Exploring the world of Single Malt Scotches

Latest

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 !brenne1-LR

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 .

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