Single Malt Archives - More Drams, Less Drama

Circumstance 2019 Glentauchers 2013 Thompson Brothers

Circumstance 2019 / Glentauchers 2013 Thompson Bros

28th March 202527th March 2025Coldorak

The Thompson Brothers are quite some busy men. On top of their strongly recognised whisky bar, their independent bottling operation (that interests us today and did in the past) and their Dornoch distillery, they’re now crowdfunding for their second and bigger distillery, Struie Distillery. And whilst I haven’t had the chance to try any Dornoch whisky yet, I had the chance to go have a few drams at the Dornoch Castle Whisky Bar a few years ago, and try a few of their independent bottlings. They’re very good at those activities, and judging from what I read, they’re good at doing whisky too. But for now, let’s stay on the Thompson’s independent bottling hat, with a review of two bottlings: a Circumstance 2019 and a Glentauchers 2013 Thompson Bros.

Glenrothes, Glentauchers & Caol Ila 100 Proof Signatory Vintage

Glentauchers, Glenrothes and Caol Ila 100 Proof Signatory Vintage

26th March 202525th March 2025Coldorak

In the UK, “100 proof” signifies a spirit with 57.15% alcohol by volume, often rounded to 57.1% ABV. It also names an extensive, affordable series by independent bottler Signatory Vintage, with over 30 releases filled at 57.1% ABV (some of them being ‘Exceptional Casks‘). We are examining three early releases in this series: the Glentauchers, Glenrothes, and Caol Ila 100 Proof Signatory Vintage, specifically numbers 6, 8, and 10.

Armorik Small Batch Chouchenn

19th March 202518th March 2025Coldorak

Two and a half years ago, I reviewed two Armorik single malts finished in Chouchen casks: one was an official single cask with a second, extended maturation in a Chouchen cask, and the other was independently bottled by That Boutique-y Whisky Company. Recently, Warenghem released the Armorik Small Batch Chouchenn, which features a double maturation and is bottled as a small batch rather than a single cask.

Nine Dingle Celtic Wheel of the Year

17th March 202517th March 2025Coldorak

For the first time, I’ve planned ahead for St. Patrick’s Day to prepare an Irish whiskey review. We’re taking this opportunity to do something I’ve been eagerly awaiting: reviewing the complete Dingle Celtic Wheel of the Year collection. I waited for the collection to be complete, then I waited a bit longer, partly due to procrastination, as reviewing nine whiskies isn’t something that can be rushed or done in a single day. I’m only human! Now that the collection is complete, let’s dive into all nine Dingle Celtic Wheel of the Year expressions!

Ardbeg Eureka

10th March 202510th March 2025Coldorak

Recent Ardbeg Day releases have drawn diverse critical opinions. While some reviewers have applauded their distinctive features, others have pointed out flaws. These releases are recognised for their innovative methods, such as altering the distillation process to enhance the spirit’s texture, as demonstrated by the 2023 Ardbeg Heavy Vapours. However, some critics argue that these experiments often produce whiskies that feel underdeveloped or imbalanced, despite their intriguing ideas. Certain releases have earned praise for their unique flavour profiles, yet others have been criticised for being overpriced relative to their quality and likely age. To mark the Committee’s 25th anniversary, Ardbeg introduced a more budget-friendly NAS Committee Release, Ardbeg Eureka, whose reception remains to be seen, so let’s see how it fares.

Arran Master of Distilling

7th March 20256th March 2025Coldorak

The Master of Distilling series from Arran Distillery highlights the work of Master Distiller James MacTaggart. Each whisky in the series is made from casks personally selected by MacTaggart, showcasing the distillery’s unique style. MacTaggart’s extensive experience has significantly contributed to Arran’s reputation. The series includes two limited edition releases, with 12,000 bottles produced for each. The whiskies are aged in special casks, like Palo Cortado sherry casks, chosen by MacTaggart to enhance their flavour. The distillery, founded in 1995, is located in Lochranza, where the climate helps shape the whisky’s character. The series has received positive reviews, reflecting MacTaggart’s commitment to quality, but let’s make our own take on these Arran Master of Distilling expressions.

Clynelish 14yo / Cataibh 10yo Chorlton / 2012 SMWS

28th February 202528th February 2025Coldorak

A few years ago, two friends and I co-founded the Rennes Whisky Club, just before Covid hit. We managed to hold one session before the first lockdown, and after that, nearly two years passed before we could meet again. Once things settled, we relaunched the club and have been hosting monthly tastings ever since – except for a break in July and August. Each session follows a chosen theme, typically featuring three whiskies within that category. Last night’s tasting focused on a fan-favourite distillery: Clynelish. On the menu were three Clynelish whiskies: the official 14-year-old, a 10-year-old Cataibh bottled by Chorlton Whisky, and a 2012 ‘Tropical Toothpaste’ from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Hellyers Road 17-Year-Old American Oak

26th February 202525th February 2025Coldorak

We’ve enjoyed a couple of Hellyers Road releases before, and they’ve been excellent – so why not try another? In 2022, they released a 17-year-old single cask for La Maison du Whisky. Given that their mid-aged single casks tend to be top-notch, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic about this Hellyers Road 17-Year-Old American Oak.

Defilement 26-Year-Old Maple Syrup Cask Finish

17th February 202515th February 2025Coldorak

As it turns out, among the cask types permitted for Scotch whisky maturation, maple syrup casks are not included in the approved list. This omission means that the spirit in question, despite its age and unique finishing process, cannot be legally labelled or sold as ‘Scotch whisky.’ Instead, it must be marketed simply as ‘whisky’ or potentially under a different category altogether. Back in 2020, Atom Labs struck again, and they released a 26-year-old whisky from a particularly famous origin into a cask that previously held maple syrup, and released it as a 26-year-old ‘just whisky’: the Defilement 26-year-old Maple Syrup Cask Finish.

Three 1987 to 1991 Indy Bunnahabhain

14th February 202513th February 2025Coldorak

I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed any Bunnahabhain on More Drams yet. Bunnahabhain Distillery, located on the northeastern coast of Islay, Scotland, has a storied history that reflects the evolution of the Scotch whisky industry. Founded in 1881 by William Robertson and the Greenlees brothers, Bunnahabhain was established to create a distinctive whisky that would stand apart from its heavily peated neighbours. The distillery’s name, derived from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Bun na h-Abhainne,’ translates to ‘Mouth of the River,’ highlighting its scenic location near the River Margadale. For a first post regarding that distillery, we’ll review three 1987 to 1991 indy bottlings of Bunnahabhain, but first, let’s quickly talk about their history.