92 AND ABOVE   85-91   70-84  

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Aberfeldy 18 (Distillery bottling at 54.9% ABV, tasted 5/2010): This cask-strength bottling is only available at the Aberfeldy Distillery's gift shop, and is well worth seeking out. The nose is malty with hints of cinnamon and allspice, and the taste is spicy with cinnamon notes on top and sweet touches of caramel candy and honey underneath along with a hint of herbs. Water releases a nice butterscotch note that carries over into the finish, along with subtle spices. A well-rounded and complex dram. 

Auchentoshan 18 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 10/2008): The nose on this Auchie is malty and sweet with a hint of caramel candy and dried leaves, owing to its maturation largely in sherry hogsheads (with a small proportion of refill bourbon casks). The taste is smooth and well-balanced with hints of vanilla and herbs, and the finish is lingering and slightly sweet.

Balblair 1991 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 1/2010): The nose is dry, light and malty with notes of pears and green apples. The taste starts off tart at first, with a spicy touch that builds to a blast of cinnamon and hazelnut. The finish is slightly lemony-tart with a hint of dark chocolate. 

Benromach 10 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 12/5/2009): This is the first Benromach with an age statement since Gordon & MacPhail reopened the distillery in 1998, and it has an aromatic, fruity nose with notes of dried figs and raisins, as well as a spicy base underneath with cinnamon and vanilla hints. The taste is thick and chewy with cinnamon spice underlying a citrusy sweetness with notes of orange peel, figs, and molasses. The finish is syrupy and lingering.

Bowmore Tempest 10 (Distillery bottling at 55.3%, tasted 5/2010): This is the second batch of Tempest, and the first 500 bottles make up one of Bowmore's two 2010 Feis Ile special releases. This batch is slightly lower in ABV than the original Tempest, and has notes of orange peel, vanilla, and caramel candy on the nose. The taste is very smooth with notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and toffee, with just a slight lemon-lime touch at the back of the throat. The finish is peppery and long with a hint of smoke.

Bowmore 12 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 10/2009): This version of the Bowmore 12 reflects the results of Morrison Bowmore's stricter wood policy developed several years ago. The nose is peaty, along with brine and seaweed...and just a hint of almonds. The taste is well-balanced between peat and spice, with sweet notes underneath of raisins and figs. The finish is smoky, warm, and lingering. 

Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2004 (Distillery bottling at 57.5% ABV, tasted 5/2010): This "valinch" release was the 2010 Feis Ile bottling for Bruichladdich, and was the first malt to be made from barley grown on Islay in at least 50 years. It was aged in a fresh sherry butt for just under 6 years, and the nose is very malty with hints of almonds, cashews, allspice, and caramel ice cream topping. The taste starts off spicy, but fades quickly to reveal pepper, burnt vanilla, and caramel notes. The finish is peppery and lingering with a note of vanilla.

Bushmills 1608 (Distillery bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 3/2010): This whiskey was released to celebrate the 400th anniversary of distilling in the area around Bushmills, and used "crystal malt" in the distilling process. That gives it a malty nose with hints of hazelnut and vanilla. The taste starts off maple syrup-sweet, with notes of malt and cinnamon slowly building to a peak that lasts well into the finish. The spices linger long after you swallow this excellent dram!

Caol Ila Limited Edition (Distillery bottling at 58.4% ABV, tasted 5/2010): This is only sold at the Caol Ila gift shop, and is aged in sherry butts. The nose is spicy and peaty with notes of brine, seaweed, and chopped nuts. The taste is thick, chewy, and smoky, with a pepperiness that builds and builds, but never masks the honey and brine notes underneath. The finish is smoky and long with a hint of figs.

Evan Williams 23 (Tasted 9/2008, bottled at 53.5% ABV by Heaven Hill): This bourbon is sold in Japan, the UK, France, and at Heaven Hill's visitors center in Bardstown. The color is dark amber, and the nose hints at cotton candy and vanilla. Tasting it reveals something else, though...a peppery and spicy bourbon with complex citrus notes (orange peel, mango, and lime) and a minimal oak influence that's surprising for such an old bourbon. Adding water opens up the whiskey to reveal fresh cut hay and grassy notes as well.

George T. Stagg 2007 Release (bottled at 77.3% ABV by Buffalo Trace): An amazing bourbon of thermonuclear proportions!

Glendronach 33 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 11/2008): A rich, tropical nose of mango, banana, papaya and an understated vanilla. The taste is sweet and rich, with the tropical fruit notes well-balanced on the tongue. Fades fast to reveal just a bit of salt not present in the note. Clean, dry finish that lingers nicely.

Glengoyne 19 (Distillery bottling at 58.3% ABV, tasted 11/2008): This single-cask bottling was aged in a Pedro Ximinez sherry cask. The nose is dry and fruity with banana, coconut, pomegranete, and a touch of vanilla. The taste is powerfully fruity starting with the notes from the nose, then fades to reveal dried figs and apricots hiding underneath. The finish is short and dry, but this is a very interesting dram!

Glen Grant 22 (Distilled in 1989 and bottled by A. Dewar Rattray at 50.5% ABV, tasted on 1/24/2009): Only 234 bottles came from the first fill ex-bourbon hosghead cask. The nose is herbal, with notes of heather, rosemary, and basil. It's smooth and well-balanced in the mouth, with a slightly spicy kick that fades to reveal the herbal notes from the nose. The finish is rosemary and dried grass.

Henry McKenna 10-Year-Old Bottled in Bond (Distilled by Heaven Hill and bottled at 50% ABV, tasted 12/2009): This single barrel bourbon has a nose of vanilla, tree sap, cinnamon, and leather. The taste is an excellent balance of cinnamon and caramel candy with a thickness reminiscent of maple syrup. The finish is long and spicy with a hint of vanilla.

Isle of Jura 1995 Bourbon Jo Cask Finish (Distillery bottling at 56.5% ABV, tasted 5/2010): Another expression in Jura's "Boutique Barrels Collection, this time using first-fill American oak. The nose is sweet with notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey. The taste is mouth-filling with brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and coconut notes. The finish is honey-sweet with a hint of nuts. Overall, very good balance and texture.

Lagavulin 16 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 5/2010): The nose has notes of orange peel, heather, and honey with hints of peat and licorice. The taste starts off with a honeyed sweetness that fades to reveal peatiness with notes of banana and coconut. The finish has honey and orange notes with a hint of smoke.

Laphroaig 10 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 3/2010): The nose is classic Laphroaig, peaty, briny, and medicinal with hints of seaweed. The taste starts off peaty and gets even stronger with a spicy pepperiness, hints of brine and a slight citrus taste. The finish has hints of lemon and orange that play well with the smokiness.

Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength (Distillery bottling at 58.3%, tasted 5/2010): Laphroaig is now releasing this in batches with ABV's that may vary; this is for Batch #2. The nose is charcoal, peat, and smoky with hints of seaweed and smoked salmon. The taste is complex, starting off subtle but building quickly to intense cinnamon and black pepper notes that fade slowly to reveal hints of straw and nuts. The finish is a complex mix of spices, with hints of pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg and a slight tartness with traces of smoked salmon.

Parker's Heritage Collection 2010 Wheated Bourbon (Distillery bottling at 63.9% ABV, tasted 7/2010): This is the fourth release in the Parker's series from Heaven Hill, and uses a mashbill with winter wheat instead of rye. The nose is warm and spicy with oak, cinnamon, and vanilla. The taste starts off with intense spices after an initial caramel sweet note, and fades slowly to reveal hints of cola and vanilla. The finish is spicy, warming, and long-lasting.

Pe1 (Elements of Islay Series from The Whisky Exchange, 58.8% ABV, tasted 11/7/2009): This is presumed to be from Port Ellen, but the distillery and the age is not officially disclosed. The nose is lightly peated, along with brine, seaweed, and a hint of creosote, The taste is peaty and peppery, fading to reveal brine and smoked salmon notes. The finish blends peat with a sweet touch of brown sugar.

Penderyn Peated (Distillery bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 1/23/2010): This was the result of a happy accident when Penderyn bought empty casks from other distilleries and got a few peated ones in the bunch. It's in limited supply, but well worth looking for. The nose is light and softly peated with notes of green apples and pears. The taste is thick and chewy with a touch of cinnamon and hints of peat and salt. The finish has a soft smokiness reminiscent of candle smoke along with a touch of pears.

Port Ellen 26 (Bottled by Douglas Laing & Co. at 46% ABV, tasted 1/24/2009): The nose on this is slightly peaty with a hint of fruits and flowers (especially rose petals). It's a nutty dram with flavors of almond and hazelnut, along with a touch of cinnamon and pepper. The peat returns on the finish and lingers with notes of seaweed and salt.

Rosebank 18 (Bottled by Douglas Laing & Co. at 50% ABV, tasted 1/2009): This classic distillery gave us a malt with a nose that's dry and hay-like, yet still has notes of grapefruit and other citrus fruits. The taste is also dry, with notes of dried grass and lemon. The finish is dry, malty, and lingering.

Springbank Madeira Finish (Distillery bottling with no age statement, bottled at 55% ABV, tasted 1/23/2009): This malt spent 11 years in Madeira casks, which give it a light and creamy nose. The wine influence lends a tartness on the taste, and it's more astringent than other Springbank expressions. It's syrupy and thick on the tongue, but smoothes out nicely with a few drops of water. The finish is tingly and lingering! 

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye 2009 (Distilled at Buffalo Trace in 2002, bottled at 64.5% ABV, tasted 9/2009): This is a young rye from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and is uncut and unfiltered. It's dark gold, thick and oily, and the nose belies its youth, with a mild spiciness, cinnamon, and pipe tobacco. The taste is fiery and intense, with a strong pepperiness that fades to a sherry cask-like sweetness of dried figs. The finish is slightly woody.

Tobermory 15 (Distillery bottling at 43%, tasted 3/2010): The nose has notes of orange marmalade, figs, brown sugar, and a hint of old leather. The taste is smooth and sherried, with hints of spice, Heath Bar (toffee), and oak. The finish is spicy with a lingering touch of hazelnut. A touch of water amps up the flavors, but the whisky remains well-balanced.

Tomatin 15 (Distillery bottling at 43%, tasted 12/2009): The nose is clean and light, with hints of peaches, orange peel, and vanilla. The taste is smooth with notes of honey, apricots, and oranges, and the finish has a tender kiss of spice and a lingering honey sweetness.

Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes Blended Irish Whiskey (Distilled at Cooley for Avalon Group and bottled at 40% ABV, tasted 3/2010): The nose is clean, grassy, and slightly sweet with hints of honey. The taste is lightly peppery and smooth with honey notes underneath. The finish has hints of orange peel along with honey notes. Good balance and very drinkable.

Wild Turkey Tradition (Distillery bottling at 50.5% ABV, tasted 12/2009): Jimmy Russell watched over this bourbon until it hit 14 years of age, and just 14,000 bottles were released in the U.S. The nose is subtle with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, molasses, and a hint of almonds. The taste is smooth and spicy, with a peppery blast that fades to show hints of vanilla, molasses, and a touch of oak. The finish is sweet with a touch of maple syrup and a hint of spice.

Yamazaki 1993 Bourbon Cask (Tasted 10/2007, bottled at 58% ABV): Dry and astringent on the nose, but the taste is spicy and smoky. An unusual and very interesting whisky!

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Aberlour A'bunadh (Distillery bottling at 59.6% ABV, tasted 10/21/2009): The A'bunadh is classic Aberlour, heavy on the sherry cask and strong on flavor. The nose is dried figs, cinnamon, and honey with a bit of roasted almonds underneath. The taste is thick and syrupy, with a spicy kick of cilantro and black pepper that lingers as honey, molasses, and brown sugar notes reveal themselves, along with a touch of orange peel.  The citrus notes continue into the finish, along with a touch of dark chocolate and campfire smoke.

An Cnoc 1975 (Distillery bottling from Knockdhu Distillery, bottled at 50% ABV, tasted 1/24/2009): Light and dry nose, slightly herbal. The taste is caramel candy with a touch of cinnamon, Christmas cake, and nutmeg. The finish tingles the tip of the tongue with just a pinch of smokiness.

Ardmore Traditional (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 11/3/2009): This is a rarity...a heavily-peated Highland single malt. The nose is peaty and pungent, but a splash of water reveals grassy and floral notes, including rose petals. The taste is a great balance between peat and sweet, with notes of molasses cookies and maple syrup. The peatiness returns in the finish with a smoky kick.

Auchentoshan 16 (Tasted 2/2008, bottled at 53.7% ABV): This limited-edition malt was aged in first-fill bourbon casks, and a touch of water opens it up nicely to reveal a nice balance of vanilla and toffee with hints of butterscotch. Leaving it to sit for a few minutes and open even more revealed a new touch of coconut cream pie, along with citrus notes in the finish.

Auchentoshan Three Wood (Tasted 10/2008, bottled at 43% ABV): This malt is as dark as maple syrup, thanks to the two different sherry casks (Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez) used in its maturation. The nose is a wonderful balance of wood and sweetness, with dark chocolate and citrus fruits dominating. Tasting it reveals the complexity of this dram, with the dark chocolate balanced well with coffee and vanilla creme flavors, as well as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The finish reminds me of a perfect autumn day -- lingering with dried leaves and wood smoke.

Bowmore Maltmen's Selection (Distillery bottling at 54.6% ABV, tasted 5/2010): Only 3,000 bottles have been released of this 13-year-old expression, which is made up of five ex-sherry casks selected by members of the distillery team. The nose has notes of brown sugar, figs, cherries, and cocoa. The taste is mouth-filling with cinnamon, light peat, dark chocolate, and orange peel. The finish is long and smoky with a touch of caramel.

Braes of Glenlivet 18 (Bottled by A. Dewar Rattray at 60.2% ABV, distilled in 1989, and tasted 1/24/2009): Just 272 bottles of this malt were produced. It's light and floral on the nose, with a touch of nutmeg, lavender, and dried grass. The taste is spicy with notes of black pepper and nutmeg...chewy and dry, and the finish is slightly sweet with a wonderful dry aroma that caresses the back of the throat.

Bruichladdich 16 Bourbon Cask (Distillery bottling at 46%, tasted 5/2010): The bourbon influence gives this malt a nose dominated by oak and vanilla notes with subtle hints of peat. The taste is classic bourbon cask, vanilla, oak, and dark chocolate subtly balanced with peat and brine notes. The finish is a complex combination of oak and brine with a slight ashiness.

Bruichladdich 1990 (Scott's Selection bottling at 58.1% ABV, tasted 3/2010): The dry nose has a note of cucumber and hints of pepper and vanilla. The taste has a dry and chewy mouthfeel, astringent at the start with a hint of brandy but opening up to reveal hints of peat and a subtle creaminess with a touch of cinnamon as the driness fades. The finish is dry with hints of hazelnut and caramel fudge ice cream topping. A very complex dram.

Bunnahabhain 16 Manzanilla Cask (Distillery bottling at 53.2% ABV, tasted 5/2010): After 4 years of maturation in Manzanilla sherry casks, this malt has a slight oakiness with notes of figs, brown sugar, and allspice. The taste has a cinnamon note that lingers, along with brown sugar, heather, and a hint of sea air. The finish is brine and sea air with a lingering cinnamon note and a hint of raisins.

Caol Ila 10 Unpeated (Distillery bottling at 65.8% ABV, tasted 5/2010): Distillery manager Billy Stitchell refers to this as "Caol Ila Native," and it shows the spirit's natural character. The nose is smooth and sweet with grassy notes and no burn despite the high strength. The taste is spicy and peppery, and fades slowly to reveal notes of dust, rose petals, vanilla, and grass with a nice maltiness. The finish is dry, peppery, and long. It's hard to find, but well worth seeking out.

Caol Ila Distiller's Edition (Distillery bottling at 43%, tasted 5/2010): This malt is 12 years old, and spent some time in muscatel wine casks before bottling. The nose is aromatic and smoky with dry sweet wine notes of grapes and raisins. The taste is thick and sweet, with peaty notes that build over time and a slight tartness. The mouthfeel is dry and cottony, and the finish has a blend of grapes and peaty notes.

Clynelish 21 (Distilled in 1982 and bottled by Lombard in 2004 at 50% ABV, tasted 6/2010): The nose is very floral and herbal with rose petals, lavender, thyme, and basil, slightly dry and astringent. The taste has a great mouthfeel, tingly with a floral and fruity mix of rose petals, banana, coconut, grapes and vanilla. The finish is smooth and light.

Cutty Black (Tasted 5/2009, bottled at 40% ABV): OK, it's Cutty Sark...right. Your father drank it, your grandfather drank it. You should drink this variation on the Cutty theme (and the regular Cutty's not bad either). This takes Cutty Sark's style and punches it up with a touch of single malts from Islay. That gives it a dark, rich smokiness with a wonderful touch of peat and campfire smoke, but it also reveals a touch of heather and slight peppery notes on the nose. The taste is a great balance of peat and black pepper, with a smoky, lingering finish. 

Dalmore Gran Reserva (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 7/2010): The Gran Reserva was formerly known as the Cigar Malt, and uses casks between 10 and 14 years of age. The nose is lighter and sweeter than other young Dalmores, with notes of orange marmalade, allspice, nutmeg, and almonds. The taste is sweet with soft spices, orange maramalade, and figs, while the finish is smooth with a lingering citrus note.

Eagle Rare 17 2009 (Distilled at Buffalo Trace, bottled at 45% ABV, tasted 9/2009): This is part of the 2009 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection series, and the nose has classically intense vanilla and oak notes with hints of cinnamon. The taste starts off spicy, then fades to reveal a sweeter side, with notes of molasses and toffee. The finish is smooth and warm.

Edradour 10 Unchillfiltered Single Cask (Distillery bottling in 9/97 at 46% ABV from Cask #351, #548 of 692 bottles, tasted 9/11/2009): Each year, Edradour bottles a limited-edition release of unchillfiltered 10-year-old whisky, and it's well worth tracking down a bottle. This edition was the color of caramel candy (with no coloring), and the nose had brown sugar and graham crackers, along with notes of oak, espresso, and a slight maltiness. The taste is smooth and creamy, with coconut vanilla, hazelnut, and cocoa notes, and is slightly woody. The finish is dry and crisp with a hint of herbal notes.

Glencadam 21 (Bottled by Douglas Laing & Co. at 50% ABV, tasted 1/2009): The nose is malty and nutty, and that continues on the taste with notes of hazelnut and almonds, along with a touch of black pepper to spice things up. The spice fades to reveal sweet notes of burnt caramel and a hint of cotton candy. The finish is slightly smoky and curls up the back of the throat.

Glenfiddich 12 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 6/2010): The world's best-selling single malt, with a nose of dried grass, pears, green apples, black tea with lemon, and hints of almonds and brown sugar. The taste is smooth and citrusy with lemon zest, Key Lime pie, and apple notes, and is slightly astringent. The finish is minty and herbal with a touch of pine needles. 

Glen Garioch 1797 Founder's Reserve (Distillery bottling at 48% ABV, tasted 1/2010): This is the flagship of the revamped Glen Garioch line, and has a light and floral nose with notes of rose petals and tea with honey. The taste is oily, sharp, and peppery with a touch of orange peel and lemon zest. The finish is dry and sweet with hints of vanilla and lemon.

Glengoyne Burnfoot (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 7/2010): Burnfoot was the original name of Glengoyne from 1833 to 1908, and this bottling honors that heritage. The nose is creamy with oak, almonds, and malt. The taste is smooth with spicy undertones, a creamy sherry influence, and hints of coconut, banana, and butterscotch. The finish carries those butterscotch notes over with an additional hint of apples.

Glen Grant 10 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 11/21/2009): The nose is light and floral, with notes of lavender, rose petals, and dried leaves. The taste is sweet with a slight spicy kick and notes of vanilla, caramel candy, chocolate, and maple syrup. The finish is dry and slightly sweet, lingering and warm.

Glenrothes 1998 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 5/2010): The nose is spicy with cinnamon and nutmeg notes and a hint of honey underneath. The taste is chewy, thick and spicy with a cinnamon blast that lingers, along with notes of cashews, dark chocolate, and honey. The finish is lingering with a good balance of cinnamon and honey.

Greenore 15 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 7/2010): The nose on this Irish single grain from Cooley is light with soft spices (almonds, nutmeg, and allspice) and a hint of toffee. The taste starts off spicy, then fades to a fruity sweetness with notes of peaches and pears. The finish is clean and lingering with a hint of black tea and lemon.

Isle of Jura 10 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 5/2010): The nose is soft spices and honey, with hints of orange peel, vanilla, and coconut. The taste is peppery and intense at first, then fades to reveal notes of honey and black tea with a hint of coconut. The finish is warming and long with honey, vanilla, and a hint of smoke.

Isle of Jura 16 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 5/2010): The nose has notes of cinnamon, brown sugar, black tea, and vanilla. The taste starts off with caramel candy and cinnamon, then fades to reveal honey and a slight lemony tartness that is accentuated with water. The finish is savory and lingering with a slight hint of lemon.

Isle of Jura 1993 Sherry Ji Cask Finish (Distillery bottling at 54% ABV, tasted 5/2010): This is part of Jura's "Boutique Barrels Collection", and started off in 1993 in American white oak casks. It was transferred to sherry casks in 2002, and the nose has notes of light cinnamon, vanilla, and honey. The taste is dominated by honey and nuts with a subtle pepperiness and just a hint of smoke. The finish is long and warming with subtle traces of caramel and vanilla. 

Longrow (Springbank) Gaja Barolo Finish (Distillery bottling with no age statement, bottled at 55.8% ABV, tasted 1/23/2009): This expression is about 7 years old, and spent the first 5 years in ex-bourbon casks, with the final year and a half in Gaja Barolo wine casks. Longrow is the peated malt from Springbank, and this has a nice mix of smokiness and sweetness on the nose. The taste is chewy and thick, with a bit of sweetness in the form of fig notes and a hint of burnt caramel to go along with a slight saltiness. The finish is long, tingly, and sweet. It's not for everyone, but it's a very interesting malt! 

Millburn 25 Rare Malts Selection (Distillery bottling at 61.9% ABV, tasted 4/2010): This comes from a long-dormant distillery in Aberdeenshire, and was distilled in 1974 and bottled in 2009. The nose is dry and intense with notes of oak and brown sugar and a hint of maple sap underneath. The taste is dominated by cinnamon and caramel candy notes, and the finish is spicy and lingering with a touch of cinnamon balanced with floral notes and a hint of citrus.

Nikka Miyagikyo 12 (Distillery bottling at 45% ABV, tasted 1/23/2010): This Japanese single malt has a light and clean nose, but the taste reveals a surprising burst of pepper, along with vanilla, dry vermouth and a slight tartness. The finish is short and dry.

Nikka Yoichi 20 (Distillery bottling at 52.9% ABV, tasted 5/2008): Straw and heather dominate the nose, while the taste is tart yet still has a sweet honeyed richness leading to a slightly smoky finish.

Port Ellen 25 (Douglas of Drumlanrig bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 3/2010): Douglas Laing is known for its Port Ellen bottlings, and this one does not disappoint. The nose is smoky with minimal peat - more campfire than peat - along with notes of brine and seaweed. The taste is peaty with a hint of brine and lemon peel, leading to a smoky finish with lingering cinnamon notes.

Port Ellen 27 (Distilled in 1983, and bottled by Signatory at 55.7% ABV, tasted 6/2010): The nose is lightly peated with notes of coconut and vanilla with a hint of maltiness. The taste is slightly smoky, peaty and sweet with honey and coconut notes. The finish is smoky and sweet with a hint of caramel candy and lemon drops. 

Powers Gold Label 12 Special Reserve (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 5/2010): This comes from Ireland's Old Midleton Distillery, and the nose is dry and dusty with notes of wood shavings and pepper. The taste is very smooth, and starts off honey-sweet before developing a nice cinnamon note that balances well with the honey. The finish is spicy and lingering with a slight tartness underneath.

Tomatin 12 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 12/2009): This may be a "best buy" among single malts, with a low price and excellent taste. The nose is light and aromatic with hints of malt, straw, and apples. The taste is complex, with a slight spiciness that balances hints of malt and smoke, apples and hazelnut. The finish is long and smooth with a touch of malt. A splash of water makes this dram even smoother.

Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes Single Malt (Distilled at Cooley for Avalon Group and bottled at 43% ABV, tasted 3/2010) This Irish single malt has a malty and grassy nose with nice oak notes. The taste is peppery and smooth with a lingering spiciness that fades to reveal malty notes. The finish is malty and lingering.

Yamazaki 12 (Distillery bottling at 43%, tasted 1/2010): I usually have a bottle of this on my shelf. The nose is spicy, woody, and slightly malty. The taste is peppery with an underlying caramel-candy sweetness and a hint of molasses. The finish is peppery and lingering.

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Aberfeldy 12 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 1/2010): This is a malt I often recommend to new whisky drinkers. It has a light and floral nose with good maltiness, along with dried grass and garden herbs. The taste starts off thick and sweet, then explodes in a burst of cinnamon and other spices that fades to show notes of molasses and hazelnut. The finish is slightly tart.

Aberlour 10 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 1/23/2010): This one has been replaced in the U.S. by a 12-year-old expression, but is still available in many markets. The nose is warm, spicy, and nutty with hints of malt, figs, and plums. The taste starts off with cinnamon and malt, then becomes sweet with a note of molasses. The finish is dry, lingering, spicy, and warm.

Aberlour 12: (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 1/23/2010): The nose is warm and sweeter than the 10-year-old Aberlour, with notes of hazelnut, maple syrup, raisins, and a touch of malt. The taste is dry and sweet with hints of toffee, dark chocolate, and figs. The finish is dry and slightly tart with a hint of lemon.

Ardbeg Renaissance (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 9/2008): Peatier than the regular Ardbeg 10-year-old, this malt is well-balanced with subtle briny notes underneath the peat and just a hint of some heather. The peat lingers well into the finish, where the briny notes come out to play. I can't wait to see what this spirit develops into as the years go on.

Ardbeg Still Young (Distillery bottling at 56.2% ABV, tasted 5/2010): This is the second release of Still Young, distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2006. The nose is soft smoke, heather, vanilla, and hazelnut. The taste is smoky and sharp with black pepper and cinnamon, along with hints of coconut and almonds. The finish is smoky on the back of the throat with notes of cinnamon and brown sugar.

Black Bull 12 (Blended Scotch bottled at 50% ABV, tasted 4/2010): Like the other Black Bull expressions from Duncan Taylor, this is a 50-50 blend of malt and grain whiskies and bottled at 50% ABV. The nose is full of figs, raisins, allspice, and hazelnut. The taste is chewy with a great mouth-filling blend of spices that builds and builds, then fades into a lingering finish. Water adds a touch of citrus to the finish.

Bowmore 1988 Port Cask (Distillery bottling at 51.5% ABV, tasted 5/2010): This 21-year-old Bowmore has a fruity nose, with plums and figs balanced with floral notes and a hint of peat. The taste is sweet with pears, plums, and raisins that fade as black pepper notes build slowly. The finish is tart and short.

Bowmore 1992 (Distillery bottling at 53.5% ABV, tasted 7/2008): This malt was aged for 6 years in bourbon casks, then transferred to Bordeaux wine casks for an additional 10 years of maturation. The color is a reddish gold, and the nose is oaky and heavily influenced by the Bordeaux casks, with tobacco and leather notes matched by a slightly herbal hint. The taste is fruity and tart, with raspberries and figs, along with hints of almonds and hazelnuts. The finish is fruity and herbal.

Bruichladdich 16 Links Series/Vancouver Golf Club (Distillery bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 3/2010): The 11th in Bruichladdich's series of golf-related bottlings started off in a bourbon cask, then was racked into wine barrels from Chateau Haut-Brion. The Bordeaux influence comes out in the nose with hints of red grapes, along with honey and apples. The taste is full of figs and black cherries, a hint of pomegranate and fresh berries. The finish has notes of honey and vanilla.

Bunnahabhain 2010 Feis Ile Edition (Distillery bottling at 51.4% ABV, tasted 5/2010): Only 384 bottles came from this Pedro Ximenez cask, and the nose has soft spices, brown sugar and vanilla notes. The taste is caramel and cinnamon, graham cracker pie crust with a hint of apple pie. The finish is sweet and aromatic with a hint of tartness.

Canadian Club Sherry Cask (Distillery bottling at 41.3% ABV, tasted 10/2007): Most Canadian Club goes straight into bourbon casks, but there's a limited amount that goes into sherry casks for a minimum of 8 years. The nose is fresh bread with a minimal touch of sherry. The taste is very smooth as the sherry influence works well with the rye-dominated taste. This one gets limited distribution, but is well worth looking for.

Caperdonich 39 (Distilled in 1969, bottled by Lonach in 2008 at 42.2% ABV, tasted 4/2010): The nose has notes of black pepper, vanilla, oak, and a hint of baked apples. Water brings out a touch of citrus. The taste is chewy and tart with lemon and lime notes and a hint of allspice. The finish is spicy and lingering with subtle hints of lime and oak.

Compass Box Hedonism Maximus (Tasted 5/2009, bottled at 46% ABV): John Glaser's blended grain has a gentle, fruity nose with hints of coconut and banana notes. Tasting it reveals a tropical fruitiness with a cloying sweetness, and the finish is light and sweet with a touch of vanilla.

Crown Royal Black (Distillery bottling at 45% ABV, tasted 3/2010): This whisky is darker and stronger than the traditional Crown Royal. The nose is a mix of black pepper, maple syrup and vanilla notes. The taste will appeal to both sherry cask and bourbon cask fans -- it falls in-between with a touch of oak and cinnamon and notes of figs and raisins, and is spicy yet still creamy. The finish has notes of vanilla and oak with a hint of spice. 

Dalmore 12 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 7/2010): This expression uses a 50-50 blend of American oak and ex-sherry casks, and the nose has notes of orange peel, almonds, cocoa, and coffee. The taste is smooth, citrusy, and slightly tart with a hint of cinnamon. The finish has a lingering orange note and a touch of spice.

Dalmore 15 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 7/2010): This single malt uses three different types of sherry casks, and the nose is full of citrus notes, with mandarin oranges and tangerines and just a bit of almonds. The taste is smooth and fruity with a cinnamon kick and touch of figs. The finish is full of oranges, tangerines, and toffee.

Glenfiddich 21 Caribbean Rum Cask (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 6/2010): This is the U.S.-legal version of Glenfiddich's rum cask-finished whisky (the Gran Reserva uses Cuban rum casks and is illegal to import into the U.S.). The nose is sweet with notes of honey, mango, apricot, ginger, brown sugar, and banana. The taste is cinnamon-spicy with banana undertones, lingering spices, and hints of honey and marzipan. The finish is sweet with a slight tartness and notes of orange peel, mango, and passion fruit.

Glenlivet 1982 (Berry Bros. & Rudd bottling of Cask #4340 at 52.2% ABV, tasted 11/7/2009): This is a dark gold dram, and the nose is dry with hints of brown sugar, vanilla, grass, and cola. The taste is thick with an intense spiciness of chili peppers and cilantro, but still has honey-sweet notes underneath. Water mutes the spices and cranks up the honey, and the finish is caramel candy with a slight tartness and a hint of mint.

Glenlivet Nadurra Triumph 1991 (Distillery bottlng at 48% ABV, tasted 9/2009): This limited-edition (U.S.-only) Nadurra expression was produced exclusively from the Triumph strain of barley, aged for 18 years compared to 16 for the standard Nadurra, and bottled at 48% compared to the standard version's cask-strength 57%. The nose is fruity with a nice maltiness and also shows hints of honey and toffee. The taste is spicy with a touch of cinnamon that fades to a light sweetness with citrus notes of lemon zest and orange peel. The mouthfeel is creamy and thick.

Glenmorangie Sonnalta PX (Distillery bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 9/2009): Dr. Bill Lumsden picked Pedro Ximenez casks for this duty-free exclusive, and the nose has classic sherry-cask dried apricots and figs, along with espresso, dark chocolate, and a hint of nutmeg. The taste reveals a cinnamon and peppery spiciness, with lovely honey notes on the finish.

Glenrothes 1991 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 12/10/2009): The nose is slightly spicy, but still sweet with notes of cinnamon, orange zest, and honey. The taste is syrupy-thick and sweet with notes of honey toffee, and citrus fruits, along wit a very subtle hint of cinnamon. The finish has a kick of spice on the tongue, but it remains smooth and creamy.

Glenrothes 1994 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 5/2010): The nose is full of toffee notes, dried fruits, and honey. The taste starts off syrupy and sweet, with a peppery spiciness that builds slowly and doesn't mask the sweet hints of toffee, caramel, and figs. The finish is spicy and lingering.

Isle of Jura Superstition (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 5/2010): This Jura has a nose with notes of vanilla, allspice, honey, and a hint of pine. The taste is cinnamon with lemon zest, honey and tea. The finish is warming with notes of vanilla and coconut.

Jameson Irish Whiskey (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 3/2010): The nose on the flagship of the Jameson's line has a light, aromatic nose with hints of citrus and allspice. The taste is sweet and dry, with hints of hazelnut and vanilla and a touch of pepper that comes out near the finish. That mild pepperiness continues on the smooth finish.

Longmorn 40 (Gordon & Macphail bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 9/2008): The nose is astringent and woody, but warm and sweet on the taste with great vanilla notes and hazelnut on the finish.
 
Rosebank 22 (Diageo Rare Malts Series bottling distilled in 1981 and bottled at 61.1% ABV, tasted 10/07): The nose is warm and inviting like an oak-burning fireplace. The taste is explosively peppery, but water opens it up to reveal floral and grassy notes. The mouthfeel is silky on the tongue and the finish is long and smoky.

Royal Lochnagar 12 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 4/2010): The nose is buttery and dry with notes of bread and marmalade, and a splash of water brings out the distillery's traditional grassy character. The taste is dry and fruity with a mix of orange peel and green apples. The finish is buttery with notes of malt, mandarin oranges, and a hint of spices.

Springbank 15 (Distillery bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 1/23/2009): This expression is 100% sherry cask, with a mix of first, second, and third fill casks. The nose is exactly what you'd expect -- fruits and figs, leather and wood. The taste is rich and chewy, with the usual Springbank saltiness on the tip of the tongue. There are also oak and black pepper notes. The finish is sweet and lingering. Don't add water to this one...it weakens the dram.

Stronachie 12 (Distillery unknown, bottled by A. Dewar Rattray at 43% ABV, tasted 1/2009): The original Stronachie distillery was dismantled in the 1920's, but the name lives on in this single malt. The nose is slightly oaky, with notes of vanilla, dried apricots, hazelnut, and malty with a hint of freshly baked bread. The taste is smooth and malty, with a touch of peat balancing notes of dried fruits, figs, and Christmas cake. The peat comes out to play on the finish, but still remains very smooth. An excellent dram!

Sullivan's Cove Bourbon Cask (Distillery bottling at 60% ABV, tasted 2/2010): This Australian single malt comes from single casks, so there may be variations from cask to cask. The nose is malty with notes of nuts and grapes, while the taste starts off malty with a touch of honey and pepper. Water reveals vanilla and dark chocolate notes. The finish is long and smooth with a hint of tartness.

Tobermory 35 (Distilled in 1972 and bottled for Whisky Doris in 2008 at 49.4% ABV, tasted 11/2008): Just 191 bottles came from the first-fill sherry cask, and the nose is dried figs, raisins, and pears, with a touch of rose petals and just a hint of orange peel. The taste has a tart fruitiness with pears in the mix, along with notes of figs and raisins and a touch of plums. The finish is salty and lingering with just a touch of smoke. Nice and complex!

Tullamore Dew 10 Single Malt (Distilled at Old Midleton and bottled by C&C at 40%, tasted 5/2010): The nose is malty with a touch of almond and hints of oak and vanilla. The taste is smooth, and develops a spicy taste over time with notes of cinnamon and allspice, along with subtle hints of dried fruits that become apparent as the spices fade to a long finish. 

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Balblair 1989 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 5/2010): Consistency reigns in this single malt, with notes of cloves, orange peel, and honey that dominate from nose to finish. There are spicy cinnamon notes that also appear in the taste and linger through the finish, along with subtle hints of lemon.

Compass Box Spice Tree (Blended malt bottled by Compass Box at 46% ABV, tasted 11/27/2009): This is the second edition of Spice Tree, following Scotch Whisky Association objections to the original version for failing to follow "traditional practices." John Glaser used heavily toasted French Oak barrel heads in this version, and it may be even better than the original. The nose has notes of ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla, with a slightly nutty touch to boot. The taste lives up to its name -- chili pepper notes balanced by honey undertones, along with hints of ginger, hazelnut, and vanilla. The finish is slightly smoky with notes of honey and cinnamon.

Glenlivet 12 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 6/2010): One of the world's most popular single malts, with a nose that is fruity and light with notes of rose petals, fresh-cut grass, vanilla, and green apples. The taste is slightly sweet with notes of coconut, vanilla, and straw. The finish has notes of green apples and vanilla.

Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or (Distillery bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 10/2007): This is a Sauternes cask-finished expression, and the nose is light with fruity notes. The Sauternes finish doesn't overpower the nose or the taste, which has lovely citrus notes of orange peel and lime. Water opens it up nicely, and the finish reveals a nice spiciness with a hint of cinnamon.

Inchgower 27 (Diageo Rare Malts Series bottling distilled in 1976 and bottled at 55.6% ABV, tasted 10/2007): The nose is sweet with a hint of oak, and the taste is sweet with notes of caramel candy and honey, along with black tea. The finish is lingering and spicy.

Jim Beam Black (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 6/2010): Beam's 8-year-old bourbon has soft spices on the nose with notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey. The taste is cinnamon-spicy with slightly tart undertones and hints of vanilla and honey. The finish is honey and cinnamon with a trace of vanilla.

Kilchoman 2010 Spring Release (Distillery bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 5/2010): Kilchoman's second single malt release is amazing for its young age. The nose is softly peated with notes of malt, grass, and fresh berries. The taste has a great mouthfeel, with a good balance of peatiness and maltiness and hints of cocoa, vanilla, and coconut. The finish is long with soft smoky notes, a touch of oak, and hints of caramel and cocoa.

Lagavulin 12 (Distillery bottling at 57% ABV, tasted 5/2010): This limited-edition bottling is usually available only at the distillery, and the nose has citrus notes of lemon and lime with subtle peat, seaweed, and brine touches. The taste is peppery, long-lasting, and intense, with citrus notes that come out as the spices fade. The finish is long-lasting with notes of lemon and lime.

Laphroaig 8 (Bottled by Douglas Laing & Co. at 46% ABV, tasted 1/2009): This is a young and feisty Laphroaig, and the nose has the classic Laphroaig notes of peat, brine, seaweed, and tar. The taste is peaty and vibrant, heathery and sweet, and the finish is smoky and lingering.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask (Distillery bottling at 48% ABV, tasted 5/2010): The nose is peaty and medicinal with brine and campfire smoke, and that carries over to the intensely peaty taste, with notes of creosote, burned oak, and hints of vanilla. The finish has notes of wood smoke and peat, with a hint of grassiness as the smokiness fades.

Mackmyra Special #3 (Distillery bottling at 48.2% ABV, tasted 9/2009): This single malt was released to celebrate Mackmyra's 10th anniversary in 2009, and unlike Mackmyra's First Edition, is less herbal with more vanilla notes on the nose and taste. The mouthfeel is thick and chewy, and starts off with a spicy kick. Muted herbal notes come out as the spice fades, and stay through the finish.

Sheep Dip (Vatted malt bottled at 40%, tasted 6/2010): Richard Paterson blends 16 single malts to create this vatted malt, and the nose is fruity with notes of orange, mango, and banana with hints of honey and almonds. The taste is honey, lemon, black tea, and slightly malty. The finish is slightly smoky as the honey notes fade, slightly short but still very smooth.

Singleton of Auchroisk (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 4/2010): This is the predecessor to the current Singleton bottlings from Diageo. The nose is spicy with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon furniture polish. The taste is spicy with sharp cinnamon notes that fade to reveal lemon and lime citrus touches. The finish has lingering notes of apple crumble and toffee.

Springbank 10 (Distillery bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 1/23/2009): This is the Springbank most of us have access to, lightly peated, distilled 2.5 times, and aged in a 60-40 mix of bourbon and sherry casks. The nose is dominated by vanilla and toffee notes, along with figs and raisins, and is slightly smoky. The taste is chewy and thick with a salty touch on the tip of the tongue, and a good mix of smokiness and sweetness. Water mellows it slightly, and reveals a malty touch. The finish is smooth and long with just a touch of smoke. A classic!

Strathmill 17 Claret Finish (Distilled in 1990, bottled by A. Dewar Rattray at 60% ABV, tasted 1/2008): This malt was finished in claret wine casks for four months before bottling. At cask-strength, there's an alcohol burn on the nose that fades to reveal the red wine influence. It's slightly astringent, but still has fruity notes of dried figs and raisins. The taste is dry and astringent, but fades to a slight tartness with notes of dried apples.

Wassmund's Single Malt Batch 43 (Distillery bottling at 48% ABV, tasted 3/2010): Copper Fox owner Rick Wassmund's Virginia single malts have been getting better over the years. This bottling has a light and malty nose with notes of vanilla and dried grasses. The taste is mild at first, with a mild and malty pepperiness that builds slowly and continues to the finish. The spiciness sits on the tongue as it fades away. This dram is almost too smooth, lacking some of the bite that gives single malts their character. Still, it's an excellent dram.

Yamazaki 18 (Distillery bottling at 43%, tasted 3/2010): The nose has notes of malt, oak, and allspice, while the taste is a balance of caramel candy and cinnamon with hints of pears and a slight nuttiness. The finish is spicy and lingering.

Yamazaki 1984 (Distillery bottling at 48% ABV, tasted 9/2009): This whisky was released to celebrate Suntory's 25th anniversary of Yamazaki single malts, and the use of Japanese oak casks make it a very interesting dram. The appearance is coppery, thick, and oily, and the nose is spicy and woody with notes of malt, baking bread, and is slightly nutty. The taste has intense spices at first, which fade to reveal sweet notes of molasses and black cherries. The finish is short and slightly tart.

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Antiquary 21 (Blended Scotch bottled at 43% ABV, tasted 5/2009): This blend is produced by the owners of Tomatin Distillery, and it's the base malt for this blend. The nose is honeyed with a touch of pepper and very light, and the taste is sweet and complex, rich and soft with honey notes and a nice hint of spices. A very well-balanced blend with a slightly nutty finish.

Arran Peacock (Distillery bottling at 46%, tasted 2/2010): Only 6,000 bottles of this malt were released, taken from a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry casks. The nose has notes of honey, coconut, and orange peel, while the taste is malty with a hint of hazelnut that fades to reveal hints of green apples. The finish is creamy-smooth and lingering, and adding a bit of water will release hints of vanilla.

Bowmore Cask Strength (Distillery bottling at 50% ABV, tasted 5/2010): This is a duty-free expression, and the nose has notes of malt, wood smoke, sea breeze and brine. The taste is dry and astringent with a fiery pepperiness that fades to reveal subtle notes of figs and toffee. Water mutes the fire and opens up the fruit and toffee notes. The finish is a nice mix of smokiness and caramel candy.

Bowmore Tempest (Distillery bottling at 56% ABV, tasted 1/23/2010): This cask-strength 10-year-old Bowmore has a lightly peated nose with notes of brine, honey, and lemon. The taste is smoky and peppery with hints of brine and seaweed. The finish is long and peaty with a hint of honey.

Caol Ila 12 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 5/2010): The nose is dry with muted smoke and hints of caramel candy. The taste is thick and smoky with a hint of oak and peaty notes that fade to reveal a slight sweetness. The finish is smoky and lingering.

Caribou Crossing Canadian Single Barrel (Distillery unknown, bottled by Sazerac at 40% ABV, tasted 4/2010): This is an interesting dram with notes of fresh-baked bread, brown sugar, rye, and a hint of oak on the nose. The taste is very smooth with subtle hints of spices that fade to reveal notes of hazelnut and maple syrup. The finish is sweet and lingering with a touch of cinnamon and hazelnut for balance.
 
Connemara Peated Sherry Finish (Distillery bottling by Cooley at 46% ABV, tasted 9/9/2009): This is from Connemara's Small Batch Collection, and the color is a dark gold. The nose has hints of hazelnut, dried figs, raisins, brown sugar, and maple syrup. The taste starts off syrupy on the tip of the tongue, but spicy on the middle of the tongue. There are notes of raisins and brown sugar that build to that spiciness. There's also a hint of rosemary. The finish is short and sweet.

Dailuane 1973 (Bottled by Lombard in 2004 at 50% ABV, tasted 6/2010): This is a 31-year-old Dailuane, and has a spicy nose with malty notes, bread baking, and a touch of honey. The taste is cinnamon spice with honey undertones, smooth with a slight citrus tartness. The finish is spicy with a hint of fresh apple pie.

Glann ar Mor "1st an G'wech '09"/"First Bottling 2009" (Distillery bottling at 46% ABV, tasted 2/2010): This single malt comes from the Brittany coast of France, and is just over three years old. However, it tastes much more mature than many young malts. The nose is malty with hints of honey and dried grass. The taste is thick and chewy with a good balance of cinnamon spice and honey notes that linger nicely. The finish is spicy and long, and a splash of water releases more sweetness while delaying the spiciness.

Glenlivet 18 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 1/23/2010): The nose is dry and honey-sweet with a hint of brown sugar. The taste is spicy with cinnamon notes that fade to reveal honey and molasses. The finish is tingling, dry, and short.

Glenrothes 1980 (Scott's Selection bottling at 55.8% ABV, tasted 7/2010): The nose has a good spiciness, and is creamy and malty with sherry notes. The taste is spicy and dry with white wine undertones, and the finish is tart and lingering.

Forty Creek JKH Small Batch (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 10/2007): John Hall produced this special batch in 2007 to celebrate his 10th anniversary of distilling Forty Creek. The nose is full of chocolate and caramel, and the taste is perfectly balanced between corn, barley, and rye grains with a hint of wood and a candy-like sweetness. The finish is nice and long.

Highland Park Hjarta (Distillery bottling at 58.1% ABV, tasted 8/2009): Highland Park doesn't release cask-strength malts very often, and this 12-year-old expression is a great example of why it should. It's sold only at the distillery and in a few Nordic markets, and think of it as the regular Highland Park 12 on steroids. It's slightly smokier than the original, but still has the classic citrusy tartness with a hint of orange peel.

High West Rendezvous Rye (Blended Rye bottled at 46% ABV, tasted 11/2009): This is a blend of straight ryes, and the nose has a clean, fresh rye bread aroma as one might expect, with notes of cinnamon, pumpkin pie, nutmeg, pine needles, and dried leaves. The taste is tart and spicy, with notes of cinnamon and cilantro, basil, and lemon zest. The finish is balanced and smooth with notes of toasted rye bread.

Ledaig 2005 Cask Strength (Bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd at 62.7% ABV, tasted 6/2010): Interesting for a young malt. The nose is cinnamon and caramel candy, very aromatic with nutty undertones and hints of varnish and paint thinner. The taste is fiery and young with peppery notes and sweet undertones, a hint of orange peel, and water adds a sweet taste of honey. The finish is sweet and slightly tart.

Longrow NAS (Distilled at Springbank Distillery, bottled at 46% ABV, tasted 1/23/2009): Longrow is the heavily peated expression of Springbank, and it's a vatting of four different cask styles ranging in age from 6 to 14 years. The nose is smoky as expected, with an unusual lightness and slightly heathery and floral. The taste is peaty and peppery, hot and spicy with notes of cinnamon and burnt leaves. The finish is smoky and warming. This one was inspired by John McDougall's tenure as distillery manager.

Royal Lochnagar Distiller's Edition 2008 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 4/2010): This received additional maturation in a Muscat wine cask, and the nose is buttery with hints of grapes and plums. Water brings out notes of grass, spearmint, and lavender. The taste is red grapes, pine needles, wood polish, and licorice, and the finish builds over time with notes of Christmas cake and nutmeg.

Smokehead (Bottled by Ian MacLeod from an undisclosed Islay distillery at 43% ABV, tasted 12/5/2009): The nose on this no-age-statement Islay single malt is peaty with notes of brine and seaweed, along with heather and dried grass. The taste is thick with a peaty burn at first that fades to briny and grassy notes with a slight tarriness. The finish is ashy and short. 

Teaninich 30 (Bottled by A. Dewar Rattray at 60.8% ABV, tasted 1/24/2009): This rare bottling of Teaninich was aged in a bourbon cask, and the nose is slightly nutty with predominant hazelnut notes, along with oak and vanilla. The nutty notes continue on the taste, with hazelnut and almond notes dominating and a slight herbal undertone. The herbal notes continue on the finish.

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Blair Athol Cask #2157 (Distilled in 1998, and bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd at 46% for the Berry's Own Selection range, tasted 8/2009): Blair Athol bottlings don't come along very often, and this one has a nice mix of light peat smoke and tropical fruits on the nose, especially mango and orange peel. Those notes continue on the taste, with a chewy mouthfeel that sticks to the tongue for a long finish. 

Bowmore 16 (Distillery bottling at 53.7% ABV, tasted 2/2008): This Bowmore was aged in a port pipe, and has a dark, rich caramel color. The nose is leather, chocolate, and smoke, with a touch of coconut. The taste is intense and slightly smoky with chocolate notes. Water opens it up and reveals the usual Bowmore orange peel notes. The rich sweetness turns to a smoky finish that lingers on the tongue. 

Caperdonich 1968 (Bottled by Lombard at 46% ABV, tasted 6/2010): This Caperdonich spent 27 years in bourbon casks, and the nose is full of vanilla, brown sugar, and caramel candy. The taste is a nice mix of cinnamon, vanilla, dark chocolate, caramel, and green apple, with a touch of pepperiness on the middle of the tongue. The finish is long and lingering with a touch of cinnamon and honey.

Early Times 150th Anniversary Edition (Distillery bottling at 50% ABV): Brown-Forman acquired the Early Times distillery and stock in 1923 at the height of prohibition, and was able to sell whiskey under its "medicinal use" permit. Master Distiller Chris Morris recreated the 1923 style of Early Times for this special bottling, which uses whiskey aged for 5 to 6 years. The nose has notes of oak, vanilla, brown sugar, and honey. The taste reminds me of unbuttered corn on the cob, with hints of brown sugar and vanilla. The finish has notes of butterscotch and vanilla with just a hint of oak. It's a little harsher than current bourbons, but still represents the period well -- and is worth trying for that reason alone.

Glenfarclas 30 (Distillery bottling at 43% ABV, tasted 11/2008): The nose is a walk through the berry patch, with blueberry and raspberry notes with a bit of lavender to boot. Sherry notes predominant, but they result in a lovely sweetness and mouthfeel. The berry notes from the nose release a sweet finish that curls through the back of the throat.

Hibiki 12 (Blended Japanese whisky from Suntory bottled at 43% ABV, tasted 9/2009): This is a thick and oily dram with a light amber color. The nose is light and dry, with notes of nutmeg and dried grass. The taste is thick, chewy, and spicy, with cinnamon and black pepper notes along with a slight herbal touch on the back of the throat. The finish is herbal and slightly minty.

Highland Park 11 (Bottled by Douglas Laing & Co. at 50% ABV, tasted 1/2009): The nose on this Highland Park is sea spray and brine, with notes of smoked salmon. The taste is slightly smoky and salty, with hints of seaweed and salmon and a touch of citrus. The finish is smoky, but short.

Inishowen (Irish whiskey distilled at Cooley and bottled at 40% ABV, tasted 5/2009): The nose is minty and clean with some floral notes and just a hint of smoke. The taste is honey-sweet, and bursts into a peppery flash that fades to reveal peaty notes on the finish. I'd never seen this before I tried it at the LCBO Summerhill Tasting Tower, but I'd gladly buy a bottle of it.

Linlithgow 25 (Distilled in 1982, and bottled by Signatory in 2008 at 59.2% ABV, tasted 9/2008): This malt was aged in a wine butt, and the nose has chablis-like dry and sweet notes along with a hint of dried flowers. The taste is dry and crisp, with notes of heather, straw, and rose petals. A splash of water accentuates the floral notes and adds a touch of sweetness. The finish is dry, wine-like, and smooth.

Monkey Shoulder (Blended malt bottled by William Grant & Sons at 40% ABV, tasted 7/2010): This blended malt combines Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie malts, and the nose is light, smooth, and malty with notes of nuts, vanilla, and oak. The taste is smooth and slightly peppery with caramel and maple syrup notes underneath, and the finish has soft and light spices.

Scapa 16 (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 12/7/2008): This is the new Scapa...the result of serious changes in the distillery's wood policy by Chivas Brothers. Older casks were re-racked into first-fill bourbon casks to produce the 16, and the nose is classic bourbon cask, with oak and vanilla notes, chocolate and caramel. The taste is spicy and aromatic with black pepper notes and hints of vanilla and cinnamon underneath The finish is spicy with a touch of caramel candy sweetness. I look forward to seeing the results of the new wood policy on future releases.

Yamazaki 1990 (Distillery single-cask bottling in 2008 at 60% ABV, tasted 11/2008): The nose confirms this malt's sherry butt cask, with vintage leather, oak, and honey notes, subtle vanilla hints underneath and just a touch of cinnamon. Vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon notes dominate the taste at first, revealing a nice toffee and caramel sweetness that fades on the finish to a slight touch of salt. Nice and complex!

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Allt' A'Bhainne 1976 Single Cask #23041 (Bottled by Chieftain's at 43% ABV, tasted 6/2010): The nose is light with notes of almonds, nutmeg, and hints of cinnamon and honey. The taste is cinnamon, vanilla, and honey balanced well with a lemon tartness. The finish is sweet and lingering.

Ballantine's 30 (Blended Scotch bottled at 43% ABV, tasted 10/2007): The nose is smooth and balanced, with nothing overpowering. The taste has a peppery kick, but retains its symphony-like smoothness with notes of oak and vanilla.

Bruichladdich Peat (Distillery bottling at 46%, tasted 5/2010): Bruichladdich doesn't crank up the peat levels very often, but here's an example of what happens when it does. The nose is smoky and phenolic. The taste is peaty and peppery, and lingers before fading slowly to a smoky and long finish. It's 1-dimensional, but if you like smoky whiskies, you'll love this one.

Caol Ila Cask #16119 (Distilled in 1996, and bottled by Gordon & Macphail in 2008 at 46% ABV, tasted 9/2008): The nose on this single-cask bottling is lightly peated, but still smoky. The taste is rich and smoky with a nice briny touch, and the finish is lingering and smoky.

Girvan 1989 Single Cask (Bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd at 45.1% ABV, tasted 6/2010): This is a rare bottling of single grain whisky from William Grant & Sons' Girvan distillery. The nose is grassy with dried flowers, heather, and a touch of honey. The taste is light with chili pepper and honey notes that become lingering and soft as the chili pepper fades. The finish is aromatic with a slight gin-like note at the back of the throat.

The Glenlivet Nadurra (Distillery bottling at 57% ABV, tasted, 9/2009): This is the 16-year-old cask-strength version of The Glenlivet, and it packs a punch. The nose is dry and astringent, with oaky notes and a hint of straw, and the taste is nutty and spicy, with notes of roasted almonds and cilantro that fade to a brown sugar sweetness and a dry finish.
 
Hazelburn 8 (Distilled at Springbank Distillery and bottled at 46% ABV, tasted 1/23/2009): Hazelburn is Springbank's Irish-style single malt, unpeated and triple-distilled the way Frank McCarthy used to do it at Bushmills. The nose is light, aromatic, and floral with a touch of honey and lemon. The finish is strong and peppery, with an underlying honey sweetness and a slight touch of saltiness on the tongue. The salty touch dominates the finish, which is nice and warming. It's excellent for such a young malt!

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey (Distillery bottling at 40% ABV, tasted 7/2010): The world's best-selling whiskey. The nose has vanilla and honey notes, and the Lincoln County process of charcoal filtering adds just a touch of toasted oak. The taste is spicy chili peppers with honey and vanilla notes to balance things out, and the finish is spicy with a slight lemony tartness. It's simple and uncomplicated, exactly as Jack Daniel's should be.

Mackmyra First Edition (Distillery bottling at 46.1% ABV, tasted 9/2009):  After several years of preview releases, this is the first official single malt release from Sweden's Mackmyra Distillery. Mackmyra uses juniper wood as part of its barley drying process, and this gives the malt an herbal touch that redefines the term. The nose and taste are full of rosemary and lavender, as well as some mint, and this remains consistent through the nose, taste, and finish.

Mortlach 15 (Distilled in 1993, bottled in 2008 by Cooper's Choice at 46% ABV, tasted 4/18/2010): This Mortlach was aged in a sherry cask, and has a dry and slightly spicy nose with a hint of nutmeg. The taste has a spicy cinnamon blast that builds up and fades to reveal notes of figs and other dried fruits. Water accentuates the mouthfeel and adds hints of brown sugar. The finish is long and warming.

Premium Bottlers BRIN (Benrinnes 12YO bottled with a splash of Canadian single malt whisky per Canadian law, 46% ABV, tasted 5/2009): Barry Stein and Barry Bernstein have gotten their hands on some unusual casks, and this is one of them; it's just too bad they have to add a small amount of Canadian single malt to the cask and thus can't use the distillery name on the bottle. The nose is strong and slightly peppery, but simple and clean with a slight hint of lemons and herbs. The taste is spicy yet balanced, very smooth and buttery, and the finish is hot, lingering, and soothing.

Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes Limited Edition Fourth Centennial (Distilled at Cooley for Avalon Group and bottled at 43% ABV, tasted 3/2010): This is a blend of malt whiskies, and the maltiness is clear on the nose, with nice grassy and heather notes to go with a touch of citrus. The taste is spicy with cinnamon notes and malt underneath. The dry finish has a spicy kick that fades slowly.

Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes Rare (Distilled at Cooley for Avalon Group and bottled at 43% ABV, tasted 3/2010): This is a blend of grain and malt whiskies. The nose is clean and fruity with hints of mango and honey. The taste is thick with smooth notes of honey, but a nice spiciness comes out on the dry and clean finish and lingers for a bit.

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