Originally launched for the travel retail market back in 2019, the Johnnie Walker Origin series was released to showcase the different profiles of the many constituent malt and grain whiskies that comprise the signature Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 year old. This coincided with Diageo's "Four Corners of Scotland" campaign which celebrated their arsenal of... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Johnnie Walker – Black Label (12 Years Old)
For St. Andrews Day over the weekend, I revisited something of a Scottish institution: Johnnie Walker Black Label. The John Walker & Sons whisky machine has been running since their grocery opened in 1820. Whisky sales from the store led to them launching their own blended scotch whisky in 1865. What was originally their “Old... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Deanston – 12 Years Old
Given the centuries of history behind scotch whisky, the Deanston distillery is a relatively ‘new’ distillery, having first opened its doors in 1966. The site itself is actually inside an only cotton mill which has stood tall alongside the River Teith since 1785, and it is in fact powered by the river itself via its... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: The Irishman – 12 Years Old
This year sees Walsh Whiskey celebrate 25 years of championing Irish Whiskies, and so, for St. Patrick’s Day, I thought I’d recognise my favourite of their whiskies that I’ve tried to date. Walsh Whiskey have two distinct brands which look to replicate and enhance traditional Irish whiskey making methods: Copper Pot and The Irishman. Whilst... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Fettercairn – 12 Years Old
The Fettercairn distillery has been in production for approaching 200 years. Whilst all eyes are looking as to what may be released to mark such an occasion next year, we are looking at their flagship expression for the purpose of this post. Fettercairn essentially means “foot of the hills” and their site’s history is almost... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: The Macallan – 12 Years Old Sherry Oak
The Macallan. Since 1824, that name has meant a lot to many people. These days it is synonymous with two things: 1) quality Speyside whiskies, and 2) fanaticism of the highest order. Any new limited release by The Macallan seems to require entering a ballot, and (im)patiently waiting in hope for someone to take your... Continue Reading →