What Wee Dram Are You Enjoying Now - Spring/Summer 2013

[ChainWhip]

Our inaugural "Foreign Whisky of the Month" was the inspiration from tonight's pour:

[black mamba]

I got to taste the new Power's Signature Release Pot Still Irish today, a very nice dram for the money ($45).

Nose of honeyed green apples; vanilla toffee, fruit and barley on the palate; finish turning somewhat peppery.

Lacks the depth and smoothness of the John's Lane 12 yo, but a good buy at $20 less.

[BigBoldBully]

A mix of Glen Moray classic, Ardbeg 10, Black Grouse--and ginger ale. It's the best medicine.

[MyOldKyDram]

Laphroiag CS our at a local bar. Powerful stuff but tasty!

[ChainWhip]

Talisker 10 & Ardbeg Ardbog again... The Ardbog is better the second time around & I'm just going to keep on pouring.

[whiskeyagonzo]

Cracked a bottle of Springbank 12 CS last night.

[MacinJosh]

Cracked a bottle of Springbank 12 CS last night.

[Virus_Of_Life]

Fantastic juice. Love me some SB! The Claret finish is one of the best I've ever had. I'm hoarding my last bottle.

Hey Josh, could you post a photo of that by chance? I think I left some of that on the shelf at a place I used to frequent, unfortunately I don't live in that state anymore, but if I get back to visit in-laws would have to pick it up.

I'm actually doing a blind tonight of Galileo and Ardbog. The Galileo is not as smoky as I recall, but the bog seems a little better with a few extra minutes in the glass and something to compare it to. Admittedly I didn't add water to bring the proofs closer, but they're not that far off anyway... I actually do prefer the Galileo in all honesty, a little fruitier and not as bitter as the Ardbog. Bottom line though, both make me miss the earlier editions of Uigeadail! Even current Uigea IMHO is better, but the earlier stuff was way better.

Not sure what I am going to have next. Maybe some Talisker Manager's Choice.

[MacinJosh]

Hey Josh, could you post a photo of that by chance? I think I left some of that on the shelf at a place I used to frequent, unfortunately I don't live in that state anymore, but if I get back to visit in-laws would have to pick it up.

I'm actually doing a blind tonight of Galileo and Ardbog. The Galileo is not as smoky as I recall, but the bog seems a little better with a few extra minutes in the glass and something to compare it to. Admittedly I didn't add water to bring the proofs closer, but they're not that far off anyway... I actually do prefer the Galileo in all honesty, a little fruitier and not as bitter as the Ardbog. Bottom line though, both make me miss the earlier editions of Uigeadail! Even current Uigea IMHO is better, but the earlier stuff was way better.

Not sure what I am going to have next. Maybe some Talisker Manager's Choice.

Well, I thought I had a picture of the bottle but I can't find it anywhere in my photo library.

I'm at work now but I'll snap a picture of it when I get home and upload it here.

I'd grab any of these you see on the shelves. Just fantastic stuff, I wish I had gotten even more than I did. I'm missing it already.

[Clavius]

Again tackling the beast that is Ardbeg Corryvreckan.

[RVTsteve]

JWB on a rainy day and now Caol Ila 12 on a cold night.

[smokinjoe]

Finishing up with a Lagavulin 16. What a spectacularly wonderful whiskey.

[RVTsteve]

Ardbeg Uigeadail. A solid favorite of all the Ardbegs and Islays over all. Can find it for a decent price and always on hand.

[ChainWhip]

Longrow 10 - standard OB that kills it every time for me

[bearmark]

Lonach 36 Year Blend… after breathing for about a day, its improved greatly.

[Whisk(e)y]

Fantastic juice. Love me some SB! The Claret finish is one of the best I've ever had. I'm hoarding my last bottle.

How would you describe the taste on this one? There are a few at my local store and I've thought about buying one as I really like SB, but the few...and I do mean few...wine finished Single Malt's that I've had I wasn't a huge fan of.

[timd]

How would you describe the taste on this one? There are a few at my local store and I've thought about buying one as I really like SB, but the few...and I do mean few...wine finished Single Malt's that I've had I wasn't a huge fan of.

You didn't ask me - but I turned Josh on to it - along with many others.

It's awesomeness in a bottle.

It's got all the rich, briny & citrusy character that shines through in non-finished Springers, but the Claret finish, IMHO, adds nicely to this - it's got wine characteristics to be sure, but the wood wasn't overly winey, and neither is the whisky.

The peat smoke is kept well in balance (as typical with a Springer), and mingles succulently with the dark red fruits brought on by the Claret. It's got a luscious, rich mouth-feel.

This isn't a sherry or port finish; so it's not "sweetened up," nor is it a burgundy or other dry/tart red wine that can lead to some bitterness or sulfur-like qualities. Having gone through about 6 bottles of this, I can't say why more folks wouldn't use Claret casks for finishing. Totally additive, not destructive.

If you like high quality coastal/briny malts with a touch of peat (Springbank), at CS (over 100pr), and can appreciate the nuances of red berries, stone fruit and good wood aging, then you will like this.

BUT: If ANY hint of wine is offputting, don't buy it! However, if your concern is that it's not finished "well" versus simply being finished, then I would allay your concerns and state simply this is a winner of a scotch. I've probably gifted, or acquired for friends, between 20-25 bottles of this. Not one person has been less than thrilled.

Oh, did I mention it's gone? It was a limited production of about 9,000 bottles from well over a year ago - if you see it on a shelf, it's technically a dusty.

[MacinJosh]

How would you describe the taste on this one? There are a few at my local store and I've thought about buying one as I really like SB, but the few...and I do mean few...wine finished Single Malt's that I've had I wasn't a huge fan of.

Jealous!!! I would grab every one off the shelf if the price is right. This is one of my all-time favorite Springers. I thank Tim Davis for pointing this one out to me. Wished I'd have grabbed a lot more. Here are my official tasting notes.

Springbank 12yr Claret 54.4%

Nose: Lovely ripe fruit jumps out of the glass. Orange peal and citrus notes. Soft smoke and a whiff of red wine. Interesting!

Taste: Rich, creamy entry that quickly gives way to a splash of smoke and salt. Red fruit including grapes combined with a mild pepperiness unfolds mid-palate. A bit salty on exit.

Finish: The layers are beginning to unfold. A mild sweetness lingers with this long, pleasant finish. An oaky nuttiness of salty cashews hangs around on the back of the palate.

Rating: This is an excellent pour. Complex, well rounded, and full of layers. The smoke, fruit, and wine play well together and give this one a nice balance. I'm scoring it a 91.

Christian, here's a picture like you requested.

[MacinJosh]

You didn't ask me - but I turned Josh on to it - along with many others.

Lol, you beat me by about 30 seconds. See post above.

[timd]

Lol, you beat me by about 30 seconds. See post above.

HA! You are my brother from another mother. Our review notes, albeit different formats and slightly different word choices, are about 95% identical, too...

Smoke, citrusy, red fruit, solid wood expression... LOL

[MacinJosh]

HA! You are my brother from another mother. Our review notes, albeit different formats and slightly different word choices, are about 95% identical, too...

Smoke, citrusy, red fruit, solid wood expression... LOL

I know! It's seriously kind of scary.

I guess great palates taste alike!

[GaryT]

Heading to a Scotch tasting of 6 single malts. Tonight's menu includes:

Bunnahabhain 8 yr, Shieldaig (local retailer's private line) assortment (Speyside NAS, Speyside 12 yr, Speyside 18 yr, and Highliand NAS), and Glen Grant 16 yr. 6 pours + snacks for $20 - should be fun! Really hoping to find something that hits me right in this private line (since the pricing is very attractive - from $17.99 to $39.99 for the 18yr).

[MyOldKyDram]

Starting off the night w an Aberlour A'bunadh. I really, really love this stuff.

[GaryT]

Was impressed enough with the Shieldaig Highland NAS Single Malt that I hit the store on the way home from the tasting. I love Laphroaig/Ardbeg, and this had quite a bit of peat (but not as much iodine/medicinal). Only 40% ABV, but for $18 - probably the best Scotch I've had for under $20 (if you like peat).

[Yeti]

Celebrated a wedding anniversary yesterday and had a bit of everything. Several beers before and at the beginning of dinner, some 1987 port with dessert, and capped the evening with Old Pulteney 21 and a Macallan CS.