Coldorak's whisky blog.
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.
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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.
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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!
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Daftmill Distillery is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery located at Daftmill Farm in the Howe of Fife, in Scotland. Brothers Francis and Ian Cuthbert, sixth-generation owners of Daftmill Farm, converted the old mill buildings into a distillery. The distillery was granted a license in 2005, with the first spirit distilled on December 16, 2005. However, the distillery did not release its first whisky until 2018. Daftmill is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, producing only around 100 casks per year. It is known as a true farm distillery because it grows its own barley and uses water from its own spring. The distillery operates only two months in the summer and two months in the winter, during the farm’s off-season, in a very traditional style. The name ‘Daftmill’ comes from the Daft Burn, a stream on the property that appears to run uphill due to an optical illusion. Daftmill Distillery releases its single malt Scotch whisky in seasonal batches, specifically during the summer and winter months. These releases are typically aged over a decade and are supplemented by single cask vintage releases and a 15-year-old cask strength edition. Let’s take a closer look at those seasonal releases, as we review four Daftmill from 2007 to 2010, with two Summer & two Winter editions.
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