Whisky Archives - More Drams, Less Drama

Two Campbeltown Blended Malts (Swell/Chorlton)

14th May 202513th May 2025Coldorak

When an independent bottler releases a blended malt, it can mean one of two things. First, it might be a true blended malt-a carefully crafted combination of single malts sourced from different distilleries, skilfully married to create a unique flavour profile. Alternatively, it could be what’s known as a ’teaspooned’ single malt. In this scenario, and as we’ve already mentioned in the past, the original distillery, wishing to keep its name under wraps, adds a tiny amount – just a teaspoon – of another single malt to the cask. This minuscule addition is enough to legally classify the whisky as a blended malt, even though it has virtually no effect on the taste. In some cases, that ’teaspoon’ might be purely virtual – a symbolic gesture rather than a physical addition – used solely to navigate labelling regulations without altering the whisky itself.

Today on our tasting table, we have two intriguing Campbeltown Blended Malts: one from Swell de Spirits and another from Chorlton Whisky. Let’s dive in, savour each dram, and see if we can guess what’s really in the glass!

Three Indy Invergordon Aged Over 40

12th May 202511th May 2025Coldorak

Invergordon Distillery, established in 1959 and producing whisky since 1961, stands as a key Highland single grain whisky producer in the northernmost part of Scotland’s grain whisky region. It ranks among only six dedicated single grain distilleries in Scotland and supplies spirit crucial for blended whiskies, especially for Whyte & Mackay’s portfolio. The distillery crafts its whisky using a unique mash bill of maize, malted and unmalted barley, and Scottish wheat, combining this with pure water from Loch Glass and massive column stills that create a smooth, refined spirit. Because Invergordon primarily contributes to blends, official single grain bottlings remain rare and mostly appear through independent bottlers. Here, we review three indy Invergordon aged over 40 years: one from That Boutique-y Whisky Company and two from Scott’s Selection.

Six Indy Teenager Glen Moray

9th May 20258th May 2025Coldorak

Glen Moray may not always grab the spotlight in the crowded world of Speyside single malts, but it consistently offers a solid foundation for independent bottlers to showcase a range of intriguing expressions. Known for its bright, fruity character and willingness to experiment with various cask finishes, Glen Moray provides a versatile canvas that can reveal surprising depth and charm beyond its core range. In this review, we explore six independently bottled Glen Moray whiskies, each bringing its own unique twist-from ex-bourbon and sherry casks to more unusual finishes, like IPA and Vino de Naranja. While some expressions lean towards the classic Speyside profile of fresh fruits and gentle spice, others push aside the habits with richer, more complex layers. Whether you’re a seasoned Glen Moray fan or new to the distillery’s independent releases, this selection of six indy teenager Glen Moray offers a compelling glimpse into the distillery’s diverse potential.

Five Cheap Supermarket Blends

7th May 20257th May 2025Coldorak

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you have seen reviews of mostly good to excellent whiskies and cognacs, along with a few other spirits. Occasionally, some were not that great. However, we have rarely reviewed really inexpensive whiskies here. So, it’s time for me to take courage and review five cheap supermarket blends, listed in alphabetical order and all without an age statement: Ballantine’s, Clan Campbell, J&B, Label 5, and William Peel. Wish me luck, and have the Gaviscon ready.

Braes of Glenlivet 25, 27 and 30-year-old

2nd May 20251st May 2025Coldorak

Today we do a small vertical with a trio of releases from the distillery now known as Braeval: the Braes of Glenlivet 25, 27 and 30-year-old. These releases are part of the previous Secret Speyside range from Pernod Ricard, and we’ll do vertical tastings from the other distilleries in this range in the coming weeks. But before we crack on with the tastings, let’s talk a bit about the history of this distillery.

Circumstance Single Grain Wheat and Rye

25th April 202525th April 2025Coldorak

We recently reviewed a Circumstance whisky independently bottled by the Thompson Brothers. By a fortunate coincidence, I recently received two small 10 cl bottles of official whiskies from the Bristol-based Circumstance Distillery: their Single Grain Wheat and Rye whiskies. A friend of mine was planning a short holiday in the region and asked for recommendations on distilleries to visit. I suggested Circumstance, as they were already gaining a strong reputation, although at the time I hadn’t yet had the chance to try their whiskies. Our first encounter with their independent bottling was quite successful, so let‘’’s see how these official releases measure up.

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.