scotchlist.tc
Saturday 26 July 2008
| Balvenie | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | Port Wood Highland |
| Age: | 21 |
| Rating: |  |
| Gift: | |
| Impressions: | This is easily the best scotch I have ever had. Wonderfully balanced favor from a single malt. The port wood finish adds smoothness with both nut and fruit flavors gently mixed in. I have a soft spot for port wood finishes but this 21 year really takes the cake. I have had 30 year scotch that couldn't come close to Balvenie. |
| Bowmore | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | Islay |
| Age: | 12 |
| Rating: |  |
| Gift: |  |
| Impressions: | This was a really nice 12 year. Had a full and very slight fruity flavor that was wonderful. Lightly smoked with a hint of cognac. A unique and really enjoyable scotch. |
| Bunnahabhain | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | Islay |
| Age: | 12 |
| Rating: | |
| Gift: | |
| Impressions: | Rich, creamy, with smoke and ceder flavors. It was my favorite during the trip to Houston. Makes me want to try more good quality Isley. Will have again. |
| Dalmore, The | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | Highland |
| Age: | 12 |
| Rating: |  |
| Gift: | |
| Impressions: | Cherry flavor, rich, smokey. It was a really nice Scotch; especially if you like sherry/cognac hints in your wiskey. Unique flavor that is specific to The Dalmore. |
| Glen Elgin | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | Speyside |
| Age: | 12 |
| Rating: | |
| Gift: | |
| Impressions: | This is a single malt speyside Scottish whiskey that is not technically a Scotch; but, honestly, you could never tell by the taste. Spicy, semi-salty flavor common among speyside Scotch. Medium balance with noticeable but nicely cool peat. Enjoyable but not remarkable. Might have it again. |
| Glenfiddich Distillery, The | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | Solera Reserve |
| Age: | 15 |
| Rating: |  |
| Gift: | |
| Impressions: | Read my review of the Glenfiddich Special Reserve (i.e. "special" like The Special Olympics.) Glenfiddich Solera Reserve is very similar but not quite so bad (you can, for example, drink it.) The only problem is it costs more than scotches half it's price but twice as good. By the glass at a bar would be OK; if there is nothing else to choose from. It is smoother than it's cheap brother, with a slight taste of honey and oak. |
| Glenfiddich Distillery, The | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | Special Reserve |
| Age: | 12 |
| Rating: |  |
| Gift: | |
| Impressions: | Glenfiddich Special Reserve holds the dubious distinction of being the worst scotch I have ever had. I find that, because it was the first mass-produced scotch, Glenfiddich Special Reserve is often people's first impression of scotch. If it had been mine; I would be a Irish whiskey drinker today. Unrefined flavor, strong, with an unpleasant aftertaste (something scotch is almost famous for NOT having), while being only slightly smoother than Mad Dog 20/20. Unfortunately it may be the only scotch available at some establishments... in which case you should get a Makers Mark Bourbon instead. |
| Glenmorangie | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | Port Wood Highland |
| Age: | 12 |
| Rating: | |
| Gift: | |
| Impressions: | This is my favorite 12 year single malt. The port wood finish adds a rich smoky flavor and smoothness (considering how smooth scotch is anyway, that is really saying something.) Slightly sweat with a very light wine-like flavor to it. |
| Highland Park | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | Orkney Island |
| Age: | 12 |
| Rating: | |
| Gift: | |
| Impressions: | Probably one of the best, all around, 12 year old I have had. Good price, good taste. Very smooth, smokey flavor... just a bit of peat. |
| Oban Distillery | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | West Highland |
| Age: | 0 |
| Rating: | |
| Gift: | |
| Impressions: | Spicy flavor similar to the "sea" flavor of the island malts. Strong alcohol and smooth finish. Cannot be purchased in the U.S. directly. |
| Speyside, The | |
| Type: | Single Malt |
| Brand: | Speyside |
| Age: | 12 |
| Rating: | |
| Gift: | |
| Impressions: | The Speyside Valley (or simply Speyside) region of Scottland where all Scotch owes its beginning too. As such, Speyside Scotch, is generally considered the most refined and "mature." The Speyside is an excellent example of its names heritage. Slightly peaty, with a salty-nutty flavor. Great with cigars on a cool evening (which is when I had it.) Will get again. |