Week 24 - Longrow C-V

To finish our tour of the Campbeltown area, we are tasting the the Longrow C-V.  This incarnation of the Longrow brand was first distilled in 1973.  The C-V  is the latest addition.   This is a double distilled entrant from the same Springbank distillery.  The barley is entirely peat dried, so it should have a  nicely smokey flavor. Follow the link from week 22 for more info.

Week 23 - Springbank C-V

Ned again, we continue to explore the Cambletown area. From the same distillery as last week, we get the Springbank CV this week. Opened in 1828, this is one of the oldest distilleries going. Dried over peat unlike the Hazelburn of last week, I hope it is enjoyed.

Week 22 - Hazelburn C-V

Ned here again for round 2.  Brother Rick did an amazing job last month, the best month so far by my take.  Will, I follow in his footsteps?  Doubt it.  Instead I plan on offering 4 malts I never tried. So this month we will sample some (3)  from Campeltown, and something else at the end.  The Campbeltown ones are all C-V style, which I think means a blend of different agings (perhaps different typtes of casks?) of the same single malt. Campbeltown is on a peninsula on the south-west side of Scotland.  It is near the island of Islay.  The Distillery is Springbank, with a web site http://www.springbankwhisky.com/  Hazelburn is a new offering from this distillery, only since 2005, and named for a now defunct Campbeltown disillery.  Unfortunately, due to health issues I am likely to only host these, not actually partake.  I will certainly try my best however.  I can always look and smell.

Ned

Week 21 - Lagavulin 16 yr old

Lagavulin is an Islay distilled in Lagavulin "Hollow by the Mill".   The 16 year old is their signature single malt and my personal go to Scotch.  When I want to impress a real scotch drinker, I bring out the Lagavulin.   It has a robust peat smoke aroma and is smooth on the tongue with a slightly dark chocolate finish.  It routinely wins awards in competition, but who cares about that?  For me there is no better scotch to watch the sunset with.   I hope you enjoy it... and anytime you want to give me a gift, a bottle of Lagavulin will do just fine thank you.

Week 20 - THE Balvenie 14 year Caribbean Cask

If last week was deceptively simple, this week is a whisky that bears all the hallmarks of the Balvenie, but with an added level of complexity that comes from finishing the whisky in casks that once held Caribbean rum. After a 14 year maturation period in traditional oak whisky casks, the Balvenie is then transferred to the rum casks, leading to an exceptional Single Malt that exemplifies the signature smooth, honeyed character of the Balvenie, while adding unique notes of toffee and fruit that come from its innovative cask finish.   

A CASTLE stands in a fertile Speyside glen. Robert the Bruce crops up in its history, Mary Queen of Scots once slept there and Margaret Douglas, The Fair Maid of Galloway, had a tempestuous history that ended happily with the annual castle rent fixed by an admiring king at a single red rose.  From such history, and stones, springs Balvenie the handcrafted Malt.

And I find that history in each sip, the initial taste is mild but it quickly rises up to take hold of your palette, a grip that is not released even after you swallow…  a strong taste of peat but also fruit.  Not a dram to only have one of.  Enjoy.

- Rick

Week 19 - Highland Park 12

http://www.highlandpark.co.uk/

I count myself as blessed.  My appreciation for whisky began in no other than Edinburgh itself.   The bartender in hearing I was a Yank offered to give me a tour without my having to get up from my place at the bar.  And that tour started with Highland Park 12.   He told me you could search the land over and not find a smoother whisky.   I have honored that challenge by continuing the search, but for the price I have to agree with him.

Highland Park got its start in 1798 in the Orkney Islands though it didn't start its own bottling until 1979, and that first was their core expression, Highland Park 12.   The discerning consumer will note the glowing amber color that invites you to inhale a heather-honey sweetness.   The palate has a balanced smoky sweetness with a heather finish.   A bit of fruit is in there as well, a flavor that will keep you tasting for more.

Yes Highland Park 12 is easy on the senses.  Just a simple joy to taste and keep you warm.

Enjoy.

For those that like this kind of thing, a tasting diagram.   Me personally, I like to use my tongue more than my eyes.   Each to their own.

Week - 18 Glenmorangie

http://www.glenmorangie.com/

Glenmorangie , Gaelic for “Vale of Tranquility”, made from water fresh from Tarlogie Springs in the Tarlogie hills was founded in 1843.  The Glenmorangie Distillery is north of Inverness, half a mile from Tain in the Highlands of Scotland and claims perfection as a result of the tallest stills in Scotland (8.0 meters).  

Curiosly, Glenmorangie begins in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, I kid you not, where Glenmorangie has its own forest to manufacture white oak casks.   These casks are first leased to Jack Daniel’s to hold bourbon for four years (no wonder our sainted mother liked Glenmorangie ).   The Original, of which we are imbibing tonight is matured in these casks, mom’s favorite is further matured in casks that matured sherry. 

So.  Yes, this is another Whisky favorite of mom’s for more common occasions or people like her sons.  Thank you mom, for an excellent choice.

This original is a 10 year old with a scent of citrus and peaches.   On the tongue a hint of vanilla and fruit, or so the literature says.   I am not sure I get the hint of orange, but I sure do like the taste and the Finish is clean and smooth.  The color is a pale gold.

I don’t think I will ever tire of drinking Glenmorangie, mellow and creamy it nonetheless is distinctive.  *I* being eldest son btw, we have survived a full rotation and the month of  May is mine.  No Glenlivet I promise.

Week 17 - Royal Lochnagar

Royal Lochnagar is one of the smallest distilleries in the Highlands. It stands just beyond the boundaries of Balmoral Castle, at the foot of the majestic peak from which it takes its name and its pure mountain water. A combination of nature's finest ingredients and the Distiller's art produces the distinctive, mellow taste of Royal lochnagar. Twelve years in oaken casks complete the task that human skill began. This is a whisky you will treasure and enjoy with those who share your appreciation. Our Distillery manager and his staff would make you more than welcome if you should wish to visit the home of Royal Lochnagar on Royal Deeside.**

Color: an Amber tending towards smokey quartz, perchance a hint of the steely gray of the loch on a soft, drizzly day.

Nose:  Mild and somewhat sweet like a fresh baked spice cake in the bakery in Royal Deeside.

1^st sip:   A nice warm feeling of a blend of tastes, some wood, a hint of burnt sugar, slight smoke, a touch of the heather blowing across the lake past the Royal stags.   2^nd sip:  in addition to the above, perhaps the mild musky taste of the highland grouse roasted to perfection.  Or the tang of a wee bit of venison sausage.   The alcohol bit has disappeared.  A splash:  the sweetness is amplified, with the emphasis of the  highland honey taste.  And such a nice warmth in the mouth, it would not do to add an ice cube.

Yes, twas a favorite of your sainted mother

**http://www.forpeatsake.com/Royal+Lochnagar/Royal+Lochnagar+12

Week 16 McClelland's Sherry Finished Highland Single Malt

Well,  this is no wimpy yellow, gold color but a real healthy amber, promising good body, flavor and nose.   So let's check it out!

Ahhh, no nostril numbing  alcoholic fumes but a nice sweet round aroma.   

1st sip: A nice blend of vanilla, licorice, anise and bannana, with a touch of the alcohol.   2nd sip:  ah, more of the same with some hints of sherry, dry.  A splash:  adds a touch of creme with the nice warmth in the mouth.  Ice cubes:   brings out some hazelnut and makes a nice mouthful.   

Good stuff!   

Week 15 McCelland's Speyside

A happy customer said:

80

Color - Goldish

Nose - Fairly lively delivery of tutti-frutti, honey/vanilla and slight oak. Clean and delicate.

Body - Smooth, dry.

Palate - Dry oak, eau de vie de vin, and some sweeter notes. Straight forward with a good amount of bite.

Finish - Above average length. Mostly the dryness sticks though.

Probably the most mature and the most complete of the McClelland's series

On the other hand:

55

Color - Deep, rich gold

Worst of the McClellend's collection. It's too sickly sweet.

The above from "for peat's sake": 

http://www.forpeatsake.com/McClellands/McClellands+Speyside/1

In my (ontheporchinmyrocker) own opinion:

Not much of a sniff, so 1^st sip:  a little creamy on the lips and sweetish but definitely a burn going down, cough, cough.  2^nd and 3^rd sips:  taste elusive.   A splash of water:  definitely sweet but like an alcoholic medium dry sherry, not a scotch.   Over ice:  definitely sweet but not much in the way of flavor.  Need to try soda before really grieving over a 1.75 l bottle to get rid of.   Hmmm… take it to HH for Rick when he comes.  time to make a root cellar to store the good stuff.  Arrg!

Week 14 - McClelland's Islay

This is the first of four posts by this month's host, "sittinginarockingchairontheporch".  I begin with a selection of McClelland's and end up with the favorite of the boy's mother, Royal Lochnagar.

The reasons behind this selection have to do with what was being drunk last summer at Ned's.   I had a "good" 12 year old to compare.  And, finally, I believe it is a good use of Sally Anne's Royal Lochnagar.

The McClelland's Single Malt family is a range of Single Malt Scotch whiskies from four of Scotland's key whisky distilling regions - Highland, Islay, Speyside and the Lowlands. McClelland's is a budget Scotch, priced at a fraction of most single malts, and cheaper than most blends or call brands of other liquors. There is no McClelland's distillery, rather it is a 5 year old bottling of one of several other Morrison Bowmore distillery's spirit.

We begin with the Islay.

From http://www.forpeatsake.com/McClellands/

McClellands Islay Reviews

70

distillery  McClellands

style  Single Malt

release Unspecified

age  5 Years

alcohol  40% abv.

Region  Scotland, Islay

bottled for Distillery

Best Review:

84

color  Amber

nose  Heavy smoke, peat

body  Peaty. Not overwhelming, and very good.

Palate  Stuck my mouth into the peat bog.

Finish  Aggressive at first, then very nice and pleasing.

I don't care if others refer to it as "beginner" or "budget". I've had plenty o' Scottish dews, and this is a teriffic buy for the experience.

Unhappy Customer:

60

color  Honey

nose  Smoke, Iodine, Burnt Rubber

body  Nicely smooth, slightly oily

palate  Iodine, and Burnt Rubber

finish  Very dry, short finish

Very strong Iodine. Not much burn but overwhelming smoky, burnt oak and tar flavor. Regardless of price, I could not imagine drinking an entire dram.
Worst review:

55

color  light gold

nose  Heavy smoke, bit of vanilla

body  thick, heavy,

palate  iodine

finish  Very aggressive at first, then hot, but fading quickly

Very immature whiskey. Though cheap, it's not worth the money.
My Review

1st sniff:  Peat and alcoholic, made me cough!  1st sip:  strong burn, with somewhat masked vanilla and iodine flavors (right, who drinks iodine?  so, I imagine the taste)  a bit sweet.  2nd sip  licorice and easier on the tongue.  nothing left in back of mouth.    Water is next.  mellows the nose and leaves a bit of warmth on the tongue.  Ice:  this is the stuff we drank last summer.   I must say, it seems somewhat harmless but still peaty.  There are better.  

Week 13 - Port Askaig 25

The last post for this host (for the now), and sample #5 is another Islay.  This one is a 25 yr old received on my bday from brother Ned. 

So, here is a twist.  This one is actually from a distiller unknown, but distributed by the Whisky Exchange out of UK.  Here is a quote from thier blog about it:

“The single malts of Islay are arguably Scotland’s most talked about whiskies and are recognised for their sweet, fruity flavours and smoky, peaty character. Port Askaig, Speciality Drinks’ new range of single Islay malt whiskies, achieves the perfect balance of these flavours and embodies the unique spirit of Islay and its people.
The range has been developed to appeal to the novice whisky drinker while meeting the demands of the most discerning of whisky connoisseurs. Speciality Drinks have selected what they consider to be the most perfectly balanced Islay single malt and created a range that they believe will become recognised as a true Islay classic.
Each expression within the range, from the youthful yet powerful Cask Strength, to the perfectly-balanced 17 year old and the elegant and refined 25 Year Old, is bottled in limited batches each expected to last approximately one year. While recognising that each bottling will vary, the aim is to achieve a consistency of quality and character over time. To ensure each whisky maintains its original flavour and character, the whiskies are not chill-filtered and no colouring is added.
In a world of change and innovation, there is still a place for the tried and tested approach. The traditional yet contemporary look of the packaging and expert cask selection will ensure Port Askaig can stand side by side with Islay’s more established brands. Remaining true to the practice of the early 1900’s, we bottle Port Askaig 17 & 25 year old at Imperial 80 proof (today’s 45.8%vol) and Cask Strength at Imperial 100 proof (57.1%vol). ”

As you can see in the pic, this one pours a very light amber color, which mislead my expectations.  I figured it would be meek and maybe blaise, but it is tricksie.  A defined pungent aroma precedes a full flavor with lingering burn.  Ok, not the flash heat of the Abelour, but a comfortable tingle that I at least like in whisky.  Another one that could easily find the bottle on it's side quickly (and me beside it)  without caution. 

Thanks Ned!  As my glass is now empty, and Ellie says I have to go do the dishes, I'm tempted by a little devil to put another finger's worth in my glass to get me through that process.  It's what I call "loading the dishwasher"... ;>)

Week 12 - The Dalmore 12

A quick post and drink tonight, as I am obliged to attend the "Fashion Show" at the High School this evening, to watch my lovely, and soon to be off to college, daughter showcase her designs and modeling acumen.

The Dalmore Distillery has been producing exceptional single malt whisky since 1839 and, for almost a century, was owned by the Clan Mackenzie. The clan’s defining influence on the distillery is still evident to this day, with the iconic royal stag’s antlers – taken from the Mackenzie family crest – adorning each and every bottle of The Dalmore.

Located on the northern shores of the Firth of Cromarty, deep in the spectacular Scottish Highlands, the distillery is perfectly placed to take advantage of a feast of natural resources: from the waters of Loch Morie, found high in the hills overlooking the distillery, to the golden barley of the rich coastal soils of the Black Isle. Being sited at sea level is critically important. Enveloped by the salt air, the sea-facing traditional dunnage warehouses provide the ideal conditions for maturation.

So, the big "D", as I now call it, is on the lower end of the price scale as far as 12 year olds go, but provides a good bang for the buck.  Excellent deep amber brown color, nice hit of peaty goodness, and just a tingle of fire on the finish.  Good flavor + Easy to drink + reasonable cost + cool bottle = good to have on hand.

Not complicated, just good whisky.  This one has a few brethren available, which will have to turn up at a later date I'm thinking.

Week 11 - Macphails 25

March sample #3 is a birthday gift from brother Rick - a 25 yr old.  (bottle of scotch that is, not a person to replace/augment my wonderful wife Ellie... ;>) )

Here is the quotable from their website, and a link:

Located in the north-east of Scotland in the heart of the world famous whisky producing region of Speyside, Gordon and MacPhail is an independent family owned and managed firm which has been bottling Single Malt Whiskies for over 115 years.  From its humble beginnings as a retailer, Gordon and MacPhail has grown to become a diverse and dynamic company with a number of different business interests today which include the retailing, wholesaling, exporting, bottling and distilling of single malt Scotch whisky.  Owned by the third and fourth generation of the Urquhart family, Gordon and MacPhail celebrate family values, embracing the philosophy that the future is shaped by what is done today and today is represented by what has been done in the past.

http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/

The boring stuff aside, this one one is medium in color, and very mellow on the burn scale, thus you can actually take your time and discern some depths of the flavor.  This one is sneaky then, as it is so easy to drink, I feel pulled to keep taking sips, and soon my glass will be empty.  The thought of such an event evokes a need to refill it to keep trying to figure this one out.  Surely, both a trap and way to get intoxicated that I need to avoid.

The big question then - do I like it?  Yes, from the point of view that it is easy to drink and of interesting flavor, but there are times I want my tonsils ripped out, and this one just isn't up to that task.  Dad may threaten to take my beloved Abelour, but in truth, this is the bottle I predict he will try and part from me...

Week 10 - Glenfiddich

Week 10, and bottle #2 for those partaking, is, like last weeks, from the Speyside region, but that is all that the two have in common.

For those that like to educate themselves, here is history from their website, followed by the link.
  
In the summer of 1886 our founder, William Grant, set out to fulfil a lifelong ambition of creating the 'best dram in the valley'.
With the help of his seven sons and two daughters, William built his distillery in a single year. Their hard work was rewarded on Christmas Day 1887 when the first drop of spirit flowed from the small copper pot stills. William named his distillery Glenfiddich, Gaelic for 'Valley of the Deer'.
Over 120 years later, Glenfiddich is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family owned and our whisky has become the world's most awarded single malt*, a true reflection of the passion, integrity and innovative spirit that have been passed down through the generations.

http://www.glenfiddich.co.uk/index.html

Returning to my habit of pouring a small Glenlivit 12 as a control taste, I was not happy to see that in the glass, they both looked identical - a very pale yellow.  Given it also is in a green bottle, and my overall low feeling about anything coming from Europe in a green bottle that carries over from my beer blog, and my hopes for a decent drop declined dramatically....

Fortunately, both the aroma and taste of this exceed the bar on the ground that is the GL 12.  It isn't fancy, nor lingers long on the palate, nor makes your eyes water, but it has a hint of character, and is easy to drink.  It claims many won awards, but IMHO, those are typically given to that which appeals to masses, and thus walks on the safe side.  Sometimes, that is all you want in your drink, and this one provides that.

Now with empty glass, I close out, and leave it to my family to post their comments. 

Week 9 - Aberlour a'bunadh

So, to start March off with a bang, we begin with Aberlour a'bunadh, a cask strength single malt coming in at 59.9% ABV from the Speyside region.  Here is the verbage about it from their website, plus the link.  This would be bottle #1 to my fellow tasters.

A’bunadh   (http://www.aberlour.com/en/therange/abunadh)

A’bunadh, Gaelic for ‘of the origin’, is matured exclusively in Oloroso ex-sherry butts. It is a natural cask-strength malt whisky produced without the use of modern-day chill filtering methods or the addition of water.
Colour
Deep, rich amber
Nose
Aromas of mixed spices, praline and spiced orange harmonising with rich, deep notes of Oloroso sherry
Palate
Orange, black cherries, dried fruit and ginger spiked with dark bitter chocolate and enriched with sherry and oak. Full bodied and creamy
Finish
Robust and intense with bitter-sweet notes of exotic spices, dark chocolate and oak


While I described some of the others as being akin to coals of a fire, this one is a raging inferno on the senses.  If someone handed you a glass of this in a bar, you would immediately stop what you were doing at first sip, as this one isn't just a mild distraction, but demands full attention.  Even after it is swallowed, the burn continues to build around a complex taste for a few seconds before finally starting to fade, and even that is very gradual.  I'll let Ned add his drop of water, and actually, that probably would add a bit of mellowness this seems to need. 

If you want raw, fiery heat from your whisky, this one definitely provides that and then some.  I also got a bottle of corn whiskey for my birthday, and while it has the burn, it doesn't have near the flavor this has.  If I had both bottles in my car and ran out of fuel, I'd pour in the corn first and take a shot of this for good luck...;>)    

Coming in March.....

Above are the whiskies we will be tasting in March, along with the the sample bottles ready for distributing to the tasters.  A bit of a mixed group here, from well known, to well-aged (2 are 25 yr olds) to well alcoholled ( 59.2%, a cask strength), and a variety of colors.  While it may be somewhat bad form to do a pre-taste, I must admit that some may have made it's way onto my palate during the bottling process. 

Should be a good month, there goes that 5th grade education memory... ;>)

Week 8 - Talisker 10

Hi Folks,

Ned here one more time as I finish up my hosting for February. Our tour takes us to the islands this week as we try the Talisker 10. According to the box, this is the only distillery on the Isle of Skye. I admit, that  sounds pretty cool and brings up romantic notions of a trip there. Talisker was founded in 1830. Here is a link with some info about visiting the distillery.

Here is a bottle pic, I tried to get a little artsy as I am getting more comfortable with this format.

Scotches from the Islands region are reputed to be heavy on the smoky-peat flavor with a bit of sea breeze thrown in for good measure.  I admit to having high expectations for this one.  No trepidation here, just excitement.

Color:  orangey-gold

Legs:  strong

Nose:  A punch of peat hits you right away, I do not really notice much around that.  Ohh, but I like it.

Taste:  OK, there is no hint of smoke here, the peatiness is right in the forefront, kind of up close and personal. There is a nice, pleasant warmth as it goes down.

A stong finish, and quite long.

For the first time I am a little hesitant to add the water drop, do I really want to bring out more peaty flavor?  Surprisingly enough, an added drop seems to bring out other flavors without intensifying the peat too much.  I am not sure what, but there is a little more here. This is a good one for me.  I love a real wood fire.  The warmth, the light, the crackle and the smell of the smoke bring out very pleasant emotions for me.  Nostalgia for family, friends and good times awash over me whenever I get in front of a fire.  The first few sips of this do the same.   However, if I got too fast, it gets to be too much, kind of like standing too close to a real flame.  If I go slowly, this is very enjoyable, but too much too fast is not. I am not certain I could handle any more peat than this, but hey, it is only week 8, who knows where this journey will take me?  As it is, I pour myself a second dram to enjoy for a long time this evening.

If I had to rank this month, I would say it is a tie between the Talisker and the Glenkinchie.  The Dufftown is in third with the Dalwhinnie a distant 4th.

I pass along the torch to brother Bob who is hosting March.  It has been a blast and I look forward to my next chance to force my family to drink what I want.

Week 7 - The Singleton of Dufftown 12

Hi Folks,

Ned again, hosting week 3 in February. Before we start, I want to give a shout out to my dad who is sick and feeling under the weather enough to see the doctor and start a round of antibiotics.  The whisky will have to wait for him and with a heavy heart I shoulder the responsibility of drinking his share this week.  We continue our Scotch 'tour' with the Speyside entry, The Singleton of Dufftown, 12. Founded in 1896, Dufftown Distillery is in, well,  Dufftown, Scotland. Go figure. Here is a link from the Whisky.com site. 

From the picture, you can see that the scotch is in a green bottle. For those of you who followed brother Bob's beer blog the past year, you know that if this were a beer, a green bottle from Europe would mean the kiss of death. The bottling of Glenlivet 12 did not do anything to dispel this notion. Again, I enter into my tasting with a little trepidation.

Color:  golden

Legs:   medium to strong

Nose:  maybe a little smoke, a nice creaminess with fruity odors.   I really enjoy the nose and can just sit and sniff this one for a while.

Taste:  A little more smoke in the taste than in the nose, a nice sweet creaminess as well. 

The finish is very pleasant, though not real long

A drop of water does not change the nose much for me, but brings out more of the sweet fruit overtones.  Also makes the finish a little more dry, which I do not actually find a real improvement.  I think I prefer this without the drop.  All in all, a nice taste, but nothing that really excites except the nose.    I would drink it over any of the Glenlivets (boy am I  beating that horse to death), but I doubt I will seek it out.

Next week is the last week for my hosting duties this month. 

Week 6 - Dalwhinnie 15

Four our second week in February, we will be trying a Highland Scotch, the 15 year old Dalwhinnie. From the box, this claims to be the highest distillery in Scotland, and established in 1898. Here is a link about visiting it. Here is my quick photo. I really should take these with the sun on the bottle so you get a more accurate color impression of the spirit.

A little info about me. To be honest, I am not much of a drinker. I expect some of my fellow bloggers drink more Scotch in a week than I do in a typical year. So why should you care about my opinion? Easy, you shouldn't. However, maybe some of you will be inspired to take your own approach and educate yourself about something new to you. That's what I'm doing and I'm having a blast.

On to the tasting!

Color: pale yellow

Legs: Medium to strong

Nose: a hint of smoke with some vanilla. I actually pulled out a bottle of vanilla extract to confirm.

Taste: As with the nose, a hint of smoke with some vanilla flavor as well. Not overpowering, kind of weak actually.

The finish is long and pleasant. Kind of drying as well.

I was a little nervous (a recurring theme it seems) when the box said it was a gentle, smoky malt. The first taste does not impress me. Maybe I do not like having to search for flavor? A drop of water really brings out the smoke and makes this a much better dram. In fact, the extra drop changes this from a so-so to something enjoyable. I prefer it this way, though the subtle vanilla flavor is almost lost. If it kept the vanilla it might be something very nice. A step above the Glenlivets, but I prefer the Glenkinchie to this one.

Week 5 - Glenkinchie 12

Hi Folks,

Ned here, I'll be your host for February.  Brother Rick did a great job, so the pressure is on me now.  One of the fun things about doing this is seeing how we bring slightly different interpretations to the concept of Whisky of the Week.  I want to try as many different distilleries as I can, but I need a frame work, a place to start so to speak.  With that in mind, I plan on trying 4 of the different main regions this month; Lowland, Highland, Speyside and Island.

For Week 5, we will start with our Lowland entrant, a Glenkinchie 12 year old.  A Google search did not bring up a Glenkinchie web site in the first couple pages, so I am linking to the information on The Whisky Exchange website.  There are many other hits on other web sites if you do a search.  This one from Diageo is pretty good also.

Here is a picture of the bottle and box.  I know, it is kind of gauche to post a picture from a non-full bottle.  It is also paler than this makes it look. The info on the box claims this distillery was founded in 1837.

Enough gabbing, onto the tasting!

Color:  Pale gold

Legs:  medium to strong

Nose: a delicate aromatic nose, reminding me of some floral scent, maybe roses?

Taste: more of the floral flavor (and stronger on the nose after a taste) with some creaminess.  No  real smoke, but still a nice complexity.  I do not taste the lemon described on the box, but there is more here.

The finish is not very long, kind of drying, but quite pleasant.

I admit to being nervous about this one at the start.  According to the flavor map I found on the Whisky Exchange web site, this one is light and delicate of flavor, though not as delicate as the Glenlivet 12.  While I agree the flavors are not overpowering, there is a complexity here I did not find in the Glenlivet.  A drop of water intensifies the flavor somewhat, but not a huge amount.  The blurb on the box recommends drinking as an aperitif or with smoked fish, sushi or scallops.  I certainly agree that it would be a fine aperitif, and I would be willing to try it with sushi.  Hmm, maybe I will try that for the Super Bowl on Sunday …

I think this would be an excellent first scotch to recommend to people new to single malts.  While the flavors are not strong, they are easily enjoyed.  I will certainly be bringing this one out again, though probably in the role described above.  I liked it enough to pour myself a second little taste.  Easier to do since I do not have to share with dad this week.

Week 4 - The Macallan 12

Rick here - It's been a pleasure to be your host this month, a joy I pass on to brother Ned for the next 4 weeks.

My choice for this week is Macallan 12 - a single malt in the grand tradition of sherry casks from Jerez, Spain.  Macallan is one of the oldest Scotch names, harkening back 300 years in the region of Speyside.  There are other speysides, but none quite so well known.  Now this is a scotch.   A pale burnt umber color, and a nose that stays with you, shades of the sherry cask and a bit of spice.   Not really peaty, still quite pleasant.   Macallan lingers on the tongue for a few seconds, reminding you that yes, this is a Scotch.  After the liquor makes it way down your throat you can feel the aroma rise up the roof of your mouth.

The taste itself is subtle but striking, hints of the sherry cask, malty, and even a bit sweet.

I would buy more.  A good choice to watch a fire with.  Or create one.  Definitely a scotch for the winter.

Week 3 - The Glenlivet 15

Rick here... rounding out this medly of glenlivets is... Glenlivet 15.   A very light amber in color with shades of yellow... one might think this is something not as mild as the 12 and a bit lighter than the 18 (if that hair can be split).   But one would be wrong.  I found this one lasted in the back of the throat a bit longer, had a stronger bouquet then the other two and all in all a bit more of a Scotch.   And odd as it seems I tasted a bit of licorice.  This is a scotch I might drink again.   Though, not as a first or second choice.

Week 2 - The Glenlivet 12

Rick here whisky fans, for the background of Glenlivet and why I chose this 12 year old (besides budget) I refer you to the previous entry, week 1.

What less can be said?   If the 18 year old was light... the 12 was lighter.  That was even reflected in its color, a pale yellow versus the pale amber.   Easy to sip... is there such a thing as a summer scotch?  I may have to compare this to my current newcomer introduction, Highland Park 12.

Not bad, but not terribly memorable.

Week 1 - The Glenlivet 18

Rick here... for my first three choices I went simple, bought a Glenlivet gift pack of 12, 15, and 18 year old Glenlivet complete with complimentary tasting glasses, and gave the gift packs as Christmas presents to dad, Bob and Ned.  Ho Ho Ho.

First a bit about Glenlivet.  Founded in 1824, the distillery is in north eastern Scotland in Ballindalloch, home of Ballindallock castle in a wild and isolated Glen (hence Glenlivet).   Glenlivet's stills are lantern shaped with long, narrow necks, all of which helps to produce a light tasting spirit.[  There is a lot of history to be found at their web site.  http://www.theglenlivet.com/

Enough, background, on to the tasting!  As the organizer de month I got to chose the order, so to start things off right, I chose the 18 year old.  

This is what a retailer had to say about 18 year old Glenlivet:

"A very special Glenlivet. The bouquet is remarkably flowery, clean and soft. The taste is light-bodied with a delicate balance between sweetness and malty dryness. Flowery, peachy, notes of vanilla with a restrained, long gently warming finish. 90-95 points and Highly Recommended, Wine Enthusiast"


Sounds good doesn't it?   On tasting the key words are 'soft', 'light-bodied' and 'delicate.'   My first clue should have been a Wine magazine was recommending it.   In short, my thoughts of this 18 year old is that its a Scotch for non scotch drinkers.   My bad

My notes during the actual tasting:


smooth.. almost to the point of too smooth.   Thin, easy, only a slight bouquet .. lightly amber color… okay for sipping.. wont offend.   Still has a kick if you try to drink too fast.


For an 18 year old... I prefer something with a bit more peat.  But that's me.  The best part of the tasting was that dad was with me at the time.