This post is about two things: 1) a whisky, and 2) the brilliance of independent bottling. We'll come to the whisky in a moment, but for me, one of the most beautiful things about independent bottling is that you can capture, sample or explore a rare cask or expression which may otherwise be kept behind... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: GlenAllachie – Koval Rye Quarter Cask Finish (8 Years Old)
In 2018 the GlenAllachie launched its new and revised core range of single malt whiskies into the market. The distillery had changed hands back in 2017 when it was purchased by a team including BenRiach's renowned Billy Walker. The new core range focussed on a strong rebrand and a linear flight of age statement releases:... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Laphroaig – Select
Peat-Meisters Laphroaig released their "Select" expression within their core range in 2014 and it seems that year was the year of the multiple-maturation boom. Whilst most distilleries have been trying this for the past few years, it seems that the marketing fad has gone too far and has even exceeded the Gillette vs Wilkinson Sword... Continue Reading →
Tasting Notes: Laphroaig – Quarter Cask
One of Laphroaig’s no-age-statement expressions, the Quarter Cask has been matured in traditional ’quarter cask’ barrels, i.e. barrels that hold a quarter the volume of liquid of the usual cask, and so the liquid has more exposure to the surface area of the wood and so the whisky can ‘mature’ quicker than in the normal,... Continue Reading →