Dram Review: Zenith Rosebank 12 Years Old

[43.0%・12 Years Old・Distilled Circa 1975・Bottled in 1987・Zenith Bottling・Limited Release] Nose: Pleasingly old school, gently malt, mild fruitiness and light creaminess. A slight respectful citrus brings a vibrant note. All is rounded and well balanced. Palate & Finish: A gentle and crisp drop, honey, limestone and hay wrapping the dry malt. Just a subtle hint of…

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Dram Review: The Odd Whisky Coy Southern Coast Cask 43

[65.9%・4 Years Old・Distilled in 2011・Bottled in 2015・The Odd Whisky Coy Bottling・Cask No. 43・Single Cask Release] Nose: Muscovado sugar & dark chocolate, it’s sticky with plenty of Christmas spices to go with charred orange peels.  Heavily oaked with a faint whiff of dark soy sauce. Palate & Finish: Loud and spicy on the palate, a full…

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Dram Review: Whisky Magazine Japan Spirit Safe Karuizawa 19 Years

[60.8%・19 Years Old・Distilled in 1991・Bottled in 2010・Whisky Magazine Japan Bottling for Oxfam・Cask No. 3206・Single Cask Release] Nose: A substantially malty number, quite obviously alcoholic with some underlying notes of toffee, cereal, vanilla biscuits and burnt butter. Palate & Finish: The dough-y biscuity note seems to be the theme of the dram.  The spirit is untamed…

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Dram Review: Bottiglieria Corsini Port Ellen 11 Years Old

[43.0%・11 Years Old・Distilled in 1983・Bottled in 1994・Bottiglieria Corsini Bottling・Limited Release] Nose: Softly peated in a sugary manner, some fragrant white fruits, kiwis perhaps to go with some underlying chalk and smoke. There are some coconuts to bridge the fruitiness and creaminess; followed by a gingery note that cuts through, revealing white tea and Chinese herbs..…

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Dram Review: Rare Malts Rosebank Aged 20 Years

[60.3%・20 Years Old・Distilled in 1979・Bottled in 1999・Diageo Bottling・Limited Release] Nose: Green fruits and aloe vera but the strength lends an exciting raw sandalwood note. Malted barley soothed with rose water infused simple syrup emitting this lighthearted floral vibe.  In time white pepper with hint of salted popcorn. Palate & Finish: Sticky syrup turns elegant with…

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Dram Review: Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Longmorn 1961 (Cask No. 508)

[45.0%・57 Years Old・Distilled in 1961・Bottled in 2018・Gordon & MacPhail Bottling・Cask No. 508・Single Cask Release of 97 Bottles] Nose: Breathtakingly thick mahogany oozing out rich cocoa and dark tannins.  Dates and figs caramelising in simmering syrup, a creamy and bright Sherry body still rather lively for its age.  The wood is majestic and elegantly elongated, coconut…

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Dram Review: Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Longmorn 1961 (Cask No. 512)

[40.8%・57 Years Old・Distilled in 1961・Bottled in 2018・Gordon & MacPhail Bottling・Cask No. 512・Single Cask Release of 97 Bottles] Nose: The oak feels ancient and substantial, carrying the umami note with pride but somehow also carrying those ripe white fruits and extracting acidity from them.  The Sherry is expressive and stately, unmistakably G&M with coconut cream and…

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Dram Review: Jack & Jack Auld Distillers Collection

[56.1%・10 Years Old・Distilled in 1996・Bottled Circa 2006・Jack & Jack Bottling・Single Cask Release of 150 Bottles] Nose: Pungent notes of toffee, vanilla sauce and dark honey, some minerals and sea breeze linger with the floral scent drifting on. Palate & Finish: Quite intensely sweet, fresh Sherry with some fortified led dried orange notes. Plenty of crumbly…

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Dram Review: Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Brora Distilled 1982 Bottled 2006

[43.0%・24 Years Old・Distilled in 1982・Bottled in 2006・Gordon & MacPhail Bottling・Limited Release] Nose: White fruits, nougat and soft smoke, slightly vegetal and grassy with some mild citrus to round things out. In time though the nose carries this scent of crepes with lemon and sugar. Palate & Finish: Light body carrying citrus and grassy notes, a…

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Dram Review: Three Rivers Clynelish Aged 17 Years

[54.4%・17 Years Old・Distilled in 1997・Bottled in 2014・Three Rivers Bottling・Cask No. 4046・Single Cask Release of  300 Bottles] Nose: A rush of oily caramel onto a bouquet of green fruits. Fresh Nashi pears, oranges and banana peels, but beneath the surface it’s surprisingly raw with a hint of soapiness. Palate & Finish: Thick, oily mouthfeel, a whole…

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