When something exceeds your expectations, it is easy to become endeared to it and give it more credit that it objectively deserves. With that in mind I'll try and keep the following opinion of Ardmore Legacy realistic. I'm sure there are many people out there who wouldn't touch a 40% NAS bottle which cost £20 … Continue reading Ardmore Legacy

I'd like to talk about the oft-divisive subject of adding water to whisky. Nothing can tear apart a good discussion about whisky quite like differing opinions on the subject of exactly how it should be enjoyed. Some people happily add liberal teaspoons of water to every dram they consume, commenting on how it "releases the … Continue reading Deanston 12

I recently reviewed the standard 10 year old from Laphroaig, and whilst it was enjoyable I found it somewhat lacking and a little thin due to the 40% ABV and extensive chill filtration. I ended the review by saying that I would like to try a Laphroaig with a more craft presentation, and so here … Continue reading Laphroaig Quarter Cask

I recently (August '18) spent 3 weeks travelling around Scotland, camping, walking and visiting distilleries. As part of the trip we climbed Ben Nevis, which was incredible in itself, not least because we got engaged at the top whilst sheltering next to the abandoned observatory in the middle of a hailstorm! Seeing as we were … Continue reading Ben Nevis: Nevis Dew 12 Blend

Laphroaig has a slightly intimidating reputation to a newbie scotch drinker. It's almost a kind of 'rite-of-passage' to say you've tried and enjoyed a dram of this uncompromisingly smoky Islay malt. You certainly wouldn't offer any of their expressions to a first timer, however there are complexities and flavours to Laphroaig that are far beyond … Continue reading Laphroaig 10

There are plenty of whiskies that are "good for the price"; but if we're being honest don't actually do much to satisfy the cravings for a full, rounded whisky experience. Much rarer are the ones that are actually damn good, and would still be good regardless of the cost. Every whisky shelf needs a few … Continue reading Old Pulteney 12yo

I've been re-watching Game of Thrones recently in preparation for the new series which is due to air in April. Seven seasons to catch up on is an awful lot of time spent in front of the TV, and with each episode calling for a dram to accompany it, it's an awful lot of whisky … Continue reading Ben Bracken Islay Single Malt

I tend to read up and plan which whiskies I'm going to buy a couple of weeks before I do so and even in a shop if I notice a particular bottle at a price I would consider paying I'll have my phone out to first check that it isn't getting a slagging online. Doing … Continue reading Glenfarclas 10

I must disclose something before writing this review. Highland Park is a distillery that holds special significance to me, as their 12 year old was the first whisky I ever bought for myself. My girlfriend took me on a trip to Aberdeen for my 30th birthday which included a tour and tasting at the Scotch … Continue reading Highland Park Dragon Legend

I don't have a very large budget for my whisky consumption. I scrimp, save and work overtime in order to fund the privilege of enjoying a quality dram (or several) on a night off. Fortunately for me, a large part of the whisky market is made up of quality bottles that are often cited as … Continue reading Bowmore 12yo