really a great product but the complexity and effort that goes into crafting this whisky doesn't exactly translate into the experience.
Tastes like a burning fishing vessel. Smooth with a taste of the sea and all of the peatiness we have come to know and love from Ardbeg.
Good for sipping or at dinner to pair with lighter fair such as fish, chicken or pasta. As far as a 12 year goes it's better than some and just right for the price.
Sherry finished Scotches are a dime a dozen but try to find an over-proof cask strength that is as balanced as A'bunadh?... good luck.
"The finish leaves your tongue writhing in agony and pleasure, all at the same time hating itself but wanting more."
Absolutely an amazing dram and even though the grass is always greener across the pond, definitely one of if not the finest Speysides we've had to date. Enough said... Delicious.
Just sniff, sip, repeat. Sweeter than most Islay Scotch but really a delicious combination...
Review - Shieldaig Speyside 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
...Jeff, for reasons unknown, wanted to try and freeze it into a popsicle... don't even try to comprehend that one.
Rating 4 Glasses
- Distillery: William Maxwell & Co. Ltd (Now known as Ian Macleod Distillers)
- Years Aged: 18
- Proof: 80
- Price (USD): $57.99
- Availability: Uncommon
Tasting Notes:
- Color & Consistency: Light Amber
- Nose: Floral, perfume, pipe tobacco
- Taste: Apple, pear, initial sweet hit, light smoke, smooth
- Finish: Lingering sweet candy
- Conclusion: Overall everyone enjoyed this dram and Jeff, for reasons unknown, wanted to try and freeze it into a popsicle... don't even try to comprehend that one. Great Speyside for the $.
This is a very subtle and subdued whisky with flavors that are pleasant. It is well blended but just wish there was a little more ponch to it… we really wanted Chris Hemsworth but got Tom Hiddleston.
Grooves is groovy but definitely a lighter Ardbeg release that is more approachable for the casual Islay fan. We would compare it to a blend between AN OA and Ardbeg 10 . It’s really good overall and better than Kelpie with less in your face brininess and a little bit o' peat & little bit o' smoke. Great committee release for 2018.
There are 20 different barrels used in this blend: 17 bourbon, 1 port pipe & 2 sherry casks. It's really a great product but the complexity and effort that goes into crafting this whisky doesn't exactly translate into the experience.
Tastes like a burning fishing vessel. Smooth with a taste of the sea and all of the peatiness we have come to know and love from Ardbeg.
Good for sipping or at dinner to pair with lighter fair such as fish, chicken or pasta. As far as a 12 year goes it's better than some and just right for the price.
Sherry finished Scotches are a dime a dozen but try to find an over-proof cask strength that is as balanced as A'bunadh?... good luck.
"The finish leaves your tongue writhing in agony and pleasure, all at the same time hating itself but wanting more."
Absolutely an amazing dram and even though the grass is always greener across the pond, definitely one of if not the finest Speysides we've had to date. Enough said... Delicious.
Just sniff, sip, repeat. Sweeter than most Islay Scotch but really a delicious combination...
This is a very subtle and subdued whisky with flavors that are pleasant. It is well blended but just wish there was a little more ponch to it… we really wanted Chris Hemsworth but got Tom Hiddleston.