Whisky Archives - More Drams, Less Drama

Glendronach 1963 12yo / 21yo / 1993

23rd April 202522nd April 2025Coldorak

In December 2021, while reviewing an old Glendronach 12-year-old Previ Import, I mentioned that it reminded me of the 1963 Glendronach 12-year-old I had the opportunity to taste a few years prior during a tasting where I could compare it to a more recent Glendronach 12. Upon revisiting my tasting notes, I realised I hadn’t documented my experience with that older Glendronach. It’s time to rectify that and include younger but older expressions from Glendronach, if that makes sense (it would if I did not make a point writing this sentence this way to make it confusing!) Today, we have the Glendronach 1963 12-year-old, a 21-year-old Parliament from about a dozen years ago, and a 1993 25-year-old in our glass.

Hazelburn 2007 and Springbank 2003 Society Exclusives

21st April 202520th April 2025Coldorak

Springbank Distillery typically holds a special place in the heart of whisky enthusiasts. The quality of their distillates, the differences between Hazelburn, Longrow, and, of course, Springbank, and the fact that they still make it as they did decades ago, with floor maltings, old-style equipment, and a rejection of unnecessary modernisation, all contribute to its appeal. Dozens of people work at the distillery, not just three people and a computer. The Springbank funk and the consistency of the Springbank 10-year-old, which has remained a fantastic whisky for years without failing or cutting corners, and still at an accessible price, are reasons why whisky enthusiasts love Springbank. Count me among them. For long-time fans, there’s the Springbank Society, which offers access (via ballot) to special and exclusive releases that remain reasonably priced. Unfortunately, I discovered the Springbank Society too late; due to its success, they have closed new applications for several years. However, thanks to a good friend, I managed to get samples of two recent society releases: the Hazelburn 2007 and Springbank 2003 Society exclusives, aged 16 and 20 years, respectively.

Usquaebach 15yo and Commonwealth Games 13yo

Usquaebach 15yo and 1986 Commonwealth Games 13yo

11th April 202510th April 2025Coldorak

Today we explore miniatures I bought a few years ago but never got to, as I forgot about them in one of my whisky sample drawers. The first one is a Highland blended malt by Cobalt Brands, and the other one an undisclosed single malt bottled in 1986 by Eaglesome Ltd: let’s review the Usquaebach 15yo and 1986 Commonwealth Games 13yo.

Croftengea 2007 Wemyss Malts vs North Star Spirits

9th April 20258th April 2025Coldorak

Today we compare a duo of Croftengea single casks. Croftengea, as you may know, is the name given to highly peated (50 ppm) single malt that is double distilled in straight-neck stills at Loch Lomond. It’s a really nice peaty profile and while I don’t actively seek out more of these, I always seize the opportunity to try them when available. So today, we put face to face two indy Croftengea 2007: Wemyss Malts vs North Star Spirits.

Glenmorangie 12-year-old Lasanta & Nectar d'Or

Glenmorangie 12-year-old Lasanta and Nectar d’Or

7th April 20257th April 2025Coldorak

We don’t just have a large backlog of malternative samples, we also do with whisky, so let’s continue picking samples and have little duos of bottlings on a common theme. Today, we’re featuring Glenmorangie, a renowned Scottish distillery known for its tall stills. We’ll be tasting the Glenmorangie 12-year-old Lasanta and Nectar d’Or, two discontinued expressions that share the same age but offer different finishes.

Two Single Casks From… The Single Cask Ltd.

2nd April 20251st April 2025Coldorak

The Single Cask Ltd. is a whisky shop, bar, and independent bottling company led by Ben Curtis, with operations in London and Singapore. Specialising in single cask whiskies – both single malt and single grain – bottled at natural cask strength. The independent bottling part was founded in 2010 and the Singapore bar opened in 2015. We review two single casks from… The Single Cask Ltd. , a Benrinnes 2012 and an Aultmore 2010.

Littlemill NAS & Two 1990 Cadenhead – My 500th Whisky Review

31st March 20251st April 2025Coldorak

As I mark a small milestone with my 500th whisky review on More Drams, I wanted to celebrate with some special drams. Having never tried Littlemill until two weeks ago (thanks, Xavier!), I thought this would be the perfect occasion. Let’s enjoy a Littlemill NAS and two 1990 Cadenhead – My 500th whisky review!

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.

Glen Moray 1986 SMWS vs 1991 The Whisky Barrel

21st March 202528th March 2025Coldorak

Glen Moray is renowned for its affordable core range, which offers a variety of options for entry-level enthusiasts. Their extensive Elgin Classic collection is celebrated for its budget-friendly single malts, featuring a diverse array of finishes to suit all preferences. As you explore their Heritage range, you’ll find high-quality aged single malts that remain reasonably priced, unlike the steep increases often seen with competitors. However, for those seeking even older or more unique expressions, rare one-offs (like the Glen Moray Mastery) or independent bottlings are the way to go. Today, we’re comparing two single casks aged 30 years or more: a Glen Moray 1986 SMWS vs 1991 The Whisky Barrel.