Whisky Review: Bunnahabhain Aged 18 Years

Tasting Notes: Bunnahabhain Aged 18 Years Style: Sherry, Fruity 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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Whisky Review: The Macallan 18 Years Old 1995

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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Dram Review: Wolfburn Single Malt

[46.0%・NAS・Bottled in 2016・Official Bottling・General Release] 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…

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Whisky Review: Octomore Edition 07.1 Scottish Barley

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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Dram Review: The Cask of Yamazaki 1991 Bourbon Cask

[60.0%・11 Years Old・Distilled in 1991Bottled in 2002・Original Bottling・Cask No. 10 70629・ Single Cask Release] I was fortunate to try this single cask at the Suntory W Shop a while back, a birth year bottling no less. Nose: The bourbon influence is mammoth on the nose, with rich and indulgent vanilla and caramel notes providing that instant…

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Whisky Review: Yamazaki Aged 18 Years

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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Dram Review: McHenry Single Malt Barrel No. 1

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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First Impression: McHenry Single Malt Barrel No. 1

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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Whisky Review: Kilchoman Small Batch Release 4th Edition

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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Dram Review: Yoichi Heavily Peated

[48.0%・NAS・Bottled in 2015・Official Bottling・Limited Release] I remember the distillery only peaty and salty 12 Yo quite fondly so I was looking forward to this Heavily Peated, despite it being a NAS. Nose: It’s rather milky on the nose with a coal element. The milky note somewhat resembles an Octomore but this is more refined, there’s…

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