Archives for 2015

Paul John / Edited Indian Single Malt

Summary: Country/Region: India/Goa.
ABV: 46%.
Unit: 70cl.
Indian Single Malt whisky, with a hint of peat.
Nose: chocolate mint evolves from the delicate peats which sit beautifully with the lesser oaky theme; a comfortable, yet always complex, nose with the smoke soft and relaxed and refusing to bully the juicier barley;
Taste: grassy barley shows first, but then slowly gives way as those most gentle peat notes dissolve onto the palate and begins to build momentum and intensity. Again there is a chocolate mint/mocha theme, as well as a sublime mollassed note which injects all the sweetness required;
Finish: long, helped by to-die-for oils, some hints of spice and now some tannins, plus the vanilla. But all is beautifully weighted, patient and poised; Oh, and did I mention the chocolate mint…?
Balance: a new Indian classic: a sublime malt from the subcontinent. To be more precise: a world classic! Think of Ardmore at its most alluring: one of Scotland’s finest and most complex single malts, yet somehow possessing a saltiness and depth more befitting Islay. Then stir in a small degree of Ulmo honey and bourbon-style hickory and liquorice. Plus subtle chocolate mint. And there you have it…the smoke drifting around stirring up spicy tales of the east. A world class whisky to be talked about with reverence without doubt.
Ratings: 96.5 Points – Jim Murray's 2016 Whisky Bible.
 

Paul John / Bold Indian Single Malt

Summary: Country/Region: India/Goa.
ABV: 45%.
Unit: 70cl.
Bold is a journey that leads you down the unexplored, unchartered terrains of Goa. It offers you a slice of its best-kept secrets, unravelling the mysteries, bit by little bit. This expression of ours invites you to leave the trail, tread the path less taken and plunge headlong into the delicious depths of Goa.
Colour: Liquid gold
Nose: After the slightest whiff of smoke, a dizzying array of Manuka honey, prickly spice and bourboneque red liquorice takes over.
Palate: This melt-in-the-mouth malt has the most profound flavours crashing in like waves. At first, the delivery feels sublimely silky and studded with oak-like honey. And just when you think you’ve savoured it all, you are surprised by a hefty second wave of spice. This is followed by a cloudy, smoky feel that coats the roof of the mouth and leaves a tidal wave of dry molasses, peaty soot and a degree of copper in its wake.
Finish: Bold has a light finish with a tinge of copper slowly making its presence known. You can also sense a gorgeous smoked mocha shaped by delicate and intricate spices.
Ratings: 95.5 Points / Jim Murray's 2016 Whisky Bible.

Glenglassaugh / 1973 Rare Cask Batch 2 / Cask # 1865

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 44.5%
Distilled/Bottled: April 1973/September 2015.
Age: 42 Year Old.
Miscellaneous: 175 Bottles from cask.
Cask Size and Type: Massandra Aleatico Hogshead.
Finish: Massandra Aleatico Finish.
Appearance: Luscious crimson gold.
Nose: Sweet red fruits, gentle spice and a subtle hint of rose water.
Palate: Delicious raspberry jam balanced with hints of rich sloe berry, ginger biscuits and gentle floral spice.

Glenglassaugh / 1974 Rare Cask Batch 2 / Cask # 1282/1

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 40.8%
Distilled/Bottled: January 1973/September 2015.
Age: 41 Year Old.
Miscellaneous: 184 Bottles from cask.
Cask Size and Type: Rum Barrel.
Finish: Rum Finish.
Appearance: Dark antique gold.
Nose: Waves of rich molasses, crushed nuts and banana loaf backed by a delicate floral note.
Palate: Vibrant oak spices and white pepper warm sweet plum sauce over orchard fruits; all softened with delicate touches of liquorice and gentle savoury notes.

Glenglassaugh / 1975 Rare Cask Batch 2 / Cask # 3171

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 40.2%
Distilled/Bottled: June 1975/September 2015.
Age: 40 Year Old.
Miscellaneous: 205 Bottles from cask.
Cask Size and Type: Pedro Ximenez Sherry Hogshead.
Finish: Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish.
Appearance: Waxed dark oak.
Nose: Cocoa dusted figs and dates combine with cinnamon and gentle white pepper to give a delicate warmth. 
Palate: Gentle waves of dark toffee flow over rich fruit cake and orange peel. An intriguing cigar box spice note on the delicately sherried palate.

Glenglassaugh / 1978 Rare Cask Batch 2 / Cask # 1118/8

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl
ABV: 43.6%
Distilled/Bottled: October 1978/September 2015.
Age: 36 Year Old.
Miscellaneous: 276 Bottles from cask.
Cask Size and Type: Port Hogshead.
Finish: Port Finish.
Appearance: Burnished copper gold.
Nose: A delicious harmony of wild red berries and milk chocolate with a black pepper spice and vintage leather background.
Palate: Beautifully elegant red fruit preserve dusted with sweet vanilla sugar combines perfectly with warm oak, cinnamon spice and stem ginger syrup.