*A sincere thanks to AP from Buffalo Trace for the sample. As an American whiskey drinker, you've doubtless come across the term "Bottled in Bond", perhaps you've given some thought to what that means...or perhaps not. Today, the term carries far much less weight than it did in 1897 when the "Bottled-In-Bond" act was passed. … Continue reading E. H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon – Review
The Hakushu 12 Year Old – Review
From the few pictures I've seen, Suntory's Hakushu distillery lies in a particularly beautiful setting. Seen from afar, its twin pagoda roofs, connected near the top by a covered walkway, nestled in a deep forest surrounded by mountains...it's hard to imagine a more idyllic, if not idealized, setting for Japanese whisky making. It came as … Continue reading The Hakushu 12 Year Old – Review
Kilchoman 100% Islay, 2nd Edition – Review
*Thanks to the good folks at Impex Beverages for the sample. The Irish saint, St. Comman also had a brother who was a saint - St. Cumine. Apparently that kind of things runs in one's family. Not mine, thankfully. Both Cumine and Comman were monks at the Abbey of Iona which is located, appropriately enough, … Continue reading Kilchoman 100% Islay, 2nd Edition – Review
Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams 2011 – Review
*Sincere thanks to MB from Glenfiddich and William Grant & Sons for the sample! Those that know me well know that I'm a scathing, occasionally ranting cynic with a big ol' softy heart...either that or a big ol' easily weepy softy with a small, cold lump of coal for a heart...sometimes both, which sounds just … Continue reading Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams 2011 – Review
The Arran Malt – The Devil’s Punch Bowl
*Thanks to the good folks at Impex Beverages for the sample. In popular culture, the Devil doesn't always seem to instill that much terror. Sure, there are a few good movies featuring/invoking a truly horrific being of some sort, maybe a book here and there, or a bit of extreme metal from Norway, but generally … Continue reading The Arran Malt – The Devil’s Punch Bowl
Robbie Burns Night…
Here’s a bottle and an honest friend, Wha would wish for mair, man. Wha kens before his life may end What his share may be of care, man. Then catch the moments as they fly, And use them as ye ought, man. Believe me, happiness is shy, and comes not ay when sought, man. - … Continue reading Robbie Burns Night…
SMWSA 2012 Holiday Parcels…Part III
*A sincere thank you to the good folks at the SMWSA for the samples. The second 2012 "holiday" outturn from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America (SMWSA) was entitled "Holiday Parcels" and now that I've missed that boat and the holidays are pretty much over, I thought I'd take a three-part look at this particularly interesting … Continue reading SMWSA 2012 Holiday Parcels…Part III
SMWSA 2012 Holiday Parcels…Part II
*A sincere thank you to the good folks at the SMWSA for the samples. The second 2012 "holiday" outturn from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America (SMWSA) was entitled "Holiday Parcels" and now that I've missed that boat and the holidays are pretty much over, I thought I'd take a three-part look at this … Continue reading SMWSA 2012 Holiday Parcels…Part II
SMWSA 2012 Holiday Parcels…Part I
*A sincere thank you to the good folks at the SMWSA for the samples. The second 2012 "holiday" outturn from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America (SMWSA) was entitled "Holiday Parcels" and now that I've missed that boat and the holidays are long since over, I thought I'd take a three-part look at this … Continue reading SMWSA 2012 Holiday Parcels…Part I
Glen Grant – The Major’s Reserve – Review
*Sincere thanks to DK at Exposure PR for the sample! "Major" James Grant (he earned the title of "Major" by serving in the local Rifle Volunteers, a citizen's army of the time) was the son of Glen Grant co-founder James Grant, who with his brother, John, founded the famous distillery in 1840. James jr. inherited … Continue reading Glen Grant – The Major’s Reserve – Review
THE CASKS 