Category Archives: Distilleries

Cold Winter, Craigellachie, Glen Kieth, Jura, Summertime

Three various Single Casks in the Chieftain’s range: Jura, Glen Kieth and Craigellachie

 

Various regions of Scotland…  3 different single casks bottled for the Chieftain’s range.

After a few quick points, we will get straight on to the reviews today!

Special thanks to the folks from ImpEx for the cask samples!

To learn more about the Chieftain’s Range in general, click here.

Chieftain’s Glen Kieth 17yo bottled at 54.9% ABV

On the nose –  A light peat influence here, or so it would seem.

Salty, hay and a touch of candy-like lemon drops (a thread of smoke?).

Sherry-like influence (getting hints of Amontillado) but also sort of bourbon in character (think wood spice, honey and even a shake of white pepper).

A fun little nose, if a little confused.

On the mouth – Light white berries, unripened plums, sugared plums as well.

Biscuits, undercooked.  Pie crusts… Oh!  Gooseberry pie.  This is nice.

Somewhat simple but nice and focused.

Lightly oily slightly effervescent feel to it.

Finish –  Shortish with, again, a thread of smoke.

Chieftain’s Jura 12yo bottled at 58.4% ABV

On the nose — Few whiskies yell at me from the glass saying, “Hey Hatton, I was distilled at such and such distillery… duh!!!” like Jura yells at me.

It always seems to start off with a note that I can only call Eeore’s thistles – like burning pricker bushes.

On top of this is a slight soapy quality.  People get a little freaked out about a soap quality in a whisky.  For me, done right, the soap “quality” can be just that, a “quality.”

The soap on this is within tolerance but surely on the higher side.

There’s also a touch of lavender in here as well as calking.

On the mouth — Very industrial to taste, window putty, calking, wet cement.

Pushing these notes to the side and now we discover some great gristy notes.  You can taste the wash (beer to be distilled into spirit) but it’s very beer-like.  Lager-like.  But, a good lager (sans hops, obviously).

Rainbow candy buttons.

Finish — Short and slightly drying.

Chieftain’s Craigellachie 21yo bottled at 58.3% ABV

On the nose — You can see why they use so much of this malt in the Dewar’s blend.  It’s got a nice, balanced nose.

Let me start of with the fact that, even at 58.3%ABV, it’s not hot on the nose.  The scents are all right there.

This noses like a 21yo:  Wood spice and dill covered lemon slices.  Green wood and honey spice.  Apple sauce with brown spices.  Are you catching a theme here?  Tough to get beyond the spiced quality.

I’m a fan of the spice bombs so, let see how it translates in the flavor profile.

Adding a dash of water brings out some notes of pool water and gobs of malt!

On the mouth — Yeah, yeah… this is it.  This is what I look for in, say, some of the older Dailuaines…  Fruity little spice bombs.

This is, however, just a little hot.  Without water, we’ve got baked pears with a slight hint of cloves.  Also, vanilla.  A good deal of vanilla.  Yeah, water is needed with this one.

Not just to temper the heat but the water *really* opens up this whisky!

Ooey flan comes to mind as I take another sip.  Browned sugar and candied fennel.

Finish — A long and overly spiced finish.  Perhaps a bit too spiced (if there were such a thing).  Wow, very long.

In sum…

Glen Kieth:  An interesting whisky.  My first Glen Kieth.  Over all, I liked it.  I wonder what a few more years in the cask might have done for this whisky…

Jura: Yeah, this is an odd one.  Over all, while it was a little all over the place, I enjoyed drinking it.  Nosing it was enjoyable mainly because it’s got that Jura oddness that has you coming back for more.  This really is a winter-warmer-upper!

Craigellachie: With a dash of water, I am incredibly impressed with this cask.  It tells a wonderfully balanced story from beginning to end (with the spice volume turned up just a touch too high at the finish).  Without the water….well, I suggest you add a dash.  Should you get a bottle, you’ll see what I mean.  This is one where the extra H20 makes an incredible difference.

For more solid reviews of Chieftain’s reviews, be sure to check out Peter’s (of “The Casks” fame) reviews.

Bowmore, Field Trip!

Bowmore’s Ultimate Islay Adventure!

So, who here likes winning stuff?

Bowmore is offering 2 winners the chance to win a 5-day visit to Islay where they (the winners) will experience the Scottish wilderness with a renowned adventurer, take in the spectacular scenery during a photography master class and enjoy VIP touring (and tasting!) at the Bowmore distillery. Full details and entry forms can be found on the Bowmore website and on the Bowmore Facebook page.

Note that to enter the competition you need to be part of Bowmore’s Inner Core (so, expect to sign up for that as part of the entry).

Do yourself a favor and enter to win the competition!!

More details for you (taken right from the Bowmore website):

“Islay is a majestic, weather beaten land combining natural beauty with the rugged outdoors and we want to give two of our friends from around the world the chance to explore our island home on the ultimate Bowmore adventure.

Along with our Brand Advocates Ken Hames and Colin Prior, the winners will enjoy a unforgettable five day trip to Islay, from surviving on an uninhabited island overnight to photographing majestic eagles at dawn, this trip will be the ultimate outdoor lovers adventure around Islay.

After experiencing all the outdoors can throw at you its back to the Bowmore distillery to enjoy your reward. Highlights of your trip will include:

•  Dawn Islay photography master class with Colin Prior

•  Construction of a hide with Ken Hames

•  An overnight expedition to the island of Scarba

•  Foraging for lunch 

•  VIP tour and an in-depth tasting at Bowmore including some very 

   special expressions”

Also, I’ll be running a competition myself giving away a “Bowmore Accessory Pack.”  Details to follow in the coming days…

Lost Spirits, Summertime, Takin' It Easy

Lost Spirits Leviathan I, Cask #3

 

California – 53%ABV – $55 (solid pricing for single cask, cask strength whiskey!)

As I begin to write about this 3rd cask of Leviathan from Lost Spirits Distillery (Leviathan being a single malt whiskey from California peated with Canadian peat to 110ppm), I immediately began to wonder what to lead off with.

Sure, I could go right to the review but if I did, I’d be remiss in telling you that having looked at the awesome still at Lost Spirits, I was in some way reminded of Trogdor the Burninator.

Wait, come again?  You’ve not heard of Trogdor the Burninator?  I feel I must enlighten you:

(Yes.  I am still sort of 9 years old…)

My bit of fun off to the side now, seriously, check out the Lost Spirits still.  It’s a stunning work of art (that creates some fine juice).

Let’s review the whiskey!

Nose —  Pushing initial thoughts of Mezcal out of my head and I find this to be a very grain-forward whiskey.  All upfront we have horse feed, barley draff and peated mash all ready to be turned into wash/beer.

It’s also very barn-yardy (to be expected with younger, peated whiskies).

Let’s not forget the fruits, shall we?  Milk chocolate covered strawberries.  Perhaps a touch of marzipan and peach pit.

Quite easy to nose at 53% ABV!  Smokey, for sure, but there’s a charred wood quality here, too.

Palate — Big and juicy and fruity!  Tons of red berries, still getting some of those peach notes (the flesh right by the pit: tart yet over ripe).

Back to the barnyard-like notes.  In fact, and this note was pointed out to my by a good friend, there’s a touch of horse-hind.

Put your nose up to a horse and, bam!

Warming, comforting, almost a bit too fruity (if that’s possible).

Finish —  Fruity notes increase as does a building spice along the sides of the tongue.

In sum — Beyond the individual notes, taking the macro look and as previously reported, this is a very unique spirit!  While I thought the first one I had was a touch more balanced, this one was insanely enjoyable.  This to me is a summer dram.  Yes, it’s smokey & peaty, but the fruits and grain have their hands on the wheel with this one.  I’d love to have a dram of this while hanging out in a field of grains, reading a book.

Special thanks to BD for the official ample sample!

Arran, Let's celebrate!, this might be *really* good!

Two new Arran premium single cask for the US market. One ex-sherry, one ex-bourbon

 

Arran Premium Sherry Cask, the first to be reviewed…

So as to keep this post clean and more focused, I will try to do less talking and more reviewing.

There is one thing, however, that I need to point out regarding these two Arrans (as well as say the Devil’s Punch Bowl and more to come):

As you likely know, what’s being reviewed today are really special release whiskies from Arran.  In years past, all of the special releases were reserved for the UK and other countries.  Basically countries that would accept the standard 70cl (700ml) bottle.  The one we here in the US of A will not accept.  Here in the US, the 75cl (750ml) bottle is king.

Arran Premium Bourbon Cask, review # 2!

Something happened, however, just over a year ago.  Arran changed importers.  I’m not really sure who they were with previously but for more than a year now, ImpEx has been importing Arran whiskies.

Disclaimer: It’s no secret that I have a little bit of a relationship with ImpEx.  I announced that here.  I’m not employed by them but I have poured their stuff before at events and I review the whisky samples they send me (like the ones below).  I just wanted to put that out there before I spout on about them more…

ImpEx knows whisky.  What’s more is, I think, they have their finger on the pulse of the US market and what the US market wants.  The world is becoming a much smaller place, what with things like the interwebs and such and because of this (and other factors, to be sure), American whisky drinkers want what the rest of the world gets.  We don’t want to be left out.  I know I sure don’t…

This said, ImpEx seems to have made a point of working with Arran to bring in special casks, limited editions, etc… into the US.  This is not a simple task as it’s likely easier for Arran to work with the 70cl bottle for these smaller runs/limited editions.

So, kudos to ImpEx for fighting for us American Scotch whisky lovers!  Keep up the good work bringing over more limited hooch!

Wow, I carried on way longer than expected.  Let’s review, shall we?

Islands region – 51.1%ABV – SherryCask #1979 – $130 (soon to hit US shelves)

On the nose –  Chocolate covered espresso beans, heavy wood spice (Cocobolo wood to be specific).

Dark, damp wood shavings and a slight touch of gun powder.

This is a funny and insanely delicious smelling big bear of a whisky.

Some heavy cola notes.

On the mouth – Nose to palate, the same story is delivered.  Starting off with the damp, dark wood but right behind it we find the espresso beans and chocolate.

Exotic wood spice becomes quite present.

Drying with leather toward the end as we get to the finish.

Finish – Long, drying with spice and leather strips.

In sum – This 16yo drinks more like a fully realized 25+ year old whisky.  A fine choice of cask.  Well worth your precious time.

Islands region – 52%ABV – SherryCask #2096 – $130 (soon to hit US shelves)

On the nose –  This reeks of what I love about Arran: A forward pungency, bruised apple and a touch of brown spices.

This is a heavy style Ex-Bourbon whisky, not typical of most XB matured whiskies but similar to these XB Arran’s as they get older and older.

There’s something deep, dark and dang in here.  I’m thinking fig cakes and more bruised fruit (in the form of strawberries this time).

Strawberry jam over butter cookies.

On the mouth – A bit shy/elusive upon first sip.  Not as forceful in flavor as the nose suggested.

Actually, very light in flavor.  The nose fooled me.

Initial thoughts: buttered water crackers; baked phyllo dough covered in quite rich butter.

Paraffin wax, light viscosity.  Just a touch of sour apple slices.

Finish – Spice, pepper and milk chocolate, medium finish.

In sum – As Arran single casks go, this one delivers like an SOB on the nose.  A bit disjointed from the palate but the finish helps to turn things around making the over all experience a fun little ride.  I’d say this is an aperitif whisky.  Have it on it’s own so that you’re able to experience all it has to offer.

You may enjoy Guid Scotch Drink’s review of the Arran Premium Bourbon Cask

You may also enjoy Guid Scotch Drink’s review of the Arran Premium Sherry Cask

Special thanks to EK, SF and the rest at ImpEx for the samples!

Autumn, Bruichladdich

Bruichladdich’s, now famous, Diamond Jubilee, Punk Islay, Sex Pistols, Valich, distillery only bottling. (That’s the end of the commas. Promise.)

 

Islay region – 50%ABV – 50ml bottle – Distillery only and sold out within a day or two.

Back in April of this year (or last year if you’re on the Hebrew calendar), you might remember that I started a little series called “Islay Distilleries Explained Through Rock and Roll Comparisons.”  The first in that series was my comparison of Bruichladdich to the Sex Pistols.  Basically dubbing them “The Punk Islay.”

Well, it would seem that Bruichladdich really took to that comparison as they used the idea for their bottling for the Queen’s Jubilee.  A 20yo Bruichladdich, Cask 516/R02.

I am quite honored that they the took idea as far as they did.  Cheers ‘laddies!

G-d Save the Queen!

The funny thing about this bottling is that I had no idea it was happening.  My friend Stephen (of Malt Impostor fame) just happen to be on Islay at the time Bruichladdich released this bottling and he decided to pick me up a bottle as a gift.  Kissmet.  Thank you Stephen.

Stephen also picked himself up a bottle and was nice enough to share a sample with me.  Thank you again, good sir!

On the nose –  Bright and very rich red fruits mixed with bow rosin, old wood and what I’d swear is soy sauce.

Hints of pencil erasers and rum soaked golden raisins (verging on store-bought tiramisu).

Quite unique from the new “Laddie Ten” story.  It’s a 20yo whisky so its obviously from older stock but there’s also some cask trickery in here adding to both the complexity of the nose and the balance in the initial scent profile.

Can you guess that I’m digging the nose?

On the mouth – Presto-chango, wine cask influence here for sure.  You silly cask, you didn’t tell me anything about all of this on the nose!

Red licorice, tannic, dry red table wine.

I need to say that the mouthfeel is ooey and mouth-watering.  There, I said it.

Somewhat reminiscent of the Black Art II with the red fruits, wine influence, etc… no detection of new wood like I got in that one though…

Finish – Spicy red wine, tannic and burnt sugar (lasting burnt sugar).

In sum – The nose told me, for the most part, Ex-Bourbon and the initial flavor told me wine.  It’s like there’s two different whiskies here.  Two stories.

The cask number is “516/R02” and an educated guess would tell me the “R02” means that this 20yo, back in 2002, was re-racked into a wine cask (“R” for re-racking and “02” for 2002).  Sadly, the bottle doesn’t tell me much more than the cask number.

While I loved the nose and enjoyed the overall flavor profile, the two together seem off balance.  This said, I would never, NEVER say no to another dram of this juice.