So, what are you drinking now?

@Victor because of this communication between you and Nozinan I decided to have a dram of my batch 5 ECBP. It's been open about 6 months now and I've never found a spirit so easy to drink at 67.4%, abv. It's been one of my most memorable bourbons I've had so far .

@maltmate302, glad to hear it!

Glendronach 1994 Single Cask 17 YO Oloroso Sherry Puncheon #1503, 54.9% abv... different bottle from @paddockjudge.

My brother in law and I just finished transferring photos from our visit.

My Brother in law helped me realize that in fact this cask was laid down the year (in the fall actually) I began Medical School! This spirit is as old as my career!

@Victor, yes, I I have been very underwhelmed by batch #45. I do have a little bit left that I am happy to bring with me on our next visit. I strongly believe that context has a lot to do with it. When we get together there are typically some stellar whiskies consumed. And in a strong line up I don't believe batch #45 stands up well. I think you are on to something about its texture.

Several months ago I picked up a few samples bottles online. On a night in September I tasted the following head-to-head (with score for the night).

Aberlour A’Bunda Batch 60.2% batch 45 = 88.5

Glenfarclas 105 60% = 90

Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 2 55.2% = 91

Kalavan Solist ex-Sherry 57.8% (Cask #S081219016) = 91.5

Amrut Intermediate Sherry 57.1% OB Batch No.2 Sep. 2010 = 93

I was very impressed by the Kalavan and the Glendronach. I just found a store here in Tennessee selling Glendronach CS batch #2 for $100 and so I was happy to pick it up without any reservation (they also had the Glenfarclas 105 for $100 and I passed) because it was the batch I had tasted. So I am drinking it now . . . and it is fantastic. It is simply a great cask strength sherry monster.

Retasted the Ardbeg Perpetuum from a freshly cracked bottle and pitted it against the Laphroaig Cairdeas 2015 - I still think it is a good bottling albeit a little on the pricey side. A softer, gentler Ardbeg but a little rough on the edges when compared to the Laphroaig Cairdeas 2015. The Laphroaig being saltier and drier whereas the Ardbeg being the heavier and sweeter of the two. They both have their merits.

Today we cracked open the hills absinthe small batch #1 - pouring only a small amount, we followed it with the john j bowman pioneer spirit and have to say the result was impressive. The leftover taste of anise added a unique element to the whiskey of which neither was over-powering. To ring in the new year, we had a sniff of Hennessy xo cognac (prefer the Napolean 21 which has a more subtle flavour to it).

Got home from work last night just before midnight and poured a dram of Talisker 18. I figured I would end 2015 and start 2016 with my favorite.

Side by side... Glen Garioch 22 and Knob Creek Single Barrel Select. While watching the Winter Classic

Talisker, 10, 57North, 18; Caol Ila 12, Glenmorangie La Santa, and seven bourbons and ryes.Last night I thought I was bringing a few whiskies to an intimate dinner for 5-8 people, but it turned out I was presenting a tasting to 17 individuals. The crowd went berserk over the 57 North, and liked all the malts, despite being generally malt-inexperienced. That batch of La Santa was the first one I've tasted which wasn't ruined by sulphur, reflecting also recent changes in Jim Murray's reviews of it.

Bourbons and ryes? Down to 6 of the 17 original tasters after dinner: Standard Jefferson's (lively, but weak in the wood flavours--just too young for me to get enthusiastic), Wigle 3 yo rye (needs more wood), a barrel strength NAS private barrel bottle of Russell's Reserve Bourbon (very caramel-y and not too balanced--not a favourite), a private barrel of barrel strength WhistlePig 10 yo rye (lovely, as usual), a fabulous barrel # 145 of 7 yo Willett Family Estate Rye (MGPI distillate), Booker's 2015-01, and a most excellent nearly depleted bottle of Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve.

Please see "Best Dram of 2016" discussion...

Ringing in the new year (well, with dinner on Jan. 1) with some sparkling wine from my favourite Canadian winery, L'Acadie, 2009 Sparkling Rose. Marechal Foch must be my favourite grape.

Feliz año nuevo

Tonight it was Springbank 10y, JW Rye Cask, Smith Cross Navy Rum and Four Roses SB Cask strength.

I've been gon for a little while. @paddockjudge, thx for your concern, I really appreciate your email!

I was kidnapped recently by golf. I started playing in September and I'm officially hooked. I bring a flask each time, it's So much fun.

@Benancio, Good to see you on the board. I won't being paying the ransom as you are enjoying it!

@Nozinan, Marechal Foch is your favourite grape? I thought he was a striker for Paris Saint-Germain F.C.

@paddockjudge

I've only seen this grape used by 2 wineries, one in NS and one in BC. Maybe it's named after your striker friend.

As a union supporter, I'm proud to drink something named after a striker.

@Nozinan, solidarity, brother!

First drams of 2016;

Springbank 15 year (May 1998) SMWS 27.107 "Cowboy's Delight" from an ex-sherry refill gorda.

Laphroaig 15 year (July 1999) SMWS 29.166 "Elementary, my dear Watson" from an ex-bourbon refill barrel.

Happy New Year to all!

First whisk(e)y of 2016 and it is the Smooth Ambler Old Scout Straight Rye 7 Year Old, Batch no. 26.

Been a while since I have had some rye, excellent stuff.

Some Hakushu while enjoying the cool breeze outside after dinner.

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Macallan Cask Strength, 59.3% ABV.

If I had it to do again, I'd have 6 or 8 bottles of this in storage now, rather than just 2. Those of you outside of North America who have not tasted this release of Macallan have missed a lot.

@Victor

I hear you... I have 2 in storage, and I could have had 6 more. My regret about that is only exceeded by my happiness that those 6 have an even better home and will be well-cared for.

@paddockjudge

Ok, regret may not be the right word... I never considered them for myself... but it was used for effect...

@Victor @Nozinan What I wouldn't give just to own 1 bottle of Mac CS. Alas, it was discontinued right around the time I started to drink scotch and I missed the boat on owning any. I did have a taste in a bar in Toronto once, so at least I have had the opportunity to try it!

@sengjc That is a fantastic Rye. 7 year old Ryes keep getting harder and harder to find. I buy these ever time I come across a bottle or 3. Enjoy.

@Victor I finished my last bottle of Mcallan CS in 2015. My new replacement has been Amrut Intermedit Sherry Cask. I recommend you buy all you can afford. Cheers.

@Benancio

I would never have tasted Mac CS if it hadn't been offered as trade bait a few years ago. That triggered an awareness of the product. When I found a small cache in Alberta I had to open mine to see if I wanted more, and so I opened my bottle. And so I ended up with the two I have now, and very happy I do. I am pleased to share with anyone who drops by...

@Nozinan if i ever make my way that far Notth I'll take you up on that drink.

@Benancio and perhaps a few other special drams...

Whisky night with mates, one of them just back from a vacation in Taiwan.

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What's not on the table tonight.....

Glen garioch 12

Glenfarclas 15

Auchentoshan single cask

Glendronach CS batch 4

Amrut peated CS (my oh my)

Port Charlotte islay barley

Blackadder braeval 19th 20 years

Talisker port ruighe

Clynelish distillers edition 1997 - 2012

And more!