Depending on who you ask, the year 2000 was either the first year of the current millennium we're in now, or, according to strict Gregorianists, the last year of the millennium we just left. The Gregorianists (is there such a thing?) are probably right, though aesthetically, it looks a lot better for a millennium to … Continue reading Evan Williams Single Barrel, 2000 Vintage – Review
Whisky Reviews
Chieftain’s The Cigar Malt, 15 Year Old Speyside – Review
*Thanks to the good folks at Impex Beverages for the sample. I'm not afraid to admit that I hate cigars. A shocking, divisive, and opprobrious statement, if there ever was one, I'm sure. Perhaps I haven't really ever experienced a good cigar, I don't know, I also don't really care. I've been in the presence of … Continue reading Chieftain’s The Cigar Malt, 15 Year Old Speyside – Review
Chieftain’s 1998 Ardbeg 12 Year Old – Review
*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
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
Bargain Bin Fridays #8, Lauder’s Blended Scotch Whisky
In 2009, Sazerac purchased a company called Barton Brands which had a large line mostly of "affordable" spirits like Fleischmann's Vodka and Gin, Ten High Bourbon and the wonderfully named Mr. Boston Five Star Canadian (the mind reels). Also in the line-up is Lauder's Blended Scotch Whisky, which according to the incredibly brief amount of information given, … Continue reading Bargain Bin Fridays #8, Lauder’s Blended Scotch Whisky
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
THE CASKS 