As a comparatively recent convert to Irish whiskey, one of the more confusing things to come to terms with has been the practice of distilleries sourcing their spirit. I initially scratched my head when trying an 18-year-old from a distillery that had only started production in 2013. So how is it that something like this can be released, and what does it mean for the consumer? Sourced whiskey seems to be a widely acknowledged but seldom discussed topic.
Talisker describes itself as “made by the sea”. In the literal sense, this is quite right: the Talisker distillery in Carbost on the West coast of the Isle of Skye is a few yards from Loch Harport, which opens onto the Atlantic. The whisky that Talisker produces is famously maritime in character, displaying salt and seaweed in spades. Clearly, when Talisker looks to establish a link with their branding, they go all in, which should s branding, it goes all in. This should mean good things for the Talisker Skye, the distillery’s entry-level offering, named after its island home.
Christmas has passed and the New Year is upon us. Soon, we will be deep into the depressing, cold weeks… Read more Mackmyra Vinterglöd
Sitting in the gulf between the islands of Jura and Scarba, the Corryvreckan whirlpool is one of the largest and most dangerous in the world. The unique underwater topography results in a tide that flows at 9 knots and in over 9 metres high waves. This is a truly terrifying force of nature, and any whisky bearing its name can only be fearsome.
Glencadam Distillery, part of the Angus Dundee Distillers family, is quickly becoming a favourite at the Water of Life. We first encountered the distillery during a vertical tasting in October. Given that I usually get most excited by innovative distillers, I was a little surprised by how much I enjoyed these offerings from Glencadam, which is about as traditional a distillery as you will find. Since then, the Angus Dundee team offered us a chance to try two more of their products, so naturally, we jumped at the opportunity. This time, we would be trying their Aged 13 Years, also dubbed “the re-awakening”, and their Reserva Andalucia, described as “Glencadam with a sherry influence”.
I can only imagine how nervous Shane Braniff would have been when he revived the legnedary Dunville’s brand in 2012 at his new Echlinville distillery. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, winning a host of awards. Among these have been several for the 12-year-old PX finished single cask Dunville’s released for Belfast Whiskey Week 2021, which we will take a look at today.
Tomintoul bills itself as “the Gentle Dram”, and while we enjoyed the 10-Year-Old, we were a little underwhelmed by some of the older offerings, which were a bit too gentle for our taste. Recently, Iain Forteath and the Angus Dundee team were gracious enough to host us for another virtual tasting, which included two Tomintouls that were far from the distillery’s usual offerings. These were their Cigar Malt, a heavily sherried expression designed as the perfect accompaniment for a cigar, and the 15-Year-Old, which has spent three years in a port barrel. Not being matured solely in ex-bourbon casks, these both seemed like promising deviations from Tomintoul’s usual whiskies.
There is almost no overlap on the Venn diagram of “people who think all blends are terrible” and “people who… Read more Compass Box Malt Whisky Collection Horizontal Tasting
Wine and cheese, steak and chips, salt and pepper; there are few pairings more iconic. However, there is one combination… Read more Cambus 25-Year-Old
The nights have grown longer, the air has grown colder, and autumn is unmistakably upon us. With the season’s backdrop… Read more Ardbeg Wee Beastie
The Water Of Life 