Scotch whisky and American whiskey have an interesting relationship. Ideas have bounced back and forth for years, with emigrants from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England taking whisky to the new world, and everything from grain and casks to tips and tricks flowing back across the Atlantic in the years since – a process sometimes called bourbonisation. But sometimes it needs an outside influence to make something a bit different – step forward German bottler Malts of Scotland and this whiskey, part of a series finished in non-traditional casks: Heaven Hill 2001 matured in a sherry cask.
Continue reading “Heaven Hill 2001-2015 Sherry Cask – Malts of Scotland”Glenfiddich Grand Cru
It’s the time of year when Glenfiddich introduce something new. After a few years of Experimental Series releases, it’s time for something different. A new ongoing release and the beginning of a new series – Glenfiddich Grand Cru.
Continue reading “Glenfiddich Grand Cru”The Holy Dram IL Inchmoan 2004
Last month, this blog turned nine years old. While that’s a scary thing in of itself (I’ve been writing about booze for about a quarter of my life), it also shows me how long it’s been since I first met (at least virtually) some of the folks in the whisky blogging world. I’ve known Gal Granov from WhiskyIsrael for almost a decade and now, after years of me sending him whisky from work, he has returned the favour and sent me a sample of a dram that he’s bottled – The Holy Dram Inchmoan 2004.
Bass Ratcliff Ale 1869
Continuing on from the Bass King’s Ale in my last post, we stepped back even further and tried what may end up being the oldest drink I ever get to taste – Bass Ratcliff Ale, brewed on 16 December 1869.
Bass King’s Ale 1902
My obsession with old beer continues. At Dramboree this year I had the chance of trying a pair of bottles that I’m honoured to have tasted. First up: Bass King’s Ale from 1902.
Singleton of Dufftown Malt Master’s Selection
The Singleton range of whiskies is a monster. I don’t mean that in a necessarily bad way, but like many monsters it is misunderstood, not particularly appreciated and big. Probably too big. However, after a promise of demonsterification a few years ago, it looks like we might finally be making progress. Step one, simplify the range and launch a new entry level bottle – introducing The Singleton Malt Master’s Selection.
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Bass Prince’s Ale 1929
There are some bottle of booze that have mystique. Bottles that people search for and keep, opening them only special occasions. For me, one of the bottles that I’ve coveted since hearing about it is an 80 year old beer. So, here’s the oldest beer I’ve drunk, opened at the celebration of someone becoming old: an excellent occasion and an incredible bottle – Bass Prince’s Ale from 1929.
Aldi Irish Reserve 26 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey
It’s Christmas. As someone who works for a whisky shop, I’ve got used to the 1 November festive season starter, but it seems that it’s still grating for most. However, there’s something to help get you through the long weeks until legitimate advent anticipation arrives in December: Christmas booze releases. This time – Aldi Irish Reserve 26 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey.
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