Single-Malt Scotch Whiskey

The Dalmore Launches Rivers and Castle Leod

Filed under: Spirits

The Dalmore whiskey label has released the second generation of its Castle Leod special edition, which raises money for the restoration of Castle Leod in Scotland.

Previously, The Dalmore had released an expression, MacKenzie, which raised 20,000 pounds toward renovation costs. Castle Leod was built in 1606 and is occupied by descendants of the original family owners--members of the MacKenzie Clan. It is located in the town of Strathpeffer in the Highlands.

The whisky was distilled in 1995 and has spent the majority of its time since maturing in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, before transferring for the last 18 months to red wine casks that previously held Cabernet Sauvignon wine and were sourced from a Premier Cru vineyard in the Bordeaux region of France.

There will be just 5,000 bottles made available for sale of Castle Leod. The price is 100 pounds per bottle, or $161.00.

The color is dark amber and the nose is rich and powerful with exaggerated aromas. There are notes of caramel, treacle, oranges and malted barley grains. Subtle notes of honey and vanilla are join in, and finally the red wine aromas kick in.

Tags: Castle and Leod, Clan MacKenzie, Single-Malt Scotch Whiskey, spirits, The Dalmore

New Laphroaig Triple Wood Adds Sherry Finishing

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

There is so much sherry wood finishing going on in whiskey circles these days, it's a wonder that there are enough barrels to go around. And just when I thought I might be wearying of the trend, Laphroaig comes out with Triple Wood.

This Islay expression is Laphroaig Quarter-Cask that has been finished in Oloroso sherry casks. The effect is to take the already beautifully peaty Laphroaig and dial in some cherries and black currants. This could have been a bad result. But it turned out wonderful, with the fruit accenting and dancing at the edges of the peat bog, not getting overly involved in the smoke and charcoal that makes Laphroaig Laphroaig.

The price of $100 seems dead on right for this premium single-malt expression. The only bad news is that it will head into travel retail and the finer whiskey shops in Europe, and is not yet scheduled or U.S. retailers. This is one of those that is well worth dragging home from the airport.

Tags: Islay malt, Laphroaig, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask, Laphroaig Triple Wood, Single-Malt Scotch Whiskey, Single-malt whisky, whiskey, whisky

Ardbeg To Blast Off With Supernova 2

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

First released in 2009 to wide acclaim, Ardbeg Supernova single-malt whisky sparked connoisseurs worldwide when it was named Scotch Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2010. Supernova has returned with a new limited release, set to hit retailers on May 31. For those who missed the original, the peatiness is over-the-top with the taste of Scotland's western coast lingering in the mouth an hour after finishing the dram. It doesn't seem possible, but Ardbeg master distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden says the taste this time around is even deeper and earthier, with the new expression up to 120.2 proof. It's easily one of the biggest tastes in Scotch on the market. Price is about $115.00

Lumsden is the brains behind both Ardbeg and Glenmorangie. Both brands are owned by LVMH. I have often said that Glenmorangie's Highland single-malt is an apt dram for Scottish lairds, and Ardbeg is more apt for marauding Vikings. Supernova, a brilliant expression of peaty whisky, would put new hair on the chest of Turgesius.

Tags: Ardbeg, Ardbeg Supernova, Bill Lumsden, Islay whisky, Single-Malt Scotch Whiskey, Single-malt whisky, whisky

Five New Whiskies From Scotland's Tomatin

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Tomatin, a Highlands whisky distillery with operations dating back to the 19th century, is not one of Scotland's higher profile distilleries, but what it has lacked in marketing it is increasingly making up for in the blending house.

Tomatin, located in the Monadhliath Mountains just south of Inverness, is also one of the highest distilleries in Scotland at 315 meters above sea level, has released several new expressions recently that bear examining and tasting.

Tomatin, 18 year old: $60
This is a new expression of the distillery's 18-year old, bottled at higher alcohol level than its predecessors. Taste notes: toffee, maple, dates, toasted walnuts, very ripe fruit, cocoa.

Tomatin, 15 Year Old: $46
Aged conventionally in American Bourbon casks, the flavor profile is round and constant with peaches, citrus and vanilla shining through. It's a fairly gentle taste and finish, and I'd recommend it without water, but also as an interesting mixer, especially with apple spirits and a mint garnish.

The distillery has also bottled two new single-cask expressions and one limited edition.

Tags: Highland Malt, scotch whiskey, scotch whisky, Single-Cask Scotch Whiskey, Single-Malt Scotch Whiskey, Tomatin, whisky

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