Back in the mists of time Balvenie used to bottle this at much closer to, if not actually, cask strength, but they watered it down gradually to the unlikely abv of 47.8% several years ago. This partic…

Does age matter? This expression replaced the 10 years old Founder Reserve not too long ago, I liked the simplicity of the Founders Reserve so was probably a little prejudiced against this bottle from…

This whisky has been finished in a ruby port cask which would explain the attractive rose copper colour and the name. Ruby ports tend to be young, fruity and sweet, how does that work with Bowmore’s…

This bottle is newly opened but was a birthday present last year, straight from the distillery where it was apparently one of the few remaining bottles of the 400th Anniversary Edition left there. This…

This tasting and review followed that of the Benraich 15 year old PX cask finish. The Sonnalta has a similar rosy hue to the Benraich in the glass, but the aroma is much lighter and cleaner with well…

Benraich seem to be specialising in these cask finishes expressions these days, with dozens to choose from at various ages. This one comes highly recommended by Jim Murray, but that can be a mixed ble…

Made at the Cooley Distillery in County Louth, I’m not too sure what this malt has to do with Connemara region which is on the opposite side of the island of Ireland. The Connemara landscape certainly…

A fresh clean peaty aroma, like a sea breeze carrying some smoke and mown grass? Somehow astringent and clinical. It delivers a strong attack on the taste buds hinting at its youth and the moderately…

Located on the coast of the speyside region this distillery produces a salty appetising spirit that deserves to be appreciated more widely in my opinion.This particular expression forms part of Diageo’s…

This is an interesting dram, intense well melded flavours smoothly delivered. The nose is subtle, malt and demerara sugar provide one theme but there are also fruity hints of orange and raspberries to…