Tasting Notes: Bunnahabhain Aged 18 Years ☆☆ Style: Sherry and Aromatic Nose: Soaring waves of toffee sherry, vanilla and almonds on the nose. A dense, oily and soothing scent… At the heart we have chocolate pecans with a dash of salt, sweet cream brûlée and dried mangoes. Dim lit spice gives a nice, soft glow.…
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The Bold is crafted with peat sourced from both the Scottish Highland and Islay, cheers to Mr. Sam Kumar and the Paul John team in Australia for this sample, it’s much appreciated on this cold winter night. Toasted cumin seeds on the nose with a dose of sugary strawberry jam and lemon custard running as an…
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Musings: Tasted this more than half year ago, which feels like a distant past given the number of whiskies I have come across since then. Looking at this tasting note reminds me how Macallan has changed over time but some of the spirit character remains unfazed. While I do not see how the current Macallan is a few levels above…
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I first heard of Wolfburn when I was actually in Wick during my pilgrimage to Old Pulteney. It certainly felt like a missed opportunity back then not to seek out the new player in town, especially when frankly I had no interest in confronting my flight-phobia in one of those seemingly fragile turboprop planes, ever again. And…
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Musings: Another year, another series of peat monster. Octomore hits number 7. It is interesting that Edition 7.1 is quite different to what 6.1 has offered: a buck load of bonfire smoke and ash. The new release has edged more towards the fruity, molasses side which I do find it a pleasant surprise. Perhaps in my mind,…
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Whilst out dining with the girlfriend at Tetsuya’s to celebrate our anniversary, I was frankly surprised to see Heartwood being listed on the whisky list, a list well priced and curated with a clear focus placed on quality Australian whiskies. With some helpful suggestions from fellow malt mates online, I selected the Vat out of…
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I was fortunate to try this single cask at the Suntory W Shop a while back, a birth year bottling no less. The bourbon influence is mammoth on the nose, with rich and indulgent vanilla and caramel notes providing that instant satisfaction. There is an oiliness of maize that interacts with a cream powder note.…
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Musings: As the Yamazaki 18 is getting close to becoming a $1,000 whisky in Australia, I was happy to revisit the 18 Yo in Japan where a full nip costed $A10. I adore Japanese whiskies, because when you sit down and spend time with it, you will realise how refine it is, very pure and elegant.…
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I was fortunate enough to be one of the first people in Sydney to try McHenry Distillery’s first release at the Oak Barrel earlier this week. Cheers to Kathleen and Scott for arranging this so the crowd can get an early taste of this rather limited release. The Barrel No. 1 appears to be quite…
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Tasting Notes: Kilchoman Club Small Batch Release Fourth Edition Style: Ashy and Subtly Sweet Nose: A puff of sweet vine grapes quickly engulfed by ashy smoke. Followed by a dash of rice vinegar, pepper and spice. Creamy caramel can be traced in the almost overwhelming smokescreen, is this a competition with Lagavulin? No…Different style, not as…
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