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.
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The Black Grouse
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
The Single Malt Snob 