Whisky Archive

The make from Tamdhu has always impressed us for its consistency, but this cask is as good as any we have ever seen. The distillery favours American oak, ex-Bourbon casks, and this is no exception, only the whisky is such a deep amber that it might have come from a re-fill butt. SILVER MEDAL, MALT MANIACS 2006

the whisky has a deep magenta hue, shot with ruby. The nose is all rich fruits and mixed peel, with marmalade, then marmalade cake - even Jaffa Cakes GOLD MEDAL, MALT MANIACS 2006.

Glenlossie Distillery was doubled in size in 1971 when Mannochmore was built next door, and connoisseurs look for bottlings from ‘the old distillery’. Not only was this cask filled before the expansion, the whisky was made when Glenlossie still had its own floor maltings. BRONZE MEDAL, MALT MANIACS 2006

The first scent is reminiscent of sewing-machine oil (a light mineral aroma) with a whiff of smoke in the background, as if the sewing machine had been over-worked! Soon this changes to ‘flaking varnish’ – an old, clinker-built rowing boat in the sun – and later a scent of fudge, with dried heather roots and extinguished bonfire. GOLD MEDAL, WHISKY MAGAZINE 2006

This is one for those of you who like a heavily sherried style of malt. Aultmore is a rich make which can withstand European oak

This extremely rare 30 year old American oak hogshead has produced only 99 bottles. 24 carat gold, it has a complex, but ever-changing nose. Initial old-fashioned furniture polish develops into dried apples, then roasted figs drizzled with honey.

Medium gold with hints of amber, this is from an American oak hoggy. The first nose conjures up images of an early-Autumn peat fire in a croft, but all the time, squeaky clean and mineral-like with fresh sea breeze. SILVER MEDAL, MALT MANIACS 2006

This bottling is from a refill American oak hogshead. On the nose we can find white raisins, possibly soaked in brandy, with some leather soap and caramelised oranges.

This 26 year old hogshead has only produced 124 bottles, and the whisky is a lovely rich, gold colour. On the nose, an enticing rum and raisin, even Mackie’s Honey Comb ice cream with a caramel topping.

Medium gold in colour, this has a reassuringly medicinal nose with washing up water, citrus fruit and seaweed. Then comes carbolic soap and smoked sausages with juniper berries. Finally, coal tar soap and sweet, sweet tablet.