A slightly different format, here. In this case, I’m reviewing two distinct expressions hailing from Diageo’s hidden Speyside gem, Glen Elgin–the proprietary 12 year old, which is regularly available in the UK, and a one-off single cask from indie bottler Alistair Walker. Glen Elgin was founded in 1898 by a pair of bankers, William Simpson …
Category: Independent Bottlings
InchDairnie 2021 (Cooper’s Choice – “Finglassie” Lowland Smoke)
The Basics: Do I recommend it?: Definitely, if you can find any! Availability: Limited (UK/EU specialty retail and possibly auction) ABV: 54.0% Presentation: Unchillfiltered and natural color General information: Peated spirit, matured in American oak and finished in marsala casks Bottling type: Independent Character: Fruity, nutty and smoky. Score: 95/100 The details: To honor the …
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Inchgower 12 Year Old – 2011, (Signatory Small Batch Ed. #3)
The Basics: Do I recommend it?: It’s a solid dram. Availability: UK specialty retail. ABV: 48.2% Presentation: Unchillfiltered and natural color General information: Oloroso sherry casks Bottling type: Independent Character: Fruity, juicy and sherried. Score: 88/100 The details: Speyside’s only coastal distillery, Inchgower is located near the town of Buckie–which, for a brief stretch, actually …
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Port Ellen (Douglas McGibbon’s Provenance) 1983 27 year old
The Basics: Do I recommend it?: If you can find it, yes! Availability: Scarce, perhaps altogether gone. ABV: 46% Presentation: Unchillfiltered and natural color General information: Distilled Spring 1983, bottled 2010, 27 years old Bottling type: Independent Character: Smoky, briney and oily. Score: 97/100 The details: Of all the distilleries that fell victim to the …
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Lochside 1991 (Gordon & MacPhail/Connoisseur’s Choice)
The Basics: Do I recommend it?: Only to serious Scotch enthusiasts and completionists Availability: Auction ABV: 43% Presentation: Unspecified General information: Distilled 1991, bottled 2008, ~17 years old, matured in refill bourbon barrels Bottling type: Independent Character: Cereal, light fruit and herbal Score: 77/100 The details: Located in the East-Central Highland town of Montrose, Lochside …
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Whisky Considered 