3. November 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Tasting the Two Most Debated Drams at the Moment – Old Pulteney 21 and Ardbeg 1991 for Hotel Bero
High Profile
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 Weiterlesen →
2. November 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Some Quick Notes From a Tasting (Longmorn, Ben Nevis, Cooley, Arran, Old Pulteney, Ardmore)
Just some quick notes today because this week we will have/have had three tasting sessions. I hope you enjoy reading the short remarks and scores anyway. Soon there will be more again.
Old Pulteney OB 17 y.o., 46%
Comm
ent: 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 Weiterlesen →
31. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Bowmore – Good at Whisky, Bad at Science (Bowmore ‚Tempest‘ 2 and the Ambassador’s Special Release)
Bowmore – Back on Top
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 Weiterlesen →
29. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Zwei günstige Weine unter der Lupe (Alejandro Fernandez ‚Dehesa la Granja‘ 2004 und Frescobaldi ‚Santo Spirito 11‘)
Alejandro Fernandez ‚Dehesa la Granja‘ 2004 Castilla y Leon 14%
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 Weiterlesen →
27. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Ardbeg 13 y.o. G&M for Intertrade 1975 – 1988, Sherry Cask, 543 btl., 54,2%
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: Weiterlesen →
27. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: A Blend Worth Revisiting – Hankey Bannister 12 y.o. ‚Regency‘ / World’s Greatest Whisky Revealed
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 Weiterlesen →
25. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: New Glenglassaugh Monsters from the 1960ies and 1970ies
New Glenglassaugh Gems Soon to Come
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 Weiterlesen →
25. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Whisky Liqueurs that Can Change Your Perspective – from the Scottish Liqueur Centre
Stay Curious for New Things – Like Good Liqueurs
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 Weiterlesen →
23. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Two and a Half Whiskies ;) – Ron Opthimus 25 Anos Tomatin Finish, Aberlour ‚a’bunadh‘ Batch 35 and The Glenlivet ‚Nadurra‘
An old whisky-finished Rum? This Ron (Rum) was brought to me by my friend Flo – it was one of his favourites at the German Rum Festival in Berlin this year. Let’s try this interesting product and two other drams (Glenlivet ‚Nadurra‘ and Aberlour ‚a’bunadh‘ Batch 35). Weiterlesen →
20. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: SMWS Fall Releases II. – Old Bottlings (Balmenach, Glenturret, Glenrothes, Glen Albyn)
In September, I tasted some of the brandnew arrivals of the SMWS – the ones that I knew would sell out in no time (Ardbeg, Bowmore, Port Charlotte, Mortlach –> see article ‚SMWS Fall Releases I.‘ here on www.slowdrink.de). Today I am going to continue my review of the fall releases focussing on the older bottlings of Balmenach, Glenturret, Glenrothes and Glen Albyn. Here we go: Weiterlesen →
19. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: SMWS Spring Bottlings (Frühlingsliste)
Bevor ich in den kommenden Tagen die restlichen Abfüllungen der Herbst-Bottlings von SMWS bewerte, hier die Verkostungsnotizen der Frühlingsliste (Auchentoshan 1999, Glenmorangie 1992, Mortlach 1989, Bowmore 1994, Ardbeg 2001, Aultmore 1982, Glen Moray 2000, Linkwood 1982, Benrinnes 1996, Port Charlotte 2003): Weiterlesen →
19. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Encoding the SMWS-Codes
Encoding the SMWS-Codes (FIND THE LISTS BELOW)
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):
(NEW ONES INCL. RUM, ARMAGNAC, COGNAC, GRAIN, ETC. BELOW)
| Brennerei | SMWS Code |
| Glenfarclas Distillery | 1 |
| Glenlivet Distillery | 2 |
| Bowmore Distillery | 3 |
| Highland Park Distillery | 4 Weiterlesen → |
18. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Tasting Legends: Ardbeg 1967 Kingsbury 29 y.o. (both) and a Brora 30 from 2009
Many people talk their mouths fuzzy about the 20 y.o. dark Ardbeg 1991 that has just been released by MoS for the Bero hotel. That inspired me to post two other dark Ardbegs today – the Kingsbury 1967 versions – Serge Valentins favourite expressions. Kingsbury has an amazing track record in bottling fine drams. So let’s see what their flagships Weiterlesen →
17. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Macallan 10 y.o., Gordon & Macphail (G&M) Pure Malt, 70 proof
As promised, I am going to taste the oldtimer today:
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 Weiterlesen →
15. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Macallan 10 y.o. OB, 40%, from the late 1980ies – A ‚Youngtimer‘
Still a Youngtimer: The Macallan 10 (distilled late 1980ies)
This series of Macallan (golden round age indication, see photo) was running for quite a long time (until around 2002). There were earlier versions with screw caps and 75cl and later ones like this which Weiterlesen →
14. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Runners-Up at the Whisky-Walk (Caperdonich 1972, Port Ellen 1981, BenRiach 1976 etc.)
As promised, I am going to reveal the runners-up #2, #3 and the only slightly trailing #4 with some quick notes now. No dram 
disappointed on that night whatsoever, but some where better than Weiterlesen →
13. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Terroir matters – Pitaud introduces two Cru-Cognacs
The new Expressions
World Premiere
Cognac Pitaud has been described and reviewed in another article on ‚www.slowdrink.de‘ (check it out as well!). Their products have fully convinced me. Now they launch two new Cru Cognacs in a limited edition: Pitaud Cognac Borderies and Pitaud Cognac Petite Champagne. For connoisseurs, it will be very interesting to find out how the different terroir influences the final product. Others might say Weiterlesen →
12. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Eight New Bottlings ‚on the go‘ (Ledaig, Port Ellen, Glenglassaugh, 2x Bunnahabhain, Glen Grant, Glenlossie)
For several reasons I could only taste some drams in Biberach quickly on the go. Nevertheless I am going to share my strictly personal opinions about them with you – and add some other ones close to these bottlings. No pictures, just the whisky talking…
1) Ledaig 1998 for Malts of Scotland, 13 y.o. around 59% – exact dates coming soon (no label exists yet)
A wonderful drinking whisky in the peated genre – only few people wouldn’t put this on Islay in a blind tasting. This expression is significantly older and more mature than the recent Berry Bros. & Rudd releases of Ledaig, but surprisingly Weiterlesen →
11. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Tasting at Biberach’s Whiskyfest (BenRiach 1970, Highland Park 1968 Becking, Port Ellen 1982 Acorn, Glen Grant 1969 Lonach, Glen Ord 1983 Signatory)
Whiskyfest Biberach II.
Last weekend I had the honor to hold a tasting (and a little stand) at the second Whiskyfest in Biberach. There was a great atmosphere among guests and exhibitors alike. Rolf and his wife Alexandra were perfect hosts with their team on this small fair.
Host Rolf and me
The tasting-lineup is described in another article here on www.slowdrink.de – when I put it together, I knew that the BenRiach 1970 Pedro Ximinex (sic!), the Glen Grant 1969 Lonach and the Port Ellen 1982 Acorn Sherry Cask would rock people’s worlds because I had tried them before, but the other two bottlings were new to me as well, and on paper and in reviews they didn’t look as if they could keep up the high level of these other whiskies.
How unnecessary my fear was … every dram was above 90 (everybody agreed) after all and the styles were still really different in the line-up. Check out the short notes I could Weiterlesen →
7. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: New C & S Dram Whiskies II. (Clynelish, Miltonduff)
… continued from two days before …
Clynelish 1997, 14 y.o., Bourbon Cask 5711, 57,9%
Nose: Nougat, apple, candle wax, honey, hazelnut, peach and pine resin, discrete peat
Palate: sweet arrival at first Weiterlesen →
7. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Munich Spirits: 23. Tasting ‚Pits Reserven‘
Am 17. November darf ich im Namen von ’slowdrink.de‘ wieder einmal in bei Munich Spirits zu Gast sein und ein paar schöne Flaschen Weiterlesen →
5. Oktober 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: New C & S Dram Whiskies (Laphroaig, Bladnoch)
One of the Great Independent Bottlers
If you look for the maximum value for your buck, C & S Drams should be one of your choices. Our friend Andrea Caminneci (now Keeper of the Quaich) and his partners don’t like to do the chicken dance, create fancy labels and work on coffin bottle outfits, they rather bottle quality whisky for a fair price to trade and consumer. This might be the very reason why every series is sold out within hours at this importer. Consequently, Andrea also doesn’t send out samples, his stuff speaks for itself. Find out more here:
http://www.wein-and-spirit-partner.de/was/modules/smartpartner/partner.php?id=11
However, on our trip to Scotland, I had the privilege to try four new Single Malts that will hit the market in a week or two. And hush, I could also sample Weiterlesen →
27. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für – GONE TO SCOTLAND – BACK ON OCT. 3RD –
CU again on October 3rd
27. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Tasting Winner and Runner-Up: Auchentoshan 1965 and Longmorn Samaroli 1974
Let’s announce the winner and a runner-up of the Regensburger Whisky Walk-Tasting 2011: Short notes only as these were tasted ‚on tour‘ under stress.
Winner:
Auchentoshan 1965, 31 y.o., 4.11.65, Hogshead 2502, 49,3%
Before I poured this one, I told the crowd to drink and buy more Auchentoshan as it is heavily underrated in my eyes. My words earned pathetic smiles among some Islay-Fans, others chimed in by mentioning that the Three Wood was an excellent daily dram and that they had had great single casks from this triple-distilling Lowland Distillery before. I was really surprised – and happy – that at the final count, this bottling clearly won and even convinced the peatheads. Here are Weiterlesen →
26. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Slowdrink-Whiskytasting und Stand: Samstag, den 8. Oktober in Biberach (nahe Ulm/Memmingen)
Slowdrink-Stand
Dieses Jahr gibt es wieder eine kleine aber feine Whiskymesse in Biberach (Whiskyfest Biberach im Goldenen Rebstock ab 14.00 Uhr, Consulentenstr. 2), bei der wir einen Stand mit Raritäten haben werden. Kommt vorbei und probiert ca. 30 feine Drams! Ebenso wurden wir gebeten ein Tasting zu machen, das es in sich hat. Da simma dabei … (ca. 18 Uhr).
Ebenso soll es dort schwäbisch-kulinarische Höhepunkte geben, die Weiterlesen →
25. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Short Post: Decanting Whisk(e)y?
Love is in the Air
The more I deal with whisky, the more I see that it is a living product. I just had another experience concerning the improvement of a 
whisky just by being open a day and being able to breathe some air.
Aeration (shaking) or preopening bottles before the actual tasting can really make a difference, especially with ex-sherry or wine drams. That is why I usually open the bottles for a tasting two weeks in advance.
What a Difference a Day Makes …
Yesterday, I rated the Tobermory MMD for Flickenschild at 88 points. Today, I retasted it for fun’s sake and it was really Weiterlesen →
25. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Tobermory 14 y.o., 14.12.1995 – 2010, Murray McDavid for Flickenschild, Bourbon Cask 012, finished in Chateau Latour Red Wine Cask (Paulliac), 370 bottles, 46%
The Story:
These days people start to realize the potential of Tobermory and Ledaig – especially the recent Berry Bros.&Rudd bottlings of young peaty Ledaig convinced the connoisseurs. Today I want to try a Tobermory recommended by Manfred Kröger. It was finished in a Chateau Latour cask, a first growth Bordeaux winery with worldwide fame. Bruichladdich / Murray McDavid believe in using famous wine producer’s casks: for maturation in fine wood and for good PR. However, no whisky critic can confirm a clear difference in the taste of 
whisky that has been racked in either excellent or average producers of wine so far, but it undoubtedly is a nice idea for a wine lover and adds an extra-value to the drinking experience. Let’s now taste this Mull Single Malt with its affinity for expensive Bordeaux.
Tasting Note:
Nose: Farmyardy, fresh and spicily exotic at first, a malty and grainy overture, some peat, red grapes, green bell peppers (a typical note of Cabernet wine), charcoaled bonfire wood and Weiterlesen →
24. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Prince Regent 8 y.o. Pure Malt Scotch Whisky (Kingsburn Blenders Ltd.), imported by E.I.R.E. (Italy), 43%
The Story
For every tasting I hold I try to select a nice starting dram that gets the tastebuds ready and that is quite unknown to the public – and it shouldn’t upstage the drams to follow. In whisky tastings this usually is an old blend, a vat, a ‚malternative‘ (another spirit) or a Single Malt from an unknown source.
When I saw the Prince Regent bottle for the first time (this is quite rare), its dark color immediately appealed to me and I Weiterlesen →
23. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Discussion: Lifestyle + Whisky = Weird and Dangerous Drinks?
The latest release
Should a drinks-blog deal with the downsides of C2H5OH, especially when it comes to the health of our kids? Hell, yeah!!! But I don’t want to sound like a hypocritical party pooper, I just feel a responsiblity to say a few words about a new kind of drink as a person who promotes alcohol as well – but for a different reason than the industry does.
A Flood of New Mix Drinks?
I got used to the pre-mixed ‚Lynchburg Lemonade‘ and the Whisky- and Rum-Cola cans that mostly get sold at fuel stations and clubs for teenagers. But now, another flood of spirit mix drinks seems to be rolling in – taste-tweaked whiskies with up to 40% alcohol – do we need these? And is the industry to blame, do they act responsible? Weiterlesen →
22. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Zwei Bordeaux-Größen – Chateau Belair 1990 (St.-Emilion) und Chateau Trotanoy 2000 (Pomerol)
Zum Beginn der Weinbewertungen wollte ich mit zwei sehr gelungenen Bordeaux-Rotweinen des ‚rive droite‘ beginnen, wo die Merlot-Rebe überwiegt. Zunächst beginne ich mit einem verachteten Stiefkind Parkers, dem Chateau Belair aus St. Emilion, ein Nachbar des berühmten Chateau Ausone mit atemberaubenden Kellern, die bis in die Römerzeit zurückreichen. Erst seit der Übernahme durch Moueix im Jahre 2008 fallen die Bewertungen des amerikanischen Weinpapstes für Belair aus, doch andere Kritiker mögen Belair durchaus. Dieser Wein wird oft verkannt und kann, ja muss altern, um sich zu entfalten. Sein burgunderhafter Charm will erschlossen werden und ist weniger vordergründig. Im Alter ist ein Belair hervorragend: Weiterlesen →
21. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Grappa Berta ‚Riserva del Fondatore Paolo Berta‘ 20 y.o., 1989 – 2009, ‚invecchiata in Carati di essenze diversi‘, 45%
Hintergrund:
Für den ersten Regensburger Whisky-Walk wollten wir auch eine Grappa nach dem Snack im Programm haben und griffen zu bester Qualität: Die Distilleria Berta aus Nizza Monferrato (zwischen Turin und Genua) setzt sich rigoros zum Ziel, Italiens ‚numero uno‘ in Sachen Grappa zu sein, was Experten immer wieder bestätigen. Die Riserva del Fondatore ist die älteste erhältliche Abfüllung. Dieser Jahrgang (1989) wurde zum 60. Firmenjubiläum aufgelegt. 20 Jahre Reifung in verschiedenen Hölzern mittlerer Röstung hinterlassen eine bernsteinfarben schimmernde Essenz. Weiterlesen →
20. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Ardbeg ‚Alligator‘ 51,2%
Nice coincidence: Today I am going to post the review of the new Ardbeg Alligator, and my fellow Malt Maniac Serge, who blogs at 
‚whiskyfun.com‘, had the same idea. If you want more ‚e-pinions‘, go visit him as well …
The Bottling
Originally presented as limited Committee Release, this Ardbeg has been matured or finished in heavily-charred American white oak barrels. The spirit inside both versions is identical. Weiterlesen →
18. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Cocktail: Slowdrink’s Scottish Summer
The story behind the drink
Yesterday, we had our first Whisky Walk in Regensburg, Germany, with 36 participants and 10 stops for fine drams – and had an awesome time (article to come soon, invitation to be found here on page). At the Neue Filmbühne-Bar with its nice fountain outside, we had a great Whisky Cocktail. And as everybody asked me for the recipe, I am going to share it with you. Weiterlesen →
16. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Glenglassaugh, you make me …
… feel nostalgic:
Do you remember the old days, when Glenglassaugh was „just“ another closed distillery with an odd name to us. Many connoisseurs have enjoyed the Family Silver bottling (89 points), the more maniacal guys savoured the chocolate-praline-like Wilson & Morgan Sherry editions, and some freaks even drank some of the rare independent bottler’s Glassaughs of that time (Jack Wieber’s, SMWC, Signatory Silent Stills, etc.). All these were really good, but not mindblowing.
… wonder:
Three years ago, Carsten Ehrlich from the Whisky Fair sent me a sample of their new 1965 Glenglassaugh 40 y.o. and I thought he was fooling me. This baby tasted like an old Bowmore concerning the berry-like fruitiness, but it had a slightly different backbone with less coastal stylistics. What a dram that was (92+ points)! I bought three bottles and wondered what heights Glenglassaugh drams could reach and what versatility they have. Weiterlesen →
15. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Cognac Pitaud (Basic Range) vs. Remy Martin XO Excellence, or: 1914 wasn’t so bad after all
Cognac Pitaud
As I love to 
sip a fine cognac from time to time, I would like to tell you about this discovery: the Pitaud Cognac range. These bottles (basic range: V.S., V.S.O.P., X.O., Extra, but there are three others: Borderies, Petite Champagne and the oldest one, the Albert Pitaud) mostly outrank their famous rivals within the same price category, and from younger makes I only remember the cask-strength BACHE Gabrielsen Pure & Rustic (~ 30 y.o.) that can compete. Many connoisseurs claim, the EXTRA would rule the price category below 1000 Euro at a price of about 300 Euro. I wanted to check this out.
The founder Albert Pitaud (1882 – 1968) was called to serve in WWI. in 1914. Before he went he made made sure that his dear Cognacs were safe and sound: he filled them into oak casks and dug them in the ground. And until today, some Cognac still matures in these casks that were put into the family vaults after the war. Actually, even today every Pitaud Cognac contains parts of the 1914 Eaux-de-Vies! So 1914 wasn’t only bad after all… . The producers explain that their success stems from a rigorous selection of grape types and grapes and the use of smaller stills, which helps the character of the „bonne chauffée“ at the second distillation.
Tasting the Range
I am going to taste the V.S. (at least 4 y.o., Limousin Oak), the V.S.O.P. (at least 6 y.o.), the XO (average age of 22 years recently, now raised to 35 y., much longer than other X.O. Cognacs) and the sought-after Extra (50 y.o. Cognacs as an average, many parts were distilled by Albert Pitaud himself prior to 1968, multi-award-winner), which is actually said to be better than the oldest Pitaud Cognac called ‚Albert Pitaud‘ (1914, Petite Champagne, unblended). To have a reference, I also reviewed a renowned benchmark Cognac, the Remy Martin XO Excellence. This was still done in German, but soon, all reviews will be in English only.
15. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: SMWS Fall Releases I. (Ardbeg 1996, Bowmore 1994, Port Charlotte 2003, Mortlach 1995)
Today I received the fall releases of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (thanks, Ralf). As the good drams sell out very quickly, I am going to review the most sought-after distilleries right away, speaking of Ardbeg, Port Charlotte, Bowmore and Mortlach. The others will follow on a later occasion.
Nose: Quite alcoholic at first, then a nice mix unfolds – rum-raisins and vanilla ice cream, a touch of Marsala wine, chili and black pepper add to a slight woody spiciness, dry but not overwhelming Sherry-influence, buttered toast, apples and peaches. One can already smell that this dram needs water. Weiterlesen →
13. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Ardbeg SMWS 33.93 ‚Tarry peppermint tea‘ 10 y.o., 8.1998 – 6.2011, Refill Sherry Butt, 626 bottles, 55,9%
Since the Scotch Malt Whisky Society has been taken over, I was in the lucky position to try most of their releases. Our partner Ralf Dänzer (www.smws-süd.de) does a wonderful job in selecting and promoting the whiskies. In general, they are above average, and some are top class. Make sure you are fast to get hold of a bottle. The SMWS lowered the member fees a lot. I really recommend to become a member nowadays. It is worth it. Another recommendation: Ralf offers samples of recent bottlings to try before you buy!
If you are interested in previous reviews (German), click here:
http://www.smws-süd.de/downloads/201104smwsverkostungfruehlingsliste.pdf
In this series, I would like to review some recent bottlings (only the first one in German, tomorrow, the ratings will be in English). My highlight of the ‚Summer Series“ was an Ardbeg (and I am not a comlete nut for post-1997-Ardbegs), a real stunner:
More reviews in English all the way from tomorrow on… Weiterlesen →
13. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Review: Ron Centenario 30 Anos Edicion Limitada 40%
This is one of the spirits that made my day…and it is not only for Rumheads. This baby should appeal to anyone who loves mature and complex spirits. It was produced for the 30th Anniversary of the company. In their line-up, it rivals the already very good 20 y.o. successfully. Ron Centenario 30 has been matured in several cask types like ex-Bourbon, Sherry, Moscatel, etc. by using the Solera system. The result is a very complex, sweet and elegant dram from Costa Rica!
Nose:
Tief, äußerst komplex und fein ausgewogen, Vanillin aus Eichenholz, karamellisierte Orangenzesten, Marzipan, Humidor mit feinen Zigarren, Leder, Bergblütenhonig, frische Kaffeebohnen, Kolanuss, nasse Erde, Hauch Minze und ätherische Kräuter, Muskat und Zimt, alles wie im Karussell auftauchend, aber kein Aroma hervorstechend.
11. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Ledaig: One of my favourite dark horses
There is nothing like a mature and complex peated Malt on a chilly night in the cold time of the year – and I mean those fine old whiskies, not the pressure-cooked young ones we get swamped with these days. Mostly, the choice is coming down to an Islay-Malt or some rare Garioch, Brora or Talisker, and rightly so. Even one of those fine Japanese Single casks or an Ardmore would be ways to go.
However, one beauty has unjustly been forgotten – maybe because bottles are rarely seen: Ledaig, especially the ones distilled in 1972. Only few other whiskies offer such complexity paired with heavy peat – and high ‘drinkability’. The quality of the barley malt used at Tobermory/Ledaig was comparable to Talisker and Brora (same source) in that year and has been delivering equally stunning results. In my eyes, good 1972 Ledaigs rank up as high as some fine Ardbegs of this period. I would trade some Islay Malts of the 70ies any time for a nice Ledaig! Weiterlesen →
11. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für For Discussion: Die besten schottischen Brennereien
„Welcher Whisky ist der beste?“ Diese Frage bekomme ich immer wieder gestellt und lehne diese als solche freundlich ab, da es einfach verschiedene Situationen und Geschmäcker gibt, die eine eindeutige Antwort verhindern. Ebenso bin ich kein Freund solcher Listen im Allgemeinen, obwohl ich das Interesse daran verstehen kann. Schon die vereinfachte Frage nach den besten Destillen ist kaum zu beantworten. Weiterlesen →
8. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Must-Try-Malts: alte BenRiach Single Malts
Beginnen möchte ich diese Reihe mit einem meiner Lieblingswhiskys: den BenRiach-Abfüllungen aus den 1960ies und 1970ies, unabhängig vom Abfüller oder Jahrgang – reine flüssige Magie. Jedoch sind auch jüngere Abfüllungen der Brennerei gelungen.
Es war bis vor wenigen Jahren ein wohl gehütetes Geheimnis, welches Potential und welche Vielseitigkeit in dieser Speyside-Brennerei steckt. Die meisten Malttrinker kannten nur den eher schwachen 10y.o. als Originalabfüllung. Weiterlesen →
8. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Dieser Whisky ist zu teuer!
Sollten Sie auch noch zu den Menschen gehören, die keine Platin-VISA-Karte haben, ja sogar für ihr Geld arbeiten müssen, dann wird dieser Artikel sie bestimmt interessieren. Es geht um die individuelle Preisobergrenze für eine Flasche Whisky.
Immer wieder erfahre ich in Gesprächen mit Whiskytrinkern, dass sie eine gewisse Obergrenze haben, was den Preis der von ihnen gekauften Whiskyflaschen angeht. Diese rangiert je nach Erfahrung gewöhnlich zwischen 50 und 300 Euro. Weiterlesen →
8. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Japanische Whiskywunder: Vor- und Nachteile
Yamazaki, Yoichi, Karuizawa, Hakushu, Miyagikyo, Hibiki – diese Namen erinnern inzwischen nicht mehr nur an Motorräder oder Küchengeräte – zu Recht haben sich japanische Single Malts und Blends einen Namen in der Whiskywelt gemacht und der schottischen Konkurrenz sogar Preise weggeschnappt.
Der Erfolg ist jahrelanger akribischer Arbeit und einem innovativen Fassmanagement geschuldet. Weiterlesen →
8. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Must-Try-Malts: Lochside
Man mische einen guten roten Pauillac-Wein (schwarze und rote Johannisbeeren, mitteltrocken, strammes Rückgrat mit feiner Spur Eiche und Vanille, leichte Säure) mit einer Riesling-Auslese der Terrassenmosel (Mineralik, tropische Früchte wie Lychees, Zitrusfrüchten und Grapefruit, Süße mit Säure) im Inneren einer Industriehalle (Öle, Rauch, Gummi, Paraffinwachs) in Meeresnähe! Weiterlesen →
8. September 2011
von Peter Krause
Kommentare deaktiviert für Verdünnung: von Whiskyschorle-Trinkern, Pipettentröpflern und Fassstärken-Dogmatikern
Geht man in Schottland in einen typischen Pub, so findet man dort immer wieder Whiskytrinker, die ihren edlen Dram – meist in der Maßeinheit ‚fifth of a gill’ – mit zwei Dritteln Wasser auffüllen: „It’s a wee bit smootha n’ slips dun’ well“, mag man da als geschockter Single Malt-Genießer entgegen gelallt bekommen. Zu solch einer Schorle mag auch Eis ganz gut passen, sie mag auch recht gut wirken, doch hinter die Geheimnisse der aromatischsten Spirituose der Welt wird man auf diese Weise nicht kommen. Doch wie – wenn überhaupt – sollte man Whisky und andere fassstarke Spirituosen verdünnen? Weiterlesen →