Aultmore 13 y.o. SMWS 73.41, 1997, 2nd-fill Bourbon Hogshead, 286 btl., 58,8%

Comment: Autumn fruits, many peaches, apricots, like homemade jam. Then I am getting hay, hints of  ginger, white pepper and vanilla. Seems more mature as its age would suggest. It tastes a bit more spicy (ginger, pepper again) with a bite and needs some water, but overall it renders the same profile like the nose and adds a nice maltiness, dried flowers and a licoricy touch. Almost creamy with more water, long finish. Aultmore keeps surprising me.

Score: 84

Mortlach 14 y.o. SMWS 76.79, 1995, first-fill Sherry Butt,  551 btl., 56,3%

Comment: Sherry, smoke and spice at first. The wine’s sweetness and the malt’s dry character battle in the nose. Some dried fruits, tea and white pepper are watching in the background. The typical raisins and sherry cream show up on the palate along with some spice, smoke and figs. Some water helps the balance.

Score: 83

Tullibardine 21 y.o. SMWS 28.23, 1989, Refill Sherry Butt, 57,7%

Comment: Unusual (plants, herbs), mature, fruity, malty, slightly dry with discrete spice. Big tea notes, toffee, pears, peaches, grass, flowers, earthy traces, altogether like a green house in the nose. It tastes more fruity than expected with a lot of natural caramel and vanilla, quite nice but not overly complex. One for gardeners and botanists

Score: 83

Caperdonich 16 y.o. SMWS 38.20, 1994, Refill Hogshead, 57,4%

Comment: Wow, I like this from the start. Very pleasant, deep and fresh. A bit from everything (citrus fruit, dextrose, moss, herbs and peat, minerality, honey, candyfloss, maritime freshness, etc.), which makes this a true allrounder. It delivers all this on the palate in beautiful balance! No water needed, this is simply great. Recommendation!

Score: 90

Glen Scotia 12 y.o. SMWS 93.46, 1999, Refill Sherry Gorda, 59,8%

Comment: Blue Cheese Dressing, leather, pepper and chili, sherry, grapes with noble rot, Kahlua, mint and leafs. The sherry is not really integrated and seems a bit too raisiny-rotten and cheesy, but the whisky is mild, sweet and creamy on the other hand. I know some people who like this profile but for me it is too much on primary notes of the sherry cask.

Score: 77

Auchentoshan 11y.o. SMWS 5.27, 1999, second-fill Bourbon Hoshead, 58,3%

Comment: Malt, lemon zest, hay, heather, licorice, vanilla, altogether not a very convincing dram.

Score: 77

Glen Moray 39 y.o. SMWS 35.55, 1971, Refill Hogshead, 50,3%

Comment: A whole lotta Bourbon wood influence, which is ok for an old whisky of this kind. All I miss is originality.

Score: 89+

Macallan 20 y.o. SMWS 24.117, 1990, first-fill Sherry Hogshead, 55,4%

Comment: This is a great Christmas Dram (yes, these notes are late ) and quite typical of a Macallan. Wonderful cigar smoke, orange peel, sweet malt, sherry, apple, raisins and cinnamon are its key elements.

Score: 89-

Scotch Grain Whisky 21 y.o. SMWS G-8.1, 1989, 51,2%

Comment: Very rum-like (which is not a bad thing) and loaded with vanilla, citrus aromas and marshmallows. I couldn’t find the exact grain distillery – soon to be revealed.

Score: 86

(Isle of) Jura 21 y.o. SMWS 31.22, 1988, second-fill Bourbon Hogshead, 56,5%

Comment: A very complex and creamy dram with beautiful spice-combo. It also offers sweet malt, ginger bread, licorice and Bourbon-Cask oak  character.

Score: 89+

Laphroaig 10 y.o. SMWS 29.101, 2000, refill-Sherry Butt, 587 btl., 52,8%

Comment: A weird Laph somehow, you have to like it extremely herbal (weeds) and dirty. Aside from the typical notes of peat, seaweed, rusty fishing-boats in the harbour and all that stuff you get sour and lemony aromas, quite some acidity, sherry and flinty sulphur in the nice finish. However, it lacks power in the middle. Not bad, but there are better ones out there.

Score: 86

Ardbeg 7 y,o, SMWS 33.101, 2003, first-fill Bourbon Cask, 245 btl., 59,6%

Comment: Typical Ardbeg, but not as interesting as other releases. A nice whisky anyway.

Score: 88+

Port Charlotte 8 y.o. SMWS 127.12, 2002, Bourbon Barrel, 160 btl., 66,3%

Comment: Funny, this one also heads towards ‘Ardbeginess’ in some moments but it is saltier and more on camphor, rooty peat, flints and iodine. A great whisky at a young age – again. Look out for Port Charlotte.

Score: 89

Highland Park 1970 – 2010 OB ‘Orcadian Vintage’ 48,0%

Comment: A lesson in roundness, all is perfectly integrated, a  quite creamy-sweet dram lead by brighter fruits (pear, apricot) and (dried) flowers, toffee, turkish delight, Grand Marnier, a whiff of mint and Fino Sherry. Darn good, but very expensive.

Score: 92+

Highland Park 1971 – 2011 OB ‘Orcadian Vintage’ 46,7%

Comment: Altogether quite similar to the 1970 in profile, but this one is more on herbs and heather/honey. Again I am getting the apricot and all that candyfloss jazz to be smelled at county fairs. This 1971 has a nicer oak influence but is a bit less complex than its predecessor from 1970. Anyway, great stuff.

Score: 92+

Highland Park 25 y.o. OB, 1980 – 2005, Single Sherry Cask 7363 for Germany, 55,5%

Nose: Where to start? At espresso, nougat, the earthy spice, the army of dark fruits (morello cherries, dates, prunes), at polished oak or the maritime freshness? Mmh, let me just mention the single elements of this peacock’s tail of dark aromas. Hazelnuts, maritime freshness with a hint of peat, dry sherry, candyfloss and resin should not be forgotten therein. Wow!

Palate: Coffee bean in chocolate at first, then dark wood, tobacco and the Sherry-influence (dark dry fruit) take over, even with some sulphur of the good kind. All is dark and brooding in a full-on attack with spice. Water can (but doesn’t have to) be added, which brings out the fruit more.

Finish: Eternal! Tobacco and earthy peat meet dark wood and fruits. Like having a 100% chocolate with a fine Port.

Score: 91

Comment: This chewy and potent malt is not for beginners, really. It is like a powerful sports car that needs an experienced driver. Quite rare, that such a power house also has such high complexity. This amazing single cask HP-Sauce doesn’t fit every day, but if it does, it is a real stunner.

Donald Hart and Pit Krause

I have been a sucker for the old Hart Bros. whiskies because I can’t really remember a bad one, they were all in the categories good to great, decent at least. These guys proved that they can pick good casks with balance, a trademark quality of the Harts. Let’s just mention the 1960ies Bunnahabhain, Bowmore or Highland Park, or that crazy 1957 Bowmore. Now let’s see if the new offspring of the Hart bottling family can keep up with its predecessors and if it is alike in style.

Bunnahabhain 9 y.o. The Maltman 2001 – 2011 Sherry Butt 46%

Nose: Nice maltiness, soft smoke, maritime freshness, very mature for its age. I am getting pears, dried fruit, vanilla and Creme Brulee, toffee, marshmallows, candy floss, walnuts and flowers.

Palate: A malty and dry bite at first. Then it gets much sweeter with raisins in the lead (maybe a tad much, the whole shebang takes the direction blue cheese and noble rot grapes). The pears and dried fruits (peach slices) show up again, also licorice and coal.

Finish: More on the short side with creaminess, fruit, flowers and honey.

Score: 83

Comment: This makes a good aperitif – for me, the raisiny Sherry-touch is a bit too dominant, but the rest is fine.

Macallan 20 y.o. The Maltman 46%

Nose: Very balanced with a dry sweet maltiness. Orange zest, hints of sherry, ginger, maraschino cherries and cigar smoke complete the picture.

Palate: Now even more typical Macallan, which is good news. A balance and sweetness with a wonderful whiffs of sherry, chocolate, smoke and cherry, but nothing stands out.

Finish: Harmony as described above. It finishes with a pleasant leafiness.

Score: 87+

Comment: A very decent Macallan with textbook balance and drinkability.

Macduff 23 y.o. The Maltman 43%

Nose: Wow, this one noses like an old Laddie with amazing freshness and fruit (dextrose-like): passion fruit, peaches, pineapple, blood oranges. This is a quite perfect Bourbon Wood whisky with a mineral edge of a Mosel-Riesling and discrete vanilla.

Palate/Finish: It goes on like this, a soft and gentle giant full on fruit and wonderful oak aromas, always in balance, very multi-faceted and pleasing.

Score: 90

Comment: This is amazing nectar and a must-have-dram. It was just filled in the bottle at its peak.

Ben Nevis 45 y.o. The Maltman, Sherry Cask, 40,6% (no image yet)

Donald and Andrew Hart

Nose: Yes! Curry and assorted Asian spices meet forest lawn (pines), old butter, ferns and ginger bread. Very unusual in a wonderful way – as always with Ben Nevis, so this is rather typical. Later, hints of coconut, some fruits, white chocolate, latte macchiato, green tea and quite some herbs emerge. It is amazing how little wood influence we got after so many years. The distillate is speaking, only the far background displays a polished mahogany woodiness, which makes the dram noble somehow.

Palate: Elegant and well-balanced, unobtrusive, almost Cognac-like. Very complex without being too intellectual. The notes from above come echoing in soft but mighty waves. Some berries join this mix in front of the discrete dark old wood.

Finish: Medium length, high class. It reminds me of an evening in an old hunting hut. Nothing tastes like an old Ben Nevis, a true Single Malt of exceptional quality. Soon to hit the stores.

Score: 91

Comment: Many older Ben Nevis bottlings became too oaky. With this specimen you taste distillery character to the max even after 45 years. What it might lack in power it delivers in complexity.

Clynelish 13 y.o. The Maltman 46%

Nose: Typical again: smoke, green malt, beeswax and pollen, green apples, vanilla, peaches, moss, peat and brine. It also reminds me of the smell of a stromfront moving in from the North Sea.

Palate: I like this Clynelish for its balance and typicality (as described in nose). Very drinkable and accessible.

Finish: Quite long and pleasant, making you want to pour another glass.

Score: 88

Comment: Clynelish is a very reliable distillery in terms of quality, and this is slightly above their average. Why didn’t they bottle this at cask stength?

Caol Ila 10 y.o. The Maltman 46%

Nose: Lemon chicken! Then we find peat, juniper, olives, camphor, sulphur, dust of tires, Pu Erh tea, chalk, coal, hints of iodine and white pepper.

Palate: Much milder than expected, a Bowmore-esque Caol Ila, somewhat tamed but beautifully balanced again. More on the herbal side altogether.

Finish: The Islay roughness only slightly reoccurs with late iodine, sulphur and peat.

Score: 85

Comment: This would have profitted from a higher abv. A great starter to get into peaty whiskies but not for passionate peat heads.

Allow me a little summary. These drams fit the tradition of Hart Bros. bottlings very well. Balance and distillery character seem to be key elements in most of their bottlings. Less power, more on finesse. If you are into that, give them a try.

In meinem Artikel ‘Beer goes Barley’ erfahrt Ihr die Hintergründe. Klickt auf den folgenden Bierglas-Link, um Euch diese beiden raren Abfüllungen zu sichern:

Vom 10. – 12. Februar geht es im Münchener MVG-Museum (Ständlerstr. 20) wieder ab. Ein Funevent mit allen Spirits (Whisk(e)y, R(h)um, Edelbrand, Cognac, Vodka, Tequila, Armagnac, Grappa, Likör, etc) und sonstigen Genüssen (Schokolade, Pralinen, Kaffee, etc.)  sowie Musik und Kultur, das man erlebt haben muss. Auch den ersten Starkbier-gefinishten Whisky gibt es dort exklusiv, den wir auf unserer Schottlandreise ins Fass gebracht haben (siehe Videos auf der Messepage und mein e-pistle hier im Blog).

Sehr gerne begrüßen wir Euch (wieder) an unserem Stand von Munich-Spirits/slowdrink.de. Unsere offenen Flaschen und die Monster Malts findet ihr hier im Blog. Dabeisein ist Pflicht!

Teilnahmebedingungen:

Einfach bis nächste Woche ein ‘Gefällt mir / Like’ hier rechts am Sidebar oder auf facebook für slowdrink.de abgeben. Am kommenden Dienstag, dem  7. Februar 2012, werden die beiden Gewinner bekannt gegeben, die aus allen Facebook-Followers von slowdrink.de ausgelost werden (die bereits eingetragenen ‘Likes /Gefällt mirs’ sind automatisch dabei). Diese werden dann online kontaktiert und die Tickets zugesandt.

Alternativ kann eine e-mail an unsere Adresse gesandt werden, weshalb Ihr gerade die Tickets verdient (bei gleicher Gewinnchance – aber gebt Euch Mühe, Ihr seid dann im selben Lostopf).

Viel Glück!

Schon lange planen wir einen Rumabend, denn diese Spirituose steht den Single Malts in Komplexität und Vielseitigkeit kaum nach. Dennoch fristet sie in unseren Breiten ein Schattendasein. Bei diesem Tasting mit Spitzendestillaten würde ich Euch gern überzeugen, dass dem R(h)um Unrecht wiederfährt.

Ich konnte auch Werner Prawda zum Kommen bewegen, der einen bekannten Rum-Versand leitet und bestimmt viel beitragen kann. Ebenso wird uns Philipp Windgassen die Ehre eben, er importiert Centenario Ron.

Termin: Do., 01. März 2012, 19:00 Uhr im Münchener Bistro ‘A Tavola’ (Machtlfinger Str. 10, direkt neben U3-Station Machtlfingerstr.)

Anmeldung: info@slowdrink.de

Kosten: 39.- Euro mit kleinem Snack, zu überweisen an Peter Krause, VR-Bank Garmisch, Kto. 79820, BLZ 70390000

Line-up (Alternativen noch möglich und zahlreich vorhanden):

1. Ron Malteco ‘Anejo Suave’ 10 y.o. (Guatemala)

2. Santa Teresa ’1796′ Ron Antiguo de Solera 15 y.o. (Venezuela)

3. Rhum Barbancourt ‘Reserve du  Domaine’ 15 y.o. (Haiti)

4. Ron Zacapa Centenario ‘Etiqueta Negra’ Sistema Solera 23 y.o. (Guatemala)

5. Riviere du Mat Rhum ‘Grande Reserve’ (La Reunion)

6. Ron Centenario ’30 Anos’ Edicion Limitada (Costa Rica)

7. HSE (Habitation Saint-Etienne) ‘XO’ Rhum Extra Vieux Agricole (Martinique)

8. Rhum J.M ‘Cuvee du Fondateur’ Rhum Vieux Agricole Hors d’Age (Martinique)

9. Port Mourant 33 y.o., 1975-2008, ‘Full Proof’ Old Demerara Rum Single Cask (Guyana)

10. … Evtl eine Überraschung …

Diese Range zeigt die Vielfalt recht gut und ist schon relativ hochklassig. Natürlich gibt es immer noch eine Steigerung (mehr Einzelfässer, Alter, etc.), doch für unsere Jungfernfahrt auf der Black Pearl ist das ein guter Anfang .

Bitte meldet Euch zahlreich an, denn R(h)um macht mächtig Spaß und bietet auch kostengünstige Alternativen zu so manchem Malt. Das garantiere ich Euch,

Euer Pit Krause.

Momentaner Tasting-Überblick

Do., 09. Februar, München: Messeauftakts-Verkostung bei Munich-Spirits

Fr.-So., 10.-12. Februar, München: Messestand auf der Finest Spirits

Sa., 18. Februar, Regensburg: Einführung Whisky (individuell, noch 5 Plätze frei, in kleiner Runde, keine Einladung erfolgt, ggf. anrufen 0160-1768777,  ideal für Einsteiger) *

Do., 01. März, München: Unsere erste Premium-R(h)umverkostung *

Sa., 03. März, Landshut: Whisky-Dinner in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Männerladen (Einsteiger und Fortgeschrittene)

So., 11. März, Regensburg: Whisky-Tasting im Irish-Pub Murphy’s Law (Einsteiger und Fortgeschrittene)

Fr., 16. März, Kelheim: Whisky-Dinner im Wittelsbacher Hof (Einsteiger und Fortgeschrittene)

? Sa., So., 24. und 25 März, Radebeul: Messestand, evtl. Tasting beim Whiskyfest Radebeul

? Do., 26. April, München (vorauss.): Tasting bei Munich-Spirits (Fortgeschrittene und Experten, Raritäten und besondere Whiskys)

Mai (noch nicht terminiert), Regensburg: 24. Offizielles Tasting des Regensburger Whisky- und Weinclubs, ein Slowdrink-Event (Gutschein-fähig), geeignet für Fortgeschrittene und Experten, Best of the Best

Sept./Oktober, Regensburg: 25. Offiz. Tasting des Regensburger Whisky- und Weinclubs, ein Slowdrink-Event (Gutschein-fähig), s.o.

* jetzt anmelden!

Diese Liste wird immer wieder ergänzt. Vielleicht ist ja Etwas für Euch dabei!

ARDBEG  10 y.o. SMWS 33.93, Sherry Butt, 55,9% (oder Alternative)
AMRUT  ‘Peated – Cask Strength’ OB, bottled 2.2009, 62,8%
ARDBEG  1975- 2002, W&M, 26 y.o., Single Cask, 46%
ARDBEG  1990 – 2008 OB ‘Airigh Nam Beist’, 46%
AUCHENTOSHAN  ‘Three Wood‘ OB, 43% (matured in 2 Sherries and Port)
BEN NEVIS  1970 – 1996 OB 26 y.o., Cask 4531, 75cl, 52,7%
BENRIACH  19 y.o., 12.3.1991 – 7.10.2010, SSMC, 57,2 %
BENRIACH  30 y.o. OB, 1st Batch, 50%
BOWMORE  15 y.o. OB ‘Mariner’, 43%
BOWMORE  15y.o. OB ‘Darkest’, Sherry-Finish,  43%
BOWMORE  1968 Distillation OB, 32 y.o., 45,5%
BOWMORE  OB ‘Tempest’, 10 y.o. Batch 2, 1st-fill Bourbon Casks, 56%
BRUICHLADDICH  21 y.o., OB f. Malts and More ‘Micro-Provenance’ 1990, D’Yquem-Finish, 48,2%
BUNNAHABHAIN  11 y.o. Chieftain’s Choice, 2000 – 2011, Casks 90461/2, Barolo Finish, 56,8%
CAOL ILA  1997 – 2010 Chieftain’s Choice, 12 y.o., Cask 80691, German Oak Finish, 46%
CENTENARIO RUM SOLERA FUNDACION  20 y.o., Bourbon and Sherry Casks, 40%
FUNDADOR 1874 Pedro Demecq Brandy from 1960ies
Glashalter-Halsband
GLEN AVON  15 y.o. G&M (old version), Sherry Cask, 57,3%
GLEN GARIOCH  12 y.o., OB, 48%
GLEN GRANT  16 y.o. OB, 43%
GLENDRONACH  12 y.o. OB from 1970ies for Previ Imp. (Italy), Dark Sherry Casks, 75cl, 43%
GLENDRONACH  14y.o., 1996 – 2010, MoS, Dark Sherry Butt #195, 287 Fl., 57,2%
GLENFARCLAS  1980 – 2002 OB ‘Christmas Malt’, Sherry Cask 11048, 54,7%
GLENGLASSAUGH  1976 – 2011 OB ‘The Chosen Few-Ronnie Routledge’, 35 y.o., Sherry Butt, 49,6%
HIGHLAND PARK  1997 – 2008 G&M ‘Reserve’, Dark Sherry Cask 5820, 57,6%
LAGAVULIN  1988 – 1998 Moon ‘Horae Solaris’, 50%
LAPHROAIG  1988 – 2005 DL OMC for The Whisky-Fair, 16 y.o., Butt 1062, 50,1%
LEDAIG  1972 ‘The Macnab’ 15 y.o., 75cl, 43%
LINKWOOD  26 y.o. OB 1981 – 2009, Port Wood Finish, 56,9%
LOCHSIDE  1981 – 2007 Blackadder USA ‘Raw Cask’, 26 y.o., Cask 618, 75cl, 55,8%
LONGMORN  12 y.o. Chieftain’s Choice ‘Anthony’s Wee Dram’, 1999 – 2011, Cask 90341, German Oak Finish, 43,2%
LONGMORN 1964 – 1978 Cadenhead 14 y.o., 75cl, dumpy bottle, 80 proof/46 gradi
LONGROW  10 y.o. 1991, OB, 46%
NIKKA ‘from the Barrel’ OB, 51,4%
OLD PULTENEY  1982 – 1998, OB 15 y.o. Single Sherry Cask 1525, 60,8%
PITAUD  Cognac ‘Borderies’ Single Cru, 40%
PITAUD  Cognac ‘Petite Champagne’ Single Cru, 40%
PITAUD Cognac ‘Extra’, 40%
PORT CHARLOTTE  7 y.o. SMWS 127.11, Sherry Butt, 67,0% (oder Alternative)
PORT ELLEN  1982 – 2001 DL OMC, 18 y.o., Sherry Cask, 777 Fl., 50%
REDBREAST  12 y.o. OB, Irish Pot Still Whiskey, 40%
Sample-Fläschchen (3cl und 5cl) mit Aufkleber und breitem Hals
SANTA TERESA 1796  Ron Antiguo de Solera, 15 y.o., 40%
SLYRS  OB ‘Fassstärke, Fass 565, 54,9%
SPRINGBANK  12 y.o. OB, grüne Distel, dunkle Version aus 1990ern, 46%
SPRINGBANK  1966 – 1998 OB ‘Local Barley’ Cask 498, 55,3%
STEWARTS  De Luxe ‘Cream of the Barley’ from 1960ies, – 20 y.o., very dark, 75cl, 43%
SUNTORY 17 y.o. ‘Hibiki’ Premium-Blend (bought in Japan)
TALISKER  1982 – 2005 DL OMC ‘Tactical’, 23 y.o., Dark Sherry Butt 542, 418 Fl., 50%
TAMDHU  16 y.o. Chieftain’s Choice, 1994 – 2010 ‘Anthony’s Ch. 2010, Oloroso Butt 1033, 53,7%
THE MACALLAN  10 y.o. OB from 1970ies, Full Proof (Red Stripe), 75cl, 57%
TOBERMORY  14 y.o. MMD/Flickenschild 1995 – 2010, Bourbon/Chateau Latour Cask 12, 46%
TOMATIN  13 y.o. Chieftain’s Choice, 1997 – 2011, Cask 90721, German Oak Finish, 50,2%
TOMATIN  19 y.o., 24.09.1990 – 19.02.2010, SSMC, 57,3 %
TOMATIN  1976 – 2010 Duncan Taylor ‘Rare Old’, 33 y.o., Cask 6816, 51,6%
Whisky’ aus Konzentrat
WILD TURKEY  ‘Rare Breed’ Bourbon, 54,1%
YAMAZAKI  10 y.o. OB (Suntory), 40% (matured in three wood-types)
YAMAZAKI  1994 – 2006 OB (Suntory) Single Cask 4Q70/88, 63%

Von den Münchener Jungs kommen auch noch so ca. fünfzehn feine Sachen dazu. Ebenso machen wir wieder Messeführungen für Euch. Also kommt vorbei, wir freuen uns auf Euren Besuch!

Wie im Vorjahr werden wir an unserem Stand auf dem Finest Spirits Festival 2012 neben 45 anderen hervorragenden Whiskys und Spirituosen die Monster Malts im Ausschank haben. Hierbei handelt es sich um ausgesuchte Tropfen, die zu den besten Produkten der Messe

Die Monster Malts des Vorjahres - Kult!

gehören. Nicht verpassen!

Hier die lange erwartete Liste:

SPRINGBANK 1966 – 1998 OB ‘Local Barley’ Cask 498, 55,3%

LEDAIG 1972 ‘The Macnab’ 15 y.o., 75cl, 43%

ARDBEG 1975- 2002, Wilson & Morgan, 26 y.o., Single Cask, 46%

TALISKER 1982 – 2005 Douglas Laing (Old Malt Cask) ‘Tactical’, 23 y.o., Dark Sherry Butt 542, 418 Fl., 50%

LINKWOOD 26 y.o. OB 1981 – 2009, Port Wood Finish, 56,9%

BEN NEVIS 1970 – 1996 OB 26 y.o., Cask 4531, 75cl, 52,7%

BOWMORE 1968 Distillation OB, 32 y.o., 45,5%

GLENDRONACH 12 y.o. OB from 1970ies for Previ Imp. (!), Dark Sherry Casks, 75cl, 43%

PORT ELLEN 1982 – 2001 DL OMC, 18 y.o., Sherry Cask, 777 Fl., 50%

GLENGLASSAUGH 1976 – 2011 OB ‘The Chosen Few-Ronnie Routledge’, 35 y.o., Sherry Butt, 49,6%

BENRIACH 30 y.o. OB, 1st Batch, 50%

THE MACALLAN 10 y.o. OB from 1970ies, Full Proof (Red Stripe), 75cl, 57%

‘Malternative’-Monster:

PITAUD Cognac ‘Extra’, 40%

(Silbermedaille bei Malt Maniacs Award und wie ein alter feiner Malt)

Die weiteren Flaschen unseres Standes werde ich in ein paar Tagen hier bekannt geben. Anbei auch noch der Link zur Finest Spirits, die in diesem Jahr noch größer sein wird (210 Marken!).

Please click the link above (line, not image) for the my new article for the Malt Maniacs. As some restructuring of their pages is going on, this e-pistle is first published here. Enjoy!

Bowmore 25 y.o. Signatory Vintage 1975 – 2000, Cask 1924, 49,5%

Comment: This is a classic, and exactly in the middle of the old 1960ies style and the later lilac-type Bowmores, but without the perfume. One could say old 1960ies-Bowmore minus the extreme dextrose-fruitiness. Great wood of the dark kind and a maritime freshness with a lot of depth. Noble it is!

Score: 90

Glen Elgin 10 y.o. SMWS 85.20, 1999-2009, Refill Sherry Butt, 650 btl., 60,2%

Comment: Raisins, earth, not bad, but rather simple.

Score: 86

Dailuaine 23 y.o. SMWS 41.42, 1986 – 2010, Refill Hogshead, 220 btl., 57,3%

Comment: On the sweet side, good Bourbon woodiness, but a bit hot altogether, seems a bit younger.

Score: 87

Auchentoshan 11 y.o. SMWS 5.27, 1999-2011, 2nd-fill Bourbon Hogshead, 262 btl., 58,3%

Comment: As a friend of Auchentoshan (oh boy, they made some great whiskies, and the Three Wood is one of the great standard bottlings out there) I was a bit disappointed in this release. It displays lemon zest, malt, hay, heather, honey, licorice and vanilla, altogether nice but not very impressive. And another minus, it is not very smooth for a triple-distilled Lowland Malt. Look for better Auchies, they are not hard to find.

Score: 79

So what is the middle ground here as I would like to keep a record of my drinking experience? For me, the following procedure works out: I am taking short notes after (and sometimes inobtrusively during) such situations in which it hasn’t been very suitable to write down a thorough review. Occasionally a score has to do – although I believe that mere scores without comments aren’t worth much.

A stack of such remarks and scores in various drink categories has piled up here by now, and so I hope you forgive me their brief fashion (or absence) when I share them with you within the next days.

Let’s start off with four sparklers:

Domaine du Moulin de Dusenbach (Bernard Schwach) Cremant d’Alsace Brut 12,5%

Comment: This didn’t fully convince us, it is very yeasty and rather one-dimensional – but not bad.

Score: 86

Juve y Camps Gran Reserva de la Familia 2005 Cava Brut Nature 12%

Juve y Camps of a Different Vintage

Comment: Advertised as one of the best Cavas from Spain – well, it is nice but can’t compete with some Segura Viudad products, in particular the Brut Reserva Heredad. The nose shows green apples, brioche, mossy earth and whiffs of peach, grass and lemon. It is somewhat restrained. Tastewise, the family reserve comes accross a bit like an Italian bitter (Campari) and damp, not very alive with a lot of yeasty notes and dried flowers (some lavender) leading into a tightly knit and lengthy finish. I won’t buy it again for it is too minor in tone for me, this is not my style of sparkling wine, but: It is profound in depth.

Score: 89

Delaunois D. et Fils Champagne 1er Grand Cru Cuvee Royale 12%

Comment: This is special because it is made only from Pinot Noir grapes. It also comes at a very fair price (below 20 Euros is possible). But price is not the standard here, only taste – and its taste is amazingly fresh and complex, highly drinkable and fun. Exactly my thing, and the others loved it as well. Stunner to buy a case of!

Score: 92

Deutz Champagne 2002 Brut 12%

Comment: This one comes from the great Grand Crus of the historic Champagne, a fine vintage champaign? YES, it has a fine structure of pearls, a lot of acidity with a touch of metallic minerality which counterbalances the yeast very well. I am getting white peach, peach kernel, toasted brioche, lilacs, green apples, marzipan and bitter almonds, macadamia, a touch of exotic fruitiness and some mossy earth. It somehow grows on you sip by sip and displays an amazing complexity. In a different style than the Delaunois with more character and personality.

Score: 92+

More short notes to come in some days (SMWS december/january, wines like Mas de Daumas Gassac, Passito from Lieselehof and Alsatian beauties, Caol Ila Manager’s Choice, The Feis Ile Bottlings 2011, some r(h)ums, Macallan 10 Red Stripe 75cl, a review of the Elephant session’s drams and other Single Malts), stay tuned.

http://www.finest-spirits.com/2012/01/das-fass-machts/

By clicking this link you can read my blog at Finest Spirits with some English and German articles. Enjoy!

Comment: This one has not been talked about recently. Of course it is winey (albeit not sweet or Port-like), but also very elegant and typical for a 1980ies Bowmore with a lot of distillery character (leafy, ferny, lilac, herbal as hell, in fact, and: chlorine – yeah, yeah, some hate this style – discrete peat and pepper spice) and the Bowmore-esque balance. The taste is identically typical, which is good or bad news, depending on your view on this period of Bowmore distillation. I like it. But it will definitely split the opinions. The 56% abv. are not evident. Nice dram, but no ‘must-have’.

Score: 88

Caperdonich 39 y.o. Whisky-Fässle 1972 – 2011 Refill Sherry Cask 45,0% (Joint Bottling with Whiskybase.com)

Comment: This summer dram is mainly built on four pillars: 1) tropical fruit (apricots, banana, lemon, kiwi, grapefruit, passionfruit), 2) charcoaled white oak and the spiciness/vanilla going with that, 3) honey, and 4) a field of flowers with honeybees, pollen and discrete herbs. That is quite something already. On the side, there are aromas of fine Earl Grey tea, white chocolate, peanuts and a bit of smoke. It reminds me of a fine sweet wine from Italy in some moments (a Vin Santo or a South Tyrolean Passito). The whole combo is surprisingly fresh and alive for such an age, but also a bit oaky. Like with many other Whisky-Fässle-bottlings, the Sherry influence is rather low here. Fino? Third-fill? Whatever, utterly awesome whisky! If the oak had a slightly smaller role this would be legendary!

Score: 90

According to participants of the Orcadian Vintage tasting in Frankfurt, Gerry was very entertaining and straightforward. Her shared his opinions about the new releases openly. Among many interesting remarks he mentioned was, that you can use old HP bottlings as ‘weather-backcasts’. The less peaty a dram is, the windier it must have been during the days when the malt was in the kiln, because in that period of time, wind could enter the malting floor/kiln area somehow and partly blow out the phenolic smoke. I can neither confirm nor contradict this as pure B.S. – it just sounded very interesting when a friend told me about his words. Please ask Gerry for the details.

We are not into weather history today, all I do is try this stunning whisky with its heavy price tag:

Highland Park ‘Orcadian Vintage’ 1964 – 2009, 290 btl., 42,2% (from two refill-hogsheads, one American Oak, one European Oak ex-Sherry)

Comment: This one is the inaugural release of the series and comes with a heavy box with wood inlays and a silver amulet on the front (Viking design, yeah right, I forgot). Nice but … I guess such packaging is necessary to sell it for almost 4.000 squid.Let’s just judge the spirit. An amazing cristalline nose with beautiful balance awaits the chosen few to sip it. The mix of the two different casks is a success, because one gets the best of both worlds, Bourbon (exotic fruits like passion fruit, caramel) and Sherry Casks (wonderful dark aromas of excellent Sherry, dark wood, slight mustiness, etc.). It is all the way high-class with orange-liqueur, sourish notes of rhubarb pie, marshmallows, coffee, heather, Sauce Bolognese and a little peat smoke. On the side, there is a lovely competition between the freshness of cristalline dextrose, which is so typical for the 1964 vintage, and the slight mustiness from old and forgotten Sherry casks. Let’s taste this baby now: No ‘bad’ woodiness, just a spot-on delivery of mahogani and fruit at first, then the aromas from above ride in gloriously. A whiff of mint joins the delicate nectar on the mid-palate, leading over to a complex finish that only an old whisky like this can deliver. Nothing is in your face here, all is just hinted at. I stand in awe, this piece of liquid art is among the best 50 drams I ever had. Worth a high price for sure, but not the one they charge – hence, not many whisky lovers will get the chance to drink it.

Score: 94+

Nose: Starts uber-fruity and very nice, I am getting loads of passionfruit here (like an old Bruichladdich) along with tangerine, lime, peach, grapefruit, all very oily. Whoops, now the nut-express arrives (esp. almonds and macadamia), wonderful, and almost no wood or spice to be found without being boring. Some flowers add to the great depth and complexity.

Palate: This is high-class all the way in textbook-balance. On the light and delicate side, but with a fruity tail. Subtlety can be a charm.

Finish: Tropical fruit oil (passionfruit leads it), coconut and what not, a real stunner from this underrated distillery.

Score: 91-

Comment: Buy this! Have it in the morning or in the afternoon – or put it at the beginning of your tasting to spoil it for the following drams.

Bunnahabhain 42 y.o. Whisky-Fässle 1968 – 2011, Refill Sherry-Cask, 43,8% (Joint Bottling with Whiskybase)

Comment: From a great vintage for that distillery. This doesn’t disappoint at all and displays typical old Bunna-charm and complexity: Wonderful fruits, spice cake (cinnamon as leading element), honey, fruit tea, maritime freshness, leather, creme brulee with Sauternes wine, plums, Kirschbrand, tangerines, bananas, marshmallows, discrete oak and the noblesse of a fine Sherry. The taste is more on tea than I have ever encountered…is there such complex tea around?

Score: 90+

Clynelish 38 y.o. Whisky-Fässle, 1972 – 2010, 46,2%

Comment: Again, a typical Clynelish from the glory-years, excellent from the start. Seems like Jens is a great cask-picker! Waxy green apples, honey and pollen, apricots, vanilla, grass and herbs, lemon zest, lemongrass, a whiff of Asian spice and tea. Peat, smoke and moss are there but play only a minor role. Mmmmh, just great and also maritime (thunderclouds rolling in from the sea). Some austerity as well, altogether.

Score: 90

Glen Grant 37 y.o. Whisky-Fässle, 1973 – 2010, Whisky-Fässle, Sherry Cask, 46,2%

Aroma: Holzwürzig-tropenfruchtig, wie ein Obstkorb in der Schreinerei: Sägemehl-Tannine, Vanille, lösende Stoffe (Leim), weißer Pfeffer, eine Spur Harz und Eiche treffen Aprikose, Guave, Passionsfrucht, Grapefruit, gelbe Äpfel, Birnen, Multivitaminsaft, Mandeln. Der Sherry ist kaum zu bemerken, eher die Fruchtigkeit der Quercus Alba (amerikan. Weißeiche) dominiert.

Geschmack: Ein spannendes Spiel zwischen den Hauptelementen Holz und obstiger Frucht, das die Frucht gewinnt. Das Alter dieses Drams ist zu erschmecken, kein Balanceking, sondern ein ‘Schaukler’. Mit Wasser deutlich cremiger und weniger Eiche (Empfehlung).

Abgang:

Great Bottler and very nice guy: Jens Unterweger, the face behind 'Whisky-Fässle'

Die Holzigkeit legt sich unbemerkt um die nun deutlichen Fruchtnoten und die Vanille singt ihr exotisches Lied. Langer Abgang.

Note: 87+

Kommentar: Man muss alte Whiskys mit Holznote lieben, doch dann ist dieser eine gute Wahl! Trotz der 46,2% Wasser zum Verdünnen verwenden!

Appearance: Incredible viscosity, like used oil it streams slowly out of the bottle – in the darkest brown with a tiny ruby edge.

Nose: Amazingly alive after such a time, this can age even longer. First there is dark chocolate and dried plum, figs, raisins and sultanas accompanied by the most noble smell of dark wood, American oak and roasted dark coffee. Altogether it delivers slight reminiscences of a good Nocino, but better, like a high class Balsamico Extra Vecchio, but less acidic, like a Maraschino cherry, but much richer. Then there are compounds of Panettone and Christmas cakes, treacle, red grapes’ skins, muscovado sugar, chicory, burnt creme brulee top and a hint of licorice.

All that is interwoven and balanced perfectly. The grapes are talking as well now (these actually are Mataro, Shiraz and Grenache) and believe me, you can sniff a fine Australian red within the amazing complexity. Pepper, rosemary, quite some cloves and an intriguing arabic spice combo (cinnamon, anisseed, cumin, nutmeg, kurkuma and what not) keep the nose far from being overly sweet, although this might be as sweet as wine can get – and some bitterness of the wonderful kind. It also needs time to open up, so please don’t rush it – it is over 100 years old!

Palate: The Burj-Dubai builds up on my mid palate, what a fat and creamy structure! The ridiculous concentration with immense sweetness is countered with enough acidity and the bitter notes. As good as it gets. Molasses! All the notes identified in the aroma are there with fine precision. I rest my case.

Finish: Don’t eat or drink in the next 4 hours, it is worth it! Like a Wagner opera, but with less pain.

Score: 100 points (2011)

Comment: This is the first wine, actually the first liquid, which I score at 100. And it is the oldest drink concerning maturation that I ever had. My score has no infliction with the mind-boggling age or the awe I feel drinking it. This is just a perfect nectar with nothing to criticize and it made my Christmas 2012! James Halliday scored it equally. Thanks to Michael for discovering this gem.

Die letzten Wochen waren mit fünf Veranstaltungen noch sehr intensiv, daher musste der Blog ruhen. In Kürze gibt es wieder jede Menge Notes, die hier schon ‘auf Halde’ liegen. Dabei berichte ich auch von den Tastings und deren Highlights.

Weitere Artikel in der Pipeline:

- Orcadian Vintage Tasting einiger alter Highland Parks

- Proben von Whisky-Fässle und Whisky Fair (sorry für die Verzögerung)

- die letzen SMWS-Abfüllungen 2011

- Sake-Tasting

- Lochside 44 Cooper’s Choice

- Benriach 1971 -2011 OB Cask 1947

- The Peat Beast (Kammer Kirsch)

- My favourite Bourbons

- Review der Tastings in München, im Murphy’s Law und der Elefantenrunde

- Feis Ile Bottlings und das Tasting in Nürnberg

- neue Maltman / Meadowside (Hart) Abfüllungen

- Arran ‘Easan Biorach’ 10 y.o.

- Port Seppeltsfield 1910 (!!!)

- Glenglassaugh over 30 (1972er mit 43,02%), First Cask und Glenglassaugh 40 The Whisky Fair

Weine, Wodka Starka 10y.o., u.v.m.

]]> http://www.slowdrink.de/2011/12/privates-tasting-die-elefantenrunde-2011/feed/ 0 http://www.slowdrink.de/2011/12/dezember-januar/ http://www.slowdrink.de/2011/12/dezember-januar/#comments Sun, 04 Dec 2011 21:27:55 +0000 Peter Krause http://www.slowdrink.de/?p=1842 Continue reading →]]> Dies sind die letzten News im alten Jahr, in dem wir uns noch für Eure Treue und das uns entgegengebrachte Interesse bedanken wollen. Es hat uns wieder sehr viel Spaß gemacht. Unsere non-profit-Plattform wächst und gedeiht und auch der Blog wird eifrig besucht. Demnächst gibt es wieder mehr Verkostungsnotizen zu lesen.

Folgende Events und Tipps möchte ich Euch abschließend ans Herz legen:

1) Tasting-Gutscheine von slowdrink.de verschenken

Klickt einfach auf der Homepage auf den Reiter ‘Zum Verschenken’ – unsere ansprechend gestalteten Tastinggutscheine mit Samples zur Vorfreude sind immer sehr beliebte und originelle Präsente.

2) Whiskyverkostung in Regensburg zusammen mit dem Irish Pub ‘Murphy’s Law’

Am kommenden Sonntag, den 11. Dezember 2011 um ca. 19.00 – 21.30 Uhr werden wir eine Whiskyverkostung im Murphy’s Law (Spiegelgasse, Regensburger Altstadt) haben. Kultwirt Mike freut sich schon auf uns und wird an diesem vorweihnachtlichen Sonntag auch ein paar Drams mit uns genießen, ich moderiere dort. Das Line-up wird Gefallen finden:

1.  Warm-up Dram (slightly sherried Speysider, gut zum Einsteigen)
2. Auchentoshan 1975 OB, 21 y.o. (exzellente Rarität in cask strength, Kult und ehemaliger Tasting-Winner)
3. Royal Brackla 25 y.o. gereift im Fino Sherry Fass (sehr ausgewogener Highland Malt, absolute Allround-Qualität, ehem. Tasting-Winner)
4. Glenglassaugh 1983 – 2011 OB for Germany 28 y.o., matured in Sherry, finished in Sauternes Cask (ganz neu, cask strength und oberklasse)
5. Glendronach OB 12 y.o. Sherry Wood from 1970ies for Previ Import (Italien) (sehr dunkle Sherry Malt-Rarität, die immer teurer wird, weil sie so lecker ist: ehem. Tasting-Gewinner)
6. Bowmore OB Tempest (Batch 2) 10 y.o. aus first-fill Bourbon Casks (ein tropenfruchtig-torfiger Islay Malt, typische Bowmore-Balance, richtig gut und in Cask Strength)
7. Laphroaig only for Clubs (slowdrink.de/Nürnberg) 1998 aus Sherry Cask in Cask Strength, 90 Punkte bei Serge Valentin

Preis: Nur 30.- Euro (Selbstkostenpreis, aber keine slowdrink.de-Veranstaltung, ein Partner-Event)

Anmeldung: Im Murphy’s Law in Regensburg oder per Telefon (Pub an 18:00 Uhr : 0941-53295; oder Mike: 0160-7828736)

Bei diesem Tasting solltet Ihr schnell sein, die Liste de Anmeldungen wird voller.

3) R(h)um probieren in der Markthalle Regensburg

Unsere Freunde von Wein&Mehr laden Euch zum Probieren einiger R(h)umsorten ein! Ich selbst habe mich dort schon orientiert und war begeistert – nicht verpassen, die Aktion endet in Kürze. Diese Top-R(h)ums sind auch gute Weihnachtsgeschenke -ggf. für einen selbst . Kommt einfach zum Wein&Mehr-Shop in der Regensburger Markthalle (Dachauer Platz). Es lohnt sich!

4) Whisky-Tasting im Männerladen (Landshut)

Auf ein Neues – dies ist der zweite Anlauf, da unsere Planung beim ersten Mal zu kurzfristig war, weshalb sich zu wenige Anmeldungen ergaben. Als neuen Termin haben wir einen Samstag ins Auge gefasst, um das Gewölbe im  Männerladen einzuweihen. Das von mir moderierte Tasting findet am 21. Januar um 19.00 Uhr statt (Voranmeldung, Männerladen, Altstadt 18 – 20, Landshut). Ich habe ein Line-up zusammengestellt, bei dem für jeden Whiskyfreund etwas dabei sein wird (verschiedene Regionen, Alter, Fassreifungen, etc., fast nur Einzelfass-Whiskys).

Hier die Verkostungsliste mit ein paar echten Highlights und noch geheimen, nicht gelisteten Überraschungen:

1. Highland Park (Orkney) 16 years old, 1994 – 2010,
   Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 54,6%
2. Mortlach 18 y.o., 1993 – 2011,
   Ex-Sherry Butt, 57,2%
3. Miltonduff (Elgin) 13 y.o., 1998 – 2011,
   Sherry Hogshead No. 3619, 59,9%
4. Braes of Glenlivet (Elgin) 21 y.o., 1989 – 2011,
   Hogshead Nr. 1030, 54,7%
5. Glenglassaugh (Portsoy) 28 y.o., 1983,
   Refill-Sherry Butt finished in a fresh Sauternes Cask, 49,6%
6. Bunnahabhain 24 y.o., 1986 – 2010, Sherry Butt 1282, 53,8%
7. Islay Edition No.1 (Bowmore, Islay) 13 y.o.,
   Limited to 3 casks, 46%
8. Laphroaig 14 y.o. (Islay), 1997 – 2011, Bourbon Hogshead, 43,3%

Unkostenbeitrag: 39.- Euro

Anmeldung: Im Männerladen (persönlich, telefonisch unter 0871-29475 oder unter folgender Mail-Adresse: info@maennerladen.de)

Ich denke, das Dabeisein ist Pflicht – für diesen geringen Preis wird da großes Whiskykino geboten. Aber beeilen, die Plätze sind limitiert! Anmerkung: Nicht kombinierbar mit einem Slowdrink-Gutschein, da es ein Partner-Event ist.

5) Interesse an einer edlen R(h)um-Verkostung in München?

Schon lange planen wir einen Rumabend, denn diese Spirituose steht den Single Malts in Komplexität und Vielseitigkeit kaum nach. Dennoch fristet sie in unseren Breiten ein Schattendasein. Bei diesem Tasting mit Spitzendestillaten würde ich Euch gern überzeugen, dass dem R(h)um Unrecht wiederfährt.

Wer daran Interesse hätte, soll uns unter info@slowdrink.de mailen. Je nach Feedback steigt die Sache. Hier mein Lineup-Vorschlag für den niveauvollen Einstieg in die wunderbare Welt des R(h)ums (Alternativen möglich und zahlreich vorhanden):

1. Ron Malteco ‘Anejo Suave’ 10 y.o. (Guatemala)

2. Santa Teresa ’1796′ Ron Antiguo de Solera 15 y.o. (Venezuela)

3. Rhum Barbancourt ‘Reserve du  Domaine’ 15 y.o. (Haiti)

4. Ron Zacapa Centenario ‘Etiqueta Negra’ Sistema Solera 23 y.o. (Guatemala)

5. Riviere du Mat Rhum ‘Grande Reserve’ (La Reunion)

6. Ron Centenario ’30 Anos’ Edicion Limitada (Costa Rica)

7. HSE (Habitation Saint-Etienne) ‘XO’ Rhum Extra Vieux Agricole (Martinique)

8. Rhum J.M ‘Cuvee du Fondateur’ Rhum Vieux Agricole Hors d’Age (Martinique)

9. Port Mourant 33 y.o., 1975-2008, ‘Full Proof’ Old Demerara Rum (Guyana)

10. … Evtl eine Überraschung …

Kosten: Nur ca. 30.- Euro

Bitte schreibt uns zahlreich, denn R(h)um macht mächtig Spaß und bietet auch kostengünstige Alternativen zu so manchem Malt.

6) SMWS-Verkostung bei Munich-Spirits

Zuletzt würde ich gerne auf einen Single Malt-Abend mit unserem Freund Ralf Dänzer, dem Scotch Malt Whisky Society-Vertreter im Süden, hinweisen. Alle Daten zur Anmeldung für den 28. Januar 2011 findet Ihr bei: www.munich-spirits.de

Wir freuen uns von Euch zu hören und wünschen ein frohes Fest und einen guten Rutsch,

Euer slowdrink.de-Team.

Jonny’s Whisky Essence / Prestige Scotch Malt Whisky-Essence

Dieses Konzentrat ersetzt Euch jeden uralten Ardbeg oder Macallan – und das für weniger als zehn Euro (Essenz ca. 5.-  und 750 ml Sprit). Nix mit jahrelanger Reifung, Herstellung in komischen Brennblasenformen und dem ganzen Zeugs für Nerds. Es geht doch viel einfacher:

Man fülle die in einem Fläschchen enthaltenen 20 ml Essenz in eine normale leere Whiskyflasche. Dann zu drei Vierteln mit Wodka befüllen, verschließen und kräftig schütteln. Anschließend bis oben mit Wodka auffüllen und erneut shaken, bis sich alle Zutaten vollständig vermengt haben. Basta!

Jim Murray könnte hier nur 95-98 Punkte vergeben, da hat der Uigeadail oder der Old Pulteney 21 y.o. keine Chance. Glaubt meinem Urteil: klasse Stoff! Das verspricht schon die englische Zutatenliste: Glycerine, natural and identical to natural whisky aromas, oak extract, E150 caramel. Was braucht man mehr?

A Revolution in Whisky-Making

Wir haben es bei einem Slowdrink-Tasting ausprobiert …

…und das Ergebnis war einstimmig. Ihr hättet dabei sein sollen. Da schnalzten die Geschmacksknospen, sage ich Euch. Wenn Ihr dieses einmalige Trinkerlebnis nachholen wollt, könnt Ihr dies gerne auf der Finest Spirits-Messe 2012 beim Slowdrink- / Munich-Spirits-Stand nachholen. Gerne schenk’ ich Euch dort einen Dram dieses Monsters aus … und mein mitgebrachtes Bottling dieses himmlischen Nektars wird dann sogar schon Old Bottle Flavour haben .

Die Festival-Leitung denkt momentan schon darüber nach, diesen Edelstoff als Headliner anzupreisen und in vorderster Reihe des Messeshops zu positionieren. Es wird importiert, was das Zeug hält.

Für den nun gesamteuropäischen Markt braucht man allerdings noch einen geeigneten Namen. Die momentanen Arbeitstitel sind noch ‘The Evil Bitch – Blind Men’s Choice’ oder ‘Lochan Uaine Boladh – The Crocodile’s Ass’. Ich würde mich freuen, wenn Ihr ein paar bessere Vorschläge für den wahrscheinlich besten Whisky der Welt per Mail machen könntet. Der Gewinner darf  eine Gratisflasche sein Eigen nennen.

Slainte!

Vor Weihnachten wird es noch zwei offizielle Verkostungen (Regensburg und Landshut) geben, die ich Euch vorstellen möchte. Das erste findet schon am kommenden Mittwoch statt – und ich lege es Euch sehr warm ans Herz:

1) Whisky-Tasting im Männerladen zu Landshut

Zur Einweihung des Gewölbes im  Männerladen gibt es natürlich ein Tasting, das ich selber moderieren werde. Es findet am kommenden Mittwoch, den 23.11.2011 um 19.00 Uhr statt (Voranmeldung, Männerladen, Altstadt 18 – 20, Landshut). Ich habe ein Line-up zusammengestellt, bei dem für jeden Whiskyfreund etwas dabei sein wird (verschiedene Regionen, Alter, Fassreifungen, etc., fast nur Einzelfass-Whiskys).

Hier die Verkostungsliste mit ein paar echten Highlights und noch geheimen, nicht gelisteten Überraschungen:

1. Highland Park (Orkney) 16 years old, 1994 – 2010,
   Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 54,6%
2. Mortlach 18 y.o., 1993 – 2011,
   Ex-Sherry Butt, 57,2%
3. Miltonduff (Elgin) 13 y.o., 1998 – 2011,
   Sherry Hogshead No. 3619, 59,9%
4. Braes of Glenlivet (Elgin) 21 y.o., 1989 – 2011,
   Hogshead Nr. 1030, 54,7%
5. Glenglassaugh (Portsoy) 28 y.o., 1983,
   Refill-Sherry Butt finished in a fresh Sauternes Cask, 49,6%
6. Clynelish (Brora) 14 y.o., 1997 – 2011
   Hogshead No. 5711, 57,9%
7. Islay Edition No.1 (Bowmore, Islay) 13 y.o.,
   Limited to 3 casks, 46%
8. Laphroaig 14 y.o. (Islay), 1997 – 2011, Bourbon Hogshead, 43,3%

Unkostenbeitrag: 39.- Euro

Anmeldung: Im Männerladen (persönlich, telefonisch unter 0871-29475 oder unter folgender Mail-Adresse: info@maennerladen.de)

Ich denke, das Dabeisein lohnt sich, gerade jetzt zu dieser Jahreszeit – für diesen geringen Preis wird da großes Whiskykino geboten. Aber beeilen, die Plätze sind limitiert! Anmerkung: Nicht kombinierbar mit einem Slowdrink-Gutschein, da es ein Partner-Event ist.

2) Whiskyverkostung in Regensburg zusammen mit dem Irish Pub ‘Murphy’s Law’

Am 11. Dezember 2011 um ca. 19.00 Uhr werden wir eine Whiskyverkostung im Murphy’s Law (Spiegelgasse, Regensburger Altstadt) haben. Kultwirt Mike freut sich schon auf uns und wird an diesem vorweihnachtlichen Sonntag auch ein paar Drams mit uns genießen, ich moderiere auch hier. Das Line-up steht nun fest:

1.  Warm-up Dram (slightly sherried Speysider, gut zum Einsteigen)
2. Auchentoshan 1975 OB, 21 y.o. (exzellente Rarität in cask strength, Kult und ehemaliger Tasting-Winner)
3. Royal Brackla 25 y.o. gereift im Fino Sherry Fass (sehr ausgewogener Highland Malt, absolute Allround-Qualität, ehem. Tasting-Winner)
4. Glenglassaugh 1983 – 2011 OB for Germany 28 y.o., matured in Sherry, finished in Sauternes Cask (ganz neu, cask strength und oberklasse)
5. Glendronach OB 12 y.o. Sherry Wood from 1970ies for Previ Import (Italien) (sehr dunkle Sherry Malt-Rarität, die immer teurer wird, weil sie so lecker ist: ehem. Tasting-Gewinner)
6. Bowmore OB Tempest (Batch 2) 10 y.o. aus first-fill Bourbon Casks (ein tropenfruchtig-torfiger Islay Malt, typische Bowmore-Balance, richtig gut und in Cask Strength)
7. Laphroaig only for Clubs (slowdrink.de/Nürnberg) 1998 aus Sherry Cask in Cask Strength, 90 Punkte bei Serge Valentin

Preis: Nur 30.- Euro (Selbstkostenpreis, aber keine slowdrink.de-Veranstaltung, ein Partner-Event)

Anmeldung: Im Murphy’s Law in Regensburg oder per Telefon (Pub an 18:00 Uhr : 0941-53295; oder Mike: 0160-7828736)

Auch bei diesem Tasting solltet Ihr schnell sein, die Liste de Anmeldungen wird voller.

So, das waren alle Neuigkeiten für 2011. Nächstes Jahr gibt es in Kürze eine Rum-Verkostung, ein Whisky-Dinner in Kelheim und zwei Top- Slowdrink-Events im Frühjahr und im Herbst (Gutscheine hier einsetzen). Solche Tasting-Gutscheine können wir als Weihnachtsgeschenk – auf Wunsch mit Samples – versenden.

Also, auf zum Jahresendspurt in Sachen Whisky – meldet Euch an, die Partner und ich freuen uns auf Euren Besuch.

Liebe Grüße,

Pit.

Glen Grant 1972 – 2011 The Whisky Agency ‘Private Stock’, Sherry Hogshead, 87 btl., 51,4%

Comment: Very mature and fruity at first (ripe regional of all kind as well as tropical), vanilla, honey and toffee, also a complex spicy counterpart (Asian spices, ginger and white pepper) to avoid boredom, wonderful oak wood, ashes, all is well-balanced. Later, milk coffee, marshmallows, apricot jam, lemon zest and hazelnuts join the mix. The Sherry is really unobtrusive and perectly integrated. On the palate, the ‘dried fruit brigade’ takes no prisoners with a slightly dry and intense attack with a lot of tannic wood and honey, but the other aromas are in the background. High class all the way, especially when the long finish starts to hum its fruity tune accompanied by neat white oak.

Score: 91-

Springbank 10 y.o. SMWS 27.87, 2000 – 2011, Sherry Hogshead, 54,4%

Comment: Surprise! Really much better than expected. I am getting a salty and nutty coastal aroma with well-integrated Sherry, that isn’t hiding at all. Hence we got pleasant dark fruits of all kind and a peppery spiciness from the wood with tiny bitterness. There also are peaty tones, ham, coconut, cookies and coffee detectable. High class and complexity like in the old days. No joke! Where did they find this cask? On the palate and in the finish, the intensity and joy continues in the same way and takes up a little farmyardiness too, but the creaminess of the old style is not fully there – but that would be a task too hard for any malt these days. This is a stunner not to be missed. Forget the numbers, which might not convince you to buy a bottle, go for the taste of this big malt. I hope there will come more Springers like that in the future.

Score: 90+

We started out with two sparkling wines from the Prosecco area (Conegliano/Valdobbiadene) and wider Venetia which come in very fancy outfits. These wines were:

Ettore Ceschin ‘Bepin de Eto – Rosato Millesimato’ 2009 Vino Spumante Brut 11,5%

Comment: I couldn’t find the vintage on the bottle, only the information about the 2010 lot on the back label. Anyway, this Venetian sparkling Rosato is a strawberry and raspberry-driven little charmer with freshness and good moussage and no yeasty notes. Later you find peaches, melon, lychee and other fruits in the uncomplicated mix. A great aperitif with a lasting structure, not really complex stuff, but simply joyful and well-done.

Score: 88 (2011)

As new guests kept pouring in, we opened a second wine from Ettore Ceschin:

Ettore Ceschin ‘Bepin de Eto – Prosecco Superiore Millesimato’ 2009 Extra Dry 11,5% DOCG

Comment: Same vintage guessing like above, only the lot number says 2010. However, this is convincing Prosecco. Not as dry as the label suggests, this is wonderfully fresh and fruity. I like it as much as the Mionetto bottlings.

Score: 89 (2011)

Then lunch (game in port) required a mature Bordeaux on the lighter side which made me go for Saint Emilion:

Chateau La Gaffeliere 1990 1er Grand Cru Classe St.-Emilion 12,5%

Comment: Very typical for its soil and just at its peak. Brighter berries lead the way of this autumn-like wine with leafy notes, game, forest floor, leather and pencil shavings. The backbone is still intact. It fitted the game really well and revealed secondary and tertiary aromas in amazing complexity.

Score: 93 (2011)

We had killed these bottles and a liqueur from my mother-in-law, who produces the Wallner-Gewekin Liqueurs, when neighbours arrived to congratulate at coffee time. As we still were in a bubbly mood and had apple crumble, we opened a lifestyle / fun-oriented sparkler, a cider from South Tyrolia, while my daughter opened the first birthday presents of her life (and prefering to play with the wrapping paper instead of the actual present):

Pur Südtirol ‘S’POM’ Apfelcidre Dry 6,5%

Comment: What can I say? This in not a mind-boggling elixir, but it is incredibly refreshing and slightly sour apple cider – good now, even better in summer. The apples stem from a Grand Cru mountain site of the Southern Dolomites at 900 meters a.s.l. and express also some flowery notes at a great balance. There are not many better ways of having apples!

Score: 88 (2011)

For dinner, we had one big course and three wines ( I am on a diet, but no one cared – so I would have to play more sports this week). The plates were filled with cold beef breast in a vinaigrette and little onions, pickles, eggs etc. as toppings, one of mom’s recipes. This went well with a Pinot Noir or a Riesling:

Sybille Kuntz ‘Gold-Quadrat’ 2007 Riesling Spätlese (Alte Reben) trocken 13,5% Mosel

Comment: This Goldquadrat Riesling comes from a rising winemaker team consisting of husband and wife – who wears the pants here considering the name . They are growing fast and get well known around the scene step by step. This wine sourced from old vines isn’t very concentrated but shows good minerality and some natural sweetness that simply fits. Honey, white peach, bright fruits and reminiscenses of Alsacian Riesling hit the mid-palate at good balance. Very quaffable.

Score: 91 (2011)

The dish worked with the Mosel-Riesling, but it was elevated into a higher class by the Pinot Noir / Spätburgunder from a guest:

Schäffer & Zeter ‘Bischofskreuz’ Spätburgunder 2009 Pfalz / Palatinate (no photo)

Comment: This modern German Spätburgunder had nice notes of strawberry, raspberry and grapes, it was really fresh with nice acidity and quite some terroir. The wine was good but the combination was great.

Score: 89 (2011)

For the later evening with conversation and leisure I chose a heavy wine that can mature very well, a Sagrantino di Montefalco, the top wine from that region made from the Sagrantino grape. This Umbrian area also produces cheaper wines named Rosso di Montefalco (mostly Sangiovese, some Sagrantino and other varietals) which are excellent for a low price. Try one if you can. Anyway we had this one from the amazing 1997 vintage in Tuscany and Umbria:

Saiagricola ‘Colpetrone’ Sagrantino di Montefalco 1997 DOCG 13,5%

Comment: Ruby-red, dry, with a lot of grip — still young with a strong tannic and acidic backbone. I should have waited even longer but it already drinks nice. I was getting leather, wet dog, herbs (thyme, rosemary and oregano), soft smoke of toasted oak, pencil shavings, dark fruits (blackberry, maraschino cherry), balsamico vinegar, dark chocolate and almonds. A real complex biggie! This Sagrantino will open up and soften out in five to ten years, I suppose – then it will be heavenly.

Score: 94 (2011)

We finished the wonderful day with a miniature of Carlos I. Brandy (ca. 2010), of which I adore older versions from the 1970ies. The new bottling is still nice but not as deep and complex. I would go for 86 points.

Tomorrow I am going to continue catching up with notes. Included will be some rums, whiskies, liqueurs and Alsacian wines.

Slowdrink.de zum Verschenken

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Verschenken (oder wünschen) Sie (sich) doch Folgendes:

- einen schön gestalteten Gutschein für eine Whisky-Verkostung bei Europas Nummer 1 in Sachen Tastings (besonders gern mit Samples als Vorfreude gernommen)

- Teilnahme an einem ‘slowdrink.de-Event’ (Weinverkostung, Spirituosen-Seminar, etc.)

- Samples / Proben feiner Whiskys und Spirituosen (auch in Kombination mit anderen Präsenten) etc.

- Jahrgangs-Whisky / Jubiläums-Whisky oder Cognac / Armagnac /Grappa / Rum / Wein etc.

- einen Junggesellenabschied /Junggesellinnenabschied (Stag Night / Hen’s Night) mit edler Whisky- oder Spirituosenbegleitung

- ein Whiskydinner / Spirituosendinner

- Hochzeitsveranstaltungen, wie Brautstehlen / Brautentführung oder andere Möglichkeiten

- einen flüssigen Adventskalender mit Whisky- oder Spirituosen-Samples

- eine personalisierte Flasche (Inhalt und Form nach Wunsch)

- ein Tasting-Set (Pipetten, passendes Glas, Miniaturflaschen, Mini-Trichter, Kuli und Notizzettel in nettem Set)

- Abfüllung oder Fass (Whisky, etc.) vom Geburtsdatum / Geburtstag / eigenen Jahrgang

- Tasting beim Personalausflug / Betriebsfeier / Weihnachtsfeier

- weitere Dinge aus diesem Bereich auf Anfrage

Wir freuen uns, Ihnen ein besonderes Geschenk zukommen zu lassen, das ein echtes Erlebnis darstellt. Mailen Sie uns einfach unter:

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Whiskeyseminar, Whiskyseminar, Whisky-Seminar, Whiskey-Seminar, Whiskytasting, Whisky-Tasting, Whisky Tasting, Whiskeytasting, Whiskey-Tasting, Whiskey Tasting, Whiskyverkostung, Whisky-Verkostung, Whisky Verkostung, Whiskeyverkostung, Whiskey-Verkostung, Whiskey Verkostung, Whiskyabend, Whiskeyabend, Whisky-Abend, Whiskey-Abend, Whisky-Referent, Whiskey-Referent, Tasting Master, Regensburg, München, Nürnberg, Bayern, Oberbayern, Whisky-Musik-Event, Niederbayern, Oberpfalz, Schwaben, Süddeutschland, Würzburg, Kelheim, Straubing, Passau, Postbauer-Heng, Moderation, Durchführung, Leitung, Kompetenz, Junggesellen-Abschied, Junggesellinnnen-Abschied, Jungesellenabschied, Braut-Party, Bräutigam, personalisiert, Event, Vatertag, Vater, 50. Geburtstag, runder Geburtstag, fünfzigster Geburtstag, sechzigster, 60. Geburtstag, 40. Geburtstag, vierzigster, Jahrgang, Betriebsausflug, Betriebsausflüge, Geburtstagsgeschenk, Weihnachtsgeschenk, Geschenk, Präsent, Herren, Männer, Mann, männlich, Jubiläum, Ruhestand, Hochzeit, Heirat, Geburt, Sohn, Tochter, Anlage, Wertanlage, Whiskyprobe, Weinprobe, Spirituosenprobe, Whiskydinner, Whiskeydinner, Whiskey-Dinner, Whisky-Dinner, Whisky Dinner, Whiskey Dinner, Brautstehlen, Brautdiebstahl, Brautsuche, Pause, Gutscheine, Brautabend, edel, Tasting-Koffer, Verkostungs-Kit, Abendessen, Idee, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943,1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, Präsente, Geschenke, Seminar, Vortrag, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, Januar, Februar, März, April, Mai, Juni, Juli, August, September, Oktober, November, Dezember, Herbst, Winter, Frühling, Sommer, wertvoll, lange haltbar, Erinnerung, Geschenkset, Firmenpräsent, Personalausflüge,Firmenpräsente, Gefälligkeit, Geschäftskontakte, Hangover, Hang-Over, Hangover-Party, Hang-over Party, Firmenausflug, Firmenausflüge, Gesellschaften, Gesellschaft, Geschäftskunden, Partner, elitär, Elite, Geschäftspartner, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1985, Jahrgang, Vintage, speziell, originell, Spezial, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, Erinnerung, Dekoration, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, Millenium, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, Ehemann, Genießer, Ehemänner, Gatten, Gatte, Whisky und Poker, Whiskypokern, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, fein, lecker, gestaltet, Box, Kiste, Verpackung, Karton, Design, Buchung, Reservierung, buchen, reservieren, Gentlemen, Gentleman, Master, Oberpfalz, Oberbayern, Niederbayern, Franken, Mittelfranken, Oberfranken, Unterfranken, Bayern, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Landshut, Schweiz, Österreich, Oberösterreich, Wien, Salzburg, Passau, Jack Daniels, Graz, Jack Daniel’s, Deutschland, Südtirol, Hof, Innsbruck, Tirol, von Herzen, Herz, Genießer, Liebe.

1) Eröffnung ‘Männerladen’ in Landshut – unser neuer Partner

Slowdrink.de betreut dieses spannende Projekt mitten in der Fußgängerzone bei der großen St.-Martinskirche in Landshut (Altstadt 18 – 20) in Sachen Whisky, Liköre und co. Hier wird von der sehr freundlichen Familie Jung am 11.11.2011 Eröffnung gefeiert, zu der Ihr alle herzlich eingeladen seid.

Der Männerladen besitzt eine Gewölbebar mit Außenterasse und verkauft alles, was das Männerherz begehrt. Vielleicht braucht Ihr ja noch Geschenke für Eure Männer, Brüder, Söhne, Väter, Chefs und Freunde (neben den essentiellen Slowdrink.de-Tastinggutscheinen ). Man kann sich da auch im Saloonstil rasieren lassen, es gibt Hüte, rare Messer und selbstgefertigte Lederwaren, Gürtelschnallen sowie feinen Kaffee – und vieles mehr! Ich habe mich dort um ein vielseitiges Whiskysortiment gekümmert, das sich sehen lassen kann. Also schaut einmal im Männerladen vorbei!

Ebenso wird es im Männerladen öfter Tastings geben, womit wir am 23.11.2011 beginnen werden:

2) Whisky-Tasting im Männerladen zu Landshut

Zur Einweihung des Gewölbes gibt es natürlich ein Tasting, das ich selber moderieren werde. Es findet am 23.11.2011 um 19.00 Uhr statt (Voranmeldung, Männerladen, Altstadt 18 – 20, Landshut). Ich habe ein Line-up zusammengestellt, bei dem für jeden Whiskyfreund etwas dabei sein wird (verschiedene Regionen, Alter, Fassreifungen, etc., fast nur Einzelfass-Whiskys).

Hier die Verkostungsliste mit ein paar echten Highlights und noch geheimen Überraschungen:

1. Highland Park (Orkney) 16 years old, 1994 – 2010,
   Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 54,6%
2. Mortlach 18 y.o., 1993 – 2011,
   Ex-Sherry Butt, 57,2%
3. Miltonduff (Elgin) 13 y.o., 1998 – 2011,
   Sherry Hogshead No. 3619, 59,9%
4. Braes of Glenlivet (Elgin) 21 y.o., 1989 – 2011,
   Hogshead Nr. 1030, 54,7%
5. Glenglassaugh (Portsoy) 28 y.o., 1983,
   Refill-Sherry Butt finished in a fresh Sauternes Cask, 49,6%
6. Clynelish (Brora) 14 y.o., 1997 – 2011
   Hogshead No. 5711, 57,9%
7. Islay Edition No.1 (Bowmore, Islay) 13 y.o.,
   Limited to 3 casks, 46%
8. Laphroaig 14 y.o. (Islay), 1997 – 2011, Bourbon Hogshead, 43,3%

Unkostenbeitrag: 39.- Euro

Anmeldung: Im Männerladen (persönlich, telefonisch unter 0871-29475 oder unter folgender Mail-Adresse: info@maennerladen.de)

Ich denke, das Dabeisein lohnt sich, gerade jetzt zu dieser Jahreszeit – für diesen geringen Preis wird da großes Whiskykino geboten. Aber beeilen, die Plätze sind limitiert! Anmerkung: Nicht kombinierbar mit einem Slowdrink-Gutschein, da es ein Partner-Event ist.

3) Whiskyverkostung in Regensburg zusammen mit dem Irish Pub ‘Murphy’s Law’

Noch nicht ganz spruchreif, aber der Termin steht: Am 11. Dezember 2011 um ca. 18.30 Uhr werden wir eine Whiskyverkostung im Murphy’s Law (Spiegelgasse, Regensburger Altstadt) haben. Kultwirt Mike freut sich schon auf uns und wird an diesem vorweihnachtlichen Sonntag auch ein paar Drams mit uns genießen. Das Line-up kommt die kommenden Tage, der Preis wird bei ca. 35.- Euro liegen.

4) Slowdrink High-End-Minitasting

Falls einige noch Lust haben, würde ich in kleinem Kreise von ca. 12 Personen mein neues kleines Whiskyzimmer (alias The Warehouse No. 1) einweihen, wo auch Teile meiner Sammlung stehen. Dazu würde ich um die sieben High-End Whiskys und Raritäten, die keiner kennen dürfte, ausschenken und – wie immer zum Selbstkostenpreis – diese mit Euch in der schönen Atmosphäre genießen – um das Whiskyjahr ausklingen zu lassen.

Mailt an info@slowdrink.de, falls ihr im Dezember noch dazu Lust hättet. Wir bräuchten bloß 12 Freaks, die sich opfern .

5) Rudis Distillery Map nun im Handel erhältlich

Auf vielen Veranstaltungen hatte ich sie schon dabei – die Distillery-Karte unseres Mitglieds Rudi Hirst mit allen schottischen Brennereien, reißfest in Gummi und groß genug, um für einen großen Raum einsehbar zu sein. Unterstützt dieses Projekt. Hier die Infos, wir Ihr an diese herankommt – das originale Anschreiben von Rudi:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Als Whiskyliebhaber möchte wir Euch heute die demnächst erscheinende Karte Scotland‘s Destillerie (mit  Booklet) und die damit in engen Zusammenhang stehende neu entstandene Internetpräsenz

6. Wer den Shop nicht traut, kann natürlich auch per E-Mail info@alba-collection.de bestellen
7. Die Bezahlung erfolgt durch Euch nach Erhalt der Ware auf Rechnung.

Über ein Feedback (info@alba-collection.de), Wünsche, Anregungen oder Kritik sind wir Euch jederzeit dankbar.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

So, das waren alle Neuigkeiten, mehr demnächst hier und per Newsletter.

Liebe Grüße,

Pit.

Tomorrow the German chapter of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society will present their new releases for Christmas time. Our friend Ralf Dänzer and I don’t want you to find any bad drams underneath the X-mas tree – that’s why he sent me some samples via the reindeer express yesterday. Blitzen looked kind of hammered, maybe it tried from the Port Charlotte .

As the most-wanted-distillery bottlings sell out quickly, I tasted them right away to give you a notion. Good luck in filling your stockings with these releases. I couldn’t find a bad one yet.

Highland Park 26 y.o. SMWS 4.151, 1984, Refill Sherry Butt, 53%

Comment: Quite spicy in the nose at first, the Sherry is talking loud and clearly,  then it smoothens out with maritime freshness and gets much rounder. Soft smoke, honey, Turkish delight, apples and cider, peaches, Werthers Original toffee, café au lait, nice dark wood and a spicy backbone of white pepper and chili. Nice but incomparable to the amazing palate. It drinks beautifully and is a dream of balance that still has power, the Sherry is well-integrated, heavy and light at the same time. Water makes it creamier and more accessible. Long finish.

Score: 90

Clynelish 25 y.o. SMWS 26.71, 1984 – 2010, Refill Sherry Butt, 57,3%

Comment: Very typical Clynelish (apples, candlewax, tropical fruit, quince, maritime air with a hint of peat smoke and all that jazz) in the nose. A fine balance with the fruit as spearhead hits the palate, also vanilla now. A soft and fruity Clynelish with a medium finish. Water is not necessary but makes it a bit more spicy and interesting.

Score: 89

Laphroaig 20 y.o. SMWS 29.97, 10.1990 – 2011, Refill Sherry Butt, 608 btl., 59,1%

Comment: Tyrolian bacon and a red Passito, that’s what I would call it. Rooty peat, camphor, herbs, juniper, Stilton cheese, sulphur, dirty machine oil, and other unusual notes for a Laphroaig. The Sherry really changed the spirit to a great extent – into a profile not everybody likes (lost identity, lots of personality). The palate also is Sherry- and sulphur-dominated, gunpowder, roots, camphor, blue cheese again, not bad but different. It reminds me a bit of the 1974 Singatory Sherry bottling, but without the old Laphroaig characterstics. Really hard to judge…some will love this, some might call it flawed. I would have liked more Laphroaig in my glass but enjoyed the dram anyway.

Score 90+

Ardbeg 12 y.o. SMWS 33.97, 09.10.1997, Refill Bourbon Hogshead, 55,5%

Comment: Recent Ardbegs from the Society were convincing and this is not an exception. It is a textbook example of an Ardbeg of that particular time, a really well-balanced one again. More old than new style in the nose but on the palate you discover, among typical Ardbeg characteristics, the newer notes of eucalypt, methol and cactus that came into the distillate after 1996 in general. Green Ardbeg so to speak – with a great finish.

Score: 90+

Caol Ila 10y.o. SMWS 53.147, 11.1999, Refill Bourbon Hogshead, 66,6%

Comment: Very intense and herbal, big Islay power, flints, but it needs some drops of water to be tamed. No offnotes, simply great Caol Ila with depth. I recommend this for anyone who loves young South Coasters that do their job well.

Score: 91-

Port Charlotte 7 y.o. SMWS 127.11, 8.2003 – 2011, Refill Sherry Butt, 67,1%

Comment: Smells a bit like one of those PCs out of a Sherry Bloodtub, broodingly intense on rooty peat, camphor, herbs, tar, ox tail soup and Sherry. Blue cheese, dried flowers, moss, toffee, pepper and coffee complete the bouquet. You might not believe this, but it is drinkable at 67,1% without needing water. Anyway, it can swim too. The power on the mid-palate and the endless finish are ridiculous. Another stunner PC – how excellent will these monsters be with more maturity?

Score: 91+

Today I am clearing my whisky cabinet from those bottles that are almost history – you know, those bottles with 2-8 cl left in them but that still never seem to get empty although they are quite good. Of course I could refill them in samples … but I really have enough samples to wait, too. So, let’s kill them off, two old and two new ones. No huge tasting notes this time, just comments:

Glenberry 5 y.o., Straight Malt Scotch Whisky ‘de luxe’, pear-shaped bottle, Premier Scotch Whisky Co., Italian Import by S.E.I.B.A. for Supermercati Pam-Spinea-Venezia, 75cl, 40 Gradi

Comment: Complex! Big wonderful OBF (Old Bottle Flavour), well-balanced between peachy fruit, dusty malt sweetness and peppery spice plus vanilla, toffee and whiffs of smoke from the oak. Later almonds, white chocolate, licorice, sawdust, orange zests and tangerines chime in. How can it be so complex with only five years of age? Good ole’ times… . It even doesn’t fade away in the finish like other old blends and has traces that remind me of old Macallan and Tomatin 5 y.o. from the 1970ies. This Glenberry, bottled for a supermarket and priced below 10 Euros back then, can keep up with any standard Single Malt of today.

Score: 90-

Balblair 5 y.o. OB Pure Malt, Italian Import by Spirit S.p.A. Genova, 75cl, 40%

Comment: I have seen this in auctions for a very reasonable price and went for it – and never looked back. Well-made whisky that contributed to the world-renowned Ballantine’s blends. It is very flowery and light, again no offnote, but less impressive than the Glenberry. Hay, malt, honey, licorice, ginger, pepper, Marshmallows, apples, peaches and a little white oak can be found. A light ‘quaffer’ that does no harm.

Score: 84

Glendullan 14 y.o. Murray McDavid for Malts and More, 5.5.1993 – 23.08.2007, Bourbon / Rioja Cask, 493 btl., 46%

Comment: It is rare that we get rather young Glendullan from the Speyside. Our friend Thomas Mansen from Malts and More recommended this one to me and it was enjoyed by most people who have tried it at our stands at fairs. Jim McEwan selected it for Thomas who made it an exclusive Malts and More bottling. Of course, this is modern whisky now, finished in a wine cask – a totally different ball game from what I had before in this tasting session. This is much more on primary notes. The wine is right there with the malt, herbs, blood orange and assorted (Asian) spices leaving a rather dry impression altogether. The nose is not overly complex at first, but after a while it becomes alive with melon, tangerine skin, berries and vanilla pod. On the palate I am getting grapes, raisins and sweet malt with whiffs of spice and smoke, really pleasant as a combo and quite sweet in the finish. Juicy! At 45 Euro, this is not a bad choice. If you mention ‘www.slowdrink.de’ at your purchase, Thomas might give you a discount on it.

Score: 87

Bunnahabhain 13 y.o. ‘the Octave’ by Duncan Taylor, 1997 – 2010, Cask No. 383244, 73 btl., 51,2%

Comment: These peated Bunnahabhains from 1997 were always nice, but a bit simple. Now, as they gain greater age, they convince more and more people and show Bunnahabhain’s diversity. This one is a textbook example for that. And it is another bottle from Thomas Mansen. This Bunna with atttitude has rooty peat like a Port Charlotte but counters it with a bigger body to balance the phenolic load more evenly. Ashes and powerful spiciness meet maraschino cherries, lime, latte macchiato, leather, herbs, tar, diesel, kola nut, salt, chalk and traces of Nocino (green walnut liqueur). The palate reveals the three months in a small Sherry cask because of sweet wood-rancio-sulphur-mix that often comes with drams from such Octaves – unusual and more Bunnahabhain now, but you have to like sweet Islay Malts with gunpowder. This is a real alternative to the South Coast whiskies and screams for its use in blind tastings. Priced around 55 Euro. Same deal as with the Glendullan from above: mention us to Thomas for a discount.

Score: 88+

Sauternes-Weine können ewig reifen und bieten in jedem Alter ein gelungenes und interessantes Trinkerlebnis. Der Jahrgang 2001 gilt als einer der Besten aller Zeiten. Ich konnte bisher so einige Sauternes aus diesem Jahr verkosten und war nie enttäuscht. Vor allem der Suduiraut 2001 hat es in sich (für mich 99/100), doch auch Rieussec rockte in diesem Jahr. Der Primus von Chateau d’Yquem und der Chateau Climens reifen noch ungeöffnet im Keller.

Großartiger Sauternes aus dem Topjahr 2001

Heute möchte ich den gelungenen Chateau Guiraud vorstellen, der ein überzeugendes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis besitzt und ein toller Start für Neulinge on die Sauternes-Welt wäre – oder eben für den Genießer mit mittlerem Budget in Sachen Dessertwein.

Chateau Guiraud 2001, 1er Cru Sauternes, 13,5%

Kommentar: Ein sehr gelungener Sauternes mit nur geringen Schwächen – Die Eichennoten sind ein wenig zu dominant (was mit größerer Reife weniger auffallen wird) und er könnte am Gaumen noch fülliger auftreten. Doch das ist Jammern auf hohem Niveau. Herrliche Aromen von tropischen Früchten, insbesondere Ananas und Pfirsich, dazu Vanille, edelfaule Trauben, Geißblatt, Karamell, Butter und Mandeln. Dieser Wein hat seine beste Zeit noch vor sich. Ideal zu Creme Brulee.

Bewertung: 94+ (2009)

Ansicht auf Chateau Guiraud im Sauternes-Gebiet

Weitere Bewertungen lauteten:

Bettane & Desseauve Carnet N° 28 (16.02.2004) : 8/10

Gault Millau N° Guide 2004 : 96-100

Parker N° 153 (01.06.2004) : 94 Trinkreife : 2007-2025

A medium gold color is accompanied by notes of caramelized oranges, citrus, honeysuckle, creme brulee, and smoke. Full-bodied and opulent, with tremendous intensity, good acidity, and a persistent finish that lasts nearly a minute, this large-scaled, thick, heady Guiraud is one of the finest examples from this estate that I have ever tasted. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.

Wine Spectator (16.09.2004) : 96

Bilden Sie sich jedoch selbst ein Urteil über diesen Wein. Sie werden es nicht bereuen.

These two drams received a lot of attention recently. The Old Pulteney 21 y.o. was named ‘World’s Greatest Whisky 2012′ by Jim Murray with 97.5 points in his annual release Whisky Bible, a choice many people joked about, and the Ardbeg 1991 – 2011 Malts of Scotland for Hotel Bero from an extremely dark Sherry Cask 11003, 48,8%, started fiercly held debates in several forums because a) of its color and b) you can only get a bottle if you stay over night at Hotel Bero in Belgium (well, at least no other duties like kissing Geert Bero’s ugly cousin or dancing in lingerie on a pole were involved there, so what is all the fuss about?

Slainte Math, Geert!

It’s a real cool place to stay with great cuisine, you Ardbeg nuts! By the way: excellent marketing, Geert! I like this creation of hype).

Let’s take a look behind the chitter-chatter and only judge quality:

Old Pulteney OB 21 y.o., 46%

Nose: Very balanced, an allrounder. Smoked peaches (does that exist?), maritime freshness, white

pepper, a lot of vanilla, honey, ripe pears and intense apple compote. It is much less farmyardy than earlier versions, this bottling is clean and fruity-sweet like a first-fill Bourbon-Cask Glenmorangie. Later I am getting milk coffee, whiffs of leather and even more tropical fruits in the sweet malkt. Maybe a tad too nice – like an A+ student.

Palate: Dry at first with dried flowers and heather. Woodier and more gristy (just as I remembered it) than the nose suggested, but overall very fruity and tropically sweet (white oak madness) like above.

Finish: Very long, malty, gristy and sweet. Echoes of the fruit and vanilla and big Bourbon Cask influence again.

Score: 90

Comment: This whisky has become more mainstream. Every note is clean, upfront and present, Bourbon Casks are doing the fruity trick, but spices are missing a bit. This Pulteney is more on the oaky side in general. Where have the stable notes gone? Good whisky, but not the world’s best whisky in this year for me. However, I have no problem with Jim Murray’s decision – taste is individual, in this case VERY individual. Congrats to the producers and thanks to Lucas for the quick shipment of the sample.

Ardbeg 20 y.o. Malts of Scotland for Hotel Bero (Commemorating 90 Years and Four Generations), 2.1991 – 10.2011, Sherry Cask 11003, 240 btl., 48,4%

Nose: As deep as the colour. Burnt woodsticks in a bonfire, roots and herbs (camphor) like in a Port Charlotte, new tires, dark fruits, orange zests and figs, cola nut, tarry rope, pine resin, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, leather, coffee beans, beef jerky, forest honey, traces of sulphur and iodine, lit Cuban cigar, pepper and mustard seed. All that jazz is well-integrated and still maritimely fresh.

Palate: Liquid ashes,chalk and earthy roots at first, then it displays old medicinical Ardbeg notes, which is extremely good news. Hello beetroot! Resin! Herbs! As dirty and mossy as the Very Old Ardbeg or some 1967s plus my beloved model train trafo burn aroma. Round, not disjointed at all. Wow.

Finish: Extremely long and flinty (gunpowder). Sulphur, ash, peat and iodine in a great combo, tobacco, cocoa powder, pine needles and resin smoke. Just perfectly balanced between bitter and sweet, wonderfully dirty – like clothes and skin after a night at the bonfire.

Score: 91+

Comment: Awesome cask choice – and I find it extremely heartwarming that such old-style Ardbegs can still be found (with hints to Port Charlotte). I just wish I knew where! Anybody selling?

Old Pulteney OB 17 y.o., 46%

Comment: This is the younger brother of the “World’s Greatest Whisky 2012″ according to Jim Murray – my sample of the actual winner (21 y.o.) is under way, but I had the 21 at our stand in Munich two years ago, I scored it at ’90-’ then. Not a bad dram at all, but it didn’t change my whisky world. Funny, not many people wanted to give it a try then. That might have changed by now.

Its younger brother at 17 years is equally as fine and very recommendable. The nose reveals Marshmallows, moss, berries (gooseberry, cassis), apricots, apples and passionfruit and seems nicely fresh. Flowery and smoky elements join in as well. I tastes like its nose and shows great roundness – an absolutely convincing dram!

Score: 89

Ardmore 18 y.o. Dewar Rattray 1992, 46,8%

Comment: Great Speyside elements mostly on hay and dried flowers and a lot of lemony notes meet just the right amount of smoke and peat that can be taken by the rather fragile distillate. Honey and ginger whiffs add to the mix. Two worlds colliding, not bad, but a bit mind-boggling.

Score: 87-

Arran 15 y.o., The Maltman 1996, Sauternes Cask, 46%

Comment: Donald Harts new series of independent bottlings has hit the markets. My first specimen of these drams is this Arran, a very creamy and fat dram, mostly built on primary notes. It might not be the most complex one, but it is darn good, especially when the Sauternes/Barsac sweet wine is talking (Chateau Climens Cask). A worthwhile Arran.

Score: 88+

Cooley 10 y.o. Dewar Rattray 2000, 46%

Comment: Very typical Irish Whiskey with a lot of class. Grass, vanilla, lemon, soft fruitiness and gummibears without any edges. Very smooth.

Score: 87+

Ben Nevis 13 y.o. Dewar Rattray 1996, Sherry Cask, 58,2%

Comment: Displays this wonderful Ben Nevis character made of forest floor notes, Curry, chocolate and so much more – my winner of that night because it is real Single Malt – no other distillery can produce drams like this. If you like Ben Nevis and cask strength, go for it.

Score: 90

Longmorn 30 y.o. G&M, 43% (bottled ca. 2009)

Comment: These old Sherry Cask Gordon & Macphail bottlings never disappoint. If only they were a bit stronger in abv… however, with some distilleries like Macallan or Strathisla it doesn’t matter, these whiskies already convince at 40% or 43%. This Longmorn is no exception, but it could have scored three points higher with a bit more intensity. I am getting Haribo ‘Saftbären’ gummibears (again, sorry!) and fine well-integrated Sherry at first, also Cassis and loads of dark fruits – like a compote. The taste satisfies with berries, dusty books, dark wood and the notes from above in a round and sweet way and the right amount of bitterness in between. One for sipping all night.

Score: 90+

Let’s have Bowmore Single Malt today, two youngsters, head-to-head. The distillery has regained a good standing among the real Islay fans because the whiskies after 1990 (with 1993 being outstanding but also atypical) have turned more consistent and peaty while having lost the lavender/chlorine offnote some people hated. I have to state that I never had problems with that kind of Bowmore profile, even in the 1980ies – and I have always cherished their distillates over time because of the roundness in character and complexity while being absolutely unique. You surely can tell a Bowmore from other distilleries’ drams. It is great to see that they managed to regain their ‘terroir’ after 1994 by also keeping the new steamtrain power notes. Sweet completeness.

Bowmore’s Scientific Secret

A Very Interesting Chart

However, what they know about distilling can’t be translated to the fields of science, I guess. Take a close look at this graph, or what they call the Bowmore version of the Beaufort Scale (nice marketing though) printed on the box of the ‘Tempest’: There is an x-axis for complexity and a y-axis for, well, smokiness AND storm levels (on the right). So smoke equals storm, or what? Or what do the two x-determiners mean. I am lost. Shouldn’t the product of both axes deliver the final result? Drop me a mail if you can explain Bowmore math to me – or the responsible marketing guy’s logic .

Who cares anyway, let’s get down to what matters most: the whisky inside the bottles:

Bowmore 10 y.o. OB ‘Tempest’, bottled 2010, Small Batch Release No. 2, First-Fill Bourbon Casks, 56%

Nose: The first-fill Bourbon Casks make this fruitier and slightly oakier than the Ambassador’s Cask – it is very round and the peat, smoke and spice (white pepper, Chipotle) stand only in the background – but add to the mix. I find vanilla, toffee, Orange Pekoe tea, goarse, lemons, apricots, apples, green bananas and lots of orange marmelade as well. It becomes spicier with time but overall, it remains on the gentle side of peated Islay drams. Late tobacco joins the unusual mix.

Palate: Now we have much more Bowmore typicality, different from what the nose had suggested. I love this profile, it reminds me of the old Mariner, but with more fruit and orange liqueur covered by chocolate (hence sweeter) – without losing the Island traits. It is so round that water would be an insult to it.

Finish: The fruit is equal in weight to softened Islay notes and the Bowmore character. Medium length, definitely shorter than the Ambassador’s Cask. Very easy to drink so that a second dram is desired.

Score: 88

Comment: Clean and fruity style, but still true Bowmore. It is well-priced and a recommendable bottling for those who like the softer elements of Bowmore. Only the name doesn’t fit. I’d call it Bowmore ‘Tropical Depression’ .

Islay Single Malt Scotch (Bowmore) 13 y.o. for the German Malt Ambassadors 1996 – 2009, Bourbon Cask, 180 btl., 58,8%

(identical to Bowmore 13 y.o. James MacArthur’s ‘Old Masters’ 1996 – 2009, 58,8%)

Nose: Less fruity but more spice, a lot of spice (black and white pepper, chili, salt, even juniper like in a Caol Ila) and Islay (maritime freshness, seaspray, peat, smoke, dirty harbour) in here. Intriguing: There is bell pepper (which I love). This should be called Tempest. It clearly shows Bowmore characteristics (more than the Tempest) like ferns, leafs, lilacs, forest floor and ozony chlorine after a while. The only fruit components I can detect are lemon zests and apples. This one sings Iggy Pop’s greatest hit.

Palate: Brine, salt, spice combo, peat, tar, herbs (stinging nettle) and harbour aromas, even old tires and ropes hanging in oily seawater. No water again, but hotter on the palate than the Tempest.

Finish: Long, complex and spicy, slightly flinty later with traces of iodine, a bit like a peppered and salted steak on a steamtrain – and an apple as dessert. This is a true South Coast Islay.

Score: 89

Comment: A very nice bottling, which was relabeled from a James MacArthur release only for the German Malt Ambassadors. If you like your Bowmore spicy and more phenolic, this is your choice. More tempesty than the Tempest. I like!

Bouquet: Sehr verführerisch mit süßen balsamischen Tönen, Eiche vom Feinsten (aber nicht zu viel), Räucherspeck, Toast, reife Brombeeren und Himbeeren, dezente animalische Noten, gut balanciert.

Geschmack: Viel Holz (Röstaromatik), aber dann kommt ein fruchtig-süßlich zupackendes Trinkerlebnis mit den gleichen Aromen des Bouquets.

Abgang: Lang mit getoasteter Eiche, Frucht, Rauch und Balsamico extra vecchio.

Bewertung: 92+ (2011):

Kommentar: Bang for your buck. Richtig gut, nur der Ausbau brachte etwas viel Holzaromatik. Noch sehr frisch, aber schon trinkig, eher auf der modernen Primäraromenseite. Ideal zu Vorspeisen mit getoastetem / backfrischem Brot. Auch ein guter „Käse-Wein“.

Frescobaldi ‘Santo Spirito 11′ Vino Liquoroso 16%

Kommentar: Für das Kochen gekauft, und nicht einmal dafür verwendet: Der Beweis, dass man – falls liquoroso auf dem Etikett oder der Banderole steht – die Finger davon lassen sollte. Dieses Produkt ist noch wesentlich langweiliger und untypischer als der Liquoroso Vin Santo von Antinori: eher Weißweinaroma a la Pinot Grigio-Massenware mit einem Touch getoasteten Fassaromen und braunem Zucker, kein typischer Vin Santo-Geschmack, auch einem Vino Santo unwürdig. Noch dazu ist das zum Aufspritten verwendete Material minderwertig. Dieser Wein mag günstig sein, aber dennoch ist er das Geld nicht wert. Investieren Sie lieber in einen echten Vin Santo, selbst beim Backen oder für Dolce! Mein Tipp dazu: San Giusto a Rentennano, Boscarelli oder Avignonesi (teuer).

Bewertung: 76 (2011)

Photo: L. Langer (link) - Thanks! His shop is worth a visit!

It was a hard day, so I need a bit of a treat. Mmmmh, let’s go for Islay power, an Ardbeg. But a special one: How about a bottling from the good old days, complex, but bottled at young age…the choices get narrower – maybe even at cask strength … and sherried … extremely hard to find. As I go through my samples I suddenly hold this nice specimen in my hand:

Ardbeg 13 y.o. Gordon & Macphail for Intertrade, 26 June 1975 – 13 July 1988, 543 btl., 75cl, 54,2%

This might save my day. I remember it as very powerful and pleasantly sulphury – in its very own style. As I am pouring the reddish-ambered liquid there is an astonishing viscosity visible. The aroma quicky fills the room, wow, the peaty cavalry comes through. Let’s see if it turns out well (the day and the Ardbeg) …

Nose: Close to perfection, I could smell this forever. Islay freshness at first. The elegance of Sherry traces (dark fruits, dark European oak) meets the raw peat-iodine-sulphur-combo (gunpowder-cavalry again), but all that in great complexity and depth, not only on primary in-your-face notes. Whatever you look for in an Islay Whisky is there! And more: fine tobacco, high-end chocolate, pepper and spice and roasted coffee as well, but nothing is disjointed or bitter – all aromas blow into the same horn, so to speak. OBF (Old bottle flavour)  rounds off this killer.

Palate: Oh my God. It is as good as I feared it to be. Full on, but also elegant and round – this malt builds a bridge between these opposites. Maybe it is the ‘in-between-age’. All is there again with a slightly dry entry. Flints, peat, sulphur, iodine, gunpowder, Sherry, dark fruit, spicy chocolate, tires, malt, Culatello ham and fine wood build a tower on the mid-palate. No water!

Finish: Let’s play ‘spot the weakness’. It might not have the longest and most sustaining of all finishes, but it still is quite long and really impressive. It is a simplified copy of the nose that comes in waves like at the Southern coast of its natural mother. Jolly good.

Score: 94-

Comment: Great great Ardbeg, and I love the medium-age effect in this one. It has made my day! Thank God it was a 4cl-sample: 2 cl left for me to savour without taking stupid notes .

World's Greatest Whisky, Mr. Murray?

Before we will talk about the World’s Greatest Whisky made at Old Pulteney 21 years ago – according to whisky-writer Jim Murray in the new Whisky Bible – soon (with tasting notes) we stay modest and humble today and try a blend for a change … which comes from the same owner’s company:

“Blended Whisky is Crap”

A Great Blend

This quote from the Hollywood movie Malice might be shared by some Gung Ho Single Malt Hardheads. These guys shouldn’t forget that soaring Blended Whisky Sales in the past brought us many cherished distilleries in the first place and kept the exotic product Single Malt alive inhard times – although blending demands were also responsible for the closing of distilleries later on.

In terms of taste, there are great blends and vats out there, no question about it. I think of Cutty Sark 25, the old Campbeltown Loch 25 (dumpy bottle), the Compass Box series and many others – not necessarily very old. Young vintage blends from the past can be a special treat and kick some Single Malt’s butt easily because they show surprising maturity at an early age and maybe some OBF (old bottle flavour). But can modern blends do the trick as well? Some can – we are just not willing to try them!

Today’s article wants to give you such an example of a well-done blend that wouldn’t negatively stand out within a decent line-up of Single Malts.

Hankey Bannister 12 y.o. ‘Regency’, 40%

Recently, I could revisit Inver House’s moderately priced blend Hankey Bannister 12 y.o. – a name with a long history. Honestly, I didn’t expect much from it – but it really surprised me and tickled my fancy:

Nose: Very well-balanced with some heat at first – dried flowers, heather and hay, powerful spice combo (white pepper, ginger, coriander), licorice, raisins, apricots, grapefruits and sweet malt.

Palate: Round and very drinkable, slightly dry, becoming sweeter with notes of botrytis-infested grapes, raisins, almonds and the sweet malt again, accompanied by a mix of the mentioned aromas of the nose.

Finish: Long and satisfying without any off-note, a real ‘quaffer’!

Score: 87+

Comment: Try it for yourself, it is affordable. Try blends in general from time to time. With this bottle I would invite some friends (not necessarily Maltsters) and just savour it during a nice poker night or a football match. Perfect.

Stuart Nickerson and Peter Krause

At the end of our wonderful visit at Glenglassaugh Distillery, Managing Director Stuart Nickerson held a nice and very generous tasting session. Among many drams (e.g. New Make, a young Californian Zinfandel Cask and an incredibly mature Bourbon Cask from 2009), about which I am going write soon in an article about the visit, he let me try the new 45 y.o. and two real stunner cask samples that will be released soon. They have just been filled into bottles some days ago. My intention is to inform you in time so that you can get your wallets ready and make an ‘early-bird-order’ not to miss them, because they absolutely are Must-Have-Drams.

What a View!

These whiskies really left me speechless – again the case with old Glenglassaugh. Like old Bowmore, Lochside, BenRiach or Longmorn, they display a complexity, cristalline fruit and smooth texture which is only to be found in legendary bottlings from the past.

Old Cask in the Warehouse

Despite their age no woodiness occurs in these masterpieces that are surprisingly light on their feet. Here are some quick notes I could take:

Glenglassaugh 1975 – 2011, 36 y.o. (Over 30 years old-Series) Sauternes Cask Finish, Cask No. R10/02/01, 43,00%, 280 Bottles

Comment: A very unique style that is owed to 18 months in Sauternes wood after the regular maturation in a Sherry Cask. Reminiscences of the 1964 Bowmore Fino Sherry come to mind – overripe fruits led by pineapple and passion fruit meet Creme Brulee. The traces of fine Sauternes noble rot grapes enhance this ‘uber-fruitiness’ even more. It gets you addicted with every sip you take. Wow!

Score: 93+

Glenglassaugh 1972 Sherry Cask No. 2900 (to be bottled in 2012, maybe by Andrea Caminneci, Germany)

Comment: This is a sister cask of Andrea Caminneci’s 2010 bottling, which is promising for a start. After pouring it needs time to develop – it is tightly-knit – but after some minutes it becomes quite expressive and shows the profile described in the

Glenglassaugh Still(wo)men

introduction. Lead aromas are plum, cherry, exotic fruit, marzipan and almonds. It is hard to say if it is better or worse in comparison to the Sauternes-finished 1975, we are in a really high league here. I call it almost a tie, but the unusual style of the 1975 settles the fight.

Score: 93

Glenglassaugh 45 y.o. / 1966 OB Decanter, Refill Sherry Hogshead, 49,2%

Comment: This already released beauty might have a much higher price than the predecessors will cost but keeps the promises and fully delivers pure drinking joy. It is not fully on a par with the 40/41 y.o. release from the year(s) before, but it comes really close (a statement agreed to by Stuart Nickerson) and in a similar style (see my notes of the 40/41 y.o. here on www.slowdrink.de or use fellow Malt Maniac Serge’s recent descriptions on both on www.whiskyfun.com). Simply put, it is old style Sherry-casked whisky at its finest. Name an aroma and you will find it in this amazing dram.

Glenglassaugh 30 and 45 y.o. Decanters

I will post more detailed notes about it – and about Andrea Caminneci’s new bottling – right here when my sample from The Whisky Show will be delivered to my house by my friend Michael (along with White Bowmore, Auchentoshan 1957, Springbank 1968, Isle of Skye 50 y.o. and other monsters). How could we all have ignored these old Glenglassaugh Malts in the past? A crying shame.

Score: 94

New Legends in the Making - Glenglassaugh's Spirit Safe (the only one with beach view in Scotland)

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves to stay open-minded. When I used to hear the words ‘Whisky Liqueur’ it reminded me of

Just Outside the Scottish Liqueur Centre

products like Drambuie or Irish Mist – not exactly my favourites. I could enjoy Baileys Irish Cream occassionally but I would never have bought a full bottle.

As my mother-in-law produces new kinds of liqueur at home  (see the ‘not up-to-date page: http://www.wallner-gewekin.de), I know that there are exciting products in this genre as well. She directed my attention to this product. We call our liqueur ’2.0′ and try a lot of new ways like using less sugar.  I lend my spirit expertise to find the suitable basic alcohol for each fruit, petal or herb. So I kept my eyes open for new liqueurs much more recently but never had an interesting one from Scotland. Let me tell you how this has changed now:

The Scottish Liqueur Centre

Production Hall

The Scottish Liqueur Centre produces not only their own stunning drinks and deal with casks and special whiskies, they also make liqueurs for distilleries, castles and rare occasions. I was in the happy position to pay them a visit along with some crazy Bavarians. Their managing director Kenny McKay, a legend in the whisky industry, showed us around and also joined us at sightseeing very generously. And as we toured the Highlands with him, he kept pouring us drams and liqueurs to try. There was not a bad one among them - and everybody agreed.

Kenny Pourin' his Elixirs

I have made a short list of my favourites. All are recommendable, but I liked ‘Bruadar’ best, what a wonderfully balanced liqueur that embodies the Scottish Highlands. Anyway, they all suit different occasions and give some cocktails the extra edge. Even Highland cattle like the stuff (see photo). Don’t miss out and try them – you won’t regret it.

Care for a Dram?

Recommended for Trying

1. Bruadar (perfectly balanced, complex and top class – most recommendable for trying a liqueur for the first time – the Highlands in a glass)

2. Sloe Gin (many liked this even more than the Bruadar, great for mixing as well)

3. Glenglassaugh Sloe Berry Liqueur (26%)

4. Columba Cream (the better alternative to Baileys)

5. Bramble Liqueur (now sold out, I still got a bottle) and other fruit liqueurs

6. Ginger Tams (ginger and honey take center stage – not only for cats)

I think there will be more to come from Kenny and his friendly crew. Stay tuned! They also bottle really fine whiskies for The Whisky Exchange, their own Cairn Mor series, the C & S Dram Collection and many more. And they are really nice people!

Oliver & Oliver Rum / Ron ‘Opthimus – 2011′ 25 Anos, Metodo Solera, finished in Tomatin Malt Whisky Casks, 1350 btl., Domenican Republic, 43%

Nose: The quite dark elixir displays great maturity, pipe tobacco, dried fruits, kola nut, orange and lemon zest, vanilla pod, lovely exotic spiciness (led by nutmeg, but also cinnamon, assorted Asian spices and white pepper), a certain demerara and marzipan sweetness, ‘Big Red’ bubblegum, pine and espresso – only after some minutes the Whisky cask influnece begins to show by notes of heather honey and sweet barley malt.

Taste: Milder than the nose suggested and more on latte macchiato instead of the mentioned espresso – the notes from above are reflected in admirable complexity and smoothness.

Finish: Back to espresso again, vanilla, marzipan, fruit tobacco,  malt and enticing whiffs of nutmeg and coriander keep goin’ and goin’ and goin’ … no Tomatin Whisky traces detectable (but on the other hand: not at all missed).

Score: 91

At a nice Whisky Dinner I hosted at the Wittelsbacher Hof in Kelheim yesterday (they have a great sky bar) I could revisit some old acquaintances on the go (no notes):

The Glenlivet ‘Nadurra’ OB 16 y.o., Batch 1109I (bottled 11/09), 54,2%

Comment: An explosion of exotic fruit, vanilla, toffee, biscuits, flowers and grainy sweet malt. Modern in style, but convincing.

Score: 89

Aberlour  ‘a’bunadh’, Oloroso Cask Maturation, Batch No. 35, 60,3%

Comment: Still a stunner, although the cask quality has gone down a bit. I think. This creamy a’bunadh expresses more raisins than usual. Of course, there are plenty of Sherry and chocolate, cherries, prunes, nuts, honey and great coffee notes. Altogether less dry and more accesible than in early days, but also less unique.

Score: 89+

Balmenach 22 y.o. / 1988 SMWS 48.24, Refill Bourbon Hogshead, 49,3%

Comment: Very fruity (green apples, pineapple, lemon zest) and mature in the nose, kept at bay by some spice (white pepper) and wonderful white oak influences (vanilla, caramel, wood, charcoal). On the palate it bursts even more with  fruits (local and tropical) and displays a honey-infused sweetness, herbs and roses in addition – this has really been stored in a good Bourbon cask (refill?). No water needed, but this is a swimmer indeed.

Score: 89+

Glenturret 22 y.o. / 1988 SMWS 16.30, 2nd-fill Bourbon Hogshead, 51,6%

Comment: Highly unusual, not to say weird in the nose, but not at all unpleasant. Cheese roll with pickle, berry liqueur, Amarena cherry sauce from Italy (Maraschino and Morello), heather, dandelions, moss, creme brulee, honey, white dessert wine (Riesling Auslese or Passito), wet socks after a walk in the woods. The palate is a tightly-knit mix of the notes above, concentrating on moss, berries and wine, but also wonderfully mineral. Awesome, seems older than 22 years. What a cristalline fruitiness that resembles dextrose! No water, please! The finish juggles with all these aromas at great length. This ranks among the best Glenturrets I had. It has a unique character, perfect maturity and a satisfying taste that makes you beg for another glass. STUNNER!

Score: 91

Glenrothes 20 y.o. / 1990 SMWS 30.63, Refill Sherry Butt, 55,8%

Comment: Sweet and christmas-cakey (or the German ‘Christstollen mit Marzipan’). Tea, peat and Sherry, lots of raisins (too dominating), plums, maraschino cherries, orange zest, rubber, sugared nuts and marzipan complete the nose – this is perfect for the advent or X-mas coffee table. Later some tobacco and figs emerge from the glass. The sweetness in the mouth is overwhelming and a bit monodimensional (raisins again), but we have a long finish on the same notes and noble rot on dark grapes. Unfortunately, the palate couldn’t hold the promises of the nose. Not bad, but you have to like the rubber-raisiny Sherry profile mainly on primary notes, which can be really persistent.

Score: 86

Glen Albyn 31 y.o. / 1979 SMWS 69.14, Refill Sherry Butt, 56,3%

Comment: Herbal at first, licorice and honey, loads of flowers, lemons, orange peel, plums, kraut salad with black cumin, Sushi roll in Nori, whiffs of peat, old gardening earth, Chinese roasted duck and kola nut. A little water helps opening the complex elixir. Slightly dry arrival on the palate, rather light, oak, flowers, gentle peat, honey and herbs lead into an earthy finish with echoes of the nose and some ginger. The nose was better than the rest. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable dram in the classic light but complex style without lots of ‘in-your-face’ wood influence.

Score: 88+

Auchentoshan 11 y.o. / 1999 SMWS 5.29, 60,6%

Kommentar:
Apfel und Birne, Holzkohle, Heu und Trockenblumen, grünes Malz, Vanille; im Geschmack recht scharf, auch viel Wasser hilft da nicht.

Bewertung: 77

Glenmorangie 18 y.o. / 1992 SMWS 125.39, 55,7%

Kommentar:
Voll, süß, tropisch reif, sehr deutliches Bourbon Cask, dezenter Rauch, Vanille, Toffee, Nelke, Pfirsich; im Geschmack ein Grenzgang zwischen reifem Single Malt und Bourbon, aber man muss schon ein Bourbon-Freak sein, in dieser Richtung extrem: dennoch klasse.

Bewertung: 90

Mortlach 20 y.o. / 1989 SMWS 76.75, first-fill Sherry, 58,8%

Kommentar:
Überraschend maritim und rau, recht torfig für einen Mortlach, Leder, Pflaumen und Datteln, Spur Schwefel; die Rosinen treten im Geschmack wieder in den Vordergrund, dennoch eine gelungene Abwechslung zu den sonstigen eindimensionalen Rosinenbombern, dazu gute Würze, Moos.

Bewertung: 88

Bowmore 16 y.o. / 1994 SMWS 3.169, Refill Sherry Butt, 56,6%

Kommentar:
Bowmore auf dem Bauernhof: starke Noten von Heu und Mist, Harnsäure, Torf, Schwefel, dazu Zitronen-Aromen und Cappuccino – was für ein wilder Mix! Im Geschmack kommen Noten einer Dampflok auf, Jod, Trafobrand, Farn, Schwefel, viel deutlicher Islay als Bowmore früher war. Was für Leute, die klare Islay-Power mögen, die klassische Bowmore-Mitte mit Balance fehlt hier.

Bewertung: 89

Ardbeg 8 y.o. / 2001 SMWS 33.92, 57,5%

Kommentar:
Ardbeg, wie ich ihn mag: sehr klassisch im Stil, keine Offnote, richtig gelungen. Tipp!

Bewertung: 90

Aultmore 28 y.o. / 1982 SMWS 73.39, Refill Sherry Butt, 55,4%

Kommentar:
Obstig, reif, braucht Wasser zur Öffnung; Pfirsich; Geschmacklich sehr ausgewogen und reif, komplexe Frucht und feine Bourbon-Weißeiche, florale Noten, Vanille. Tipp!

Bewertung: 90

Glen Moray 10 y.o. / 2000 SMWS 35.48, 59,3%

Kommentar:
Apfel, Birne, Rauch, Vanille, Passionsfrucht, Brennnessel, Bärlauch und weitere Anteile an Kräuterlikör (jedoch erst nach Wasserzugabe); im Geschmack tropische Frucht in schwermütigem Charakter (Dose), Eiche und Vanille.

Bewertung: 89

Linkwood 27 y.o. / 1982 SMWS 39.78, 55,1%

Kommentar:
Heu, Rauch, Holundersirup, Beeren, Heidehonig, viel Komplexität, die im Geschmack mit voller Kraft auftritt: wow! Beeren und Frucht ohne zu viel Holzeinfluss bringen den Trinker in Verzückung. Tipp!

Bewertung: 91

Benrinnes 13 y.o. / 1996 SMWS 36.51, 61,9%

Kommentar:
Kräuter, heimisches Obst, Mandarine und deren Schale, Kondensmilch, Spur Kaffee, Honig; Im Geschmack dominiert das trockene Milieu mit Heu und Trockenblumen, Lakritz und Vanille – ein typischer Speysider.

Bewertung: 87

Port Charlotte 6 y.o / 2003 SMWS 127.6, 65,2%

Kommentar:
Es übermannt einen sofort der typische Kräuter-Torf-Jod-Mix dieses Destillats. Auch Kreide, Pflaume und Zitronensäure sind riechbar. Im Geschmack setzen sich der moosige Torf, Schwefel und Jod durch, im Hintergrund verweilen Sattelfett, Wurzeln und Cola. Trotz der Fassstärke keine Verdünnung notwendig. Tipp!

Bewertung: 92

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) disguises their bottlings by giving each distillery a number – by that they avoid legal trouble when a certain distillery name was not allowed to be used by them. So the first number tells you the distillery, the second number enumerates the bottlings: e.g. 33.4 would mean Ardbeg, fourth bottling by SMWS … and if you knew all about this, use the lists as reference. We also linked each name with a link that gives basic information about the distillery (sourced from  ‘Whisky-Portal’).

SMWS Distillery-Codes (first by number, then by distillery):

Brora 30 y.o. OB 1979 – 2009, 2652 btl., 53,2%

Nose: A bit aggressive at first, a peaty heat comes from the glass (chili, black and white  pepper), green apples, peaches, lemons, medicinical iodine, leather, maritime freshness, vanilla, herbs and weeds, candlewax, sugared egg-cream (dessert).

Palate: Peatier and deeper in character than the nose suggested, no water needed; The fruits manage to hold on to the spicy ride. Wonderful fight between the peat-, the spice- and the fruit-related combo!

Finish: Peat, iodine, green apples, bandaid, slightly sulphury, chalk. Very long.

Score: 91+

Comment: Another great Brora, that seems slightly Clynelish in character, but with more peat and spice. Thanks to Flo for the sample.

Ardbeg 29 y.o., 1967 – 1996, Sherry Cask 923, 52%

A Legend: Ardbeg 1967 Kingsbury (thanks for photo to M. Höflmaier)

Nose: Dark not only in colour, I get mahogani wood, Sherry of the finest kind, peat, pepper, moss, roots, herbs (catnip, lemon balm verbena, even chamomile!), forest honey, dark fruits of all kind, old tires, Culatello ham, dark chocolate and nougat, espresso, tobacco, Vermouth, Pu Erh-tea, a dusty wooden boathouse at the seaside on a hot summer day. Really unusual.

Palate: Utterly complex, like a mix of 1970 Ardbeg, Port Charlotte and a dash of Black Bowmore, with the notes from above, but fruitier, also wet plank. It displays a real pleasant taste of its own. Don’t let water come close within a mile

Finish: Long, satisfying, peaty, sulphury (my beloved children’s gun sulphur), dark fruits (plums!), nougat honey, fir resin and what not. Goes on forever.

Score: 94-

Comment: Rather unusual Ardbeg (but there IS distillery character, don’t get me wrong), but high class and very original. I like it, but it is not my favourite expression of the distillery. I also loved the 1972, 1973 and 1974 Kingsbury Ardbegs, esp. the 1974 was exactly my style!

Ardbeg 29 y.o., 1967 – 1996, Sherry Cask 922, 54,6%

Score: 94

Comment: I had this one in Limburg “live” with some friends at the Dutch Connection stand, so no full notes, sorry. It deserved the same score but it had more Sherry influence (making it fruitier – even with some berries – and nuttier)  and less honey, as I think back. It also seemed slightly more approachable and elegant (so 94 without the “-”, but both bottlings are unique and legendary! Try them if you can.

Macallan G&M 10 y.o. G&M, 70° (red letters, probably distilled in the 1960ies)

Nose: Very elegant profile (not weak at all, but less obtrusive and fat than the younger versions – this thin lady wants to be discovered) with lemon and orange zest, humidor, pepper, faint earthy peat smoke, sweet malt (but less sweet than in younger ages), vanilla pudding, dark fruits, traces of Sherry and the European oak (Quercus robur). I also get apples, hay, coal and a whiff of ginger. Again, perfectly round and balanced.

Palate: Medium-dry and slightly sweet, thin like a needle yet loaded with aromas which are just dotted onto the palatal canvas, definitely not a “in-your-face” style.  You have to concentrate hard not to miss the complexity because of the ‘light-loaded’ character (this is no contradiction!). All notes from the nose show up discretely. Drink this Mac in big sips.

Finish: Malt, haystack and dried flowers, earthy peat tingles, dark oak ad fruits. Medium length.

Score: 90-

Comment: This one reminds me of the brighter versions of the 1962 – and the distillery character is clearly there. In a nutshell it is light and summer breezy, but definitely high class – for those looking for understatement and finesse. It needs a little work, but then it rocks. For lovers of powerful drams it is just highly drinkable without leaving too much of an impression concerning the primary notes. Use it as an aperitif, an afternoon malt or put it early in a tasting session.