Tag: Islay Whisky Page 7 of 10

Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for whisky from the Islay whisky region in Scotland.

Despite the small size of the island and the limited amount of distilleries, the Hebridean island of Islay is considered as one of the most distinct regions. Because of this, Islay has become a centre of “whisky tourism”. The whiskies from Islay are known for their powerful smoky, peaty character.

Currently there are nine Islay distilleries. They incude Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Port Charlotte. The famous Port Ellen distillery closed its doors in 1983. Bruichladdich is the only distillery on the island that merely produces unpeated single malt whisky.

Rock Oyster Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/27/2019

In Blended Malt Whisky

A whisky I have written about before in a twitter tasting, but I think it deserves its own blog post. The Douglas Laing’s Rock Oyster blended malt Scotch whisky is a firm favourite. Rock Oyster was released in 2015 as a blend of single malts from Scottish islands, including Orkney, Arran, Jura and Islay.

And like all the Douglas Laing releases, it has a lovely nautical themed label. The idea behind Rock Oyster was to create a maritime personality that reminds you of sea-salt, sweet peat, smoke, honey and pepper.

This is just the malt to make you miss the Scottish Islands. Rocky Oyster blended malt Scotch whisky is part of the Remarkable Malts range, together with the Scallywag and the Timorous Beastie and Big Peat.

Also Read: Big Peat 26 yo whisky

During 2018, Douglas Laing changed the name from Rock Oyster to Rock Island, which might be a bit more appropriate. However, this is still capturing my tasting notes for the Rock Oyster whisky release. I would love to try the Rock Oyster and Rock Island next to each other, but that will be a blog for another day.

Rock Oyster is a blended malt and is not chill-filtered, naturally coloured with no age statement, and bottled at 46.8%.

Rock Oyster Blended Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 46.8%

COLOUR: Golden

NOSE: Peat, medicinal notes and iodine. Hints of smoke with newly cut green grass, hints of fruity sweetness, stormy ocean air.

PALATE: Peat, smoke with bits of summer fruit like peaches and apricots drizzled with caramel sauce. Hints of pepper, vanilla and heather. Delicious ocean character with bits of salt, seaweed and green notes. Big and bold and just delicious. Despite the bold palate, it is easy drinking, and I want a second glass.

FINISH: Wonderfully balanced between the peat and the fresh fruit with pepper. Big and bold, and it goes on forever. Warming you from the inside while you are standing on the windswept cliff.

RATING: EXCELLENT

I love this. It is like comfort food. Not fancy and spectacular, warming, comforting and it hits just the right notes. And at the price point, it is perfect. It has beautiful Islay notes, but they are perfectly balanced with the softer Highland heather and green notes and sweetness from Arran.

I can’t wait to see what the Remarkable Malts Rock Island will be priced at and how it compares to this release. I will do a side by side comparison between the two when the time comes.

Also Read: Bennachie Whisky

Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/13/2019

In Whisky Comparison

ardbeg 10 vs talisker 10 yo single malt whisky side by side comparison
Today I have a big battle, a courageous battle; the battle of the islands. A side by side comparison of the Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes and salty sea breeze on the Isle of Skye, is a dram that has stolen my heart; the Talisker 10 year old whisky.

In my whisky journey, I’ve discovered that timing matters. If I had encountered this island dram earlier, I might not have fully appreciated its allure. However, there is another Scottish island 10 year old whisky that has achieved cult status and that consistently offers a delicious drinking experience. One of John’s favourites; the Ardbeg 10 year old.

The Talisker 10 year old whisky embodies the essence of a coastal fishing village. In contrast, the Ardbeg 10 year old whisky emanates from the heart of peat. Today, I invite you to join me on a comparative journey as we explore the distinctive flavours of Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old whisky.

Ardbeg 10 year old Whisky

Review and tasting notes Ardbeg 10 yo whisky with glass

Ardbeg, situated on the southern shores of Islay, proudly holds the title “Peat Capital of the World.” Their Ardbeg 10 year old Islay single malt is a testament to this reputation. It is crafted from heavily peated malt, boasting a remarkable peat content ranging from 55 to 65 ppm (parts per million).

Aged for a minimum of 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels, this whisky is a prized creation under the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) umbrella.

Talisker 10 year old Whisky

Review and tasting notes Talisker 10 yo with glass

Venturing to the windswept Isle of Skye, we discover the Talisker distillery, founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill along the shores of Loch Harport. Now a part of the Diageo family, Talisker plays a vital role in the Johnnie Walker Red Label blend.

The Talisker 10 year old single malt carries an entirely different peat profile, with peat levels typically resting between 18 and 22 ppm.

Also Read: Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa whisky

Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 year old Whisky

ardbeg 10 vs talisker 10 Whisky Comparison

	Ardbeg 10 yo	Talker 10 yo
Region	Islay Whisky	Island Whisky
ABV	46%	45.8%
Peat Level	55 to 65 ppm	18 to 22 ppm
Colour	Pale Straw with green hints	Bright Gold
Nose	Peat and smoke with hints of vanilla, sea salt and citrus sweetness. Not overwhelming, but beautifully balanced and rich.	Smoke and peat mixed with fruity sweetness, seaweed and salty air. A dry bit of sundried fish and orange blossoms.
Palate	The characteristic Ardbeg peat and smoke and medicinal notes balanced with oaky vanilla sweetness and spice and lemon. Dark roasted coffee and a bit of iodine.	Peat, smoke with hints of ash and salt. This is all wonderfully balanced out with a fruity sweetness with hints of black pepper and coastal air. Faint hints of chocolate.
Finish	One of the longest and full-bodied finishes around with salted caramel, peat and hints of sweetness. An epic finish!	Rich and rewarding ending on notes of faint peat, bits of pepper and soft sweetness.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Not chill-filtered Complex, and big, but not overwhelming.	It is rich and wonderfully balanced. This ensures that it is easy drinking and delicious.
You will like it if you are looking for…	If you are looking for the Islay medicinal peat notes, this is it. Perfectly balanced with peat, smoke and fruit.	If you are looking for sea spray, salt type of peat to remind you of the ocean. Warming like a wood fire while the storm rages outside.
Price	$65	$75
Pairs well with	Garlic leg of Lamb or a charcuterie platter, Blue cheese or smoky BBQ pork	Kipper quiche or paté, Strong cheddar or Roquefort, smoked almonds, sushi

Tasting these two whiskies side by side opens up a fresh perspective, allowing us to discern the nuances that might otherwise be overshadowed when sipped in isolation. The distinctions between these two island drams become pronounced in a direct side by side comparison.

Talisker graces the palate with a peaty, maritime essence, evoking the very soul of the ocean. There are notes of sun-dried fish, peat, smoke and orange blossoms. Fruity sweetness mixed with bits of chocolate and black pepper.

Ardbeg leans towards a more medicinal character. There are notes of peat and smoke mixed with vanilla and a medicinal (TCP) note balanced out with oak and dark coffee. Big and bold with a nice complexity.

Both are exceptional in their own right. Personally, I find Talisker to be the easier-drinking option. At the same time, my husband has a penchant for the bolder flavours of Ardbeg. Fortunately, we need not choose between them, as both standard releases are readily accessible and reasonably priced.

In addition to this Ardbeg vs Talisker comparison, I’ve also conducted a side-by-side exploration of Ardbeg 10 yo and Lagavulin 16 yo whisky, further enriching my Islay whisky journey.

So, whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of spirits, these comparative tastings offer a delightful way to appreciate the intricacies and artistry that go into crafting these exceptional island drams.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs An Oa Whisky

How to start a whiskey club

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/20/2019

In Lifestyle

How to Start a whisky club
Whiskey is a spirit that brings people together. It gets people talking and having fun. It is an experience to be shared, to learn about, and to enjoy. However, exploring new whisky can be difficult in today’s economic climate. With rising food prices and fuel costs, whisky has become a luxury item. But there’s a solution: start a whiskey club!

A whiskey club is where you and like-minded friends can taste and learn together, making quality whiskey more affordable. For example, if each of 7 members contributes $15 per month, you have $105 monthly to spend on different whiskey. With this budget, you can enjoy 1 or 2 exquisite drams every month.

How to Start a whisky club get some friends and Some glasses

1. Start a Whiskey Club

1.1 Chat with your friends

Gather friends interested in whiskey, aiming for a club of 7 to 12 members. Establish ground rules for a positive experience and create a private communication channel, like a Facebook group or WhatsApp list, for easy information sharing.

1.2 Choose a name for your whiskey club

Select a name that defines your group, reflecting your identity. Be creative, and it could be linked to your locality or a shared interest.

1.3 Define your monthly contributions

Agree on a fixed monthly contribution; this makes budgeting easier. Even as low as $15 per month can work well, as great whiskey doesn’t have to be expensive.

1.4 Plan your venue and meeting time

Select a date and time that accommodates everyone, such as a Friday evening. Find an easily accessible venue, which could rotate among members’ homes or a central location.

1.5 Define a format

Ensure your meetings have structure and learning opportunities. Designate a leader for each event responsible for research, buying whisky, and hosting the tasting. Rotate this role to share the workload and promote learning.

The preparation can include the history of the distillery, information about the specific release as well as notes on food pairings.

2. What else you will need

2.1 Glassware

Some people will have strong opinions on what glasses you need for a whiskey tasting. Use what you have initially, but look for small tulip-shaped wine glasses as you progress. Getting glasses branded in your whiskey club’s name is a fun touch.

2.2 Tot measure

2.3 Water

Have room temperature water for adding to whiskey and cleansing the palate. We taste the whiskey first without water and then with a few drops of water. Water allows more of the flavours to open up.

The one thing we never add when tasting is ice. Ice makes the molecules contract, and you don’t taste all the aspects of the whiskey. Keep the ice for the hotter days when you are out just enjoying but not for tasting.

2.4 Tasting sheets

Standardized tasting sheets allow you to write down your impression of the whiskey you taste. Print them out or share them with the team so that they can bring a new tasting sheet to every session.

Some information to include on a tasting sheet can include:

Distillery name
Whiskey Region
Bottling information (ABV, Year distilled, Age, Cask type)
Tasting notes including colour, nose, palate and finish
Comments
Rating

3. Start a whiskey club: Your first meeting

Ensure all members share a basic understanding of whiskey. Use the first meeting to discuss how whiskey is made and the fundamentals of whiskey tasting, utilizing online resources for guidance. There are some great resources available such as:

Start a whisky club people sharing a drink

4. Choosing whisky to taste

Plan your whiskey selection based on your budget and members’ preferences. Decide whether to buy one expensive whiskey or a few medium-priced options. Create a tasting schedule in advance, considering different types of whiskey.

Start by making a list of some interesting whiskies. Look at the various regions and countries available. For example: Month 1 you taste Speyside whisky from Scotland, month 2 you try an American whiskey aged in wine barrels, month 3 it is time for a few rye releases.

During month 4 you can explore some bourbon, while month 5 looks towards Scottish Islay and you can try some peated and unpeated expressions from there.

Leverage online resources like the Whizzky App, which offers recommendations and a platform to track your club’s whiskey journey.

Who many whiskies should you taste per session? That depends on you and your club. We don’t taste more than 3 drams at a session. But that is just us. However, remember your taste buds stop working after a couple of drams. So anything after your 5^th whisky, you probably do not taste properly anymore.

5. Start a whiskey club: The process

Adapt the process to suit your club. Start with the leader sharing insights about the distillery, region, and the specific bottling. Then proceed with the following suggested steps:

Do not rush the tasting; take your time to savour each whiskey.
Pour out a measure of whiskey for everyone.
Start with the tasting sheet. Complete the basic info around region etc.
Look at the colour. Dark or light, what does the colour remind you of?
Nose the whiskey and see what flavours you can identify?
Then take a small sip (at last) and roll the liquid around in your mouth. What do you taste? What does it remind you of? Add a bit of water. Try it again. Is there a difference in the taste? Fill out the tasting notes on the tasting sheet as you go along.

When everyone has tasted the whisky, it is time to chat. See what other people smelled and tasted. Go back and taste some more.

Let the glass stand a bit and try it again. Proceed through your lineup of whiskies and if you’re lucky there’s some leftover to go back and have a 2^nd glass.

Enjoy the company of like-minded friends and a good whiskey. The rest of the night is up to you!

6. Drinking & Driving

Prioritize safety. Never drink and drive; use ride-sharing services like Uber or Taxify, designate a sober driver, or take a taxi. Ensure everyone in your club gets home safely.

Starting a whiskey club is a fantastic way to enjoy this delightful spirit, expand your knowledge, and create lasting memories with friends. So, gather your fellow whiskey enthusiasts and embark on this exciting journey of discovery and camaraderie. Cheers to your whisky club adventure!

This article was also published on LinkedIn.

Laphroaig 10 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/16/2018

In Single Malt whisky

From Islay comes the Laphroaig 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Mention the name Islay and visions of a windswept lonely island in the Atlantic ocean comes to mind. The ocean played an integral part in Islay’s history as it brought explorers, wanderers and conquerors.

Ancient people erected Neolithic standing stones on the granite hills. It gives the island it’s maritime climate. It is a name that evokes many positive emotions for peat lovers and a visit to Islay for some, is seen as a pilgrimage.

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland; known as “The Queen of the Hebrides”. It lies just south-west of Jura and around 40 kilometres north of the Irish coast.

At one time in the Islay whisky history, there were up to 23 distilleries in operation. This dwindled to just seven during the 1900s. Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, have a smoky character with lots of peat, characteristic of the Islay malts.

Caol Ila, on the northern side of the island, also produces a strongly peated whisky. Bowmore distillery has a medium peat level, and Bunnahabhain makes lighter drams and Bruichladdich is unpeated.

The last ten years have seen a growth in new distilleries again. The Kilchoman distillery started production in late 2005. The Gartbreck Distillery is expected to start distilling spirit in summer of 2017 and is situated just south of Bowmore.

This will be followed by the Ardnahoe Distillery, located between Port Askaig and Bunnahabhain, which is expected to start distilling in 2018.

But the distillery that for me, is quintessential Islay, is Laphroaig. Named after Loch Laphroaig on the south coast of Islay. Started by the Johnson brothers, the Laphroaig distillery changed hand a few times and is currently owned by Beam Suntory.

Also Read: Sullivans Cove Bourbon Cask Whisky

Laphroaig 10 year old Whisky Review

Laphroaig’s distinctive flavour comes from its closeness to the ocean and the high moss content of its peat. The Laphroaig 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky is the original cask strength version. It is aged in ex bourbon barrels.

REGION: Islay

ABV: 55.7%

COLOUR: Dark sparking gold

NOSE: Big and bold with notes of moist ocean air, seed weed, smoke, peat, iodine and ash but with hints of fruity sweetness, bits of salted caramel.

PALATE: The peatiness and the sweetness is nicely balanced with not one element overpowering the other. There are notes of smoke, earth and malt softened by the sweeter ripe fruit notes with caramel. Make no mistake, this is no shrinking violet! The Laphroaig 10 year old whisky is bold and in your face, but it does it with class and finesse.

FINISH: Long and lingering with reminders of driftwood and peat.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Water softens this Laphroaig 10 year old Cask Strength whisky a bit to open up more salted fudge notes. Warming and delicious, this is just the dram I want to have when the weather is cold and rainy outside, and I am toasty warm inside next to the fireplace. I will replace this bottle rather quickly again; it is just marvellous.

I have done a side by side comparison between the 10 year old and the Laphroaig Quarter cask whisky to see how they differ.

Also Read: Port Charlotte 10 yo Whisky

Bruichladdich Octomore Scottish Barley 6.1 Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/09/2017

In Single Malt whisky

What do you buy for the special person in your life who loves peaty whisky? The peatiest whisky in the world, of course. The fact that it completes the series from the Bruichladdich distillery of which we already have 2 is just the cherry on the cake.

I bought John a bottle of Bruichladdich Octomore Scottish Barley 6.1 single malt Scotch whisky for a special occasion. I can’t even remember what the special occasion was. It might have been a wedding anniversary. John loves peat! I have a sweeter palate and prefer my peat with some sweeter notes.

The Octomore 6.1 Scottish Barley whisky was for him, not me. The distillery that bears the title “Worlds most peated whisky”, the Bruichladdich Octomore single malt has a cult following around the world. Some of the recent releases are seated up to 208ppm.

I wrote extensively about the other two brands in the range: the unpeated Bruichladdich and the heavily peated Port Charlotte already. The Octomore name pays homage to a farm located on the hillside above the Port Charlotte village on Islay, not far from the Bruichladdich distillery. The farm operated its own licensed distillery between 1816 and 1852.

The Bruichladdich distillery is currently owned French multinational drinks group Rémy Cointreau.

Bruichladdich Octomore Scottish Barley 6.1 Whisky Review

The Bruichladdich Octomore Scottish Barley Edition 06.1 is a 5 years old and made from barley harvested from mainland Scotland. This Scottish Barley 06.1 single malt Edition is peated to (only) 167 ppm.

REGION: Islay

ABV: 57%

COLOUR: Golden autumn yellow

NOSE: This dram has that classic Islay nose. Smoke, ash, and peat assault the senses. You can sense the heavy peat from a mile away. It’s big and bold. It’s rich and complex. There are notes of seaweed and salt, iodine and medicinal notes balanced with honey, cinnamon and vanilla.

PALATE: The smoke, ash and peat continue on the palate. There is a honey sweetness that lingers with hints of pepper, cinnamon and sea air. John described it as”… The boldness on the nose climbs into your mouth with a vengeance.

After drinking this dram, I feel like heading out to sea to catch herring – or to invade France. It’s that kind of a dram. It’s big in the mouth, soil and tar on the tongue…” Water soothes the ash and peat a little and brings the sweetness forward.

FINISH: It has a dry finish with peat, pepper and honey. John was lyrical about this dram and he described the finish as “…the finish hangs around like aunt Sally after Christmas dinner. Like her, it refuses to leave. Unlike her, it’s welcome to stay. The ending is charcoal and tar poles. I’ve never tasted tar poles – and thanks to this dram I now have no need. It’s just brilliant.”

RATING: EXCELLENT

It was an excellent present for John and the perfect gift for a peat lover. The surprise, however, was how much I loved it. I was not expecting to love it as much as I did. Good thing that I write about this bottle now, because it will not last very long.

Despite being big, bold and earthy, the Bruichladdich Octomore Scottish Barley remains balanced and graceful. Simply delicious!

This brand also made it onto my favourite peated whisky list. You can read this article all the other peated drams that also made it onto the list.

Also Read: Ardbeg Supernova whisky