Dramblers Anonymous

Dramvent 2024 Day 11

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 22:04:59 GMT

On the Eleventh day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... something old and interesting

Tasting Date: Monday 23rd December 2024

This was: 40 year old Blended Scotch Whisky 1984 from the Thompson Bros, 40.4%

A blend of unknown origin, of at least 40 years old and having been marrying for the last 26, this is believed to have a high proportion of Bowmore in it.

Nose: A citrusy nose greets you with hints of old lemons and a touch of sweet cream. There's a delightful presence of raisins and a subtle aroma of cream soda. The scent is fruity with a whisper of parma violets and turkish delight, creating a unique bouquet.

Palate: The first sip reveals a sweet, light peat that dances on the tongue. The whisky is stone fruit laden, with flavors of ripe peaches and apricots. A liquorice note adds depth, while a chalky texture provides an intriguing mouthfeel. The fruity essence continues, complemented by a pebbly minerality that evokes the sensation of peat smoke at the beach.

Finish: The finish is old and lingering, with the citrusy zest of old lemons making a final appearance. The aftertaste is smooth, with lingering notes of sweet cream and a faint echo of parma violets.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat then rattled through CoPilot for convenience, as a half-cocked attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2024 Day 10

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 23:12:32 GMT

On the Tenth day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... something old and bejewelled

Tasting Date: Sunday 22nd December 2024

This was: Glen Keith 30 years old - 1985 Speyside, 41.9%

The final 3 drams of Dramvent are always a melange of merriment. This one delivered. A crackingly complex nose, ripe green fruit and a healthy dose of oranges. Creamy and waxy -tempered with white pepper spice too.

The palate was more chocolate orange, with honeyed nutmeg, and aged oak. Like wandering through a deserted wooden-floorboarded department store after hours at Christmas time.

Excellent.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2024 Day 9

dramblersanonymous@gmail.com (John Hill) — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 22:25:32 GMT

On the Ninth day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a lovely laddie

Tasting Date: Saturday 21st December 2024

This was: Bruichladdich 19 Private Cask, 19 years old, 2004, Bourbon Hogshead, 55.1%

Tonight's dram offered a delightful insight into a Private Cask bottling from Bruichladdich. Tonnes of nougaty sweetness, marzipan nuttiness and coconut floral notes. Plenty smoke too, with coastal whispers. A really pleasing tunnelling effect going on here, like a pipeline of Islay goodness, headed straight to the fun parts of the tastebuds.

Always special to taste these private casks - they're not around for long, and definitely worth the effort to find!

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2024 Day 8

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:29:57 GMT

On the Eighth day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a peaty pinot

Tasting Date: Tuesday 17th December 2024

This was: Longrow Red 7 years old - Pinot Noir. Campbelltown, OB, 57.1%

We reach the final weekend of Dramvent 2024 with a superb offering from the good people at Longrow. Buckets of sweet smoke on the nose, with some dirty rubbery mineral goodness keeping it real. Like a rain-spattered fresh tarmac coastal path. Loads of red fruit from the wine cask, strawberries at first, giving way to dark cherry and blackcurrant. A gorgeous return to the peat fire on the finish, not overly lingering, just sticky enough to leave a very pleasing appetite for more. Smashing.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2024 Day 7

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:26:43 GMT

On the Seventh day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a retro number

Tasting Date: Thursday 19th December 2024

This was: Glenlivet 12 (1980s) 12 Year old, Speyside, OB

We tip past the midway point on Dramvent 2024 with a lovely little nostalgic blast back to the 80s. And how different to current day Glenlivet 12! None of the clean, vanilla-infused sweet pears, all of the depth of a sticky, dried fruit complexity.

Really interesting mix of profiles; dark wooden leather benches, outside a spice market, next door to a coconut and peach stall. As with most bottles from this vintage, the cask s were more variable, so the result are usually less predictable and (therefore) more fun.

Fascinating to taste what the 12-year old market wanted 40 years ago. Delicious.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2024 Day 6

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:55:21 GMT

On the Sixth day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a guessing game

Tasting Date: Wednesday 18th December 2024

This was: Tomatin 14 Peated 2009. Gleann Mor, 55.4%

A Midweek Dramvent Dram can be a tricky one to place. Perhaps sensing this, a challenge was thrown to Dramventers. Name the distillery, and win a dram. Many tried. One was successful! Well done Kevin!

Rich dark honey aplenty on the nose, wafts of damp wood and salted earth.

Really rich and chewy palate, smoky forest fires and dark cherries. Very slightly charred pastry, swirls of buttery richness, like an Aberdeen Rowie, drizzled with dark honey, enjoyed on the beach, having wandered patiently through Kirkhill Forest.

A lot of refinement in this dram, really well composed, a big favourite so far.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2024 Day 5

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 22:33:39 GMT

On the Fifth day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... lemonwood flowers

Tasting Date: Tuesday 17th December 2024

This was: Strathclyde 31, Master of Malt

Tonight's dram was a perfumed drop of lovely. A nose full of light stone fruit and freshly shaved wood. Good whack of floral blossom too, and a healthy swirl suggested plenty time in the cask. The palate was full of dried lemons, a touch of herb, and salted crackers. A squeeze of vanilla pod kept it all just sweet enough, echoes of coffee chain spices following in the finish. Very nice indeed.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2024 Day 4

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 22:37:24 GMT

On the Fourth day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a well-named drop

Tasting Date: Monday 16th December 2024

This was: Isle of Skye 8 (1990s). Ian McLeod 8 years old, 46%

The Isle of Skye 8 Year Old from Ian McLeod is like a fleeting breath of coastal mist, delicate and evocative. The nose offers salty sea air, honeycomb, vanilla, and a trace of caramelized fruit, with a gentle peat smoke lingering like the memory of a storm long passed. On the palate, it’s smooth and oily, balancing toffee sweetness with citrus zest, dried fruit, and a whisper of pepper, all underpinned by soft, earthy peat.

The finish is like the final echo of a distant tide, leaving a lingering smokiness and a dry, oaky sweetness that fades into a hint of vanilla and spice. It’s a whisky that captures the soul of Skye with quiet elegance, a liquid homage to the island’s rugged beauty.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and in case it wasn't obvious, Chat GPT. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

If you're interested, the prompts were; 'write a whisky tasting note for Isle of Skye 8 (1990s). Ian McLeod 8 years old, 46%', then 'Do the same but in the style of dramblersanonymous.co.uk', then 'condense it all into 2 paragraphs, with at least one pretentious metaphor'

Dramvent 2024 Day 3

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 22:03:46 GMT

On the Third day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a Familiar Highland Feeling

Tasting Date: Sunday 15th December 2024

This was: Blair Athol 2004, 13 years old, OB, 46%

Tonight's dram was warm, inviting, and beautifully seasonal. Plenty dark honey and dried fruits on the nose, with just the slightest swirl of cinnamon chasing the fruit gently into the night. It opened up nicely on the palate, gorgeous mouthfeel of caramel and honey drizzled nuts. Some depth to the palate too - like a Christmas cake-filled Mince Pie, dusted with brown sugar. Lovely, lingering, pleasingly sticky finish. A moreish Highland Gem.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2024 Day 2

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 22:21:19 GMT

On the Second day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a custard slice

Tasting Date: Saturday 14th December 2024

This was: Speyside 28 years old Sherry Butt. Whiskybroker, 51%

The second dram of the season was sweetness and spicy desserts. Plenty ice cream and candy notes up front, cherries and apricots providing enough juice to balance out the creamy swirls of custard.

Just the mildest touch of peppery heat, like a spicy version of a pastel de nata, with nuts and more matured, boozy stoned fruit from the sherry butt influence.

Letting it breathe, or dribbling a drop of water, opened it up nicely, and the sherry became clearer, although never straying far from that beautiful bread-and-butter pudding that provided the body.

Really tasty stuff, punchily complex and highly enjoyable.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2024 Day 1

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 00:53:47 GMT

On the First day of Dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a wry smile

Tasting Date: Friday 13th December 2024

This was: SMWS Dunville's 11 - 2011, 50% ABV

After 354 dramvent-less days, we are here.

Again we gather, under the relentless pull of deliciously drinkable whisky. This is Dramvent 5.0, if you're into this sort of numbering system.

Tonight, we were met with a very tasty Irish bottling, masquerading as a Rye-based bundle of goodness. Plenty of shouts for Rye, and to be fair, there was more than a whiff of peppery and earthy sweetness. The nose was all this and more, with the acid tang of orange peel battling leathery mineral notes. The palate developed with more orange fruit - satsumas, under ripe, and slightly burnt over tall candles - and sugar, burnt on top of a coconut creme brulee.

Christ. Another 11 days of this? How will we all cope?

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 13

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 22:01:11 GMT

On the thirteenth and final day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... something special

Tasting Date: Sunday 24th December

This was: Laphroaig 30 Cask Sample. 1992. Private Bottling. Bourbon Hogshead. We are lucky f*ckers. 40.6%

The final dram of Dramvent arrives. And what a treat it was. This was a one-off private bottling from a friend of our esteemed Dramventer-in-chief, John. It was something special indeed. Dusty corners of old sooty smokehouses, draped with hessian sacks of old spice-preserved lemons. Tea-soaked cardboard boxes, flashes of stone fruit and sweet juicy curd. Beautifully balanced finish, entirely moreish, spectacular dram to finish.

All we can say is, what a pleasure of a dram to wrap up what has been a superb couple of weeks of Dramvent. We've had smoke, we've had fruit, we've had subtle, we've had sublime. Putting a roster of tastes such as this together is a Hell of an effort. To do it again and again at such a high quality is worthy of more than a few doffed caps and proffered pints when the chance may arise.

Raise a glass to the Master of Dramvent, John! Slainte!

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 12

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 22:02:49 GMT

On the twelfth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a Cadenheads Cracker

Tasting Date: Saturday 23rd December

This was : Cadenheads 25 Year Old Blend. Bottled for Cadenheads Whisky Shop, Edinburgh. 40.2%

The penultimate dram of Dramvent was a belter of a Blend, bottled for Cadenheads Whisky Shop in Edinburgh this year. Various malts and grains combined to produce a nose of synthetic strawberries, polished old wood and cigar ash. There was a delicate floral note too - maybe lavender? The palate was apricots and jam pastries, lightly baked with an orange pomander in the same oven. A cakey vanilla doughy linger was on the finish, drifting away with a sticky whisper. Very quaffable.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 11

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 21:59:02 GMT

On the eleventh day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a sweet stony stroll

Tasting Date: Friday 22nd December

This was: Ben Nevis 18 Private Cask. 2005. Hogshead #399. 56.5%

The business end of Dramvent is upon us. After the smoky assault of deliciousness last night, this was an altogether lighter affair, but by no means less complex. Layers of stone fruit and honey on the nose, some said bananas too. A very pleasant mineraliness let itself be known here, then developed more fully through the palate, guiding more tropical fruit and synthetic sweeties, like a carefully picked path through a Glen. Warming butterscotch awaited on the finish, with a delicately tempered bitter vanilla. It took a little settling, this one, but the reward for patience was deliciousness in a glass.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 10

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:59:35 GMT

On the tenth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a sweetly smoky balancing act

Tasting Date: Thursday 21st December

This was : Caol Isla 7 - Fragrant Drops 2016. Refill Hogshead then Palo Cortado finish. 57.3%

What does a Thursday night in late December scream to you? Does it say 'honey, please, with rounded caramel and extra soft fruit'? Or does it say 'belt me around the chops with a dirty smoky Islay'? One of those mindsets would leave you disappointed with this.

Great nose. Seaweed and smoke, tempered just enough by limey citrus and peppery spice. Plenty peat on the palate, which threatens to overpower, before the sherry influence kicks in. Syrupy, sticky marmalade, reduced vinegar and caramelised orange rind. Really dangerously drinkable, very moreish and an excellent dram to round off an evening.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 9

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 22:00:20 GMT

On the ninth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a strudley affair

Tasting Date: Wednesday 20th December

Bottle: White Horse - America's Cup 1987. White Horse Distillers, bottled in 1987. 43%

Something a bit different this evening. An old blend, bottled in the 80s, always fascinating to taste something bottled for that time. The nose was lightly smoked, some cut peel and apples dancing with hay on a summer meadow. The palate was suggestive of an aged blend, as successfully pointed out by some on the panel. Some nicely rounded baked apple flavours, the merest touch of roasted herbs, and pleasantly finished off with a baked and smoked moreishness. Very tasty!

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 8

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 22:12:11 GMT

On the eighth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

...a Lowland youngster masquerading as a well-aged grain(!)

Tasting Date: Tuesday 19th December

Bottle: Auchentoshan 8 Year Old Handfill 2014. Olorosso Cask #7219. 59.3%

Apricots. A sleeper from everyone's favourite Scottish triple distiller, a mass-producer of mediocrity who sits on a wealth of really interesting casks. This one confused the panel but was thoroughly enjoyed. Themes of grain whisky, fleshy yellow fruits and pepper. A super long finish that sweetens in time then dries and leaves something bitter-sweet behind. Or Rob D poured some Fernet Branca in his glass.

...

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 7

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 22:02:55 GMT

On the seventh day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a perfectly good show

Tasting Date: Monday 18th December

This was: Jura 25 Poseidon. Platinum Cask. 43.9%

Last night's dram was a particularly hard act to follow. So our Drambler-in-chief presumably had this in mind when taking a gamble on this limited release of 25 year old Jura. A very sweet nose, full of vanilla and syrup, citrusy tropical flavours too. The palate developed with wood - pencil shavings and older dark wood continuing the sweetness from the nose. Some tea vibes too - mango, lemon or nettle. possibly served in a bicycle inner tube. Like you're in a nightmarish hipster joint. Not a bad dram at all.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 6

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 22:22:04 GMT

On the sixth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... an Islay dream

Tasting Date: Sunday 17th December

This was: Bruichladdich Ternary Project. Ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, ex-wine. Laddich/Port Charlotte/Octomore blend. 52.1%

An early highlight arrived on the palates of the dramventers this evening. This fascinating dram combines the three most famous offerings from the Bruichladdich distillery. With Port Charlotte (40%) and Octomore (30%) joining the Bruichladdich (30%) party, there were cask influences aplenty. Ex-bourbon, re-casked into French red wine, then PX sherry for the Laddich, 1st fill bourbon, 1st fill Olorosso and 1st fill Virgin for the PC, Sauternes, Austrian sweet wine, ex-Amarone and ex-bourbon for the Octo.

You might think with all this going on it would be too much, but the resulting journey of all this good stuff going on was excellent. Rich fruit, BBQ sauce and doughy molasses on the nose. Smoked Christmas pudding with a crispy fatty mouthfeel, getting sweeter with time on the palate. A deliciously spiced burned tyre as an afterthought. Lingering ash, buttery caramel and sweetly stewed fruit still poking through on the finish. Unbelievably well-balanced considering the constituent parts. This was a special dram, and I'd like more please.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 5

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 22:00:50 GMT

On the fifth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... an old jam roll

Tasting Date: Saturday 16th December

This was : Campbells Tomintoul Special. Bottled for the Glenlivet Whisky Depot, Tomintoul. 57%

Tonight was a jammy, spicy, Tomintoul treat wrapped in a pretty rare 100 proof bottling from P and J Campbell. Plenty jammy red fruit on the nose, with a dark honey sweetness and a touch of something bittersweet too. The sweetness continued on the palate, with a chilli spiciness offset against some aged wood. It was almost burnt salted caramel towards the end, a lingering salty heat and the feeling of a warm overbaked jam roly poly. Excellent dram.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 4

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 22:02:24 GMT

On the fourth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a flood of heat and spice

Tasting Date: Friday 15th December

This was: Glenturret 16.87 'Down with Subtlety' SMWS. 1st Fill #4 Char Bourbon Hogshead. 63.6%

The first Friday of Dramvent offered a fiery blast from a distillery that confidently claims to be Scotland's oldest working. The good people at SMWS rarely let the side down when it comes to bottle titles, and it's hard to disagree with the sentiment expressed by them here. Plenty spice and burned stone fruit on the nose, liquorice allsorts too. The palate was hot and smoky, charred meats aplenty. Think grilled lamb chops marinated in mint and chilli, cooked to crispy. A splash of water brought fiery ginger cordial. No rounded finish, but a lingering BBQ and a thirst for more.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 3

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:03:36 GMT

On the third day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a very special guest

Tasting Date: Thursday 14th December

Bottle: Arran The Midge's Share Private Cask. 10 Years Old. 8 years in Heaven Hill Hogshead, 2 years in Sherry Hogshead. 46%

Tonight we get to unmask the mystery of the 13th dram. We are lucky enough to sample a private cask from one of our own. I recall mention of this on Islay 5 years ago, and thinking, 'I wonder if I'll get to try that' at the time. Anyway.

An oily aromatic woodiness on the nose, with undertones of citrus polish and almonds, the sherry influence peeking through. Warming on the palate, splashes of vanilla and sweet custard, tempered by a little sour cherry and red fruit. Then more nuts, sweet toffee and something else filling out the mouthfeel, with a bite of white pepper and nutmeg to finish.

Some drams are best described by occasion, and on behalf of all Dramblers, this one was squarely for you, Vern. All the best in your retirement!

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 2

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 21:59:08 GMT

On the second day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... an ordinary whisky for some

Tasting Date: Wednesday 13th December

Bottle: Ardlair 11 Thompson Bros 2010. 11 Years old. Refill Bourbon. 50%

After last night's introduction to Dramvent, along came this somewhat unusual whisky from a tried and tested (from Dramblers perspective) distillery. After an initially sharp, citrusy nose, we got tea leaves and sweet woody swirls. More time in the glass gave way to smoky, roasted flavours. Earthy roasted roots and delicate dried herbs made it into a bit of a meal morsel. If there'd been the option of 'Ardmore without the peat', would it have been ticked? Who knows!

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2023 Day 1

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:01:19 GMT

On the first day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a Christmas whiskey latte

Tasting Date: Tuesday 12th December

This was: Teeling 21 Rising Reserve #1. 21 Years old, finished in Carcavelos casks

It's the 12th December. The day before Dramvent traditionally begins. Wait. One of the wee bottles lovingly hand-filled by John the Dramvent Fairy has a number 12 on it. It's starting early? What! There's 13 of them this year? What's going on! Questions and answers later. For now let's enjoy the first of many fine drams this season.

A whiff of vanilla and a bouquet of creamy blossom on the nose. A delicious image of bees, feasting on overripe apples. Sticky syrupy honey over vanilla ice cream, with a tart fruit compote on the side. A pleasing finish of mild peppery festive spices. As it turns out, definitely Irish, and clearly some age. Perfectly summed up by one drammer "Lovely dram to kick things off".

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2022 Day 12

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 22:06:40 GMT

On the final day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a Christmas Cracker

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Saturday 24th December

Bottle: Ledaig 21 Manzanilla Handfill. 10 Years Bourbon/11 Years Manzanilla. 52.9%

It's a milder dark night in December. Many evenings have been spent in the pleasant and unrushed company of dramventers old and older, whiling away liquids in shades of amber to generally sated gullets. The Post Office delivered, eventually, and 23 select recipients breathe a sorry sigh of satisfaction, as the 24th of December rolls around. 12 Drams of excellent quality, something for everyone, and nothing but good times aplenty.

This was a corker of a sherried island treat. Dark treacley cake and slightly fiery spices on the nose, with a welcome tang of balsamic sweetness. The cakes continued into the palate - like a well boozed, ginger infused christmas cake. There was salty goodness too, with those peaty, farmy undertones so reminiscent of Ledaig. Just the right amount of sweet and sour smoked sauce too, leading into a delightful, long drawn out finish that begs you to buy the bottle.

A superb way to finish, and what a wonderful Dramvent it has been. Thanks to everyone for taking part, and contributing to these pages, but a special thanks, of course, to the true Director of Drams. Raise a glass, and toast - To John!

Dramvent 2022 Day 10

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 21:59:14 GMT

On the tenth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a sweet coastal punch

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Thursday 22nd December

Bottle: Kilchoman Madeira Single Cask - 7 Years old. 2011 56.9%

A wise drammer once remarked 'John always leaves the Islays towards the end'. And perhaps there's more than a few very good reasons for that. Not that this was your standard Islay. Oh no.

The coastal influence was obvious early doors here, with pleasing fresh salted fish slapping the nostrils into shape. There were agricultural undertones too, with more than a whiff of fermenting red fruit. Really silky body, with layers of sweet sherry smoke upon more layers of sweet sherry smoke. Just a very nicely packaged dram, this one, superb!

Dramvent 2022 Day 9

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 22:14:45 GMT

On the ninth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a banana pudding

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Wednesday 21st December

Bottle: Tomatin 14 2008 PST Thompson Brothers 2008. 50%

The second Wednesday dram rolls round with a cluster of punchy flavour. The business end of Dramvent for sure. Very little was gentle about this banana-infused bomb. Lots of doughy, yeasty baking aromas on the nose, with Fat Mike bananas making themselves known from the start. More confectionary came through on the palate, touch of liquorice allsorts here, dash of sugared bananas there. A syrupy puddingy presence too, dark ginger sponge and custard? Maybe that's just the bananas talking. Not the long-drawn out finish that was perhaps expected, with something of a sudden dryness, leaving a very pleasing tang, and a desire to find some more. Did I mention the bananas?

Dramvent 2022 Day 8

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 22:06:38 GMT

On the eighth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... something soft and fruity

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Tuesday 20th December

Bottle: Haig's Dimple 15 Year Old 43% (circa late 80's early 90's)

Some 1970's distillate, blended off a base of the lowlander Glenkinchie. A little fruity, a little sweet, some light spices at the back, perhaps some brambles or strawberries. An extremely quaffable dram that often gets overlooked.

Dramvent 2022 Day 7

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 22:04:30 GMT

On the seventh day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a determined walk through an old stone marketplace

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Monday 19th December

Bottle: Bimber Fino Butt for Fortnum & Mason. 51%

We've somehow passed the halfway point in Dramvent 2022. Two of the home nations have been represented so far, and tonight makes it three. Another excellent offering from the good people at Bimber.

Loads of chalky, powdery minerals on the nose and up front of the palate. Light spices too, with early indications of the sherry influence to follow. Some bright fruit comes bursting through, gooseberries fight with pineapple, battling over sweet chopped nuts. There was somehow still space for salt, cut peel and more minerals, before a beautifully sticky finish. Marmalde, raisins, burnt sugar and darker fruit. So much going on, but really nicely balanced. A personal favourite so far.

Dramvent 2022 Day 6

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 22:18:50 GMT

On the sixth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a bounty of coconuts!

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Sunday 18th December

Bottle: Cambus 45 XOP 1976 Douglas Laing. 49.1% cask #DL15622

It's grain time, closed distillery time and old whisky time, all rolled into one. Can't be that many distilleries that fit the bill. Dumbarton? Carsebridge? Port Dundas? Cambus!

Coconut and vanilla - the classic grain notes - raspberry and toasted marshmallow, with maybe a hint of pear leads to a sweet and sour palate sporting wine gums, maraschino cherries, more vanilla and some bourbon cask sweetness. Creamy texture, extremely easy drinking and finishes with a tiny bit of spice. A great example of a well aged grain that hasn't been dominated by the cask.

Dramvent 2022 Day 5

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 22:02:08 GMT

On the fifth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a tarmac driveway leading to an old smouldering fishery.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Saturday 17th December

Bottle: Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength batch #15 56.5%

A weekend dramvent dram is typically a lovely thing. And this was no exception. A favourite so far for many, a perfect way to enter the decompression chamber of the weekend.

There was plenty of typical Islay notes on the nose - seaweed being dragged through a medicine cupboard, trailing bandages in its' wake. A real sweetness here too, maybe salted caramel or dark honey, possibly even leathery. Or mango. Really delicious dram, smoky, sweet, peat, little bit dirty, everything you'd want in a decent Islay dram!

Dramvent 2022 Day 4

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 22:00:40 GMT

On the fourth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a dangerously drinkable sweet and spicy treat

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Friday 16th December

Bottle: Glengarioch 1994. Batch No.32 North American Oak Barrels 53.9%

Friday night rolls round, and with it, perhaps the chance to finally sit down and enjoy a dram for the first time since.. yesterday. What hardship to taste such an array.

Tonight's offering was easy going, but with plenty of interesting flavours. The bourbon influence was strong, creating a nicely buttery caramel presence underpinning pleasantly overripe green fruit. Think pears, think kiwis, think canteloupe melon too. There was a texture here as well - slightly reminiscent of creamy milk chocolate, with gentle nutmeg and pepper spice on the finish. Really interesting dram.

Dramvent 2022 Day 3

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 21:59:36 GMT

On the third day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a fruity welsh fiery delight

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Thursday 15th December

Bottle: SMWS Penderyn 128.18 Dragon's Lipstick. 1st fill ex-ruby port barrique 59%

As the teens of December progress, the nights are still cold, the skies are still dark and things in the outside world are pretty much where they were before. But in the land of Dramvent, it's been consistently unpredictable so far. It's good to keep things interesting, and that's exactly what this beautifully worked advent event delivers.

Tonight's offering was a full-on smack of port cask deliciousness. Loads of dark fruit, cherries, blackcurrants and prunes, matched nicey with just enough leathery tobacco pouch to enhance without dominating. Treacley menthol was present too, and a splash of water rounded it out to more of a sticky jammy pastry. Really nice to have an SMWS from a non-Scottish distillery, great drop!

Dramvent 2022 Day 2

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 21:59:54 GMT

On the second day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a very pleasant evening starter

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Wednesday 14th December

Bottle: SRV5 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - Thompson Brothers 48.5%

Wednesday. What is there usually to look forward to of an evening? Plenty, of course. A World Cup Semi Final on TV, perhaps Christmas-themed chores, maybe even dinner, drinks and a Holiday Inn on the company card. But this particular Wednesday saw the second instalment of Dramvent. And that's surely worth a pause of anticipation.

Last night was a big hit, and this beautiful blend continued in the same vein. Tasty lemons and sherbety polish on the nose with fresh and flowery promise. A good bit of wax on the palate, with a whisper of heat coming through nicely, amidst more lemons, melons and pear drops. A bit of time in the glass gave an even more rounded brown sugar, stewed mint tea sweetness, another suggestion of the magic that goes to make a brilliant, really well packaged dram.

Dramvent 2022 Day 1

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 22:00:56 GMT

On the first day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a wintery meander through a fruity forest.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Tuesday 13th December

Bottle: Benromach 18 - Single Cask #51 First Fill Bourbon Barrel 57.4%

It's a cold dark night in December. Many evenings have been spent in the garage, whiling away liquids in shades of amber into many bottles of frustrating dimensions. The Post Office beckoned, with little in the way of promise, and less with the result of timely delivery. But 23 select recipients breathe a collective sigh of expectant apprehension, as the now-traditional 13th of December rolls around. And with it, the promises of old, new, blended, grain and malt. It's time. For Dramvent.

A cracking start was the consensus here, with gentle pepper and hints of smoke travelling through this fruity vanilla melee. Plenty of pine, with a lemony sharp, almost grapefruity citrus, but beautifully tempered by layers of stony fruit and warming creme anglaise.

This was very much enjoyed, and sets the tone nicely for the next 12 days. Some of us look forward to catching up with it when strike season allows. Great start!

Dramvent 2021 Day 10

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 16:25:04 GMT

On the tenth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

... a leathery upstart of supreme quality

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Wednesday 22nd December

Bottle: Kilchoman port cask release, distilled 2011, bottled 2014. 56%

This was yet another treat. A briny, subtly spicy, citrusy smokey nose. A beautiful rich, rolling palate of buttery milk chocolate, cinnamon rolls, balanced with a touch of sharp red fruit. A fantastic, fading finish, holding intensity right to the last lingering aroma molecule. Great stuff.

Everyone was amazed at the age of this one - only 3 years?! A shout of Red wine cask finish wasn’t far off the mark, while a shout of early 90s Bowmore was further. Testament, perhaps, to the esteem in which this dram was held. Superb!

Dramvent 2021 Day 9

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 22:01:39 GMT

On the ninth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

...a slightly spicy challenge

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Tuesday 21st December

Bottle: JP Wiser's Dissertation. 46.1%. Canadian whisky made predominantly from rye and aged in virgin oak.

A different feel tonight - no age tendered smooth sipping here. A fiery nose, with cinnamon and bitter lemon. Marmalade and marzipan developed into the palate, with spiciness riding through - maybe cloves? Peanuts and almonds, chocolate and treacle. Plenty going on, with a somewhat New World feel.

This one split opinion a little more - slightly more challenging, but loads packed into the glass. No shouts for Canada, although a couple of shouts for outside of Scottish shores. Tasty.

Dramvent 2021 Day 8

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 22:07:20 GMT

On the eighth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

...a crowd-pleasing, smartie-encrusted cookie

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Monday 20th December

Bottle: Haig Gold Label, 70 proof (40%), bottled early to mid 1970's.

Another belter tonight! Fresh on the nose, with apricot turnovers, honeydew melon and muddled cucumber. Almost like a crisp white wine, with stone fruit, fresh mint and a chardonnay oakiness. But it was rounded too, with sweetness from maple syrup and honey. An excellent quaffer from nearly 50 years ago. Nothing like its modern, Beckham endorsed equivalent.

Dramvent 2021 Day 7

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 21:28:01 GMT

On the seventh day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

...Loughborough Market Fish Van

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Sunday 19th December

Bottle: Caol Ila 13yr 2008, finished in Palo Cortado cask. 56.5%

Tonight's offering was funky, oily, fishy and frankly delicious. Smoked salmon and dill mixed with waxy green apples on the nose, then layers of sticky, treacley toffee, served over a hot stone BBQ, with a scoop of candy floss for good measure. Slightly spicy on the finish, with long, oaky molasses. Lovely.

This one landed well with the group, the Palo Cortado finish really hitting home, great stuff.

Dramvent 2021 Day 6

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 22:14:25 GMT

On the sixth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

...pastries from the winter orchard

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Saturday 18th December

Bottle: Daftmill 2010 bottled for the unofficial Facebook Fans Group. 59.5%

Bourbon casks 46, 47, 50, 51 and 56

Marking the mid-way point of Dramvent, a lovely little evocative dram full of character. Plenty orchard fruits - apples and berries combined with fresh pastries, sticky jam and chocolate. Slices of mangoes and apricots, mild spice and nutty burnt toast crumbs made for a full and rounded palate, with possibly a more savoury, pleasant, almost synthetic mouthfeel and finish.

Another solid offering, nice to try a Daftmill too!

Dramvent 2021 Day 5

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 22:04:26 GMT

On the fifth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

...an ever-changing curried wee number

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Friday 17th December

Bottle: Invergordon 30 Forgotten Gems, Bottled by Master of Malt, 50.1%

Lots going on with this one, which seemed to get more complex over time. Burnt notes up front, charred rancio, an oddly curried presence, toasted orange and butter sauteed cinnamon sticks. Plenty nuts too, more of the spice coming in after time, and then maltier flavours like loaf and pastries arrived, possibly even disguised as a Peshwari Naan. Hidden raisins and dark sugar finished it off nicely.

Hit the spot for many, this one, complex enough to get a range of different takes, but balanced enough to be extremely drinkable.

Dramvent 2021 Day 4

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 22:04:32 GMT

On the fourth day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

...a gentle dram for a Thursday evening. Or lunchtime.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Thursday 16th December

Bottle: Johnnie Walker Blue Label, circa 2010, 40%

Subtle flavours this evening, apricots and honey married with marzipan and peanuts. A little smoke, pastries and something delicate, floral.

Went down well, great to try a classic. A bit of an old skool feel to the dram - very well put together! Looking forward to tomorrow already...

Dramvent 2021 Day 3

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:06:16 GMT

On the third day of dramvent, my palate gave to me...

...vegetable, mineral, and the animal's covered in the thumbnail.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Wednesday 15th December

Bottle: Loch Lomond Single Grain Peated. Selected by Michael Henry and bottled for Southport Whisky Club. 4 Years and 2 months old.

Cask #730, 2nd fill ex-bourbon, natural colour and non-chill filtered. Distilled April 2017, bottled June 2021, 61.3%

Something different tonight. This one opened up, changed things around, and put them back together again. Reticent on the nose at first, then all kinds of vegetables in all kinds of boxes. Musty, dusty oiled wood, boiled pear drops and coastal spices came in, and then the palate and mouthfeel kind of combined. Oily, buttery leaves, like spinach wilting on the hob. Merest suggestions of kaffir lime and honey. Considering the age and ABV, this was a really well integrated offering.

Hard to place, this one, although a correct shout of 'unusual indi bottling' stood out. Slightly split opinion, with some even opting for chemical alteration by carbonated beverage.

Dramvent 2021 Day 2

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 22:00:47 GMT

On the second day of dramvent...

...stewed black forest

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Tuesday 14th December

Bottle: Glen Ord 8 year old for Royal Mile Whiskies, bottled by James Eadie.

53.7% 2011 finished in first fill PX

A darker offering tonight, rich and full-flavoured with plenty to talk about. The nose was full of morello cherries and stewed winter fruits. Maple syrup sweetness fought with wet leaves and won. The body had savoury notes too; cakey, from the black forest gateaux, and buttery, oozing from freshly baked biscuits. The finish was longer tonight, sweet black tea and cereal grains flapping in the wind.

Early shouts for Billy Walker and 12-15 years were not quite there, but this was a brilliantly deep and dark dram for it's tender 8 years. Lovely!

Dramvent 2021

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 22:02:22 GMT

On the next first day of dramvent...

It's that time of year!

Plenty anticipation, an ever-growing cohort, and 250 odd wee bottles poured, packed and delivered, John was ready to share the fruits of his labours once again.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Monday 13th December

Bottle: Auchentoshan 9yr 2011 carn mor. 47.5% Rum finish

A popular choice, this one. Lots of sweetness up front, rich toffee, hints of a pineapple or ginger cake, and an audacious (and accurate) shout for Pfeffernüsse. A touch of smoke came on the nose, not overpowering, and nicely sitting alongside a more bitter, fresher note of herbs, or unroasted coffee beans. Caramel doughnuts and chocolate came through, and there was a pleasant if slightly short finish. Very enjoyable!

Lots of flavour profiles put forward for this one, opinion split on whether it was bourbon cask or not. No shouts for rum finish, which for the second year in a row is what we got. Should've seen it coming.

Dramblers Tasting #17

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 17:57:45 GMT

Lady of the Glen

A fantastic evening of whisky, hosted by Paul McKendrick of Hannah Whisky Merchants talking us through some recent Lady of the Glen single cask bottlings. It was nice to hear the story behind the bottler and a glimpse into the independent whisky world.

Tasting Date: 12th November 2021

Cambus 1988 32yr 44.6%

Refill Bourbon Hogshead 59269

Dist: Sept 1988 Btl: Aug 2021

Classic Cambus, wonderful well aged grain.

N. Citrussy, honey, shortbread, some coconut

P. Lemons, dried fruit, hint of coconut, a nice old grain - fruity, sweet and with a superb texture

Port Dundas 2004 17yr 58.1%

Dist. 02.06.2004 Bottled 03.06.2021

Refill Butt then ex-Oloroso Finish #73895

N. Quite a closed nose, herbal and spicy

P. Spicy, herbal, a little smoke and chocolate nuts, some tannin and dryness, raisins. Nice stuff, good to try some more PD!

Teaninich 2012 9yr 56.3%

Tawny Port Finish #709387

Only used for tastings we are told, with a small window to buy a bottle! Interesting stuff and a favourite for some.

N. Dry red wine, cranberries, red fruit, chocolate

P. Ferrero rocher, nuts and chocolate, a little spice, coffee cake, chocolate cake, creme patisserie. Bit of an experiment from LotG and rather enjoyable at that!

Glen Grant 1988 23yr 50.4%

Dist: 28.01.1998 Bottled 21.04.2021

Finished in a first-fill Oloroso sherry butt #9711

P. Nuts

Bunnahabhain 2010 11yr 58.9%

Dist: 05.05.2010 Bottled 18.05.2021

Ex-Oloroso Sherry Butt #554983

P. Raisins, sweet oak, spicy, toasted cereals

Ardmore 2009 11yr 57.6%

Refill Barrel

N. Fat, Smoky

P. Extremely quaffable. Quite a clean, straightforward, well tempered Ardmore.

Dramblers Tasting #16

dramblersanonymous@gmail.com (John Hill) — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:41:28 GMT

2021: A Speyside Odysey

Tasting Date: 26th October 2021

A sojourn on the river Spey, visiting a handful of distilleries to taste their wares.

Glenrothes 2007 Carn Mor, Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers 13 years old, 47.5%

The first foray into Speyside was this rather tasty little number from Glenrothes. A brilliant nose, bursting with maple pecan pastries, cherry biscuits and more sweet nuts set the scene nicely. Some dry madeira cake with brown sugar caramel and cinder toffee followed, lots of sweet baked goodies. Touches of nutty oil, breezes of fragrant polish, and the merest sprinkling of salted chocolate to finish. Delicious.

Macallan: A Night on Earth, 40%

We moved on to another tantalising nose - coffee crema, light honey, peaches and butterscotch. Definitely Speyside. This one went down really easily, with a slightly less full body than the promising nose suggested, but a pleasant mouthful nonetheless. Sliced almonds, toffee crumbs and freshly chopped firewood rounded it off with a somewhat sharp finish.

Craigellachie Whiskybroker, 8 years old, 54.3%

The nose on #3 was dirtier, funkier, spicier and nuttier. A bunch of sherried hazelnuts, crushed up then wrapped in waxed paper and sprinkled in allspice. Cracking dram here, layers of strong flavours belying it’s age of a mere 8 years old. Bacon and biscuit, strong wood, black pepper and plenty more. Great stuff, and an absolute bargain!

Glenallachie Cask Strength Batch 6, 10 years old, 57.8%

This was a lovely sticky fruity number. Stewed red fruits with a spot of crumble on top, laced with dried cranberries perhaps. A touch of lime juice acidity cut through, and stopped this from being an all-out wine and sherry bomb. Some sweetly burnt toffee apple pudding wrapped things up at the end, and there was a nicely drawn-out finish. Another cracker.

Tormore 105.30 SMWS Easy Peasy Farmy Squeezy, 28 years old, 46.5%

Our odyssey along the River Spey came to a close with this visit to Tormore. Not quite your classic Speyside, this had more of a walk through the forest than along the river. Slightly floral, citrus blossom, creamy lavender and coconut, grounded in crumbly earth almost made for a lemon meringue pie. The age was evident on the palate, with sticky, oily fruit, like cordial or unsweetened syrup on top of buttered sourdough toast. Maybe a crystal or two of sea salt, but maybe that’s just too far. An interesting and unusual dram, balancing out some of the other offerings nicely, and a perfect way to bring proceedings to an end.

A beautiful journey through this most varied of regions. Usual thanks to John!

Dramblers Tasting #15

dramblersanonymous@gmail.com (John Hill) — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 13:08:08 GMT

Stateside again.

Tasting Date: 22nd September 2021

A return to the USA! Two bourbons, two ryes and a corn whiskey. Funky, farmy, MB Roland - some Few cut with tea, a small Indiana producer bottled by LDB of Aberdeenshire and a single cask Barton's. What's not to like?

Few Immortal Rye, cut with Oolong Tea, 46.5%

This was a pleasant way to start things off - a nicely perfumed nose of soapy tar mixed with tinned fruits. On the palate, there was a syrupy sweetness, which dissipated quickly leaving a somewhat dry finish. Only a little more time gave much more - pineapple cubes and twisted barley sugar for the sweets, iced tea and T-Tree oil for the underlying mentholy grain that tied it all together. Really moreish!

Barton’s 1792 Single Barrel Bourbon, 49.3%

We stayed in or near the sweet shop for this next offering. This was more of a sharp sweetness though, with cinnamon and floral notes combining with sour fruits, maybe rhubarb and black cherries. There was a chalkiness here too, bringing to mind flump marshmallows, and possibly summed up nicely by a single visit to the old-school: Oddfellows. More time in the glass made it more bananas and marzipan, not a favourite, but still absolutely welcome.

MB Roland Corn Whiskey Barrel #11 (95% white corn, 5% malted barley, ex-bourbon barrel), 57.5%

We knew there was an MB in here somewhere, and this was picked out straight away as a likely contender. The heavy notes of bacon bits, parmesan rind and twiglets were up front, with some delicious toasty flavours following close behind. Flaked almonds, burnt hazelnuts, grilled toast and maybe the Big Purple One from Quality Street. A touch of water opened up lemony peppery wisps, but many chose to enjoy the substantial offerings of the neat MB Corn. Delicious.

L’il Brown Dawg Indiana Rye (unnamed) 58.7%

This was less safe ground, and it split the group somewhat. A sharp, herby nose of fennel bulbs, pepper and cold earl grey tea hinted at the unusual palate to come. Plenty black liquorice, caraway seeds, aniseed, maybe even cumin seeds too. A touch of water, however, transformed the dram, opening up warming, creamy chai and cinnamon. Not for everyone, but undeniably an unusual and welcome dram.

MB Roland Bourbon, Barrel F07-18B (78% white corn, 17% rye, 5% malt, #4 char barrel), 53.2%

The final dram for tonight was a curveball, because it also had heavy suggestions of the MB signature flavours picked up earlier. Turns out this was entirely justified. Cheese on buttered digestives on the nose, giving way to coffee-infused caramel waffles. This was a chewy, full-bodied and fantastically moreish drop. Excellent.

Dramblers Tasting #14

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 22:06:29 GMT

A couple of Glens and an Island

Tasting Date: 27th August 2021

A tasting for a pleasant summers evening. A great mix from across Scotland,

That Boutiquey Whisky Company Blend #1 Batch 7 25 years old, 50.8%

An interesting one to start, with a ‘teaspooned malt’ from TBWC. Plenty sweetness on the nose, with, a really pleasing tangy presence - maybe a charcuterie plate, with lots of pickles, melon slices and salty breadsticks. A nice warmth to it too - like fresh-off-the-copier paper. Plenty more melon followed, with overripe bananas and cherries. A drop of water opened up apple crumble, cinnamon and other light spices. Great start.

Glenburgie 1997 22 years old G&M, 59.1%

A salty, sandy sophisticated nose here, with brown sugar, black pepper and toasted almonds to boot. A delicious palate of chewy sourdough bread, dipped in gloopy balsamic vinegar led to a beautifully clean, fresh finish, reminiscent of a dry vermouth. Pickled walnuts, slightly bitter strawberries, and a surprisingly rich, buttery finish. Lovely dram!

Glenlivet 2006 13 years old Signatory, bottled for Total Beverage (USA), 60.8%

Fewer clues straight off the bat, for this one, but after a few minutes, a wispy nose of cloves and dark, vibrant flowerbeds started to emerge. The palate was metallic, burnt, with more than a touch of pepper, and it finally opened up to reveal other things. French vanilla pods, salted meats, and a fizzy finish that was a welcome way to bring this dram to a close.

Talisker 2021 Distillery Exclusive batch 01, 48%

A sumptuous smoky red wine bomb burst out of the nose like a cheeky little firework. Stewed plums, smoked cheese and york fruits. A slight bite towards the end, with white pepper, sweetened vanilla and grilled, juicy peppers from the BBQ. This was a beast of a dram to finish, lip-smackingly moreish, and really rather good.

Usual thanks to John, another cracking set to bring the summer months to a close!

Dramblers Tasting #13

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:17:25 GMT

The Feis Effect

Tasting Date: 3rd August 2021

Unable to visit the island due to our good friend Covid, why not bring the Feis to us? A selection of the 2021 Feis Ile festival drams, in anticipation of getting back to Islay in May 2022.

Laddie Origins Feis 2021 7 years old, 56.3%

The first of the Feis drams had plenty to talk about. A generous bowlful of tropical fruit - cherries and pineapples - sat nicely with the Islay staples of melted butter and seaweed. There was a wisp of fresh spearmint and a bitter aftertaste of spicy, crackling wood. More time in the glass gave more butter, and sweet, buttery icing to boot, retaining that bitter bite, angostura, or maybe even Lea and Perrins. A promising start!

Bowmore 18 Feis 2021 1st fill oloroso, 51.2%

The second dram was delightful, as even the most reluctant Bowmore fans would agree. Straight up smacks of meringue and aged oak, tempered by lingering mint toffee, this was stunning stuff. It went musical too, with a cupboard mustiness on the nose bringing to mind an old polished fiddle in an undisturbed case, complete with chalky resin on the bow. The menthol came next, with sweet peat smoke and just-spent fireworks following soon after. Bitter sweet cacao nibs and a surprisingly chalky dry finish rounded the dram off. There was no linger on this, but what a beautiful journey this was. Brilliant.

Lagavulin 13 Feis 2021 Port finish, 56.1%

The Lagavulin promised a sweet burst of dark fruit, and delivered hot bananas on toast. There was a sparkle up front, a hint of toasted sweet almonds, a dash of cinnamon and a delve into a fresh ripe peach. Lots going on, if perhaps not quite the rounded sophistication expected. Certainly it was a nice, big, sweet Islay offering, but following the Bowmore probably put it at a disadvantage.

Bunnahabhain Feis 2021 Moine Bordeaux, 59.5%

This was better - red wine and smoked bacon fries made for a highly appetising nose, and the depth was a great effort for the NAS. Marinated steak and chips, reduced cider balsamic, and a malty underlying presence that kept it just grounded enough. The finish brought to mind really funky ripe cheese, scorched metal, and overripe grapes and chilli. Plenty to be getting on with. Really good!

Kilchoman Feis 2021 olorosso & bourbon, 56.3%

Quite a hot start here - fresh ginger and herbs making for a lively and bouncing nose. It journeyed nicely into malty, buttery biscuits, grilled toast, and somehow, strawberry tarts laced with plenty fruity syrup. This was an excellent way to finish, complex enough for different notes to come through, strong enough to make an impact, and rounded in a way that brought proceedings delightfully to an end.

Summer Drams 2021 - The Final Dram!

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 22:30:43 GMT

On the tenth day of Summer...

My palate offered...

Dangerously quaffable history juice

Tasting Date: Wednesday 30th June 2021

Bottle: 30 year old Ballantine's bottled in the mid 1980's, 43%

Nose a bit waxy, boot polish, paraffin - like vaseline, brasso (or any other brand of metal polish), vaguely floral - like when you get a sweet floral wine, with a refined, toned down honey running through it (mead?). Cracking stuff, quite austere but bags going on, develops really well on the palate. Flashes through various fruits, has the appearance of sweet but really isn't, a slight savouriness, a touch of honey water (the flavour without the sugar).

Nuts and bolts. Burnt sugar on top of a creme brulee. Rich and wholesome, with a lurking dustiness. Varnished wood, a carpet of pine needles. Really, though, this dram was a time capsule. A gentle but deliberate stroll through an old, dry, dusty forest, with only a glass for company. Amazing to sample, this was, after all made for those who wanted a 30 year old whisky, in the 1950s. Excellent, and what a way to bring proceedings to an end.

Summer Drams 2021 Day 9

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 22:25:01 GMT

On the ninth day of Summer...

My palate offered...

This one smells like bandages, finishes like a Havana cigar and doesn’t captain Spurs [Roddy Gibson]

Tasting Date: Tuesday 29th June 2021

Bottle: Caol Ila 9 year old single cask, finished for 2 years in oloroso, bottled by Hunter Laing. 57.9%

A cracker of a dram here, red wine, rich tobacco, toffee apples and fireworks. Sophisticated, too, for all that fiery action, the oiliness and gently balanced pepper spice keeping it all in delicious check. Liquorice notes appeared out of the woodwork, with menthol and darkly fruity cigars blending beautifully to create a powerfully potent, yet carefully crafted and balanced drop. A big favourite.

Summer Drams 2021 Day 8

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 22:16:40 GMT

On the eighth day of Summer...

My palate offered...

Some sort of exotic trifle

Tasting Date: Monday 28th June 2021

Bottle: Strathmill 1992 Celebration of the Cask by Morrsion Mackay. Bottled 2015, 23 years old, 51.8%

Cask: Bourbon Barrel

An exciting dram for a Monday night here. Lots of lime, plenty custard creams, and more than a touch of class. A gummy nose, like post-its or envelopes, a doughy, chewy palate, and a creamy, puddingy finish. Plenty of vanilla from the cask was still there too, possibly giving way to chocolate biscuits, a touch of boozy trifle and the sense of a pretty special dram. Great stuff.

Summer Drams 2021 Day 7

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 22:12:02 GMT

On the seventh day of Summer...

My palate offered...

Lingering sweetness and a little dryness

Tasting Date: Sunday 27th June 2021

Bottle: Deanston 12 Palo Cortado Finish, 55.4%

Cask: Palo Cortado

The season continued with a belter. A sweet pie crust nose, with jam, cream, and bakewell tart for good measure. Lots of honey came on the palate, with cherries, slightly burnt apricot danish pastries, and oily tinned peaches. A lovely, long finish of buttery crumble made for a distinguished and most accomplished drop. Delicious.

Summer Drams 2021 Day 6

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 21:29:44 GMT

On the sixth day of Summer...

My palate offered...

A rather tasty toffee treat

Tasting Date: Saturday 26th June 2021

Bottle: Macallan 12 2008, SMWS 24.148 Effortlessly Bold. 63.4%

Cask: Oloroso cask and oloroso finish

This next offering gave us an excellent nose for a Saturday night. A dark, bitter, treacley toffee that hinted at the depths of deep sherry cask influence that was to come. There were layers here, starting with lighter, brandy or cocoa butter, and milk chocolate, but then bright smacks of gingery spices, fig rolls, sticky dates, and somehow finishing with a lingering vanilla ice cream. The flavours kept coming, more time in the glass gave some hints of tobacco, vibrant red fruits and maybe even nuts. A firm favourite for many, a superb dram.

Tasting notes are gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, unless you asked John, in which case, tasted with the burden of knowledge. It's all a bit of fun.

Summer Drams 2021 Day 5

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 21:04:02 GMT

On the fifth day of Summer...

My palate offered...

A rye smile.

Tasting Date: Friday 25th June 2021

Bottle: Whistlepig Farmstock Rye, Crop #3. 43%

Cask: Single Farm Rye, Vermont

Next up came an offering from across the pond. A really interesting nose, with bananas, cane sugar and sweetly perfumed red fruit. A touch of menthol too suggested maybe a strawberry halls soother?! Slightly more fiery flavours came in on the palate, the bite of cloves and liquorice blending nicely with the fizz of oranges and sherbet lemons. The dram gave more of a burst and fizzle then some, and there was no lingering finish to speak of, but plenty to enjoy on that nose!

Tasting notes are gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, unless you asked John, in which case, tasted with the burden of knowledge. It's all a bit of fun.

Summer Drams 2021 Day 4

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 21:03:41 GMT

On the fourth day of Summer...

My palate offered...

A sweet little morsel

Tasting Date: Thursday 24th June 2021

Bottle: Ardnamurchan AD/04.21/03, 6 years old, 46.8%

Cask: Sherry and Bourbon

The fourth dram was a sweet young thing from an exciting cask. After a somewhat slow start, it gathered steam and sticky sweet momentum to develop nicely. There was a wisp of fizzy orange on the nose, maybe foamy confectionery too, along with a salty, almost tangy pick-me-up. The body was soft, but rich and fulfilling, with layers of maple syrup, gentle smoke, and possibly even pancakes.

Tasting notes are gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, unless you asked John, in which case, tasted with the burden of knowledge. It's all a bit of fun.

Summer Drams 2021 Day 3

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 20:59:36 GMT

On the third day of Summer...

My palate offered...

A deeply dark, fruity lark

Tasting Date: Wednesday 23rd June 2021

Bottle: Kavalan Soloist Vinho Barrique New Year 2020 Bottling. 2013, 6 years old, 54%

Cask: Vinho Barrique, Taiwan

The third dram was a bit different. A beautiful deep and dark colour, with loads of berry fruits on the nose. A pleasingly perfumed aroma too, heavily suggestive, incorrectly so, of a sherry cask. Sweet flabours came through on the palate too, maybe jammy biscuits, slightly burnt. Mild spices, although nothing quite like last night. The casks used here are used to age both red and white wine, before being re-charred, which may account for some of these unusual, and entirely welcome notes. Different and delicious.

Tasting notes are gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, unless you asked John, in which case, tasted with the burden of knowledge. It's all a bit of fun.

Summer Drams 2021 Day 2

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 22:39:59 GMT

On the second day of Summer...

My palate offered...

A gentle summery spicy number.

Tasting Date: Tuesday 22nd June 2021

Bottle: Cambus Single Grain Cask, 1993/26 years old,

The second dram of the season served up a delicious and enticing nose of grassy, floral and aromatic spices. Cardamon pods, maybe lavender, sweet pineapple and honey developed, all piled on a slice of wholegrain buttery toast. A syrupy sweetness suggested a sherry influence, and the shouts for grain whisky were right on the mark. A really pleasant drop, this one, just the right level of spice mixing beautifully with a fullsome punch from the grain.

Tasting notes are gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, unless you asked John, in which case, tasted with the burden of knowledge. It's all a bit of fun.

Summer Drams - it kicks off here!

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 21:00:21 GMT

On the longest day...

My palate offered...

A salty stony slap.

Tasting Date: Monday 21st June 2021

Bottle: Bruichladdich Private cask #0425 for David Downes. 12 yr old, 2005 (61.2%)

Cask: Fresh bourbon barrel

As it had been a full six months since John had to source, package and post a collection of unusual drams to an ever-growing collection of drinkers, it was decided to get some summer drams on the go.

The first dram of Summer Drams '21 was scheduled for the Summer Solstice. A hot starter for 10, with a really intriguing dram. Choice notes included salty cheese, maybe bacon bits, stewed fruits and honey. and an underlying, moreish funkiness. The palate developed with more salty notes, dashes of toffee and a waxy, polished wood presence that tied it all together. It was peppery sharp, at 61.2%, but it grew more delicious with more time in the glass. A rather short, sharp finish, perhaps indicative of the shorter evenings to come.

Tasting notes are gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, unless you asked John, in which case, tasted with the burden of knowledge. It's all a bit of fun.

Dramblers Tasting #12

Mon, 24 May 2021 10:34:04 GMT

Another 5 Drams a charm

Tasting Date: 20th May 2021

A swirling sojourn round the Mull of Kintyre.

This month’s tasting was a little different, as all 5 drams were from Campbeltown, so all distilleries were known in advance, and all the focus could just be on tasting some rather excellent juice from a decent range of casks. Three of the five drams were whiskies from the May 2021 ‘online tasting week’, which replaced the 2021 Campbeltown whisky festival – hopefully next year we will get back to in-person events.

Springbank 21yr 1993 single cask for Lockett Brothers, North Berwick. 49.4%

Bourbon Hogshead

We started with a really interesting trip to Springbank. A very perfumed nose, sweet toffee and estery compounds giving way to plenty of vegetal notes with more time in the glass. On the palate, in a word; minerals. A chalkiness, maybe even inkiness, fresh newspaper and very light pencil shavings. All tempered by more grassiness, herbal aromas and a hint of apricots in time.

Hazelburn 15yr Online Tasting Week. 54.9%

Fresh Oloroso Casks

Dram number 2 came out of the blocks with a phenomenal nose of fruity cake, morello cherries, raisins, ginger and allspice. The sherry influence came bursting through with dried nuts; almonds and hazelnuts aplenty. There was a fleeting glimpse of an oily tang, time for a touch more fruit, and then a curiously dry finish. Brilliant out the blocks, that one.

Longrow 17yr Online Tasting Week. 50.5%

Fresh Rum Casks

Dram number 3 was all about the rum. 17 years in rum alone made for buckets of peaches and bananas on the nose, with a real strong swathe of demerara sugar. The peat was present too, and it made for a really excellent and unusual dram. The flavours kept coming, with white pepper, white chocolate and menthol all doing battle with a drag of BBQ and butter toffee present throughout. Excellent.

Glen Scotia 9yr 2011 SMWS 93.160 External Combustion Engine. 59.2%

1st fill ex-bourbon

This was something different again, with a hot start of burnt orange, ginger cake and sugar crystals. There were savoury notes too, with maybe an oriental flavour, sesame or even teriaki. There was an awesome burst of eucalyptus too, which acted as a kind of bridge to the sweetness to come. Caramelised ginger, foam bananas, cola cubes, aniseed balls and a pleasing stickiness to finish.

Kilkerran 5yr Heavily Peated Online Tasting Week . 58.2%

Fresh Oloroso Casks

To finish, a big, dirty, peaty monster of a Kilkerran. Clue is in the name, and it didn’t disappoint. The olorosso cask influence was strong, there was leather, and a sulphury mineraliness too, which just enhanced that big, deliciously unrefined belt of a Campbeltown slap. Great way to finish proceedings!

Great to see some returning faces, and usual thanks to John for making it all happen.

Dramblers Tasting #11

Tue, 18 May 2021 13:28:41 GMT

5 Drams a charm

Tasting Date: 21st April 2021

Tonight’s tasting offered 5 drams from Scottish distilleries, after forays further afield in recent months.

Drams tasted blind, with the following notes a joint effort of those present.

Glenfiddich Distillers Edition 15 years old – 51%

This was offered up as a ‘control dram’, idea being a relatively inoffensive, safe dram to return to in between what was to follow. A nice idea, and a perfectly suited drop. Lots of bakery influences throughout, maybe a currant-filled dough, or a light carrot cake on the nose. An elaborate body, more malty, and rounded with licks of grounding metals. More time in the glass gave way to rum flavours, packed with pleasingly sweet bananas and sugary cereals.

Glenfarclas 20 years old, bottled for Southport Whisky Club – 53.5%

The bakery theme continued here, buttery pretzels and fatty, salty toast. There was a pleasing olive oil presence too, perhaps pizza, complete with ham, herbs and maybe even sweetcorn. The finish was more pickled though, a gingery sourness with a warming spiced apple chutney finish. Really pleasant dram.

Glenrothes 1997 23 years old from Whiskybroker – 54.8%

After a quick check-in with the control dram, there was yet more bakery influence here. Floury cakes and floury hands being wiped on a plasticky apron. Jammy pastries and malt loaf at the front, but the sherry influence then taking over. Cigar box and spice came in, with sugar coated almonds, allspice, walnuts and hazlenuts all combining to leave a deliciously sharp, almost dry finish. Some may say Black Jack sweeties, some may say that’s too far. A very interesting dram though.

Longrow Red 2021 Malbec cask 10 years old – 52.5%

We finally left the bakery, and went instead on a coastal jaunt, breathing in sweet tar and treacle sponge, deliciously tempered with smoked nuts and strawberries. Jammy notes continued on the palate, with apples or cherries providing the fruit, and the wine cask betraying itself. There was a lasting sweetness, maybe penny shrimps, maybe foam sweets of another kind, time for one last burst of fruity flavour, absolutely delicious.

Octomore 2009 10 years old bottled for Friends of Bruichladdich (Octonomnomnomnomore) Syrah cask – 65.2%

Whenever there’s a five dram offer, you know there’s something special in that last bottle. A nose to smack you about, with creamed nuts and smoked hay suggested something truly lip-smacking awaits on the palate. Layers of pipe tobacco and leather and silky dark fruit kept coming, with rich depth of superb flavour. Obviously a decent cask strength, but the complexity and moreishness of those cherries and blackcurrants made it go down like a dream. One of the best yet!

Dramblers Tasting #9

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 22:56:09 GMT

An SMWS special

Tasting Date: 25th February 2021

The second tasting of 2021 was all about two things. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and Bourbon Casks. We welcomed a couple of new faces to the Tastings, always good to see!

Drams tasted blind, with the following notes a joint effort of those present.

#1 Balblair SMWS 70.37 A crunchy moreish delight 11 year old 2007 61.1%

The traditional sweet starter for 10 went down in a fashion that utterly belied it’s ABV of 61.1%. There were several sweets on offer, maybe a nice buttery werthers original, a cough candy, or even a barley sugar. A touch of water, and more time in the glass gave more jammy notes, apricot, peaches or plums, always with an undertone of pleasant sourness. The finish was biscuity, and a lingering feel of chewy fruit shortcakes made for a more than solid start.

#2 Clynelish SMWS 26.157 Oil rubbed Rhubarb 9 year old 2011 58.7%

If the first dram offered a few glimpses of various sweeties, this one was like diving headfirst into ye olde sweete shoppe. Pineapple cubes, pear drops, jelly strawberries and cola bottles. Maybe some foam bananas too. Touches of herbal notes were also picked up, a pleasing nutty oiliness and a vanilla bean/honey combo gave the heavy suggestion of the bourbon cask finish. Really top-notch dram, this one.

#3 Tomatin SMWS 11.41 Smoke, mirrors and honey traps 31 year old 1989 50.8%

From sweeties to deserts. A nose full of grain and fuel promised great things, and everything about this dram was very nicely tempered. There was some bitter orange, some creamy cheesecake and some sophisticated dark chocolate. The medicinal smoke was enough to wrap the dram, without overpowering, and the finish was one of lingering silk. A favourite for many!

#4 Caol Ila SMWS 53.356 I have a very particular set of skills 9 year old 2010 60.2%

From deserts to division. This dram was either absolutely excellent or absolutely not, depending who you ask. There was loads of tar, dirty smoke, hot tyres and spicy blackened BBQ. Liberal saltiness and shellfish confirmed the Islay nature of this beautiful beast. A surprisingly rounded finish took nothing away from the unique character of this most excellent of numbers.

Some really cool drams this month, with at least one providing the biggest split to date, and a somewhat unprintable alternative description. Proof as if needed that every dram isn't for everyone! Usual thanks to John!

Dramblers Tasting #8

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 22:32:17 GMT

An international Dram

Tasting Date: 21st January 2021

The first tasting of 2021 was an international affair, with offerings from England, Ireland, Japan and Sweden. Plus a bonus Scottish dram, kindly donated by Rob, Cheers Rob!

Drams tasted blind, with the following notes a joint effort of those present.

#1 This evening’s tasting started off with a bonus offering, kindly donated by Rob. There was plenty going on, too, with caramel and strawberry milkshakes, ice cream and sweet toffee sauce. Bits of rice pudding then came into play, maybe cardamom on top, maybe nutmeg, some say apples, some mint. A waxy finish left a pleasing impression, an excellent way of preparing the palate for what was to follow.

#2 Bimber single cask 124/24 for Southport Whisky Club. 58.1%

This offering from London was herbal, jammy, grassy and bold. Some suggested Jaegar, some ginger cake. A good sprinkling of something was on top too, carraway seed? Toasted sesame seeds? Crispy seaweed? The textures were great, a syrupy fruity finish, and generally, a very interesting dram.

#3 Blue Spot 7 years. 58.7%

The Irish offering was full of rum. After a good swirl in the glass, plenty of tropical fruit, toasted coconut and banana came through. It then developed with cherry blossom and menthol, showing the sherry cask influence, and betraying the rum deception. Delicious spots of toasted marshmallow gave a really tasty finish, this was a favourite for many this evening.

#4 That boutique-y whisky company japanese Blend 21 batch #2. 47.7%

What turned out to be a Japanese blend offered charcoally burnt toast, treacle toffee and buttered slices of malt loaf. There was a fantastic umami there, smoked gammon with some sort of sticky sweet sauce, maybe golden sultanas, definitely delicious. A chewy, tannic dram with a dry mouth feel and the feeling of drinking something pretty bloody special.

#5 High Coast 7yro Cadenhead 60.2%

Following what had come before had to be big, bold and ultimately divisive. This Swedish offering was mistaken by many for a big dirty Islay. Loads of smoke, burning tyres, BBQ ribs, leather and character made for an excellent hit of pure distilled power. More time gave more burn, maybe a wrecked clutch, maybe a blackened marshmallow. Not quite the complexity of a well-aged Islay, but an excellent spot of pretty unusual juice. Smashing!

A tasting full of intrigue and miles traveled. Some deceptively drinkable beauties, but enough ABV to shake a stick at, with heavy suggestions of 'fatigue' to follow the next day. Usual thanks to John, and additional thanks to Rob for supplying the first dram from his collection!

Dramvent 2020 - The Final Dram!

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 22:22:28 GMT

On the final day of dramvent

My palate gave to me...

An excellent dram.

Tasting Date: Thursday 24th December

Bottle: Ardbeg 19 year old Traigh Bhan batch #2 (46.2%)

Cask: American oak and Oloroso

And so the final dram of Dramvent 2020 hit the glasses this evening, and what a way to bring proceedings to a close. This was a Hell of a dram, beautifully balanced nose and a rich, incredibly moreish palate. There was floral vanilla, pine, smokey bacon and leather all encased in peaty deliciousness reported for the nose alone. The palate brought meatiness, tar and sweet menthol, with possibly a hint of rich buttered seafood which may or may not have involved dribbling. The finish on this one was superbly prolonged too, with a superbly subdued little bite right at the end, just enough to demand you somehow order another.

Few guesses put forward for this one, but an overwhelming favourite, which given the competition, is a feat in itself. A fitting way to bring Dramvent to a close for this year.

Tasting notes are gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, unless you looked at the envelope, in which case, tasted with the burden of knowledge. It's all a bit of fun.

Dramvent 2020 - Dram #11

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 23:36:50 GMT

On the eleventh day of dramvent

My palate gave to me...

Tequila and Pizzas

Tasting Date: Wednesday 23rd December

Bottle: Clynelish 'Candle Kitty' Whisky Sponge bottling (48.5%)

Cask: Double Hogshead

The penultimate dram arrived with plenty of guts and some further division in the ranks. The powerful, salty meaty nose was tempered with more tropical flavours of banana, citrus and pineapple, all slightly reminiscent of a Hawaiian Pizza cooked on the BBQ. The palate was rich, savoury and had a delicious chewy mouthfeel. Tequila notes and pickles completed the rout. Very tasty, sadly only one now remains!

Some guesses at tequila and rum finishes, a shout for Bourbon cask, enjoyed by most, revered by many!

Dramvent 2020 - Dram #10

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 23:34:41 GMT

On the tenth day of dramvent

My palate gave to me...

custard and division

Tasting Date: Tuesday 22nd December

Bottle: Cameronbridge 30 year old 1990 single cask (51.5%)

Cask: Single Sherry Butt

This one hit a few different notes. Lots of custard, banana and vanilla on the nose, offset with a somewhat bitter acetone presence. There was a fresh, woody suggestion as well, possibly pencil shavings or an oily sawmill. The palate was more biscuity, with just a hint of cream perhaps, some salted popcorn developing, and even a suggestion of sweet cola cubes on the finish. Lots going on, hard to place!

Some guesses at grain whiskies, which as it turned out, were correct!

Dramvent 2020 - Dram #9

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 22:04:51 GMT

On the ninth day of dramvent

My palate gave to me...

Sugared Cereals and Biscuits

Tasting Date: Monday 21st December

Bottle: Glenkinchie Distillers Edition 2003-2015 (43%)

Cask: Double matured in Amontillado

It's a tough gig this, sampling all these delicious and unusual drams. Tonight's nose offered honey hued farm life, bread being baked, clotted cream from the dairy, sharp apple from the orchard and maybe a touch of red fruit or herbs from the field too. And crushed nuts. The palate brought it all together beautifully, maybe crunchy nut cornflakes or buttered danishes, never straying far from their grainy origins. Extremely quaffable!

Not a lot of guesses to go on, the most commonly reported note was just how well-integrated and drinkable this was.

Dramvent 2020 - Dram #8

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 00:14:43 GMT

On the eighth day of dramvent

My palate gave to me...

deliciously fermented fruit

Tasting Date: Sunday 20th December

Bottle: Tullibardine 14 Year old 2006 Whiskybroker Sherry Butt (56.8%)

After the excitement of last night's treat, this was a perfectly pleasant return to something approaching Earth. Lots of fermented fruit on the nose, maybe strawberry, redcurrant or orange. Bits of pickled flavours too - perhaps even HP sauce? The palate was biscuity - maybe shortbread or fresh bready dough. Touch of salt too, with milk chocolate and Turkish delight peeking through at the end. Very nice indeed.

Some guesses at island distilleries, possibly due to salinity, not a lot else!

Dramvent 2020 - Dram #7

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 22:10:22 GMT

On the seventh day of dramvent

My palate gave to me...

Apricots and other things

Tasting Date: Saturday 19th December

Bottle: Springbank 12, ceramic decanter, bottled circa 1980 (43%)

Inside information suggested that this was one of those John was most looking forward to of them all, and a hint that it was bottled around 1980. It certainly delivered in intrigue, with a glorious nose filled of stone fruit and fresh pepper, quite minerally, pine trees, or perhaps even freshly varnished pine. A quiet nose that developed nicely in the glass. A very waxy palate, possibly marshmallows or sweet sponge, hints of a boiled sweet presence, beeswax, honey - mouth coating like an olive oil, constantly developing. 30ml, nowhere near enough.

Incredibly hard to place, is a long way away from the Springbank funk we've grown accustomed to, but very much of its time. A pleasure to try!

Dramvent 2020 - Dram #6

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 23:57:54 GMT

On the sixth day of dramvent

My palate gave to me...

Richness, depth, sweetness and light

Tasting Date: Friday 18th December

Bottle: Cadenhead's 40 year old blend, for the Cadenhead Club (44.7%)

We were ominously warned last night that things 'got serious' tonight. Dram #6 was a heavy favourite on the nose, with plenty of rich, dark sweetness, hints of polished oak, leather, cola cubes, maybe toasted coconut, definitely promising of deliciousness to follow. The palate was sweeter, and well-balanced. Strawberry or figs maybe, and soft harmonious flavours, really working very nicely together. Lovely!

A lot of guesses at sherry finishes, which was accurate, and one or two nailing the idea of a well-aged blend. Top Work!

Dramvent 2020 - Dram #5

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:16:18 GMT

On the fifth day of dramvent

My palate gave to me...

Buttery, peaty bananas.

Tasting Date: Thursday 17th December

Bottle: Kilchoman Fino Sherry Matured (46%)

Cask: Full maturation in fino casks from Bodega Miguel Martin in Spain, 11 fresh butts and 1 refill butt.

Off to islay this evening, sooty, minerally, paracetamol chalkiness, bananas, foam bananas, nuts, seaweed and chocolate on the nose. With a big hit of peat. The palate is a bit more straightforward peat, quite dry, none of the oil from the recent offerings here. A touch of dried fruit, or cocoa nibs, perhaps spice too, pepper, powdered nutmeg or star anise, all while being rather buttery. A gravelly, delicious morsel.

A few shouts for Laphroiag, Islay was probably at the front of many thoughts with all that peaty goodness.

Dramvent 2020 - Dram #4

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:03:39 GMT

On the fourth day of dramvent

My palate gave to me...

SALTY

Tasting Date: Wednesday 16th December

Bottle: Cadenhead's 'The Tasting Room' twice distilled Glengyle PBS (Pure British Spirit) (56.1%)

A solera style living cask that can't technically call itself whisky... However, it's essentially a Kilkerran.

Back to Scotland tonight. A coastal smack on the nose, with plenty salt for sure, seaweed, salmon? Savoury muffins? Hints of fruit, maybe even salmon-infused-dill. The palate opened with clean, minerally, rounded notes, and a warming feel. Bready, maybe lightly spiced too, no lingering finish, but an impression for sure. A little drop of water softened the heat from the alcohol, emphasising the umami and savoury/sweet notes. Something different again, hard to posit an age or distillery.

Everyone guessed at coastal, and Campbeltown was a clear favourite. General consensus was that it's a rather pleasant dram!

Dramvent 2020 - Dram #3

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 22:20:09 GMT

On the third day of dramvent

My palate gave to me...

Something completely different

Tasting Date: Tuesday 15th December

Bottle: Kavalan Soloist - Yuan Shan - Taiwanese Distillery (56.8%)

Cask: Bourbon Single Cask

This was a departure from Scottish shores altogether, a nose with marzipan, mild spice and just a touch of underripe citrus fruit. A bitter slap on the palate, fiery with no smoke. Ginger snaps, amaretto biscuits, something crackling this way comes. A slightly sour note maybe too, burnt caramel, smoldering cinnamon, who knows. Totally different, definitely enjoyable!

Many guessed at port casks, some at Highland distilleries, few at bourbon casks, none at Taiwan.

Dramvent 2020 - Dram #2

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 22:13:49 GMT

On the second day of dramvent

Onwards...

After a strong start last night, dram #2 came out of the blocks with a superb nose and a darker depth of delicious flavour.

Tasting Date: Monday 14th December

Bottle: Benrinnes 12 years old, 2008 Whiskybroker bottling (55.4%)

Cask: Refill hogshead, finished in first fill olorosso hogshead

The trends are set for powerful, interesting noses this season. Sharp, dark fruit, maybe cherries, tempered with a lovely chocolatey/butterscotch note, which was developed further on the palate. Plenty nuts, maybe candied, maybe caramelised, possibly walnuts or even dried marzipan, and lots of oiliness, with a decent punch to boot. A desert of a dram; puddings, not necessarily for afters.

First fill and mid-50s ABV were guessed, with a range of distilleries and regions in play. A late shout of Mon Cheri sweets hit the mark.

Dramvent 2020 - It starts here!

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 21:59:10 GMT

On the first day of dramvent

We have kicked off!

After much anticipation from everyone, and several hours/days/weeks of planning, packing and posting from John, Dramvent 2020 starts here.

Tasting notes: gathered from input to chat, and an attempt at a pooled summary. Tasted blind, unless you looked at the envelope, in which case, tasted with the burden of knowledge. It's all a bit of fun.

Tasting Date: Sunday 13th December

Bottle: Glenfiddich 21 Reserva Rum Cask Finish (Batch 64) 40%

This was a lovely start to proceedings. A nose to hook you, with waxy notes aplenty, some powdery resin from somewhere, and a promise of sweetness to come. The palate gave waxy fruit, apples, apricots, melons and some light spice, pepper or nutmeg maybe. There was no lingering finish, but a syrupy, oily, buttery feel at the end left us wanting more. A pretty good start.

Some region guesses were nearer and further than others, but the age was guessed by none - 21 years! The rum finish wasn't guessed, but the associated flavours were (generously) in the ballpark.

Dramblers Lucky #7

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 22:06:46 GMT

Honey, spice and... curry.

Dramblers Tasting #7 arrived, with John having been asked for 'wine and spice' at the end of #6.

Tasting Date: 28/10/20

4 completely different drams, with the usual excellent standard of sup. It says a lot when a nicely red wine-aged Longrow comes out in 4th place for a majority of the group.

As ever, drams were tasted blind, and as usual, the quality of detective work in guessing anything accurate about the whisky was somewhat lacking.

Tasting notes below are a joint effort from those present.

1. Deanston 'Dragons Milk' Stout Cask Finish (50.5%)

Plenty of delicate but definitive notes suggested here. There was nutmeg on top of a creamy hot chocolate, with other fruits (apple?) on the nose. Honey sweetness, vienetta slices, milk chocolate and lemon beeswax were all mentioned on the palate, and a thick oily, waxy, mouthfeel was generally agreed. A more than solid start.

2. Bruichladdich Single Cask, 'Cask Evolution Exploration' 1st Fill Syrah (60.3%)

This was a favourite. Red wine and plummy jam fruits on the nose, but with a cured ham salty, umami presence too. Then it got better. Lots of cooked meats were mentioned, including a memorable 'lemon crusted lamb chop on the BBQ'. Menthol and medicine was in there, burnt rubber, smokey cheese, this had a lot to offer. The mouthfeel was incredible, this was just excellent.

3. Tomatin Single Cask 18 Pedro Ximinez (53.7%)

The previous Laddie was going to take some beating, and this gem gave it a bloody good shot. It started with serious savoury power on the nose, whether that's a roast dinner or a curry, you'll have to decide for yourself. It was somehow sweet as well though, with the PX influence showing through to a healthy extent. The palate offered something for everyone, almost literally. Celery salt, curry, liquorice allsorts, molasses, beef gravy, coronation chicken, road tar, gunmetal pipework, there was a lot going on, and it was great. The finish was definitely sticky - treacle sponge maybe, with an unusual smokey tone to round things off. And Curry. Superb!

4. Longrow Single Cask 10, 2 x Fresh Pinot Noir, 2 x Refill Malbec (53.7%)

Longrow is generally a bit of a favourite, but it was always going to take something pretty spectacular to compete with the previous two offerings. There was nothing unpleasant about this though - the nose was all Campbeltown, plenty peat smoke fighting with the heavy red wine cask influence. The palate gave more of the same, with smoked meat (bacon?), subtle peppery spices and berries/brambles joining the mix. The wine shone through, and really did make for a delicious end to the evening.

Another outstanding tasting overall, with plenty of wine and spice on offer throughout. Cheers to John for the usual champion efforts in sourcing, sending and leading the tasting.

Dramblers Tasting #6

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 23:48:16 GMT

Just reward for patience

Tasting Date: 1st October 2020

Tonight's tasting offered up the usual range of very good to supreme. Lots of sweet notes reported, and one of the cask influences even being picked out for a change.

Drams tasted blind, with the following notes a joint effort of those present.

1. Glenburgie Batch 5 TBWC bottling 8 years (55.2%)

The opening dram was a sweet delight, with fruity syrup notes and light iodine influence on the nose. It just got sweeter from there. There was a rubbery vanilla fudginess, with some light gingery spice going on. The syrup added to the waxy mouthfeel, and the overlasting impression was soft, sweet, and very pleasant.

2. Dailuaine First Cask 1975 27 years (46%)

This was much more perfumed on the nose, tangerine oil with a redcurrant tartness suggesting there was more to this than it may seem. The palate was very biscuity, with multiple candidates offered up before settling on brandy snaps, slightly burnt. There was something else going on as well, but suggestions of mint, banana and bacon bits can't all have been right at the same time. Can they?

3. Springbank 'Cage Bottling' Fresh Bourbon 6 years (59.3%)

Springbanks generally go down pretty well here, and this was no exception. A salty chocolate, charred oak chardonnay nose was full of answered promise. There was plenty of cakey deserts, madeira cake, or a fruit cake bursting with cherries, strawberries and honeyed almonds. The fresh bourbon cask gave a creamy undertone, and somehow there was room for freshly made blackberry jam too. Delicious!

4. Talisker Rum Cask 8 years (57.9%)

After that excitement, we got a pretty rare thing, with a rum cask influenced Talisker. There was plenty of sweet smoke on the nose, with more than a few of us mistakenly picking out an Islay offering. The palate was sweeter though, with a rich body layered with fruity BBQ flavours, and plenty pepper. If HP sauce smothered a pile of smouldering sugar cane, this is what it might taste like. Really rather good.

Just for a change, an excellent evening, and our usual thanks to John for sourcing and leading the tasting.

Dramblers Tasting #5

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 23:42:22 GMT

The Cambus and the Chocolate

Tasting Date: 2nd September 2020

Tasting number 5 arrived with 4 wee bottles, and an intriguing bar of chocolate. Some fascinating drams here, well-aged, and plenty to talk about!

Drams tasted blind, with the following notes a joint effort of those present.

1. Inchmurrin SMWS 112.45 18 years (55.5%)

The first dram was sweet and nutty, apricot stones, peaches, candy canes and boiled sweets all mentioned. The palate betrayed the age a little, with a lovely depth to the vanilla caramel flavours from a long time in Bourbon oak. There was a toastiness too, maybe oats, maybe coconut, definitely welcome. More time in the glass just made it sweeter and sweeter, a great start!

2. North Star Spica 40 years (48.4%)

The second dram was a different affair altogether, with a powerful nose offering deep, developed notes of coffee and rich dark fruit. Some got honey sweetness, some got bitter molasses, everyone got something from this one. The palate was more of the same, with still darker flavours of leather and tobacco mixing beautifully with pipe smoke and fine wine. An excellent dram.

3. Cambus 'Carn Mor' 27 years (60.6%)

The next dram was unusual for these sessions in at least two ways. For one, it was a grain whisky (no longer standing), for two, it came with chocolate. Both exciting, if not equally so for all. On the nose, it was all oil and orange peel, with a hint of the gentle warmth that was to come. More oily notes came on the palate, with bursts of curranty dried fruit. There was pleasant fire, Cointreau liqueur, chocolate and orange. Delicious, and beautifully balanced.

4. Ledaig Batch 4 TBWC 19 years (46%)

In keeping with recent trends, we were expecting something maybe smokey, maybe dirty, and probably from the West. The final dram delivered on all these fronts, with a nose summed up as 'so farmy it's like a cow's arse', obviously in a good way. The peat and farm flavours persisted on the palate, but really this was all about that pretty unique nose. A great dram to finish, it certainly couldn't have gone anywhere else in the evening!

With a combined age of over 100 years, an absolute beast of a tasting, with senses beaten about and brushed over backwards. An excellent tasting, and our usual thanks to John.