Archive For May 23, 2016
One of the yearly features of the Diageo Special Releases since 2006, arriving on Islay like the Barnacle Geese from Greenland just before the winter, is an unpeated Caol Ila. The releases vary in age, from NAS to the 8 year olds released in 2006 through 2008, with 2009 seeing it at 10 years old. The age…
Today is the Bruichladdich open day on Islay, and we celebrate it taking a look at the old Port Charlotte Distillery and with a tasting of a wonderful new Port Charlotte in Cognac casks. Port Charlotte Distillery was also known as the Lochindaal Distillery. It was established in 1829 and was operated under a succession…
It’s once again the first day of the Fèis Ìle festival, which makes it time to taste a Lagavulin in celebration. Last year, I tasted the 2014 Festival bottling, but have somehow missed the 2015 release. I’m sure a sample will turn up eventually, but this is a good opportunity to reach back to the 2010 edition of the…
Just before we delve into the Fèis Ìle week celebrating Islay malts, I have an update on on of the most outstanding of my drams of 2015. Back In December 2015, one of my birthday drams was a precious sample of the Tobermory 42, which wasn’t released at the time. You can find the original post…
I was happy to get this sample from The Whisky Exchange for two reasons: First, well, I love sherry bombs. Second, I have a warm spot in my heart for Aberlour. Not so much for the regular releases (although the 12 year old Non Chill Filtered is presented at a nice ABV – 48% –…