Brora, 30 year old, 55.7%, $400
Astonishingly fresh and clean for 30 years in oak, and with incredible depth. Slight oily texture. Appetizing brine, with honeyed vanilla, mustard seed, green olive, Seville orange, and lemon zest. Underlying smoke, damp peat and seaweed. Put simply, Brora at its finest.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 95
Keeping in the Irish whiskey theme for the “Friday’s Pick”, here’s Bushmill’s newest entry. I’ve been sitting on this whiskey for a while, waiting closer to its release date here in the U.S. before posting a review. It’s a really nice, limited-edition, blended Irish whiskey released to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Bushmills (the location, not the […]
This whiskey will be hitting the shelves in the U.S. in March, and there’s a press dinner in NYC later this month. As you have come to expect with “What Does John Know?”, I already have this whiskey and I’m offering my thoughts well in advance.
Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, 2007 Release, 46%, $250
Jameson’s newest […]
Lonach (distilled at Carsebridge), 1963 vintage, 43 year old, 43%, $115
A rare bottling indeed, from this now defunct grain distillery. Very tropical, with a macaroon and vanilla cream foundation. Complementary notes of marshmallow, crème brulee, honey and pineapple. Surprisingly vibrant for a 43 year old whisky and, while expressing sweeter notes, not at all cloying […]
The Glenrothes, 1975 vintage, 43%, $500
A polished, very elegant expression with subtle complexity throughout. Notes of squeaky-clean fruit (tangerine, peach, nectarine, kiwi) in light syrup. Vibrant spice (cinnamon, white pepper, anise), creamy vanilla and almond evolve on the palate, leading to a gentle finish. Surprisingly lively for a whisky more than 30 year old.
When I […]
Willett Single Barrel Estate Reserve Bourbon, Barrel # A-4614, 47%, $35
Bottled in a really cool glass pot still decanter. Soft and elegant on the nose and palate, and very well balanced. An incredibly drinkable whiskey. There’s no age statement on the bottle, but it was bottled at just the right time, based on its great […]
Compass Box, Canto Cask 46, 53.2%, $65
Aged in new French Oak cask heads with a long toasting. Deliciously creamy, sweet toasty profile, with coconut cream, toasted marshmallow, toffee pudding and honeyed vanilla. Gentle spice notes (especially clove) and hints of fruit dance on the palate. Very soothing. (Bottled for Park Avenue Liquor)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine […]
Wild Turkey American Spirit, 15 year old, 50%, $90
A clean, well-rounded bourbon packed with flavor. Deep amber, with tinges of gold. Rich, silky aromas, with thickly textured, seamless flavors on the palate. Incredibly smooth, too, with interwoven notes of toffee, molasses, creamy vanilla, and candy corn. Underlying lush fruit, cinnamon, and fresh mint—especially on the […]
Compass Box, Flaming Heart (Batch #2), 48.9%, $85
Balanced Islay whiskies combine peat smoke characteristics with a sweet foundation. They’re not one-dimensionally smoky. This whisky is an excellent example. This is a peat-laden whisky with refinement and grace. Creamy vanilla, caramel, and honey harmoniously marry with persistent—yet controlled—peat smoke. Crisp spice notes and dancing fruit throughout […]
