Jura Superstition
Jura Superstition – If you travel to the remote Isle of Jura off the west coast of Scotland, you will hear tales of strange customs and legends. The bottle containing this fine malt is decorated with the ancient Ankh symbol which is rumored to bring good fortune, especially if you wear your lucky socks . I can assure you at least of good tastings if you pour a dram of this spicy and lightly peated whisky…so maybe the Ankh is a good omen. The rocky soil and heathery peat each contribute to the subtle flavors of honey and a crisp woody note . Neat is the only way to appreciate this special single malt and you might want to avoid any black cats or full moon evenings for your first taste. I found that the finish was long and sweet with a slight smokiness . Highly recommended with an 8.5 rating , just not on Friday the 13th
Oban 14
Oban 14- There is something fishy about this Western Highland malt, primarily because it harkens from the town of Oban which was a fishing village for hundreds of years before the distillery was constructed in the late 1700’s. Talk about a rich history ….you can detect a slightly salty air in your glass if you give it a chance to linger . Richly colored like an amber jewel , this smooth and slightly malty scotch has a dry delicious texture on the palate . I detected subtle creaminess in my second glass which made me think this would be a fine after dinner dram, perfect for following your grilled beef or venison. There is a subtle but delightful bit of peat balanced by some fruit mid taste. I image this as the ideal reward for landing a “keeper” on a dry fly. Easily an 8+. Oh, and to avoid sounding like a rookie….remember when ordering that the A is silent.
Lagavulin 16
Lagavulin 16… “great balls of fire” said Jerry Lee Lewis, well here is the embodiment of that classic rock tune in a bottle. A generous dose of peat and serious smoky flavors will reward those who enjoy it neat. This whisky is intense and complex with a lingering finish , I found a sea side saltiness underneath the smoke and fire. The folks on Islay take their time nurturing this prize…. it matures and grows stronger for 16 years in oak prior to landing in your bottle. this 86 proof is much smoother than you might expect but is definitely not a beginners malt, my guess is that the Killer himself would be a fan of this power house Scotch, I rate it a smoldering 8.5..Slainte!
Brenne
Brenne…Sacré Bleu mon ami…One of the Snob’s favorite whisky bloggers has launched her own single malt! Kudos to the Whisky Woman for this world class achievement in the distilling arena. This lovely and well balenced French Single Malt is aged in Cognac barrels which infuses the malt with a delightful sweetness, adding to the complexity. I detected equal parts of subtle fruit and grain initially and the finish was lingering and just a bit spicy. Finding this malted tour de force will take some patience as distribution progresses but this link will allow you to purchase a bottle from your favorite chair.
http://www.drinkupny.com/Brenne_French_Single_Malt_Whisky_p/s1314.htm
I suggest this might be the perfect after dinner whisky for those in the know. Vive la différence ! Holiday rated 8.5 on the snob scale and a must try !
The Peat Monster
The Peat Monster …. Our timing seems perfect to discuss Dr. Stu’s contribution to our season ending celebration. In this corner of the world, burning a huge pile of amber leaves is a fall ritual which should be enhanced by enjoying a glass of this “liquid autumn”. One whiff of this smoky scotch sets the stage for a vanilla sweetness with an oaky flavor infusion. The maple leaf color is perfectly suited to enjoying this blend with a few splashes of water . There is not as much complexity here as with a good single malt but it still deserves a spot on your shelf. Take a break from the rake and tame the Monster in front of your fireplace….I rate this beast a solid 7.
The Johnnie Walker Rainbow
The Johnnie Walker Rainbow. The Snob was fortunate to be included in a select group of Malt Junkies at TK’s lounge recently. Fortunately for the group, the selection of Johnnies did not include the “Dreaded Red” which seems to haunt most proletarian bars due to it’s price . Our host began the festivities with the tuxedo Black poured neat and its malty overtones of sherry and toffee were quite nice actually. With the group being very environmentally sensitive, we moved on to the Green which was noticeably smoother and more luxurious in its nose, a real move up market. Batting third was the lovely Gold with its sunny sweetness and subtle peat, I found this to be my favorite in the lineup. Finally our host ceremonially poured the storied Blue and much to my surprise, it seemed over refined …perhaps the blending was too complex and it muted the oaky flavors . The peat was barely perceptible and the finish was rather quick. The cleanup batter managed to get on base but failed to live up to its reputation. I loved the concept of tasting the “siblings” in sequence and these whiskeys offer surprising character and drinkability. In order I rate them 7, 7.5, 8.5, and 7.5. Invite the full lineup to your next gathering and enjoy the diversity .
Laphroaig interactive whiskey tasting…..
The good folks who make that lovely smoky Laphroaig Single Malt are going to be producing a live and interactive whisky tasting webTV show from Nuremberg, Laphroaig Live 2012, with Laphroaig Distillery Manager, John Campbell, master blender Robert Hicks, and some other whisky aficionados. Join them for a fine experience using this link, cheers !
http://live.laphroaig.tv/show/theres-no-smoke-without-laphroaig
http://live.laphroaig.tv/show/theres-no-smoke-without-laphroaig
Auchentoshan Single Malt
Auchentoshan Classic- So my friend Charlie has this tradition whilst fly fishing….when you land a trout, you take a celebratory drink from the always present silver flask. Our subject scotch might just be the perfect streamside companion. Now Charlie favors Canadian whisky, clearly a character flaw, but right-minded folks would do well to consider this alternative. It’s lightly peated and malty with a distinctive oilyness ….which is a great combination. It’s an 80 proof bottle which should keep you from taking an unexpected downstream excursion. As a possible side benefit on a day when they are not biting…at least you are self contained. Scottishly inexpensive , but still the real (reel…) deal, I rate this one a 7, oh, and always catch and release.
Bushmills Irish 21
Bushmills 21 Irish whiskey- The Snob has invaded a new island! Irish ….darn right ! The drink of choice for my friend JS , this sweet and fragrant single malt is spicy and delightfully complex with fruit notes and a lingering finish. Aging in sherry and bourbon casks for 21 years has worked its magic by infusing the flavors with citrus and sweetly grapelike flavors. I might need a bit more exploration time to appreciate the subtleties in this bottle, which is visually intriguing due to the stylish embossed flanks and square shape. Broaden your horizons, welcome your Irish neighbor to the table! I rate it a solid 7.5 .
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The Black Grouse
The Black Grouse-Sacrilege! ….how could the Snob possibly drink , much less review , a blend ? A good friend once called me an uncomplimentary name because I brought a single malt to a mass gathering of automotive sporting types. Predictably, the whisky disappeared in a wink and I was left empty handed. Now for people with unlimited beverage budgets that might be fine, but JT introduced me to the concept of an everyday scotch. The Black Grouse is one notch up in character from a common blend and has a wonderful peaty finish to boot. A silky smooth blend with notes of smoky caramel that deserves a spot on the starting grid and is a great value. This flavorful game bird has a lingering powerful finish. Fortunately the 80 proof whiskey is feather free . I would rate this blend at 6.5, unremarkable but solid.
Tomatin 12
Tomatin 12- Imagine that you ( as CEO) just finished the year end accounting with your CFO, and to celebrate you have chosen this fine beverage. Pour a generous glass , rock back in the boardroom and realize that perhaps all the extra effort and brilliant decision making seem worthwhile. This perk is a malty highland scotch that commands your attention and rewards the sophisticated drinker. Not for the faint of heart , or beginners, its spicy power is rich and full but is best enjoyed neat. It would be criminal to dilute the robust flavors that the distillery nutured for 12 full years. Gordon Gecko taught us that greed is good, but sharing is better , so offer up the second glass to a good friend. Now get back to work . I rate this valued trustee a solid 8.5
Glenlivet 12 Airline Mini
Glenlivet 12 Airline Mini- Here’s a first…. the snob manages a stellar review at 32,000 feet. Enjoying a fine scotch is part tasting and part overall experience. Who need a crystal glass when American Airlines offers up a charming embossed plastic cup. Additionally, the warmth of the genuine Formica folding table (complete with propaganda literature in the clever seat back pocket) enhances our enjoyment. This refined highland whisky has subtle floral notes with very light peating. Somehow during the process, even the roar of the 757’s massive jet engines seemed to mellow out after a few sips. I found vanilla and spicy fruit flavors in this extremely smooth malt, and its golden color brightened up the cabin of my aluminum transporter. I recommend this mile high treat to even my pilot friends…once you touch down. My apologies for the inferior photo on this post, the iphone was bouncing around and my lighting isn’t up to the usual snob standards…I rated this well traveled scotch a solid 8.
Glenlivet 12 Airline
Highland Park 18
Highland Park 18- Remember that Billy Joel tune “Uptown Girl” ? This classic Orcadian Island Scotch is the embodiment of uppercrust snazzines. It arrives in a stylish flat bottle that makes it stand out from the crowd and hints of something special. The peaty nose suggests a powerful flavor and tasting immediately confirms it. This malt’s slightly nutty and complex flavors seem to “ open” nicely with a few drops of water, swirl and savor for sure. There are toffee overtones in each dram that finally give way to a long smokey finish. Here is a very special scotch that would make a fine gift for a valued friend. Somewhat aristocratic …break out your best glassware for this uptown dandy. Easily a 9+ rating and highly recommended. ( 86 proof )
Highland Park 18
Penderyn Welch Single Malt
Penderyn Welsh Single Malt – Wrong freekin’ island you say ? Not so fast you snobbish consumer. While you’re not likely to find this unique bottle at the corner store, it is worth a special delivery. The Prince of Wales might better have a case of this fine drink than whatever Camilla brings to the party…..The whisky itself is lightly peated and has an engagingly mellow nose that transitions into a minor flavor explosion. There is a fruity sense and the sherry casks also make their presence known in the finish. I found that swirling the whisky in my mouth allowed the complexity to come forward like a royal parade on a spring day. Don’t get you kilt in a knot over the origins of this very drinkable whisky, just go with the flow. Snobbishly rated an 8. 
Springbank Private Label
Springbank Private Label, Some days are better than others….and today was a rockin’ fine example . Here’s a very special bottle that was purchased as an entire barrel many moons ago and man o man was it worth the wait. This is a rich and mellow malt with lovely vanilla notes leading to an oaky spice in the background. My friend Adrienne who provided this example reports that robbing a bank might be the only way to acquire your own stash, as the last bottle sold at auction for a cool grand. Compare this rare scotch with the distinctive tones of a vintage Rickenbacker and you’ll get the picture. I wonder if Mr. Thomas Petty enjoys the occasional dram……..this liquid music rates a 9+ ,or a Grammy.
Springbank Private Label
The Macallan 12
The Macallan 12- Here’s one very mature 12 year old, way past the usual pre-teen shenanigans! This Highland smoothy is one whisky that you can enjoy with meals as well as during the evening; it’s creamy enough and perfectly flavored for accompanying a juicy steak with your mate. The rich golden color is the result of perfectly roasted all Scottish barley aged in sherry casks for a full dozen years. This lingering finish lasts longer than War and Peace did on your nightstand. I found fruity notes with vanilla in the background, probably should have another glass in case I missed anything. I rate this classic a solid 8
The Macallan 12
The BenRiach 12
The BenRiach 12- A new discovery for the Snob makes its debut. Here is a Speyside beauty that commands the stage with an understated opening act, it’s light on the nose and extremely pale in the glass. You’d find a richer golden color on the cheeks of a Scandinavian librarian in the dead of winter. The distillery had been mothballed for some time and when it reopened in 2004, it began using on site floor malting, which gives it some bragging rights for using old school methods. This smooth performer has lovely notes of vanilla and spice with some lingering pear or apple overtones, a virtual symphony of subtle flavors. I suggest you sample “ Big Ben “ in a heavy glass to avoid consuming it with too much speed, it’s that glassy smooth. The finish is lightly peated and faster than an Olympic sprinter on steroids, I prefer a more lingering taste. I debated this rating until the second performance but settled on a score of 7, not an award winner but worthy of a ticket.
TheBenRiach 12
Edradour 10
Edradour 10- A wee nip indeed! This diminutive single malt arrived via my daughter Cait , who bought it as a gift while spending a semester at the University of Edinborough. The small vessel is representative of her student budget, and that made it all the more special. This whisky presents a mellow, almost gentle nose, with a subtle hint of sweetness. There is nothing truly remarkable about this scotch but a golden dose of honey flavor and for me, a nostalgic taste that I will recommend to my followers. Also notable, is that this Highland distillery is the smallest in all of Scotland and that alone makes it desirable. Now…. where is it written in stone that size matters ? I rate it at 7+. 
Glenmorangie Original 10
Glenmorangie –Original 10 year old. This charming Highland whisky warms the spirit with a rich floral flavor. Its oaky complexity and vanilla notes linger on the tongue and encourage the drinker to keep coming back for more. The nose is quite delicate and the sweet toasted oakiness will easily put a smile on your face. This singular malt should always have a spot on your shelf and won’t give your wallet an apoplectic fit . This 80 proof scotch rates a solid 8 and is recommended as the perfect “steady eddie “ scotch .
Glenmorangie 10
Bruichladdich 16 Cuvee E Sauternes
This fine Islay whisky is aged in French oak barrels from the Bordeaux region. The resulting wine nuances make this an exceptional drink if you can find it. The Island home of this distillery produces bold flavors influenced by the salt air and peaty environment and each dram brings you to that very destination. The rich honey color in your glass pays great flavor dividends and actually has wine notes in the background….go crazy and enjoy it in a stemmed glass you rebel! Maybe even offer a splash of this unique malt to your “wine only” acquaintances. ( 92 Proof ) I rate this beauty at 9 +.
Bruichladdich 16 cuvee F Sauternes
The Single Malt Snob 