Category: Whisky talk

the name says it all

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New additions

Two fine new additions to my modest collection of Single Malt whisky’s:

  • The Bunnahabhain Toiteach (Gaelic for ‘smoky’) is an Islay Single Malt, but unlike most Bunnahabhain malts, and more like other Islay malts, this one has a gentle hint of smokeyness. (hence the name Toiteach)
    Bunnahabhain Toiteach is a non-chillfiltered malt with 46% alcohol.
    Official tasting notes:
     – Appearance: A light golden hue glows from within
    – Nose: Charming peatiness with a subtle nose prickling strength emanates from the dram
    – Palate: Immediate waming peaty flavours drift towards a slightly sweet sherry influence with delicate peppery notes
    – Finish: Good robust length with extremely pleasant aftertaste
  • The Glenlivet 18 years is a Speyside Single Malt, so quite different in taste from the Islay mentioned above. It’s a superb gentle malt, perfect after-dinner dram.
    Official tasting notes:
    Colour: Old gold, with ripe apricot hues.
    Nose: Fragrant, elegant, complex with a sweet oakiness reminiscent of an antique shop. Oak leads the way to heady floral fragrances of Freesia and Peony. Toffee notes emerge in time along with butterscotch, mint chocolate and summer fruit pie.
    Palate: Smooth and velvety, with a firm foundation. Sweetness is immediately followed by a tantalising burst of spices and bitter oranges drying out on oaky notes.
    Finish: Lasting, oaky and gingery. Distant smoke. A dry austere touch.

Slàinte!

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Laphroaig Triple Wood

I’m eagerly awaiting the new addition to my whisk(e)y collection. I’ve ordered the Laphroaig Triple Wood a few days ago from the Laphroaig Friends Shop. Hope it arrives soon!!


Here are the tasting notes…

Colour: Bright gold

Nose: At 48%, straight from the bottle, the initial flavour is quite sweet with a gentle mixture of sweet raisins and creamy apricots with just a trace of the dry peat smoke at the back, the smoother nutty flavours combine all these flavours into one smooth, syrupy whole. With a touch of water the peat smoke comes to the fore and masks the gentler fruitier notes. Even with the maturation being carried out in 1st fill bourbons, quarter casks and sherry butts, the intense bonfire ash smell of the earthy peat cannot be masked.

Body: Powerful yet with a creamy consistency.

Palate: With no water, a large initial burst of peat belies the slight lack on the nose but is gentled on the tongue by the creamier flavours of vanilla and fruit with just a suggestion of sherry sweetness. With a trace of water the peat reek is gentled, allowing the more complex flavours of citrus fruits and spices to come through. A slight tang comes from the European Oak balancing the creamier American White Oak.

Finish: Mouth filling and extremely long but balanced by the sweet smooth caramel taste.