Bowmore is not everybody’s favorite Islay whisky. You can read many horror stories on the internet: violet or geranium notes (better off in a flower vase) and a heavy hand on artificial coloring. I…

Drinking whiskey is not only about nosing and tasting. Some brands have very curious or even mysterious background stories. Last week I ran into one of those strange fellows, a bottle of four-year-old…

Bowmore Legend – a budget Islay single malts on the market for less than US$30.00, no age statement, nice pale amber color (I wonder how it would be without the caramel. Nose: curiously, there is no…

According to internet sources, Tamdhu Distillery closed down in 2010. It was sold to Ian Macleod Distillers in June 2011 who plans to “vitalize its production of single malt.” There are no reviews for…

I don’t understand the logics of whisky marketing and sales. There are some hidden gems at a low price that are rarely found in the shelves of liquor stores. Neither do the distilleries advertise them…

I must admit that I am a single malt aficionado, but due to some personal (and geographical) reasons, I am not against tasting bourbon. I noticed a kind of rivalry between scotch and bourbon drinkers.…

Johnnie Walker is heavily promoting its new creation, the Double Black, at least in places where people get in the air. I had the opportunity to sample some drops at Miami International Airport. In fact…

Yes, I confess. I enjoy reading whisky reviews before I open my own bottle. I normally check several sources (internet and my favorite whisky book, Charles Mclean's World Whisky), and then I try to…

The Talisman is a whisky blend from Tomatin, 40% ABV, metal cap. I bought it for $10.00 at the local liquor store. What can you expect from a cheap whisky?Some hints of fruits and honey in the nose.…

Nose: Speyside sweetness and fruitiness. There is a lot of honey and pear in it. I could keep on nosing for hours.Taste: Sweet and fruity (lemon?) on the palate, not much body. Hints of smoke, but very…