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Sampling Three New Releases From Smögen Whisky – They Pack A Punch!

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2x Smögen, 1x Kinghaven Rum!

Smögen Whisky have three new releases and I’ve been lucky enough to receive some samples for tasting (Cheers Robert!)

They are:-

Smögen 100 Proof – Swedish Single Malt Whisky 57.1%

Smögen Single Cask No. 12, 2011 Cask 48 Swedish Single Malt Whisky 61%

Kinghaven Rum – Diamond Distillery, Versailles Still, 15YO Single Cask 59.2%

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Smögen 100 Proof – Swedish Single Malt Whisky (57.1%)

Distilled from heavily peated optic barley, matured for at least six years in sherry quarter casks, this has been bottled at the traditional ‘100 Proof’. Natural colour and non chill filtered. Presented in a gift carton.

£99.00 – 500ml



Nose: Buttery popcorn, creamy vanilla toffee and hints of peat. Later there’s chocolate and coffee.

Palate: Sherbet sweetness, buttery popcorn, creamy vanilla toffee and chocolate – WoW!

Finish: Fiery, peaty spice with a nice warming feel.

Overall: A powerful whisky and no mistake! The peat grows in strength with time adding a lovely warmth to the dram and balancing the popcorn flavours nicely.

Tasting Notes – Smögen Single Cask No. 12, 2011 Cask 48 Swedish Single Malt Whisky (61%)

Local barley, grown literally on the distillery’s doorstep, matured in a first fill former Bourbon barrel for 8 years. Bottled at cask strength in 2020.

£154.98 – 500ml



Nose: Pleasant peat and smoke aromas with fresh orchard fruits – mainly apple. Sweet biscuit and there’s quite coastal aroma in the background.

Palate: Muted peat and smoke with sweet apples.

Finish: Strong, fiery spice cranked up to the max! It’s a long long finish with a tobacco dryness at the end.

Overall: 61% – yes 61%!!!

This dram packs some punch and warms the tummy! Adding some water (highly recommended) releases sweeter, more caramel flavours without losing any of that spicy kick!

Tasting Notes – Kinghaven Rum – Diamond Distillery, Versailles Still, 15YO Single Cask (59.2%)

Single Cask rum selected by Pär Caldenby, independently bottled by Smögen Whisky AB at cask strength. Distilled in Guyana at the Diamond distillery in their Versailles still, which is one of two remaining wooden pot stills, and over 250 years old.
This rum has been finished in Swedish oak, and bottled at cask strength.

£124.98 – 500ml



Nose: Gorgeous rum n’ raisin ice cream – very inviting! Banoffee pie and rum soaked raisins.

Palate: Fantastic rum flavour and cane sugar sweetness. Add in some caramel and creamy vanilla chocolate and that’s quite a palate!

Finish: Cask strength chilli spiciness!

Overall: Adding water fills out this rum with flavours of blackcurrant liquorice coming through.

A flavour experinece!

Many thanks to Robert at highfern.com (@angelsnectar) for sending me the samples!


· Highfern Ltd are the proprietors of Angels’ Nectar Whisky and importers of Langatun Whisky, Seven Seals Whisky, Smögen Whisky, Strane Gin & Kinghaven Rum. Alongside the Cairngorms Edition, Angels’ Nectar also offer Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – Original 40%, Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – Rich Peat Edition 46% and Angels’ Nectar Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Islay Edition 47%.

· For more information about Angels’ Nectar, please see: angelsnectar.co.uk

Sampling Compass Box Whisky’s New Limited Edition – Peat Monster ‘Arcana’

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Peat Monster Arcana!

Compass Box has released Peat Monster Arcana as part of its 20th anniversary year. It is the result of a long-running experiment into the secrets and mysteries of oak and smoke.

John Glaser will host a Virtual Tasting of Peat Monster Arcana on Sunday, 22nd November at 20:00 GMT

A cask strength version of The Peat Monster was further matured in three French oak custom casks for more than two years; it was then blended with malt whiskies from the Talisker, Miltonduff and Ardbeg Distilleries in order to complement the richly spicy and more subtly smoky profile that developed.

Now Available globally, Peat Monster Arcana joins limited edition releases Hedonism Felicitas and Rogues’ Banquet to celebrate their anniversary.

We have been experimenting with French oak since the early days of our company. Peat Monster Arcana is the first Compass Box to feature smoky whiskies matured in French oak.

We’re delighted to be able to build on this experiment in our 20th anniversary year and we hope dedicated fans of The Peat Monster discover a new side to this charismatic whisky.
– John Glaser: Compass Box Founder and Whiskymaker

It is a truly delicious release and one that has taught us so much about the influence of French oak. Of course, there will always be further mysteries to explore.
– James Saxon: Lead whiskymaker for Peat Monster Arcana

John Glaser will host a Virtual Tasting of Peat Monster Arcana to talk about the past, present and future of Compass Box on Sunday, 22nd November at 20:00 GMT.
It is open to all who would like to attend.

Compass Box has kindly sent me some samples to try – the ‘Arcana’ and their ‘Hedonism’ (Thanks @CompassBoxWhiskyCo (Instagaram)!).

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Peat Monster Arcana Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)

– Natural colour. Not chill-filtered.
– 8,328 bottles produced globally
– £75.00 (70cl)

Serving Recommendations: Peat Monster Arcana rewards experimentation. Explore how the addition of water or soda reveals new textures or discover how its sweet smokiness reacts with different foods.


Colour: Pale straw.

Nose: Peat n’ smoke – lovely and lots of it! Smokey fires and smokey clothes! Sweet white wood. creamy coffee.

Palate: Sweet and fruity with lots of smoke and peat but the peat is more in the background than I expected. Lovely creamy chocolate.

Finish: More of the same and the cane sugar sweetnss balances the smoke very well. Antiseptic, licorice and it’s quite peppery as well with a dry tanin mouthfeel at the end.

Overall: The fruitiness was a very pleasant surprise to this dram – I really wasn’t expecting it! It manages to stand it’s ground against peat which is no mean feat!

I love the peat aromas – very much a ‘hanging around bonfires too long’ vibe to it!

Tasting Notes – Compass Box ‘Hedonism’ blended grain whisky (43%)

The world’s first Blended Grain Scotch Whisky. A unique vatting of Scotch grain whiskies from top quality American oak casks.

– Natural colour Not chill-filtered


Colour: Pale straw.

Nose: Powerful, sweet, tropical fruits!

Palate: Thick mouthfeel. Plenty of sweet tropical fruits, cherries and banana.

Finish: Intense finish with lots of tropical fruitiness still going on. A little pepper just to compliment.

Overall: Tropical fruit heaven! quite a sweet whisky – surprising!

ABOUT COMPASS BOX

We are Scotch whiskymakers. This word ‘whiskymaker’ is our word – it does not appear in a dictionary. And for 20 years we have been relentlessly focused on reinventing Scotch whisky, with every new blend designed to help make the world of whisky a more interesting place. Of course, we have not done it on our own. We have collaborated with some of the world’s most visionary bartenders and designers to really push the boundaries of what is possible. We have won more awards for innovation than any other producer in Scotland because we are always experimenting. Always looking for sparks of creativity that will deliver something totally compelling, yet completely surprising. Whiskies that just must be experienced. This vision motivates us as whiskymakers. Our blends are consistently rated equal to or better than the great single malts of Scotland by the most respected voices in the industry. Six-time Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year. 2020 Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame Inductee, John Glaser, Founder of Compass Box.

JOHN GLASER, WHISKYMAKER

American ex-pat John Glaser is the founder and head whiskymaker of Compass Box, the boutique Scotch whisky blending house widely recognised in the industry for their innovative approach to the creation and enjoyment of whisky. John began his career on a path to become a winemaker, before re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as a Marketing Director for Johnnie Walker in London. With a desire to do things differently, John started Compass Box from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000 in order to bring the joys of Scotch whisky to more people. From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most compelling whisky companies, re-imagining the standards for quality and style in the industry. In 2020, John was inducted into the Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame. Two decades later, Compass Box now has two blending rooms in London, a team of 20 working internationally and stocks of maturing whiskies in Scotland. In 2020, Compass Box celebrates its 20th anniversary. With a forward-looking approach and unrelenting focus on creativity and integrity, John and his team continue to take forward his mission to make the world of Scotch whisky a more interesting place.

Compass Box is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Sampling ‘Highland Park’s 2003 16 Year Old Sherry Cask’ – A Whisky Exchange Exclusive!

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If you’re friends with Santa then give him a nudge in this direction!

A limited-edition 2003 Highland Park single malt bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange is now available!

Only 585 bottles are available!

Distillery bottled after spending 16 years in a single, first fill sherry butt (from 2003 to 2019) only 585 bottles are available.

Highland Park 2003 16 Year Old Sherry Cask TWE Exclusive retails for £199

The Whisky Exchange has kindly sent me a sample to try (Thanks @WhiskyExchange!).

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Highland Park 2003, 16 Year Old Sherry Cask TWE Exclusive – Cask Number 1885 (58.9%)


Colour: Amazing dark sherry that clings to the glass!

Nose: Dark sherried wood with vanilla, chocolate, sherried fruits & a little orange. Later on comes powerful caramel toffee refreshed by green apple.

Palate: Satisfying, substantial mouthfeel with rich sherry and dark wood. There’s chocolate, toffee, heavy fruit Xmas cake with cane sugar sweetness.

Finish: Spicy finish that’ll knock your taste buds off initially! But then it mellows into a finely balanced smooth finish.

Overall: If you’re friends with Santa then give him a nudge in this direction – this is the perfect Christmas dram to get you sat in front of the archetypal roaring fire and make sure you stay there!

Sampling Midleton Very Rare 2020: Irish Whiskey At It’s Finest!

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Midleton Very Rare 2020!

Irish Distillers has unveiled the eagerly awaited Midleton Very Rare 2020, a unique parting gift from former Master Distiller Brian Nation!

This is the 37th edition in the world-renowned range!

In his final days as Master Distiller, Brian continued the long-standing tradition of hand-selecting whiskeys reserved for this coveted annual expression from Midleton Distillery’s exceptional inventory for the last time.

The result heralds the 37th edition in the world-renowned range.

Chosen from the most outstanding quality single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys laid down over the past four decades in Midleton, Co Cork, Midleton Very Rare 2020 showcases an expression of whiskeys aged from 13 to 35 years in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

“This dram is like nostalgia in a glass – I’m getting very wistful!”

This year, Brian Nation selected a higher pot still inclusion when compared to previous vintages, while also increasing the use of refill barrels amongst his choice of casks. The result is a luxurious and balanced whiskey with rich pot still notes and elegant grain distillates that take centre stage thanks to the inclusion of refill casks – a fitting legacy from one of Irish whiskey’s great Master Distillers.

As a colleague and friend to Brian for many years, I could not be prouder to present his final Midleton Very Rare vintage and his legacy as Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller, to consumers across the globe.

Selected each year with passion and precision, this expression offers an initial burst of tangy fruity sweetness on the palate, with pot still spices building over time to add a mild prickle of chili oil.

Indeed, Brian’s love of a single pot still is reflected in this exceptional whiskey, while preserving the balance and beauty for which Midleton Very Rare is renowned.
– Kevin O’Gorman: Master Distiller at Irish Distillers

Former Master Distiller Brian Nation and Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman

In a break from tradition and in response to consumer demand for the annual vintage to be made available earlier in the year in question, newly appointed Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman will reveal Midleton Very Rare 2021 in spring next year, honouring a rare changing of the guard at the iconic Midleton Distillery.

Only the third Master Distiller to influence one of the world’s most sought-after whiskey collections, the unveiling of Midleton Very Rare 2021 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the world of Irish whiskey.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Midleton Very Rare 2020 is available online and in Ireland now, and will hit shelves in the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail, Australia, Germany and Canada in the coming months at the RRP of €180.

The Midleton Family!

I was lucky enough to be invited to an online sampling of this years Midleton Very Rare. Many thanks to midletonveryrare.com (Instagram: @midletonveryrare) for the invite – the beautiful sample and glass set & the chance to try such an amazing dram!
Slainte!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Midleton Very Rare 2020 (40%)

For those who are curious, keeping the brand at 40% ABV (rather than have cask-strength versions) is designed to keep the balance of the whiskey just right and to maintain consistency over the yearly releases.


Colour: Golden sherry!

Nose: Gorgeous orange, tangerine and honeyed, vanilla toffee – delightful! There’s orchard fruits – mainly apples and heavy shades of dusky rooms, furniture polish and plasticine – love it!

Palate: Similar to the nose with increased lemon and orange citrus. The vanilla caramel combines well with delicate tropical fruit.

Finish: Incredibly smooth finish with a soft, spicy pepper.

Overall: This dram is like nostalgia in a glass – I’m getting very wistful!

Too be honest, it’s TOO drinkable, so restraint is required, unless you want to gaze upon an empty bottle in double-quick time!

I also Love the bespoke glasses which are very swish! They’ll be going on my display shelf for sure!

The beautiful Midleton Very Rare sample and glass set I was sent!

About Midleton Very Rare

Midleton Very Rare is the ultimate expression of craftsmanship from Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery. Released once a year, Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller hand-selects the finest and rarest whiskeys from the inventory of Midleton Distillery before blending them to create a true whiskey masterpiece, often referred to as the ‘pinnacle of Irish whiskey’.

Created in 1984 by Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, to date only two Master Distillers, Barry Crocket and Brian Nation, have had the privilege of preserving its legacy.

Midleton is also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Sampling Jameson ‘Crested’ – Finished In Stout Barrels – Beyond Morish!

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Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels!

I reported earlier this month that Irish Distillers had joined forces with Eight Degrees Brewing to create a unique edition of their beloved Jameson Crested.

Well, I’ve been fortunate to get hold of a sample from Jamesons (thanks!) and you’ll find my sampling notes below.

A limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally

Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels is the next step in an exciting collaboration between Irish Distillers and its Co. Cork neighbour, Eight Degrees, who last year celebrated eight years of adventurous craft beer brewing by releasing a uniquely dark Black Ball Metric Stout finished in Jameson barrels as the last iteration of their Rack ‘em Up Series.

Always seeking an opportunity to innovate, Jameson returned the compliment by selecting a special whiskey to mature in the stout soaked barrels. The result is a stunning evolution of Jameson Crested, with a rich stout influence married with a luscious creamy texture and lingering finish of pot still spices and malt.

A limited-edition release of fewer than 10,000 bottles globally, Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels is available from Jameson’s brand home outlets at Bow Street, Dublin, and Midleton, Cork.
It is also available through Jameson’s online shop at jamesonwhiskey.com, priced at €45 (70cl)

From mid-October, it will also be available to air passengers vising the new Dublin Airport shop in Terminal 2.

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Jameson Crested Finished in Black Ball Metric Stout Barrels (40%)


Nose: Creamy stout, sweet, soaked raisins, crisp apples, chocolate and vanilla. After a while there’s woody aromas with hints of furniture polish and a dusty air!

Palate: Creamy mouthful, sweet chocolate, Christmasy fruits and pleasant shades of orange.

Finish: Smooth mild spice, creamy sweetness with a nice long peppery finish.

Overall: Beyond morish!

– If you’re a Jameson fan (and if not, why not?!) you must try this. If you don’t, you will regret it!

Remember – when-its-gone-its-gone!

Beyond morish – if you’re a Jameson fan (and if not, why not?!) you must try this!

Many thanks to the team at (@RxTLondon) for sending me the sample and, of course, jamesonwhiskey.com (@jamesonwhiskey) without whom!

Also, check out eightdegrees.ie (@8degreesbrewing) to see their wares!

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy neat to get the best of this liquid or pair with a craft stout (Black Ball Metric Stout the best suiter).

For something mixed try:

Eight Degrees Stout & Spiced

Ingredients: 40ml Crested x Eight Degrees, 100ml Fever Tree Spiced, Orange Ginger Ale, 3 dashes chocolate bitters.

To Make: Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in whiskey, bitters and top with spiced ginger ale. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Jameson Products are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Sampling The New Rebel Yell ‘Cognac Cask Finish’ Bourbon – Shout It From The Rooftops!

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Rebel Yell Cognac Finish!

Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers is launching its second limited edition release of Rebel Yell bourbon in the UK following the success of the brand’s French Oak Finish last year.

The new Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish is the distiller’s second bourbon which won’t be released in its US homeland, with sales of the limited edition reserved for its growing European market. Parent company Luxco saw its European sales rise by 22% in value last year.

A limited run of 6,000 bottles of the Cognac Cask Finish will be released

This year’s special release sees Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in cognac casks for six months, which gives the whiskey a golden amber appearance and an aroma of hints of oak and dark berries. The 45% ABV bourbon has notes of caramel, toasted sugar and raisins on the palate and will be on-sale from October at £34 per 700ml bottle.

Similar to last year’s Rebel Yell French Oak Finish, a limited run of 6,000 bottles of the Cognac Cask Finish will be released during the next 12 months. Lux Row Distillers’ master distiller and head blender John Rempe will then consider another special finish of the bourbon for 2021.

Secondary finishing is having a huge renaissance in the bourbon category, as it really appeals to consumers who typically value age statements and vintages in spirits. This is particularly true in the UK and Europe, where a secondary finish in bourbon is regarded as a yardstick for creative and complex flavours that must be tasted and savoured.

Last year’s special finish of Rebel Yell was a bit of an experiment to test demand amongst the brand’s European fanbase and to reward their loyalty. It proved such a hit that it inspired us to create this year’s cognac finish.

The challenge for us was to create another limited edition Rebel Yell that was distinctly different to the spicy, chocolate and ginger taste of the French Oak in 2019. The cognac casks really do give the bourbon a completely different character, with the subtle taste of raisins setting this year’s release apart.
– John Rempe: Lux Row Distillers’ master distiller and head blender

The secondary finish enables us to take the very best of the wheated Rebel Yell, which is aged over four years, and give its flavour a real point of difference that won’t necessarily be achieved by leaving the whiskey to sit for years longer in its original charred white oak barrels.

This innovative finishing really appeals to consumers who are increasingly inquisitive and adventurous when it comes to seeking out different tasting bourbons. It’ll help us further boost bourbon exports and grow the category internationally over the coming years.
– Greg Mefford: International Sales Director at Luxco

Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish will be distributed by Cellar Trends in the UK and be available through both the on and off-trade. The special finish is bottled at 90 proof and created using corn, wheat, malt and water at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky. Following its UK launch, the Cognac Cask Finish will be released in Italy, Germany, Netherlands, France and Switzerland.

Many thanks to Andy (@ChapmanPoolePR) for sending me a sample!

And, of course, many thanks to luxrowdistillers.com (@RebelYell_UK) without whom!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish Bourbon (45%)


Nose: Sugary plump raisins, glorious orange and rich, fudgy, vanilla. It sure packs a sensory punch! To top it all there’s also a little white wood at the end.

Palate: Rich, creamy, smooth sugared raisins with powerful orange, tangerines and juicy blackcurrant.

Finish: Woody spice with hints of mint and treacle leaning towards dryness at the end.

Overall: A magnificent dram – almost like orange liquor in parts and then back to familiar whiskey!

Highly recommended!

Rebel Yell is available to buy from these Merchants:-

About Lux Row Distillers and Limestone Branch Distillery

Real roots, real family, real products: Lux Row Distillers – a bourbon distillery experience on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail – is a family-owned venture, bringing the Lux family history and spirits tradition to the bourbon industry.

Owned by consumer products company, Luxco (www.luxco.com), Lux Row Distillers is the home of bourbon brands including Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, the 18,000-square foot Lux Row Distillers site includes a visitor centre, barrel warehouses, a tasting room, and event space, making for an all-encompassing bourbon experience. The 90-acre property is home to an 18th century stone house, registered as a National Historic Place, and a long, tree-lined driveway providing a scenic entrance to the distillery.
www.luxrowdistillers.com

Sampling The Dalmore ‘Four’ – Including Their New “Sherry Cask Select” Whisky!

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The Dalmore ‘Four’!

Last Sunday night I had the pleasure of attending another @TweetTastings, courtesy of Steve from The Whisky Wire.

The Dalmore was the distillery in question and we had the pleasure of sampling four of their range.

They were:-

  • The Dalmore Sherry Cask Select
  • The Dalmore Cigar Malt
  • The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
  • The Dalmore King Alexander III

We were also fortunate to be joined on the night by Stephen Martin (@shakenstephen) who is Global Single Malt Whisky Specialist for Whyte & Mackay.

If you want to catch up on what all the tweet tasters had to say you can view their comments by searching for the hash tag #TheDalmore on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – The Dalmore Sherry Cask Select (43%)

Initially matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, before being finished in casks that previously held Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry.

It is designed to push the boundaries of what is possible in whisky production and the art of cask curation.

Available from October! (rrp £69.99)

Nose: Beloved old wood & furniture polish! Stewed, sherried fruits and creamy vanilla sweetness. Crisp n’ crunchy green apples.

Palate: Sweet sherry, creamy chocolate, vanilla and a smidgen of cherries on the palate!

Finish: Creamy with rich fruits & spicy black pepper – very warming and satisfying!

Overall: A great dram, it has all the classic hallmarks of a Dalmore and should be a worthy addition to The Dalmore range.

Will Be Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – The Dalmore Cigar Malt (44%)

Initially matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, with a small proportion remaining in the casks. The rest being transferred into a combination of Gonzalez Byass sherry casks which have previously contained 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques.

Master Distiller for Cigar Malt Reserve, Richard Paterson (@the_nose) said: “The body, structure and character of this extraordinary expression is the perfect complement to a fine cigar.”


Nose: Orange and furniture polish with pencil shavings thrown on the floor! Fruity & caramel aromas come along later.

Palate: Quite oily and buttery – sweet but not overpowering with rich chocolate.

Finish: Some sharp spiciness to jiggle those taste buds!

Overall: ’tis a nicely balanced dram. As for going well with a cigar I’ll have to take up smoking!

Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve (46.5%)

Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, before being transferred into a combination American white oak casks and aged Tawny Port pipes from W & J Graham’s vineyard in Portugal.

Nose: Red wine with a healthy slug of portiness. Again, there’s that furniture polish and pencil shavings thing goin’ on! Getting more of the chocolate with this one. It’s also fruity with some apples & blackcurrant.

Palate: Spiciness to the fore – and cracking with it! Smooth with nice flavours of chocolate, porty fruits and hints of liquorice.

Finish: Lots of peppery spice ending with quite a tannin dryness.

Overall: A great dram with some finely balanced spice and fruitiness.
Available to buy from these Merchants:-

Tasting Notes – The Dalmore King Alexander III (40%)

Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, before being transferred into a combination of ex-bourbon casks Matusalem oloroso sherry casks, Madeira barrels, Marsala casks, Port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques.

Nose: Slow to give of it’s secrets this one – it demands patience! Plasticine & old school rooms. Along comes caramel, orange and chocolate but not so pronounced as the other drams. There’s a little bit of mint bit and nice tropical aromas after quite a sit in the glass.

Palate: Orange, rich fruits, creamy chocolate, tropical flavours and some mintiness as well!

Finish: Glorious tempered spice which gives way to some woodiness and shades of liquorice.

Overall: That’s very smooth – not even a hint of harshness! It’s not a cheap dram but it is like a luxury car: beautifully balanced, comfortable, relaxing and you never want the journey to end!

Available to buy from these Merchants:-

My Favourite On The Night

Even though the King Alexander III is superb, out of the four drams, I think it’s got to be the The Dalmore Sherry Cask Select. It’s incredibly tasty and taking price-point in consideration as well, the best all-rounder on the night.

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and The Dalmore (@DalmoreWhisky) for providing the samples and without whom!

The Dalmore Sherry Cask Select is Available from October!

My fellow Tweeters were:-


@TheWhiskyWire @MaltMusings @whiskeychap @TheWhiskyNovice @rodbodtoo @ReviewsWhisky @2rumheads @whiskyrover @dvdbloke @WhiskyWings @StillSurreal @WhiskynStuff @MrMDMaloney @PoshScotch @DramofWar @somewhiskybloke @SplashyWine @PhilScott101 @Jotterface @FiShoop @SpiritAndWood @JasonGilluley @LeedsWine @AK_The_Great @bogstandarddram @dram_gazette @LaCaveDeCobalt

Sampling ‘The Gathering 2020’ – A Live Virtual Tasting Of Some Real Drams!

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Pick a card – everyone’s a winner!

The Vaults was the place to be – even if only ‘virtually’ – last Sunday as a week-long celebration of all things SMWS came to a head at their spiritual home in Leith, Scotland. We were treated to a live dramming of five special whiskies from their special Discovery Pack.

The event was streamed live on their Facebook page, hosted by Ambassador Dean Marinello and Global SMWS Ambassador John McCheyne. But don’t worry if you missed the stream as all the content is now available on both Facebook and YouTube!.

The dramming featured five exclusive Gathering bottlings with a range of flavour profiles so it was a great chance to sample some cracking drams – all in one go – from the comfort of your sofa!


They whiskies sampled were:

26.145 Mood-lifting sanctuary

35.259 Rumtopf, birnenbrot and stollen

7.243 Twinning

10.195 Shiver me timbers

53.332 Storm-tossed kelp on an Islay beach

There are still some Packs left! Especially as four of the five drams are now, sadly, Out of Stock. Such is the way with tasty SMWS whiskies!
Price £32.00 or £35.00 for non-members

A great chance to sample some cracking drams – all in one go!

I was lucky enough to be sent a Discovery Pack – Many thanks to SMWS (@SMWSUK) for the samples!

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

1) Tasting Notes – 26.145 Mood-lifting sanctuary (58%)

Region: Highland
Distillery: Clynelish
Cask: 2nd. fill ex-bourbon barrel
Age: 8 years
Date: 19th. September 2011
ABV: 58%
Available in The Gathering Discovery Pack: £32.00 or £35.00 for non-members


Nose: Sweet orange and vanilla, there’s also servings of syrupy tinned pears and aromas of candied fruits. Quite woody as well.

Palate: Sweet candied fruits with heavy flavours of blackcurrent thrown in.

Finish: Peppery spice and white wood with a long smooth finish of sweet pepperiness. There is some dryness at the very end.

Overall: A punchy dram, initially you get some fruity sweetness and then peppery spice hits you right between the taste buds!

2) Tasting Notes – 35.259 Rumtopf, birnenbrot and stollen (53.5%)

Region: Speyside
Distillery: Glen Moray
Cask: 1st. fill ex-bourbon barrel
Age: 24 years
Date: 27th. October 1995
ABV: 53.5%
£138 (membership required)


Nose: Attractive aromas of furniture polish, moist parkin, plasticine and creamy vanilla. What a combination!

Palate: Syrupy mouthfeel. Pleasant light fruits with a leaning towards tropical fruits.

Finish: Smooth fruity finish with a little spice to add some balance.

Overall: A very enjoyable dram with a little something to please everyone. Quite pricey though.

3) Tasting Notes – 7.243 Twinning (59.8%)

Region: Speyside
Distillery: Longmorn
Cask: 1st. fill ex-PX butt
Age: 16 years
Date: 26th. May 2003
ABV: 59.8%
Available in The Gathering Discovery Pack: £32.00 or £35.00 for non-members


Nose: The stromg alcohol vapours makes it hard to get near initially! But then I get sweet fudge with thick, stewed fruits. There’s also aromas of dusty, old rooms with lots of furniture polish!

Palate: Very syrupy with reduced liquid fruits coupled with a warming mellowness and vanilla fudge.

Finish: A warming power punch that is kinder to the palate than nearly 60% really should be – lovely!

Overall: Ooh! This gets nicer and nicer with the tasting! A superb, rich, glorious, nostalgia inducing dram that’s perfect for firesides and leaving the telly off!

4) Tasting Notes – 10.195 Shiver me timbers (59.8%)

Region: Islay
Distillery: Bunnahabhain
Cask: Refill hogshead / HTMC (high toast, medium char)
Age: 6 years
Date: 17th. October 2013
ABV: 59.8%
Available in The Gathering Discovery Pack: £32.00 or £35.00 for non-members

Nose: WoW! Super smokey and salty with added peat and seaside-iness all thrown in. Fires burning on a beach and all that! Plus smoked, barbecued foods that make me want to raid the larder!

Palate: Much of the same as the nose with a thinner feel than the other drams. Very smokey with less peat and more barbecue – a pleasant sweetness adds to the yuminess – quite a stunner!

Finish: Punchy again but it holds back a little, there’s dryness at the end but there’s lots of salt and smokiness and that feeling that you’ve just been locked in a smokehouse! Love it!

Overall: If you have an inner salty-sea-dog in you then this is for you!

5) Tasting Notes – 53.332 Storm-tossed kelp on an Islay beach (58.8%)

Region: Islay
Distillery: Caol Ila
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Age: 11 years
Date: 20th. February 2009
ABV: 58.8%
Available in The Gathering Discovery Pack: £32.00 or £35.00 for non-members


Nose: Resinous wood, popcorn, new-make spirit with added salty spikiness.

Palate: Very coastal and salt laden with fire burnt wood and shades of smokey clothes. The new make taste fades – this is a classy dram after all!

Finish: The rich coastal flavours persist with some light spice and creamy sweetness.

Overall: Totally in love with the sea? And smoke? And fires burning? Then this is for you – mouth drying, smoke filled and glorious!

About The SMWS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a club unlike any other.

As well as being a place to connect with other like-minded whisky lovers, they are also internationally renowned for their mission: “to provide our members with an adventurous and fun journey of discovery of the world’s widest collection of single cask whiskies.”

Conceptualised in the late 70’s and established in 1983, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, now over 35 years old, has branches and partners bars in 19 countries globally. The Society has a selection of over 500 casks every year, each cask yielding a few hundred or less whisky bottles which are unique to that cask.

Rather than name their Whiskies after the distillery, the Society has a coding system. The Society also creates fantastic tasting notes summaries for their Whiskies and other bottles. The whiskies are straight from the cask single malt, undiluted, without chill-filtration or colouring at cask strength.

More recently the Society has been named Independent Bottler of the Year in Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Independent Bottlers’ Challenge (IBC) competition.

Don’t Forget ‘The Gathering 2020’ – The SMWS Celebrates With A Live Virtual Tasting – Grab A Discovery Pack & Join In!

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Get your drams set up and ready for Sunday 6 September!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is gathering – virtually!

The Vaults will be the place to ‘virtually’ be in early September as part of a week-long celebration of all things SMWS at their spiritual home in Leith from 31st. August – 6th. September 2020.

It’s been a tough year and it’s a shame we can’t all gather in person but not to worry, we can all be a part of the ‘spirit’ with their online Virtual Tasting streamed live from The Vaults!

All you have to do is buy their Gathering Discovery Pack and tune into the tasting.

They’ll be streaming live on their Facebook page (facebook.com/thesmwsuk/) on Sunday 6 September from 5.00pm to 6.30pm (GMT).

So gather friends, download a tasting mat for printing out and hold your own event!

Download your tasting mat!

Don’t worry if you’ve missed the stream or won’t be able to make it in the moment as all the content will be available afterwards on both Facebook and YouTube.

The pack features five exclusive Gathering bottlings with a range of flavour profiles so it’s a great chance to sample some cracking drams – all in one go!

A great chance to sample some cracking drams – all in one go!


The Gathering Discovery Pack includes five 25ml bottles:

26.145 Mood-lifting sanctuary

35.259 Rumtopf, birnenbrot and stollen

7.243 Twinning

10.195 Shiver me timbers

53.332 Storm-tossed kelp on an Islay beach

Price £32.00
Packs are going fast!

About The SMWS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a club unlike any other.

As well as being a place to connect with other like-minded whisky lovers, they are also internationally renowned for their mission: “to provide our members with an adventurous and fun journey of discovery of the world’s widest collection of single cask whiskies.”

Conceptualised in the late 70’s and established in 1983, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, now 35 years old, has branches and partners bars in 19 countries globally. The Society has a selection of over 500 casks every year, each cask yielding a few hundred or less whisky bottles which are unique to that cask.

Rather than name their Whiskies after the distillery, the Society has a coding system. The Society also creates fantastic tasting notes summaries for their Whiskies and other bottles. The whiskies are straight from the cask single malt, undiluted, without chill-filtration or colouring at cask strength.

More recently the Society has been named Independent Bottler of the Year in Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Independent Bottlers’ Challenge (IBC) competition.

Introducing & Sampling The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” From The Lakes Distillery!

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The Whiskymaker’s Editions, Colheita

A diversion from their sherry-led house style, The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is the first in a series of special-edition single malt whiskies from The Lakes Distillery which showcase whiskymaker Dhavall Gandhi’s sense of adventure in maturation and blending.

Each unique bottling is an expression of creative freedom, the product of a playground where instinct, experience and inspiration roam free, coming together to realise one intrinsic objective: the creation of outstanding flavours.

Each of the 5,400 bottles of The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour

In exploring an alternative side of The Lakes Single Malt, the inaugural release brings Colheita Port’s influence into the frame.

In Portuguese, Colheita means “harvest” and in this case, is a supreme and exceptionally rare expression of aged Tawny Port made exclusively of grapes from a single vintage.

Smooth and refined, maturation in the finest, meticulously sourced Colheita Port casks has been complemented by a very small proportion of Bourbon barrels to enhance and contrast certain flavour characteristics.

The Whiskymaker’s Editions is an intentional deviation from our house style, created to showcase a different personality of The Lakes Single Malt.

This particular expression has been designed to be a little more fun, fruity and easy to drink and, as a limited-edition, is perfect for anyone who appreciates The Lakes’ house style but wants to experience and explore the other side of The Lakes Single Malt.

My role as a whiskymaker is to unlock the infinite variables and never-ending flavour possibilities throughout the liquid’s journey through the distillery and, in the future, more Editions will follow.
– Dhavall Gandhi: The Lakes whiskymaker

At 52% ABV and with a recommended retail price of £65, each of the 5,400 bottles of The Whiskymaker’s Editions Colheita is non-chill filtered, bottled at the natural colour and available from LakesDistillery.com

The Lakes Distillery have kindly sent me a sample of their new dram to try (thanks!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Tasting Notes – The Whiskymaker’s Editions “Colheita” Single Malt Whisky (52%)


Colour: Light sherry with a dash of porty redness in there!

Nose: Immediate porty flavours with some apple & orange. The port becomes sweeter with time and there’s hints of wood polish.

Palate: Creamy, stewed fruits with an almost Christmasy feel to it with some light port flavours.

Finish: Warming finish that’s punchy and spicy but not too brutal – very smooth indeed!

Overall: A lovely, smooth dram that belies it’s 52% strength. It’s not overpowering so can be easily drunk neat.

I still think that there are strong hints of their familiar sherry-led house style but it’s not a criticism – I like their sherry-led house style!

In Portuguese, Colheita means “harvest”

Many thanks to Lakes Distillery (@LakesWhisky) for sending me such a fantastic sample!

Other Lakes Distillery Whiskies (& Gins) are available to buy from:-

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