*Thanks to the good folks at Impex Beverages for the sample. Ardbeg's recent history (thanks, Tim!) is a litany of ownership changes, dis-heartening shutterings, sporadic periods of production, and ultimately, it's re-emergence as one of the finest distilleries out there today. Thanks, I'm sure, to the financial clout of its parent company (Glenmorangie was sold … Continue reading Chieftain’s 1998 Ardbeg 12 Year Old – Review
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Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
Near Dufftown lie the ruins of Balvenie Castle, which was built by the branch of the Comyns family known as "The Black Comyns" in the 1100's. Now, I don't know about you, but "The Black Comyns" strikes me as a pretty awesome name. Add to that the fact that they called their castle "Mortlach", and … Continue reading Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
Chieftain’s 1997 Aultmore 12 Year Old
*Thanks to the good folks at Impex Beverages for the sample. Like many other distilleries founded in the 1890's, Aultmore had a bit of a sputtering start: opening in 1897, closing a few years later, re-opening in the early 1900's...then closing once again as World War I began. Finally in 1923, John Dewar and Sons … Continue reading Chieftain’s 1997 Aultmore 12 Year Old
Chieftain’s 1997 Glen Grant 13 Year Old Year Old
*Thanks to the good folks at Impex Beverages for the sample. I'm not ashamed to admit that perhaps my favorite ride at Disney Land/World is Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. No, sorry...scratch that, my favorite ride is Pirates of the Caribbean, hands down, though I liked it a lot more before Johnny Depp kept showing up … Continue reading Chieftain’s 1997 Glen Grant 13 Year Old Year Old
Glenfarclas 17 Year Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky
(Thanks to the good folks at Gemini Spirits & Wine for the sample.) Inspired by Glenfarclas' independent, family owned tradition (and Wisconsin public employees), I was going to start this post by spouting off on the U.S.'s pathetic tradition of codifying and protecting the über-rich and the giant, mean-spirited corporations that take all the tax … Continue reading Glenfarclas 17 Year Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky
Kilchoman Winter 2010 Release
*Thanks to the good folks at Impex Beverages for the sample. "If you speak to older people on Islay who have worked in distilleries they will generally agree that the best whisky is made in cold weather . I would agree with that but preferably without going to the burst pipes stage." - John MacLellan, … Continue reading Kilchoman Winter 2010 Release
Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix – Review
Thanks to Glenfiddich's Mitch Bechard and Chris from WhiskyWall for making sure I got to taste this one. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's been a while since I've put something new up, but like the proverbial Phoenix of old, rising from its own ashes, I'm back. Emerging from an ever-mounting pile of newborn baby … Continue reading Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix – Review
Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Black Label – Review
Just to clear a few things up, Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is not named for Celtic's goalkeeper in the 1970 European Championships, Evan Williams, who, despite playing a decent game, gave up what turned out to be the game-winner to the Dutch team Feyenoord in the 117th minute. Evan Williams Bourbon is also … Continue reading Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Black Label – Review
Dewar’s 12 Year Old Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky
Ol' John Dewar Sr. founded his eponymously named whisky company in 1846, and while it did well enough in those early years, it was really after his death in 1880 that the brand took off internationally thanks to his two sons, John Jr. and Thomas. Thomas ("Tommy" to his bowling buddies) in particular travelled the … Continue reading Dewar’s 12 Year Old Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky
Cardhu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky – Review
It's hard to mention Cardhu and not think of the Single Malt/Pure Malt fiasco that pretty much wiped it off the map for a few years. It's sort of the Scotch whisky version of the new Coke debacle of the mid-80's. Actually, come to think of it, the mid-80's were pretty much a debacle in … Continue reading Cardhu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky – Review
THE CASKS 