For St. David's Day 2025, we look back to a story from 160 years ago: the voyage of the Mimosa - a ship that set sail from Liverpool to the island of Patagonia. On the 28th July 1865, 153 people embarked on the Mimosa, sailing for Patagonia to establish a Welsh colony and preserve their... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Dewars – 12 Years Old
Dewar’s Scotch Whisky has a rich history dating back to 1846 when John Dewar founded his whisky-blending business in Perth, Scotland. Initially a small-scale operation, the brand gained prominence under his sons, John Alexander Dewar and Tommy Dewar, who expanded the business significantly in the late 19th century. In 1893 their efforts were rewarded with... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Johnnie Walker – Black Label (Islay Origin)
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: The Kiltmaker – Pleated To Sett
So often, a new whisky appears on the market which represents a brilliant new venture from an impassioned new business. I can't help but love the drive and ambition that new players have. It is refreshing however to see a new whisky arrive which is the result and celebration of a collaboration from known names... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Johnnie Walker – Gold Label Reserve
Dubbed “The Master Blender’s Reserve” and made of “the finest malt and grain whiskies”, the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve was launched in 2012 and has remained part of the Label line-up since. The “Gold Label” has been used by Johnnie Walker under several guises previously and was reportedly first created by using the blending... Continue Reading →