By Alex Southgate Rating: B+ I am sure this is going to wrinkle a few noses out there, but as a rule I’m not a big fan of very smoky whiskies. I love a good Scotch just like the rest, but the heavy peaty aroma that comes with many expressions is something I find a …
By Richard Thomas Rating: A- Isle of Skye Blended Whisky has an eye-catching title, conjuring as it does the awe-inspiring landscapes of its namesake tourist magnet of an island. However, the brand isn’t a new one, nor is the association of the Isle of Skye with tourism. Ian Macleod created the original Isle of Skye …
Bardstown Bourbon Company’s modern and transparent approach to whiskey making will be on full display in two new releases hitting shelves October 6. Bardstown Bourbon Co. Discovery #11 continues the award-winning series that showcases the innovative distiller’s practice of artfully blending rare and exemplary whiskies found around the world to push the envelope of flavor …
By Randall H. Borkus Rating: B Playboy Spirits’ brand launched its luxury Rare Hare collection in 2022, which included previous releases of a 17-year-old bourbon and 1961 vintage cognac. This latest release is Lucky Bastard 30 Year Old Canadian whisky, a single barrel finished in Pineau Des Charentes casks for 120 days. Pineau Des Charentes …
Negociant company Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd, has added a new installment to its ‘Rarest Collection’ – a Port Ellen 40-year-old single malt whisky from March 16, 1983. Available globally, this limited release of 209 bottles comes from cask number 667, one of the last batches of Port Ellen production, made mere weeks before the …
By Alex Southgate Rating: B+ It’s always nice to go back and visit old friends and this is absolutely no different when it comes to the distilleries that we know well and love. This being said, I’ve been back to the Fettercairn Distillery on a couple of occasions now, and had a really enjoyable experience …
Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled the latest addition to its prestigious Private Collection range. Gordon & MacPhail 1949 from Glenlivet Distillery was laid down in a refill Sherry butt selected by Gordon & MacPhail on New Year’s Day 1949 and bottled on 6th March 2023. Priced at £35,000 RSP and retaining a cask strength of …
Georgetown, Kentucky’s Blue Run Spirits has released Reflection II. When launched in May 2022, Reflection I Bourbon quickly became a favorite in the whiskey community as one of Blue Run Spirits’ most approachable products. With Reflection II, Whiskey Director Shaylyn Gammon is looking to continue that tradition while emphasizing a different layer of flavor notes …
By Randall H. Borkus Rating: C+ Barrell Craft Spirits recently announced the release of some cask finished whiskeys and their 10th Anniversary Barrell Bourbon, but I’m still working with Barrell Rye Batch 004! This is their first rye batch since 2020. Rye Batch #004 blend consists of straight rye whiskeys from Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and …
Independent bottler Lost Lantern and its Fall 2023 Single Cask Collection will showcase five new single casks from some of America’s most sought-after distilleries. This seasonal release spotlights whiskies from four returning Lost Lantern partners, all fan favorites: Balcones Distilling (TX), Smooth Ambler (WV), New Riff (KY), and Corbin Cash (CA). It also includes Lost …
