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“Because you can't buy happiness... but you can buy whisky and that's pretty much the same thing”

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Stories from June, 2011

Connemara Sherry Finish Limited Edition Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Cooley , Connemara
87
Connemara Sherry Finish
Connemara is a peated Irish single malt. This particular expression was finished in sherry casks, lovely character!

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, floral, nuts, citrus, grapes. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (88): . peat, wood, peat, citrus and nuts. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (84): no finish. nuts, citrus, floral, peat. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Connemara Sherry Finish with 87 points over 100.

Connemara Single Cask Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Cooley , Connemara

“ Lots of peat and combustion engines aromas! I love this whiskey!”

92
Connemara Single Cask
A rarer single cask bottling of Connemara.

This is a 13 year old peated Irish whiskey, distilled at Cooley and bottled from a single cask.
On the contrary to the tradition of Scotland, this single cask whiskey isn't bottled at cask strength but at 46%... which I think it is a mistake by the way.

Wonderful irish whiskey nonetheless.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, peat, leather, banana, motor oil, a little floral. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . peat, sweet, citrus, floral, some peat, a little wood. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (92): no finish. peat, motor oil, a little wood. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Connemara Single Cask with 92 points over 100.

Caskstrength and Carry on Cask Strength Arran bottling

By Miguel in Arran

This is the first time a blog, CaskStrength.net, does a whisky bottling.

An Arran bottled in May 2011 to celebrate the 3rd birthday of Caskstrength.net. It is a single cask cask strength bottle of 13 years old Arran. If it is just a bit near of a Master of Malt bottle I tried some months ago this whisky is a serious bottle to buy.

Their first official whisky “Caskstrength and Carry On” was drawn from a single first fill bourbon cask (number 1554) which was filled in 1998 and bottle in May 2011. There are just 92 bottles from the cask, all of which were bottled undiluted at 49.9%abv.

Buy this Arran at Master of Malt for £48.95

EDIT: Just ordered one from Master of Malt. They also sell samples, so you should read soon what I think about.


Wiser's De Luxe Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Wiser
77
Wiser's De Luxe 10 year
Wiser's is a new discovery in Canadian whisky that surprises with its warm, full flavored and balanced rye style. Corby distilleries' dedication to crafting quality whisky is evident. Multi-column continuous distillation of the light-bodied grain whisky takes place followed by a single column/pot still distillation of rye grain whisky. These are 'post blended' after a 10 year ageing period and then returned to barrels to marry further prior to final blending.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (76): inexistent. sweet, a little fruits, melon, floral, vanilla, parfum. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (76): . sweet, grain, vanilla, a little sharp. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (80): no finish. honey, grain. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Wiser's De Luxe 10 year with 77 points over 100.

Canadian Club Classic 12 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Canadian Club
87
Canadian Club 12 year
Aged for 12 years - the extra 6 years maturing in wood produces a darker spirit with more of the traditional characteristics of aged whiskies and a richer, more aromatic flavour.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (84): inexistent. sweet, grain, barley, floral, a little citrus. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, honey, corn, citrus, wood, floral, grapes, barley, vanilla. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (84): no finish. honey, citrus, wood. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Canadian Club 12 year with 87 points over 100.

Gooderham & Worts Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Gooderham & Worts
87
Gooderham & Worts
A blend of old malts and robust ryes married together in a truly classic Canadian whisky. This is a sophisticated spirit with an alluring bouquet and complex array of fresh, delicious flavors. The name, Gooderham & Worts, is a tribute to Canada’s first licensed distillery built in 1832.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (84): inexistent. sweet, alcohol, peaches, wood, vanilla, spices, a little tobacco, grain. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, honey, wood, grain, vanilla, spices, fruity. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (84): no finish. candies, wood, grain, spices. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Gooderham & Worts with 87 points over 100.

Lot nŗ40 Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Lot nŗ40
91
Lot Nŗ40
LOT NO. 40 is made from in a copper alembic still from a mash of small grains and malted rye. The whisky is aged in re-charred American oak barrels. It has an assertiveness that heretofore has been unseen from Canadian whisky. Lot No. 40 is a muscular spirit, well balanced between the spicy/fruity flavor of rye and the vanilla essence of oak. Don’t be fooled by its complexity and superb balance, this is a big, powerful whisky.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, barley, floral, spices, vanilla, wine, red fruits. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (96): . sweet, corn, barley, red fruits, honey, vanilla, wood. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. honey, wood, floral. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Lot Nŗ40 with 91 points over 100.

Caribbean Rum: Having sips of Caribe, one rum at a time

By Miguel in Tasting , Featured , Havana , Matusalem , Brugal , Bacardi

As we saw, rums are very hard to classify due to regional differences, so I am going to sort them by regions instead.

Cuba

Havana Club Ańejo Especial

87
Havana Club Ańejo Especial
Havana Club Anejo Especial Rum is a premium golden rum, a blend of rums aged for up to 5 years in the ageing cellars of Havana Club, under the watchful eye of Don Jose Navarro, Havana Club's Maestro Ronero.
As the name suggests, it is something special, a blend of old and young rums that results in a rich, warm gold coloured rum.Its character combines the lightness of white rums and the robust aroma of dark rums.

This dram has a gold-like color.

Nose (84): more than average. brown sugar, wood, honey, spices.

Palate (92): . brown sugar, flowers, sugar cane, wood.

Finish (84): longer than average. floral, brown sugar.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Havana Club Ańejo Especial with 87 points over 100.

Buy this bottle at

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Dominican Republic

Most Dominican Republic rums are done using Cuban recipes because when Castro raised to the power in Cube many distillers flee.

Ron Matusalem 15 year

85
Ron Matusalem 15 year
Two Spanish brothers Benjamin and Eduardo Camp traveled from Spain to establish a distillery in Cuba. In 1872 the brothers, along with their partner Evaristo Įlvarez, they founded the Matusalem brand in Santiago de Cuba. They combined their skills and experience in distilling and blending with the principles of Solera, which was originally developed for production in Spain of wine, sherry and brandy.

The name "Methuselah" was chosen to refer to the aging process the rum is subjected to get those flavors. It comes from the Spanish proverb "This is older than Methuselah." Methuselah is the patriarch as the Old Testament lived 969 years.

This dram has a amber-like color.

Nose (85): average. sweet, floral, sugar cane, brown sugar, wood.

Palate (90): smooth. brown sugar, sugar cane, floral, a little fruity, wood, spices.

Finish (80): long. brown sugar, wood.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Ron Matusalem 15 year with 85 points over 100.

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Ron Barcelo Ańejo

83
Ron Barcelo Ańejo
This is a “Superior Blend” from a select group of premium rums aged naturally for up to four years in American oak barrels. Its smooth golden tones and soft aroma can be enjoyed straight or wisely mixed.

This dram has a gold-like color.

Nose (84): more than average. brown sugar, honey, wood, floral, cinnamon, a little light.

Palate (84): smooth. brown sugar, toffee, cream, pineapple.

Finish (80): average. toffee.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Ron Barcelo Ańejo with 83 points over 100.

Buy this bottle at

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Brugal Ron Extra Viejo

“Not a bad rum, but a bit light. Not my kind of drink”

83
Brugal Ron Extra Viejo
Extra Viejo, meaning extra old, is a sophisticated and elegant rum from Brugal which was available only in the Dominican Republic until 2009, when distribution in the United States began.

A blend of older reserves, it commands attention with its dark crystallized amber appearance and fragrant bouquet of vanilla, raisins, toasted oak and pipe tobacco notes. Its medium-bodied texture delivers long-lasting flavors that include roast coffee, warm toffee, cocoa and hints of nutmeg and anise.

Brugal Extra Viejo Rum, first released in 1976, is best when sipped straight or on the rocks. In a simple cocktail like the rum Old Fashion, it's bold and intense flavors stand up well with other ingredients.

This dram has a mahogany-like color.

Nose (84): average. sugar cane, citrus, brown sugar, spices, cinnamon.

Palate (83): smooth, oily. wood, burnt sugar, sugar cane, citrus, cinnamon. A bit light

Finish (83): average. burnt sugar, sugar cane.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Brugal Ron Extra Viejo with 83 points over 100.

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Ron Barcelo Imperial

“It is a good rum but it won't shake your world.”

85
Ron Barcelo Imperial
Distilled in state-of-the-art stills, then aged in oak bourbon casks in Barraques (a form of stacking and aging of barrels seen in the production of brandies and cognacs) and bottled at 8 years of age, this rum is part of a series, the others ranging from a unaged white to this, their oldest offering.

This dram has a tawny-like color.

Nose (86): strong. sugar cane, floral, a little brown sugar.

Palate (85): smooth, oily, powerful. brown sugar, sugar cane, floral, wood, a little cinnamon.

Finish (84): long. brown sugar, sugar cane.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Ron Barcelo Imperial with 85 points over 100.

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Opthimus 25 year

“ Outstanding. So spicy rum, so well blended, so balanced. Really artisan stuff.”

93
Opthimus 25 year
OLIVER & OLIVER’S top rum. The best result of a combination of our best rums selected carefully by our Rum Masters. It has a very attractive dark cherry color and a very sophisticated bouquet, unique. Sweet and pleasant. Very well-rounded with delicate aromas and flavors, taste persistent. It is our flagship and we consider it the best rum in the world.

This dram has a treacle-like color.

Nose (92): strong. brown sugar and sugar cane, floral, spices, cinnamon.

Palate (96): smooth, oily, viscous, powerful. sweet, brown sugar, sugar cane, cinnamon, spices, floral, vanilla.

Finish (92): very long. cinnamon, honey, sugar cane.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Opthimus 25 year with 93 points over 100.

Puerto Rico

Bacardi Superior

79
Bacardi Superior
After 23 years of experimentation, Don Facundo Bacardi set the standard for all future premium white rum. Established in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba Bacardi Superior Rum became the world's first premium aged white rum. To produce such a superior spirit Don Facundo combined the best of dark spirits production techniques (ageing and blending) with his pioneering filtration process (charcoal filtration, now used by other white spirits) to create the perfectly balanced mixing rum that neither overpowers nor disappears in your drink.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (80): weak. sugar cane, floral, light, alcohol.

Palate (80): light. sugar cane, a little brown sugar, burnt sugar, a little floral, honey.

Finish (76): average. sugar cane, floral, a little honey.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Bacardi Superior with 79 points over 100.

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Bacardi 5 year Ańejo Superior

“Very light nose and a sharp taste that detracts of the final result.”

71
Bacardi 5 year Ańejo Superior
It is different from the Barcardi Carta Blanca because this one has not been filtered and has aged for 5 years in oak cask.

This dram has a amber-like color.

Nose (65): weak. floral, sugar cane. floral, sugar cane

Palate (78): light. toffee, sugar cane, floral. toffee, sugar cane, floral

Finish (70): short. toffee, sugar cane. toffee, sugar cane

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Bacardi 5 year Ańejo Superior with 71 points over 100.

British Islands

Ah! The true british navy rum. Really, if you like rum you must get one of these as they are superb. I do really prefer the non age statement as it is really cheaper and bottled at cask strength.

Nelson's Blood Hip Flask Pusser's Rum

85
Nelson's Blood Hip Flask Pusser's Rum
Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson, Royal Navy, one of the world's greatest fighting admirals, never lost a major battle. At Trafalgar on October 21st, 1805, although outnumbered, he defeated the combined navies of Spain and France. In this fierce battle that would determine who ruled the waves for the century that followed, Nelson sank or captured 19 of the enemy while losing not a single British ship. Unfortunately, at the age of 47, he was mortally wounded and died three hours before the end of the battle with the knowledge that victory was his. For the journey home, his body was carried on board HMS VICTORY, his flagship. Legend has it that to preserve it during the long voyage, they placed him in a large cask of Pusser's Rum. Upon arrival in England, it was discovered that the jack tars (sailors) had drilled a small hole at the base of the cask and drank all the rum - thereby drinking of Nelson's Blood. This term is still widely used today by Navy and history buffs as their alternative name for Pusser's Rum.

Pusser's is the same rum that was issued on board ships of Great Britain's Royal Navy for more than 330 years. The gold medals won at the world's two most prestigious wine & spirits competitions in 2001 and 2003 attest to its unsurpassed quality. Unlike most other rums, Pusser's contains no artificial flavouring agents. It is all natural.

THE ROYAL NAVY TOASTS on the back of the flask are those that have been offered for more than 200 years. They are still offered today at dinner on board Royal Navy ships and shore installations.

The four flag signal to "SPLICE THE MAIN BRACE!" was flown to signify a double issue of rum. Today, to say to a friend, "Let's splice the main brace!" is akin to saying, "Let's have a drink!".

This dram has a tawny-like color.

Nose (88): strong. sweet, roses, sugar cane, wood, grapes.

Palate (84): light, oily, powerful. sweet, roses, sugar cane, sugar candies.

Finish (84): longer than average. candies, floral, wood.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Nelson's Blood Hip Flask Pusser's Rum with 85 points over 100.

Pusser's Navy Rum 15 year

89
Pusser's Navy Rum 15 year
A recent bottling from a historic brand, the original of which is based on the recipe for the official rum that was given as a tot to sailors in the British Navy. Pusser's is traditionally dark and strong, however this version is a more standard 40% abv. A bargain for a rum of this age and provenance.

This dram has a tawny-like color.

Nose (88): strong. fruity, grapes, brown sugar, raisins, wood.

Palate (92): smooth, oily, powerful. brown sugar, fruity, complex, wood, wax, syrup, tobacco.

Finish (88): long. brown sugar, fruity, raisins.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Pusser's Navy Rum 15 year with 89 points over 100.

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Antigua

English Harbour 5 year Rum

“An interesting rum. Delicious sugar cane notes along toffee and vanilla.”

82
English Harbour 5 Year Old Rum
Easy-going and sweet, but absolutely delicious and highly recommended if starting out with rum. Distilled in copper-piped continuous stills in Antigua, where the climate is particularly dry. 5-8 year old rum, and great stuff!

This dram has a gold-like color.

Nose (79): more than average. sugar cane, sugar, plastic, floral, a bit vanilla.

Palate (85): smooth, oily. sugar cane, floral, burnt sugar, vanilla, toffee.

Finish (81): long. sugar cane, floral.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this English Harbour 5 Year Old Rum with 82 points over 100.

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Martinique

Ron Negrita

73
Ron Negrita
The story begins in 1857. A young liquor maker of Limoges, Paul Bardinet, took an interest in the sugar cane alcohol imported from distant islands to arrive to port the old world. The 'ratafia' as they called in those days, lacked of great value for the pirates but under his apparent rudeness it hid big secrets.

This dram has a fino-like color.

Nose (80): average. sweet, brown sugar, floral, alcohol.

Palate (72): light. sweet, alcohol, brown sugar, floral, alcohol.

Finish (68): very short. alcohol.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Ron Negrita with 73 points over 100.

Barbados

Doorly's XO Rum

88
Doorly's XO Barbados Rum
With a rare Blue Hyacinth Macaw on the label, Doorly's is a rum that is finished in Oloroso sherry casks and blended with rums aged from 6 to 12 years old. Given 5 stars by Dave Broom in 'Rum'. Arthur agrees, and was very impressed by its silky, rounded and easy-sipping style.

This dram has a gold-like color.

Nose (84): more than average. sugar cane, floral, brown sugar, fruity,a bit meat stock.

Palate (92): smooth, oily. sugar cane, brown sugar, floral.

Finish (88): longer than average. brown sugar, wood.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Doorly's XO Barbados Rum with 88 points over 100.

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Hope you have enjoy this rums tasting.
On the next days I will post about continental rums.


Benriach 12 years old Heart of Speyside Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Benriach
83
Benriach 12 year
Winner of a Bronze Medal at the 2005 International Wine and Spirits Competition, this 12-year old from the BenRiach distillery bettered itself the following year, taking home a Silver.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (76): inexistent. light, subtle, floral, citrus, pepper, vanilla, pears. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (88): . sweet, wood, spices, tobacco, a little citrus, floral. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (84): no finish. citrus, sweet, floral. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Benriach 12 year with 83 points over 100.

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The Irishman Single Malt Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , The Irishman
89
The Irishman Single Malt
A great Single Malt Whiskey, matured over a decade a personally selected by Bernard Walsh. Each batch is limited in availability to 100 cases. Distilled from the finest Malt Barley and blessed by the Waters of 'St Columb's Rill'. The Irishman Single Malt is matured in Bourbon and Sherry Casks, Bourbon to mellow the whiskey and Sherry to add a hint of sweetness.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, floral, citrus, vanilla, wood, pineapple. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, wood, peat, floral, pineapple, fruity, vanilla, barley. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. citrus, floral, honey, smoke. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this The Irishman Single Malt with 89 points over 100.

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Singleton of Dufftown Whisky Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Dufftown
79
Singleton of Dufftown 12 year
A recently-launched Singleton, this time from Dufftown, to replace the now-defunct Singleton of Auchroisk. This smooth, mellow dram is designed to attract new drinkers to the malt category, while its smart packaging has ensured its popularity as a gift.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (84): inexistent. sweet, watermelon, broccoli, wood. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (76): . sweet, watermelon, honey, floral, wood. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (76): no finish. floral, wood, a little citrus. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Singleton of Dufftown 12 year with 79 points over 100.

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The Dalmore 12 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Dalmore
88
Dalmore 12 year
A recent batch of Dalmore 12, along with a smart packaging revamp. This new 12 year old is very impressive even by Dalmore's high standards.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, honey, floral, citrus, a little wood, tobacco. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (88): . sweet, floral, oranges, honey, barley, a little wood. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. floral, citrus, a little honey, wood, oranges. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Dalmore 12 year with 88 points over 100.

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Old Pulteney 12 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Old Pulteney

“ Wonderful floral taste, the peat is soft and is really balanced with the rest of notes in this highland whisky.”

91
Old Pulteney 12 year
This whisky, from Wick, in the North of Scotland is an awesome value single malt whisky.

Slightly peated with a delicious floral taste, this whisky from the Old Pulteney distillery is a must-have for any scotch drinker.

Forget all the bibles nonsenses, this one of the best value malt. Guaranteed!

Jim Murray's Whisky Bible awared the 21 years old as Scotch Whisky of the Year 2012

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, peat, wood, citrus, floral, vanilla. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, peat, wood, incense, candies, floral, violets, citrus. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. citrus, peat, wood, sweet. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Old Pulteney 12 year with 91 points over 100.

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Rosebank 18 years old 1990 Old Malt Cask Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , Rosebank

“ A rather good dram from Rosebank. It features a delicius floral notes with some spices touches. Really good!. ”

91
Rosebank 18 year 1990 Cask 4655
This was distilled at the sadly defunct Rosebank distillery in the Lowlands.

Distilled in February 1990 and aged for 18 years in refill butt number 4655 before bottling for the Old Malt Cask range of Douglas Laing in September 2008. A release of 672 bottles.

You surely won't see this coming from a lowlands single malt whisky. A great whisky.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (92): inexistent. sweet, fruity, peach, wood, spices, a little tobacco, floral. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, fruity, peach and red fruits, wood, spices, a little cinnamon, floral, a little citrus. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. citrus, sweet, fruity. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Rosebank 18 year 1990 Cask 4655 with 91 points over 100.

Tio Pepe: Bottled Andalucia's sun

By Miguel in Tasting , Featured , Gonzalez Byass

It is an interesting experience if you have never been in a bodega before but it is very expensive and too “professional”: It lacks of the heart and touch that surely made this bodega so worldwide acclaimed.

Tio Pepe Sol de  Andalucia

In the South of Andalucia, at Jerez de la Frontera, is located bodegas Gonzalez Byass. This bodega is world-famous for its renowned Tio Pepe Fino wine. The bodega is at calle Manuel Maria Gonzalez. Very near the historical city center.

Gonzalez Byass bodega is open for visits all the year with five visits per day, except Sundays when there are only two.
First thing to do when you arrive is getting a ticket, it is an expensive tour, the cheapest one cost around 11EUR and grants you a tasting of Tio Pepe Fino and Croft Pale Cream.

Read the full story »


William Humbert Don Guido 20 years old Pedro Ximenez Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Recommended , William & Humbert

“ Shh! Don’t tell anyone this wine cost just €30. Awesome dessert wine.”

89
William Humbert Don Guido 20 year Pedro Ximenez
Williams & Humbert is famed for it's Dry Sack sherry, but the 20 year and 30 year sherries they make are absolutely enthralling and stand out in a crowd.

This 20 years old Pedro Ximenez wine really set the bar for other sweet wines to reach. Lovely sweet and complex with lots of notes of burnt sugar, nuts and raisins. A crack!

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. raisins, old, sweet, bananas, nuts, grapes, floral. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, raisins, nuts. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. raisins, nuts. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this William Humbert Don Guido 20 year Pedro Ximenez with 89 points over 100.

WhiskyLive Madrid 2011 Tastings

By Miguel in Tasting , News , Featured , Destilerias Liber , Laphroaig , DYC , The Macallan , Compass Box , Suntory , Yamazaki , Edradour , Talisker

WhiskyLive Madrid 2011 celebrated at May, 26 on Hotel Villamagna, has been a great whisky show against all the odds: Great whisky, pretty girls, good friend. Whatelse?!

Touching a bottle of Macallan 25 years old at Macallan Masterclass in WhiskyLive MadridFinally I got time to write down the tasting notes and here they are. I am quite happy of the result. The whisky show has been great and I tried lots of expressions that it is not easy to taste here in Spain.

During the evening at WhiskyLive Madrid, that I spent with Richard Barr of WhiskyIsrael, we tasted more than twenty whiskies so bear with me if last tasting notes are not accurate.
If you haven’t read yet about our visit to WhiskyLive do it now!. We had a great evening together.

So here are the tasting notes. I am still missing some of them that I wasn’t able to properly write while on the show.

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Speyburn 10 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Speyburn
88
Speyburn 10 year
This 10 year old single malt was a gold medal winner at the 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. A classic from the Speyburn distillery.

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, peach, heather, wood, citrus, barley, vanilla. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (92): . sweet, gunpowder, barley, floral, wine, liquorice, wood, citrus. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (84): no finish. floral, sweet, wood. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Speyburn 10 year with 88 points over 100.

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Edradour 10 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Edradour
87
Edradour 10 year
A tiny distillery in Perthshire is home to one of Scotland's most endearingly different malts. Delicious honey notes complimented by an oily mouthfeel and a really stylish finish.

This dram has a gold-like color.

Nose (92): more than average. sweet, powerful fruity, peach, dark fruits, cherry, wood, a little vanilla, a bit tobacco.

Palate (84): dry. sweet, barley, wood, vanilla, floral, sharp, metal, citrus.

Finish (84): longer than average. barley, floral, citrus.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Edradour 10 year with 87 points over 100.

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Talisker 10 years old Tasting note

By Miguel in Tasting , Talisker
88
Talisker 10 year
“Famously distinctive Island malt. From the western Scottish island of Skye. I believe that the volcanic rock of Skye contributes to the pungent aroma; peppery flavour; and big finish. Unusual still design may add a further dimension." Michael Jackson

This dram has a white-like color.

Nose (88): inexistent. sweet, heather, wood, peat, citrus, a little floral, a bit sherry. First nosing data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Palate (88): . sweet, peat, wood, heather, citrus, apples, honey. Bouquet data is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

Finish (88): no finish. hot, honey, heather, citrus, wood. Finish length is innacurate as the previous tasting sheet lacked of this field.

So based on other whiskies I have already tasted I rate this Talisker 10 year with 88 points over 100.

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WhiskyLive Madrid 2011: A whisky show at Spain's heart

By Miguel in News , Featured , Destilerias Liber , Laphroaig , Lagavulin , DYC , Cardhu , St George , The Macallan , Compass Box , Glenfiddich , Highland Park , Bowmore , Suntory , Yamazaki , Redbreast , Edradour , Talisker

Taking place at the Madrid business center, at the Hotel Villamagna, this whisky fair, although small, has been really interesting with lots of surprises.

Hotel Villa Magna at Madrid

Before attending the show, I meet Richards Barr, a member of Whiskyisrael that was also attending the show and we went there together after having a tasty Spanish lunch.
Richard Barr and Miguel Angel Blanch after 25 drams of whisky at Whiskylive Madrid

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