When I first started to get into whisk(e)y, there were several names that I began to start seeing regularly on the shelves of pubs and bars all around the UK, and they all began with "J": Jack Daniel, John Jameson and Johnnie Walker. Since developing a taste for them, I have started to make my... Continue Reading →
Triple Tipple: Douglas Laing’s Timorous Beastie
With their Remarkable Regional Malts series, the team at Douglas Laing have now produced a premium blended malt whisky range for each of the 6 traditional whisky producing regions of Scotland: Campbeltown - The Gauldrons Islay - Big Peat The Highlands - Timorous Beastie The Islands - Rock Oyster The Lowlands - The Epicurean Speyside... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Compass Box – No Name
As with all Compass Box whiskies, the name of the game here is quality and transparency, even if the name of the whisky itself is "No Name". What is more unusual however is that, whenever Islay whiskies are used in blends, then the original distillery tends to hide its identity within a shroud of mystery... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: The Lakes Distillery – Steel Bonnets
Like every region within the UK, there is a strong sense of pride amongst the local communities about their history and heritage, and Cumbria is certainly no exception. This sense of pride and heritage is usually most prevalent on the packaging of a bottle of whisky whereby the local influences, water, terroir and history usually... Continue Reading →
Some Kind Of Whiskey: Metallica’s Sweet Amber
Let’s get one thing out in the open before we launch into this: I am a lifelong fan of Metallica. I’ve been hooked on the Bay Area Thrashers since first hearing Seek & Destroy on a cassette that a friend gave to me back in primary school in the early 90s. That track led to... Continue Reading →
A Rare Gem: Yubberton
When you think of The Cotswolds area in the UK, you come to imagine: rolling hills; protected green spaces; beautiful yellow stone buildings; pretty little towns and villages that have multiple words within their name; decadent living; and glorious pubs. After a tip off from a friend, a trip had been organised to one such... Continue Reading →