Since that fateful night in 1991 I have sampled more than a thousand different single malts.
A lot of my sampling sessions took place before I started making notes, but by the end of 1996
my 'recreational' drinking behaviour had evolved into something much more serious and 'maniacal'.
One day, on my way to my liquorist, I passed a little book store. I already own a book (several,
in fact), so I had never entered the store before. But this time I spotted a tiny stack of tiny
books with blank pages - just perfect for keeping notes on my alcoholic adventures!

So, since january 1997 I've been keeping track of all malts I sampled in my 'Little Black Book'.
Both the 'real' one and this virtual version contain tasting notes on the all the single malts I've
'seriously' sampled. Until January 2002 that meant finishing an entire 'big' bottle (70cl or more)
of whisky. After examining more than 250 single malt whiskies this way, I felt confident enough
to start sampling and rating my whiskies 'by the dram'. Only on good nose days, of course...
I suffer from chronic sinusitis so I'm 'nasally handicapped' most of the time.

When I passed the 500 malts mark on november 11, 2003 I decided that publishing my tasting
notes in triplicate (in my Liquid Log, the Distillery Profiles and this little black book) maybe wasn't
the most effective way of keeping records. That's why you'll have to consult my new Track Record
(or the Liquid Log section of MM, entry 150 and beyond) for tasting notes and scores for all the single
malt Scotch whiskies I sampled and scored after november 11, 2003. This Little Black Book only covers Scotch single malts; all 'other' drinks (Irish whisey, bourbons, etc.) are covered in the 'Deviant Drams' section.

A

ABERFELDY  (Midlands) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Aberfeldy 9yo 1991/2000 (43%, Ultimate, distilled 11/4/1991, oak cask #2713, bottled 8/5/2000, bottle #111, 70cl) - 70 points
Nose: Very soft start. Becomes bigger and more spicy after a minute. Incense? Coffee? A little oily. Some citrus. Relatively restrained.
Taste: Soft, smooth and warm at first. Rather sweet. Pink bubblegum in the extremely dry finish?
Aberfeldy 12yo (40%, OB, Dewar's, bottled +/- 2001, LEO 1 352 12:38, 70cl) - 78 points
Nose: Spicy & herbal. Prickly. Then sweet & sour, becoming fruitier. Then more organics. Leather & smoke. Japanese crackers?
Taste: Harsh and rough at the start. Hint of salt liquorice. Orange lemonade in the finish? Not as endearing as the nose.
Aberfeldy 1978/1996 (59.3%, Scott's Selection, Oak casks, French market, 70cl) - 83 points
Nose: Powerful. Lots of fruit. Fruit cake? Slightly dusty. More sour/vegetable notes after time. Organic notes growing stronger.
Taste: Soft start, then a big, fruity burn. Chewy. Sherry accents. Sweet when sampled by the drop. Overwhelming with bigger sips.
 

ABERLOUR   (Speyside) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Aberlour NAS '100 Proof' (57.1%, OB, bottled +/- 2000, 100cl) - 85 points
Nose: Big, sweet and sherried. Woody. Cookies? Peaty (???) after five minutes. Strong fruits and molasses.
Taste: Liquorice (root) and wood. Very sweet with strong fruity notes. A bit like distilled Spanish sangria. Great!
Aberlour NAS 'A'bunadh' No Batch # (59.6%, OB, bottled +/- 1999, code L320 150 116 15:40, 70cl) - 90 points
Nose: Very fruity. Sherry. Sweet and slightly dusty. Turkish delight. Smoke. Raisins. Flowers? Oriental spices?
Taste: Very sherried & sweet. Pink bubblegum. Deep fruits and oak. Liquorice. Stone fruits (peaches or apricots).
Aberlour NAS 'A'bunadh' Batch #6 (59.6%, OB, bottled +/- 2000, code L320 448 354 12:01, 70cl) - 88 points
Nose: Cinnamon. More fruity than sherried. Dried apples. A little malty and nutty. Smoked almonds? Distinctly 'gamy' (?).
Taste: Sherry-sweet burn. Burnt toffee and caramel. Marzipan? Smooth. Wood and late fruits in the center. Just enough smoke.
Aberlour NAS 'A'bunadh' Batch #7 (59.6%, OB, bottled +/- 2001, code L302 064 036 09:49, 70cl) - 89 points
Nose: Lots of sherry. Maltier and nuttier after a while. Smoke and fruits. Organic notes and a hint of marzipan. Amazing..
Taste: Very sweet at C/S. Sweet and smoky at +/- 45%, with a cool afterburn. Marzipan and sherry in the finish.
Aberlour NAS 'A'bunadh' Batch #8 (60.2%, OB, bottled +/- 2002, code L302 323 182 11:34, 70cl) - 86 points
Nose: Sweet start. The sherry takes a while but becomes dominating. Next stop: organics. Lemon drops? Soap? Shortbread? Water has little effect.
Taste: Very sherried start, but surprisingly drinkable at C/S. Sweet, fruity centre, slowly evolving into a long fruity and woody finish. Slightly 'winey'.
Aberlour NAS 'A'bunadh' Batch #9 (60.0%, OB, bottled +/- 2003, code LK3N0934 058 12:46, 70cl) - 87 points
Nose: A little nuttier and not as extremely sherried Batch #8. Toffee! Furniture polish. Fruitier notes after a minute. Nice - very well-balanced.
Taste: Sherried for a second, then sweet and fruity like lemon drops. Long woody finish. After a dash of water the fruit became more prominent.
Aberlour NAS 'Antique' (40%, OB, bottled +/- 2000, 70cl) - 81 points
Nose: Cookies and fudge. Spicy too. Smokier after a few minutes. Sherried, but not as much as the current 10yo. Chloride?
Taste: Malty, fruity and a little dry. Not as fruity as the 15yo. The finish was quite bitter, not unlike beer. Hop? 
Aberlour 10yo (40%, OB, bottled +/- 1994, code L32006 021 10:55, Cooymans, 70cl) - 81 points
Nose: Quite a nose-full. A 'scream' of sherry, followed by a wonderful spicy sweetness. A little water works wonders.
Taste: A bit too much sherry for me. Smooth, but grows dry quickly; a real afterburner. Too much water ruins the balance!
Aberlour 10yo (40%, OB, bottled +/- 1997, no code, 70cl) - 77 points
Nose: Big and very sherried at first, followed by a spicy sweetness. More sherry with a few drops of water.
Taste: Starts smooth, becoming dry very quickly. Way too sherried for me. Seems to withstand oxidation very well.
Aberlour 10yo (40%, OB, bottled +/- 2001, code L320 643 346 15:30, PR Larios, 100cl) - 80 points
Nose: Malty. A little sherried. Fruity. Orange zest? Citrus and some toffeeish notes. Spicy. Hint of mint or menthol?
Taste: Thin start. Sweet and smooth. Malty with a hint of apple pie. Some tobacco in the finish? Some freshness.
Aberlour 11yo 1989/2001 (43% Aberdeen Distillers, Distilled 10/1989, Bottled 09/2001, Oak Hogshead #11039) - 80 points
Nose: Pleasant enough, but it lacks the trademark sherry character you can find in most OB's.
Taste: Quite rough with a surprising hint of peat. How did that get in there?
Aberlour 12yo Double Cask Matured (43%, OB, bottled +/- 2002, code L302 1135 30414:30, 70cl) - 82 points
Nose: Smooth. Sherry. Fruit sweets. Grows sweeter and spicier. 'Boerenjongens'. Maybe a hint of smoke.
Taste:  Rhum? Coffee? Fruits. Some smoke. Liquorice. Stays rough. Woody and winey towards the finish.
Aberlour 15yo Sherry Wood Finish (40%, OB, code L320 443 250 10:16, 70cl) - 84 points
Nose: Sweet and spicy., subtle and a little sour. Fruity & flowery elements - a bit like rose water. Something nutty.
Taste: Starts surprisingly soft and smooth. A buttery toffee sweetness. Extremely fruity as well - distilled fruit-juice.
 

ALLT A' BHAINNE   (Speyside) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Allt-A-Bhainne 1989/1999 (50%, John Milroy Millennium Selection, matured in oak casks, 70cl) - 77 points
Nose: Oily and smoky. Sweetish. Eucalyptus. Tea? Rich; opens up even more after a minute. Fresher over time.
Taste: Malty. Slightly oily as well. Sweetish at 50%. Seems much 'thinner' when diluted, but still sweet.
Allt-A-Bhainne 12yo (43%, James McArthur Fine Malt Selection, bottled +/- 1995, 75cl) - 70 points
Nose: Strange! A bit chemical with a first impression of eucalyptus. Flowery? Lightly sweet. A memory of peat.
Taste: Soft start. Sweet and malty. Not a lot of character. The finish is soft and short, almost watery.
 

AN CNOC   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

See KNOCKDHU
 

ARDBEG   (Islay) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Ardbeg NAS 'Uigeadail' (54.2%, OB, Bottled 2003) -  89 points
Nose: Deep and brooding. Organics and swampy aroma's. Not very peaty. A hint of sweetness, but not as fruity as the 17yo. Needs a few minutes.
Taste: At C/S there's plenty of peat. Af a short 'delay' it becomes very salty and smoke. A sour undercurrent as well, which slowly takes over.
Ardbeg 8yo 1991/1999 (43%, Signatory Vintage, matured in oak casks #617-620, 70cl) - 82 points
Nose: The start was 'oily' and 'veggie'. Salty overtones, sour undertones. Iodine. Briny. Smoke. Chloride. Hazelnuts?
Taste: Soft start. It only reveals it's Ardbegness after a few seconds. Peat. Iodine. A surprising sweetness. Bitterish finish.
Ardbeg 8yo 1992/2000 (43%, Signatory Vintage, matured in oak casks #414-415, 70cl) - 85 points
Nose: Clean, dry and slightly peaty. Leather and salt. Powerful. The bourbon cask influence is obvious.
Taste: Smooth start. Sweet & peaty. Speculaas? More peat and smoke after a while. Dry, slightly bitter finish.
Ardbeg 9yo 1991/2000 (46%, Murray McDavid, matured in Bourbon cask, MM2999, 70cl) - 87 points
Nose: Dusty. Dry. Light fruits. Menthol? Mint? Slightly oily. Sweaty socks. Organics. Salt. Horse stable. Leather. Bandages?
Taste: Sourish and smooth start. Big dry burn. Slightly gritty. More salt and sweet after a while. Some peat. A dry, salty finish.
Ardbeg 9yo 1990/2000 (43%, McGibbon's Provenance Autumn Distillation, 70cl) - 79 points
Nose: Dry. Sweet and fruity. Water melon? Dough? Sherry. Spicy. Wet dog? Bacon. Leather, salt and organics.
Taste: Sweetish (honey) start, weak center, sourish in the finish. Dry and salty - other than that it doesn't impress.
Ardbeg 9yo 1990/2000 (50%, Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask, 372 bottles, 70cl) - 84 points
Nose: Soft start. Restrained. Sourish and slightly dusty. Citrus. Water melon. Fruity, but briny as well. Spices and smoke.
Taste: Dry. Deceptively soft start, followed by a sweet burn. Malty with a peppery prickle. Very nice, but no peat monster.
Ardbeg 10yo 'TEN' (46%, OB, bottled +/- 1999, Non Chill-filtered, code L0 039 4ML 08:52, 70cl) - 89 points
Nose: Starts off rather light and sweet, followed by smoke and brine. Salt & ammoniac. More iodine than peat.
Taste: Well balanced. Nice and sweet at first, with a long salty Ardbeg bang in the middle and a satisfying finish.
Ardbeg 11yo 1991/2002 (62.2%, Cadenhead's Bond Reserve, Bourbon Hogshead, 306 bottles, 70cl) - 84 points
Nose: Extremely powerful and briny with lots of organics. Chloride? Burnt rubber. Sweeter with time, with water softer fruity elements emerge. Honey?
Taste: At c/s it's dry and incredibly hot. It almost burnt a hole in my stomach. With water it becomes frendlier on the palate. Lasting, woody finish.
Ardbeg 17yo (40%, OB, bottled +/- 1997, code L7 338 4ML 11:40, 70cl) - 92 points
Nose: Great! Hints of oak and salt. Brine. Some peat, balanced with some sourness and a Speysidish sweetness.
Taste: Starts off quite soft, but after the trademark "delay" it fully reveals its Islay character. Peppery, bitter finish.
Ardbeg 17yo (40%, OB, bottled +/- 2000, code L9 303 4ML 03:13, 70cl) - 89 points
Nose: Soft start. After some breathing a broad, Speysidish sweetness. Sweet & sour. Almonds? Some oil or vegetables?
Taste: Starts out soft, but a wonderful gentle burn soon starts warming your mouth. Islay centre; bitter finish. 
Ardbeg 1978/1997 'Limited Edition' (43%, OB, no code, 70cl) - 86 points
Nose: Starts soft and polished for such an old Ardbeg. Relatively round and sweet. Lots of complexity and some peat.
Taste: Peaty, but encapsulated within a smothering layer of sweetness. A hint of smoke and sherry. Lots of wood in the finish.
Ardbeg 1974/1995 (40%, G&M Connoisseurs Choice, code IE/CDA, 70cl) - 87 points
Nose: Peaty with sherried overtones. Chloride. Definitely an Islay malt, but not as overwhelming as some other Ardbegs.
Taste: Characteristic delay in taste-development. Very peaty at first. Malty. Smoky. Some salt. Long finish - woody & bitter.
Ardbeg 1975/1998 (43%, OB, no code, sample, 70cl) - 89 points
Nose: Peat and salt. The peat vanished quite quickly and abruptly, leaving an unexpected 'Highlandish' sweetness.
Taste: Wonderful with the traditional Ardbeg delay. A soft, sweet layer around a peaty heart. The faintest hint of fruits.
Ardbeg 1975/2000 (43%, OB, no code, sample, 70cl) - 88 points
Nose: Heavy, brooding fruitiness with a smoky undercurrent. Sherried. Iodine and bandages. Powerful. Mint? Menthol?
Taste: Woody, sherried start. Dry. Then some iodine and smoke appear, growing stronger. Tannins. Rotting wood?
Ardbeg 24yo 1975/2000 (50%, Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask, 713 bottles, 70cl) - 92 points
Nose: Yeast? A little grainy. Light fruits and some smoke. Then peat, leather, salt, brine, rubber and horse stable aroma's.
Taste: Combination of sweet and peat. Salty center with hints of liquorice. Iodine. Mellow peat, smoke and a long dry finish.
Ardbeg 25yo 'Lord of the Isles' (46%, OB, bottled in 2001, first bottle in Holland, 70cl) - 90 points
Nose: Very rich, presenting a broad spectrum of fragrances. Good stuff! Much more iodine than other Ardbegs I've tried.
Taste: Very smoky! With a few drops of water it opens up. Sherry and liquorice. Slightly short on substance.
Ardbeg 1976/2002 'Feis Ile' (53.1%, OB, Bottled for the 2002 Islay Whisky Festival) - 94 points
Nose: Wow! A blast of sherry. Ripe fruits and polished wood. Dried apples. Peat. Organics. Stock Cubes. Bandages and other medicinal elements.
Taste: Smooth start, remarkably sweet. Then the bitter, malty peat kicks in. Smoky. Dry. Perfectly drinkable at c/s. Drier & sweeter with water.
Ardbeg 1974 'Provenance' (55.6%, OB, Bottled +/- 2001) - 93 points
Nose: Light and fruity. Not very peaty at first. A pinch of salt? Developing organics. Sweet spices - like 'speculaas'. Vanilla? Dust. Quite complex.
Taste: Sweet, fruity start. Lemon drops. Grows smokier and woodier. With water it remained sweet and fruity. A fabulous palate - but no peat. Dry.
Ardbeg 27yo 1973/2000 (50%, Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask, 240 bottles, 70cl) - 93 points
Nose: Peat, peat, peat. Cow stable. Salt. Chloride. Some faint early fruits. Vegetables? Galvanised rubber - like new tires.
Taste: Salt and liquorice, turning hot and bone dry quickly. Peat. Serrano ham. Smoke. Lemon fruit sweets! Dry. Amazing long finish.
 

ARDMORE   (Speyside) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Ardmore 11yo 1990/2001 (46%, Signatory Vintage, Unchillfiltered, Bourbon casks #6360/61, 70cl) - 71 points
Nose: Quite restrained. A little spicy, with hints of ripe pears. Balanced. Soft honey and toffee notes. Pleasant.
Taste: Malty. A hint of peat after a while? Smooth. Sweetish in the start, but not in the finish.
Ardmore 11yo 1990/2001 (46%, Signatory Vintage, Unchillfiltered, Bourbon cask #6367, 70cl) - 78 points
Nose: Lemon, apple, pear & other fruits. Light. Something nutty. Very nice. Organics after a while. Too 'veggy' for me.
Taste: Sweetish and slightly gritty. Vegetables. Not as pleasant as the nose.
Ardmore 11yo 1992/2003 (43%, Signatory Vintage, Unknown cask number, 70cl) - 80 points
Nose: Spicy with some chloride. Hint of peat after a while. Well balanced, but not very pronounced.
Taste: Malty. Liquorice with a pinch of salt. Dry finish, slightly bitter. A little bit 'MOTR', but very elegant.
Ardmore 12yo 1986/1999 '100th Anniversary' (40%, OB) - 78 points
Nose: Sweet. Marzipan? Polished. Nice and fruity. Peanut butter. Spices and strange organics after a minute.
Taste: Starts off quite flat. Peat? A little gritty. Then a whiff of smoke. Grows hotter, drier and woodier towards the finish.
Ardmore 1981/1995 (40%, Gordon & MacPhail, code IE/AEF, 70cl) - 78 points
Nose: Nice! Deep sherry with something I can't identify. A hint of oranges and soap perfume. Something 'sparkly'.
Taste: Very nice. Smooth and sweet like whipped cream. A decent malty burn, followed by a relatively short, dry finish.
 

ARRAN  (Islands - Arran) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Arran NAS (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1998, Sherry casks, Code L9:243:S10 99:13185 11:00, 70cl) - 61 points
Nose: Oily and creamy. Grain? A little sweet. A pinch of salt. A little smoke and some nuttyness later on. Quite interesting.
Taste: Watery. Smooth with a malty burn, followed by a toffee sweetness. Spoilt by a dry and bitter finish. Tea?
Arran NAS (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 2001, Sherry casks, Code L9:298:S10 99/15031 14:08, 70cl) - 63 points
Nose: Grainy. Oily. Memories of Mull. Something rotten. Its youth is very obvious - a little too obvious for my tastes.
Taste: A little sharp on the tongue. Some sweetish notes. Faintly smoky. Hints of lemon and malt? Light, dry finish.
Arran NAS 'Non-Chillfiltered' (46%, OB, X1059/X1060, L3183BB 1240, 70cl) - 67 points
Nose: Nutty. Sweet and malty at first - light and very pleasant. Oatmeal? Quite accessible. then it grows oilier and grainier. The complexity vanishes.
Taste: Starts off rather weak, uneven and bitter. Sweet centre, not altogether unpleasant. Unfortunately, the finish is dry and very bitter. Bad wood?
 

AUCHENTOSHAN   (Lowlands) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Auchentoshan NAS 'Select' (40%, OB, code F391, 5cl) - 64 points
Nose: Surprisingly nutty - just on the right side of oily. Fruity and a little flowery. Tea? Soft maltiness. Clean.
Taste: Smooth and slightly oily. The center grows dry quickly. Gritty. Fairly short finish. Very clean but it lacks cohesion.
Auchentoshan NAS 'Three Wood' (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1999, code F690 / F691 / L316/245H, 70cl) - 82 points 
Nose: Sweet. Sherry. Hint of smoke. Caramel? Wood and fruits. Tobacco! Whiff of peppermint. Sweet fruit cake. Organics. Salted peanuts. Spices.
Taste: Smooth start. Sherry. Sweet, sour and smoky as well. Mint? Fruits. Wood. Liquorice root. Fried fish? Smoke and tannins in the dry, long finish.
Auchentoshan 10yo (40%, OB, bottled +/- 1993, code 5 010496 700815, 70cl) - 68 points
Nose: Very light, oily bouquet. Almost grainy. A bit sharp and - dare I say - unimaginative.
Taste: Surprisingly supple; very smooth. It lacked development, though. Perhaps as a result of the triple-distillation?
Auchentoshan 10yo (40%, OB, bottled +/- 2000, code 100/0000275/18, 70cl) - 58 points
Nose: Phew. Seems very oily. Overcooked vegetables. Cannabis? Salted peanuts? Fish? Noticeable improvement and better 'integration' over time.
Taste: Very smooth. Watery. Oil. Cod liver and eucalyptus. Chemical sweetness. Faint liquorice? Gritty in the finish - chalky like rhubarb.
 

AUCHROISK  (SINGLETON)   (Speyside) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Singleton of Auchroisk 10yo (43%, OB, bottled +/- 2000, code 3672 / LLNL00800236, 100cl) - 75 points
Nose: Mega-fruity at first. Spicy. More spirity after a minute. Malty with a hint of sherry. Furniture wax. None of the aniseed I found in the 1981.
Taste: Very alcoholic. Quite sharp. Hint of fruit. Little depth; flat. Sour, unbalanced finish. Very average. Mediocre cask(s)?
Auchroisk 11yo 1989/2001 Port Finish (43%, Chieftain's, Casks #90191/90192, code L1208BB 3 12 09, 70cl) - 81 points
Nose: Oooh, that's nice... Lots of fruit and a little peat. Some smoke. Sweet, overwhelming aroma. Deep woody notes. Great finishing job!
Taste: Sadly, it doesn't match the great nose. Watery fruits. Dry, winey center with intruiging fruity episodes. Very woody finish.
Singleton of Auchroisk 1981 (43%, OB, bottled +/- 1997, code 2999, 100cl) - 80 points
Nose: Just enough sherry. liquorice and aniseed. Very characteristic. Remarkable, it reminded me a bit of "Pernod" pastis liqueur. 
Taste: A slow start, but when you give it time it unfolds beatifully and reaches deep into your throat. A very nice autumn-malt.
 

AULTMORE   (Speyside) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Aultmore 1989/1999 (50%, John Milroy Golden Strength, 70cl) - 72 points
Nose: Softly sweet - a little restrained. Fresh, herbal, grassy. A dash of pepper after a while. More honey after some time & water.
Taste: Piny. Woody, with a malty undercurrent. Some eucalyptus? Sweet burn in the centre, which softens with some time and water.
Aultmore 11yo 1985/1997 (43%, Signatory Vintage, bottle #468 of 484 from oak butt #2904, 70cl) - 71 points
Nose: Grainy start. Plenty of citrus. Spicy. A bit herbal. Rotting hay. Spirity at times. Pinch of salt. The lack of sherry wood is obvious.
Taste: Smooth and a bit peppery as well. Bittersweet. Sherried; a little oily. Gingerbread? Malty finish, becoming very dry and woody.
Aultmore 12yo (40%, OB, Bottled early 1990's) - 69 points
Nose: Alcoholic and fresh. Herbal. Light and sweet. Faint smoke? More fruity and flowery elements with water. Something sherried as well.
Taste: Light. Smooth and a little sweet. Malty. A little floral and perfumy. Decent burn. Lasting, dry finish. Pleasant but not remarkable.
 

B

BALBLAIR   (Northern Highlands) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Balblair NAS 'Elements' (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 2001, code L0335BB 3 09:52, 70cl) - 74 points
Nose: Heather honey. Fruity and malty. Raspberries! Hint of salt and peat. Toffee & spices. Some smoke, liquorice root. Strawberries? A little oily.
Taste: Not as entertaining as the nose. Apples & pears. Sweetish. Clean with a hint of smoke & peat. A tad too bitter in the finish; slightly metallic.
Balblair 10yo (40%, Gordon & MacPhail, Bottled +/- 1992, code IG/CIB, 70cl) - 77 points
Nose: Furniture polish? Intruiging fruity notes. Lots of character, but it drops off quickly.
Taste: Soft, smooth and sweet. Toffeeish. Slightly bitter. Dark chocolate in the finish. Not a lot of individuality, but very nice.
Balblair 16yo (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 2000, 70cl) - 76 points
Nose: Amazing development - very distinctive. A little pepper. Clove. Nutmeg? Furniture wax. Hint of soap. Spicy. Fresh and old fruit.
Taste: Flat start - malty, then bitter. Sweeter and nuttier later on. Someting fishy. Smoke. Pinch of salt. Tannine without the grapes. Ultra-dry wood.
 

BALMENACH   (Speyside) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Balmenach 10yo (43.0%, Scottish Wildlife, Bottled +/- 1998, code L 1204, 70cl) - 67 points 
Nose: Not much at first. Spirity. Apples? Citrus? Soap? A little nutty. Relatively restrained, although it does open up after five minutes.
Taste: Sweet start. Coffee? Bitter chocolate. Ciderish, almost Irish. The sweetness disappears. Bourbon dry. Slightly unpleasant in the finish.
Balmenach 11yo 1990/2001 (43%, Chieftain's, Casks 5414-5417, 1800 bottles, bottled Sept. 1990, dist. December 2001, 70cl) - 77 points
Nose: Restrained. Polished and quite fruity. Chloride. Dusty. Pleasant but superficial. Organics. Some sherry casks in this vatting?
Taste: Smooth start. Opens up quite nicely into a fruity center. Pleasant mouth feel. Sweeter with time. A tad woody in the finish. Dry.
 

BALVENIE   (Speyside) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Balvenie 10yo 'Founders Reserve' (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 1995, 70cl) - 82 points
Nose: Wonderful bouquet. Honey! Minty? Somewhat dry with a hint of old raisins. I wonder how that got in there.
Taste: Sweet and smooth; gently flows through your mouth. A very nice malt, but not quite as noble as it's older brothers.
Balvenie 10yo 'Founders Reserve' (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 1997, 70cl) - 81 points
Nose: Reminds me of the Abba song 'Honey, Honey'. Soft fruitiness - sultana's. Something faintly nutty? Pleasant.
Taste: Creamy and quite sweet. It's mighty likeable, but underneath its polished surface it seems a bit shallow.
Balvenie 10yo 'Founders Reserve' (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 2003, 70cl) - 77 points
Nose: Creamy and sweetish. Spices. Christmas cookies? A narrow spectrum. Rich. Hint of peat? It opens up with time.
Taste: Flat, Gritty start. A little thin. Definitely some brine in the centre. Tongue-coating. Bittersweet burn. Sweetish, warm finish.
Balvenie 12yo 'Doublewood' (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 1995, 70cl) - 86 points
Nose: More sherry in than the 10yo Honey and old fruit?  Wonderful complexity, especially after adding some water.
Taste: Sherry. Nutty sweetness. Dark chocolate, Peppermint? Complex with great development. Amazing balance.
Balvenie 12yo 'Doublewood' (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 2001, 100cl) - 85 points
Nose: Sweet and nutty start. Some sherry. A little alcoholic. Fruitier and woodier with time. Seems more restrained than I remember.
Taste: Fruity sweetness mixed with minty freshness. Intruiging sherry. Very sweet, but different kinds of sweetness appearing one after another.
Balvenie 12yo 'Doublewood' (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 2003, 70cl) - 86 points
Nose: Aaaah.... Sherry and organics. Marzipan. Furniture polish. Wood. Fruit sweets.  Something spicy around the corner. Never a dull moment.
Taste: Woody start. Sweet, full-bodied centre. Malty. Sherried. Spicy finish. I love this stuff.
Balvenie 1989 'PortWood' (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 2003, 70cl) - 83 points
Nose: Wow! Rich and balanced. Fairly similar to the Doublewood, but not as expressive. Marzipan. Lemon? Very nice, but I can't find the port.
Taste: Smooth and sweet start. Solid, fruity centre. Coffee? Not very complex. The finish grows slightly winey and woody - maybe that's the port?
Balvenie 15yo 1980/1996 'Single Barrel' (50,4%, OB, Cask #15986, Bottle #152, In cask 17/11/80, Bottled 28/11/96, 70cl) - 84 points
Nose: Very soft, considering its strength (50.4%). Needs some water. Honeyish and woody; oilier than the Doublewood.
Taste: Almost fruity at first, then a honeyish sweetness. A peppery "Allegro" followed by a neverending "Adagio". Best experienced neat.
Balvenie 15yo 1983/1999 'Single Barrel' (50,4%, OB, Cask #1318, In cask 27/4/83, Bottled 5/10/99, 70cl) - 80 points
Nose: Grainy. Veggy. Flat. Takes some time to open up. More spices after a while. A little musty. It reminds me a bit of the old 'Morangie 10yo.
Taste: Smooth start. Softly sweet. Hot. Spicy finish. Rougher and more powerful with time. Not challenging but very pleasant.
Balvenie 15yo 1985/2002 'Single Barrel' (50.4%, OB, Cask #286, Bottle #177, In cask 1/2/85, Bottled 12/2/02, 70cl) - 83 points
Nose: Honey sweet. Spicy. Surprisingly light and fruity. Tangerines?  Organics as well. Smoked ham? Raw string beans? Lavender?
Taste: Sweet and fruity - like fruit cake. Full bodied centre. Good mouth feel. Pleasant prickle. Long woody finish, maybe a tad too woody for me.
Balvenie 17yo 'Islay Cask' (43%, OB, serie of 94 casks, Bottled +/- 2001, 70cl) - 76 points
Nose: Soft and sweet. Honey. Toffee. Something doesn't fit. It seems a bit restrained. The Islay part doesn't show itself for a few minutes.
Taste: Rough. Unbalanced. Little depth. Very dry, especially in the finish. I see no justification to pay 100 Euro's for a bottle.
Balvenie 21yo 'Port Wood' (40%, OB, Bottled 1997, 70cl) - 87 points
Nose: Oemph! Very rich; smells almost like a C/S at 40%. Pipe tobacco and incense? Sweet, but less honeyed than the younger bottlings.
Taste: Round and full palate. Couldn't really detect the port here, though. Very woody. Make sure to empty the bottle quickly after opening.
Balvenie 25yo 1974/2000 Single Barrel (46.9%, OB, Cask #15208, distilled 12/11/1974, bottled 28/11/2000, 70cl) - 84 points
Nose: Wonderful perspective - very subtle. Sweet with late fruits and chocolate. Balanced without supressing any of the individual elements.
Taste: Very soft and accessible. Extremely fruity - maybe a tad too much so for my tastes. Long finish.
 

BANFF   (Speyside) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Banff 18yo 1980 (43%, Chieftain's Choice, 70cl) - 75 points 
Nose: Rum. Alcoholic and restrained at the same time. A hint of oil. Some sweeter, fruity notes after a minute. More development over time.
Taste: Sweetish start, with a suggestion of smoke in the background. The sweetness vanishes after a few minutes. Dragging, dry, bitter finish.
 

BEN NEVIS   (Western Highlands) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Ben Nevis 8yo 1990/1999 (43%, Signatory Vintage, Distilled 14/12/1990, Bottled 2/3/1999, Sherry butt #1376, 70cl) - 67 points
Nose: Slightly oily. Hint of sherry. Furniture polish? Vaguely intruiging. A little more smoke later on, opens up with some water.
Taste: Unbalanced. Not sweet enough at first. Slightly oily. Bitter chocolate. Dull, dry & smoky finish. No soul. Breaks up when water is added.
Ben Nevis 8yo 1990/1999 (43%, Signatory Vintage, Distilled 14/12/1990, Bottled 21/7/1999, Sherry butt #1379, 70cl) - 66 points
Nose: Grainy and a little grassy. Spirity. Faint wax? Some salt. A hint of smoke. No sweetness at all. A simple and plain character.
Taste: Soft & sweetish at first. Maltier after a minute with a bitter finish. A little oily, a little smoky, but ultimately uninspired.
Ben Nevis 10yo (46%, OB, Bottled +/- 1999, 70cl) - 78 points
Nose: Furniture polish. A little fruity. Gooseberries? Some pepper and spices. Very rich. Hint of oil. Nutty, not unlike 'Frangelico' liqueur.
Taste: Toffeeish. A bit malty. Sweetish with a little smoke. Slightly dusty. Strong dark chocolate. Orange peel in the dry finish. Touch of eucalyptus?
Ben Nevis 15yo 1977/1993 (60.9%, Cadenhead's, D12/77, B10/93, 5cl) - 87 points
Nose: Aaah... Lovely. Round and sweet with just enough fruits. Melon? Then organics emerge. Whiffs of chloride and dust. Developing organics.
Taste: Smooth and drinkable at c/s. It becomes chewy with a few drops of water. It feels a bit 'tickly'. Dry and slightly 'winey'. Flat, bitter finish.
 

BENRIACH   (Speyside) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Benriach 10yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1995, 70cl) - 71 points
Nose: Somewhat grainy and slightly oily. Very soft, but it grows more interesting as you go along. Nutty, flowery sweetness.
Taste: Rather soft with a powerful afterglow. A real summer-malt in one of the plainest bottles I've seen.
Benriach 10yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 2000, 100cl) - 70 points
Nose: Flat and oily. Faint sweetness. It grows creamier and nuttier over time but remains rather shallow.
Taste: Very restrained at first. Then it becomes sweeter, growing a little sour and bitter in the centre.  Short finish.
Benriach 12yo 1986/1998 (43%, Signatory Vintage, Distilled 19/05/1986, Bottled June 1998, Casks #4804 & 4805, 70cl) - 73 points
Nose: Peculiar. A lot of development. Sweeter with time. Grainier and more chloride with a splash of water.
Taste: Malty. Sweetish wint a hint of pine. Plywood? Sticky. Toffee smotthness after adding some water. Bitterish finish.
 

BENRINNES   (Speyside) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Benrinnes 12yo 1989/2002 (43%, Coopers Choice) - 79 points
Nose: Starts strong and becomes even more powerful after a minute. More smoke.
Taste: Sherry and smoke. Woody. Deep flavours, but a bit 'muddy'. Liquorice feeling.
Benrinnes 1985/1999 (43%, Mac Kullick's Choice, Cask #1213, Unchillfiltered) - 73 points
Nose: Grainy and 'veggy' over a soft sweet underground. Soft pepper? Maggi? Sweetish with a hint of dust. Fresher with time.
Taste: Hot. Gritty with a hint of coffee in the centre. Too thin. Astringent, dry finish.
Benrinnes 15yo (43%, Flora & Fauna bottling, Bottled +/- 1998, code LLNL00492621, 70cl) - 83 points
Nose: Sweet. Sherry and smoke. Old fruits. Stock cubes? Grows very rich and complex. Exquisite! Powerful too. Amazing!
Taste: Bittersweet. Sherry dryness with smooth episodes. Oaky and smoky. Orange. Long, dry finish with sherry moving back and forth.
Benrinnes 1978/1995 'Centenary Reserve' (40%, Gordon & MacPhail, code IE/ABC, 70cl) - 77 points
Nose: Fruity with a whiff of peat. Quite fresh. Soft sweetness. Oilier after a while. Interesting development but little volume.
Taste: Soft start, with a wonderful toffee sweetness emerging. Sadly, it vanishes again just as quickly. Fresh burn. Flashes of liquorice. Bitter finish.
 

BENROMACH   (Speyside)  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Benromach 12yo (40%, Gordon & MacPhail, Bottled +/- 1995, 70cl) - 75 points
Nose: Big with a lot of development. Fresh and flowery at first, then sweeter and more malt.
Taste: Overwhelming soft sweetness with a long afterburn. Woody and slightly sherried finish. Just a bit too woody and bitter for my taste.
Benromach 18yo (40%, OB / Gordon & MacPhail, Bottled +/- 2003, 70cl, Sampled at Distillery) - 80 points
Nose: Polished. Malt & citrus. Tangerine. Sherry. Spicy. Nothing wrong with this...
Taste: Malty and slightly bitter. A very fine malt but it could do with a little more personality.
Benromach 18yo (40%, OB / Gordon & MacPhail, Bottled +/- 2003, Code J9/3JG, 70cl) - 78 points
Nose: Soft maltiness with late fruits and organics in the background. Honey? Water melon? Sweeter with more citrus after a while. Hint of oil.
Palate: Starts of rather weak, but then a solid sweet and fruity centre livens things up. Smoke? Doesn't respond well to oxygen, though.
Benromach 19yo 1978/1998 (63.8%, UDRM, code, LLXL00000009, Bottle #2036, 70cl) - 74 points
Nose: Spirity. Rhum. Hard to pin down anything specific, although it takes a distinct fruitier direction after a few minutes..
Taste: Undiluted, it's rather sweet at first. The resemblance to rhum pops up here as well. Some pine in the center. Then more citrus.
Benromach 1973/2001 (40%, OB / Gordon & MacPhail, 70cl) - 82 points
Nose: Very subtle. Creamy but a little prickly as well. Light with accents of oil and pine. Hint of peat? A bit 'Lowlandish'.
Taste: Sweet and malty. but a tad thin. Big enough burn, though - it feels very powerful. Dry. Bitter finish.
 

BLADNOCH  (Lowlands) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Bladnoch 1992/2002 (58.5%, James MacArtur's Old Master's, Cask #717, 70cl) - 84 points
Nose: Fresh and fruity with lots of lemon. Clean. Fresh. Dry and spicy at first. Hey, is that a faint hint of peat? Nutty - hazelnuts? Christmas bread?
Taste: Light, sweet and fruity at cask strength. Spicy and peppery. It also showed some oilier elements. Pine? Faint liquorice. Hint of smoke.
Bladnoch 10yo (43%, Flora & Fauna, Bottled +/- 2001, 70cl) - 79 points
Nose: Rich and sweet. Fruity, becoming slightly oilier later on. Very pleasant; an excellent summertime malt.
Taste: Smooth - not as sharp as many other young Lowlanders I've tried. Slightly oily. Faint lemon skins?
Bladnoch 11yo 1988/2000 (43%, Sigantory Vintage, Cask #42003) - 77 points
Nose: Grainy and a little lemony - becoming fruitier and nuttier with time. Not very powerful. Sweetish. An ever changing parade of subtle accents.
Taste: Fruity and nutty start, evolving into an oily centre. Citrus overtones. Quite nice, but the palate becomes grittier and ends in a dry, flat finish.
Bladnoch 1987/1999 (40%, G&M Connoisseur's Choice, code C2095, 70cl) - 74 points
Nose: Peculiar. Grows very oily for a while. Coffee beans? Organic. Fruity. Some citrus. Wonderful development - whiffs of peat, honey and heather.
Taste: Very oily. Smooth, creamy start. Honey sweetness and menthol freshness. Interesting development over time. Fruity. Gingerbread. Pine?
Bladnoch 1988/2001 (40%, G&M Connoisseur's Choice, 70cl) - 79 points
Nose: Hmm... Fresh and smooth. Malt. Light with fruity overtones. Intriguing. Soft, early fruits. Strawberries? Apples - Granny Smith? Weak organics.
Taste: Not so nice at first. Menthol? Growing sweeter with time. Wet wood. A powerful peppery prickle in the centre that lasts very long. Dry finish.
Bladnoch 14yo 1989/2003 (53.6%, Cadenhead's Authentic Collection, Bottled July 2003, Bourbon Barrel) - 84 points
Nose: Yoghurt! Milky and malty. Grows much sweeter after time. We nicknamed this 'The Dairy Malt'. Very interesting.
Taste: Soapy and quite bitter at first. Drops off after 5 minutes, but makes a great comeback, becoming very chewy. Great body..
Bladnoch 16yo 1980/1997 (43%, Ultimate, Distilled 30/6/1980, Bottled 1/1997, Cask #98/591/40, Bottle #219, 70cl) - 82 points
Nose: Wowie, what a nose! Lemons! Then smoky with some sweetness, then sour again, becoming oily after a while. Very rich and complex!
Taste: Soft and sweet (sweet lemons?), a bit malty with a long afterburn. Drier finish; Very warming. The 'I cannot believe it's a Lowland' Lowland.
 

BLAIR ATHOL   (Midlands) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Blair Athol 11yo 1989/2000 (58.1%, Cadenhead's Authentic Collection, Bourbon Hogshead, 324 bottles, 70cl) - 82 points
Nose: Transparant and dry. Hint of peat? Not as powerful as I expected. Explosion of character with 5 drops of water, but 10 more drops kill it.
Taste: Easily drinkable at 58.1%. Very pleasant complexity. A fruity sweetness that remains entertaining for a long time.
Blair Athol 12yo (43%, Flora & Fauna, Bottled +/- 1996, code LLIA0001274, 70cl) - 79 points
Nose: Very flavoury, with a growing sweetness. Needs a minute. Smoky. Ginger? Red wine? Sweet and sour? Excellent and elusive.
Taste: Sweet and fruity. A soft start develops into a prolonged explosion. Hold the water, though... This malt is best drank straight.
Blair Athol 13yo 1989/2002 (58.8%, Cadenhead's Authentic Coll., Bourbon hogshead, 240 bottles, Bottled June 2002, 70cl) - 79 points
Nose: Sweet and spicy at first. Honey sweetness. Very pleasant, but not a lot of depth. Light organics. Androgynous.
Taste: Straight, it's sweetish with a faint coffee sensation. Greasy finish - like oatmeal? Easily drinkable at C/S. Pleasant mouth feel.
 

BOWMORE   (Islay) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Bowmore NAS 'Surf' (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1994, 100cl) - 76 points
Nose: Oilier than the 12yo - but just as elusive. A bit spicy, after a few minutes of breathing and warming up the Islay became more obvious.
Taste: unmistakably Islay. Rather salty, though not as sherried as the 12. Less complexity and some more bitterness.
Bowmore NAS 'Legend' (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1999, 70cl) - 76 points
Nose: Islay peat and smoke, but not at 'Kildalton' levels. Much more like the 'Surf' or a young Bruichladdich than like the sherried 12yo.
Taste: Islay, but also some sweetness. Rather 'simple'. Salty, not as much sherry as the 12. Just a little TOO young?
Bowmore NAS 'Darkest' (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1999, 70cl) - 55 points
Nose: Very smoky - overpowering. Iodine. Burnt caramel. Sherry. Grows very sweet and complex after a while. Caramel candy. Cough syrup.
Taste: A lot of heavy smoke and tar, not balanced by any other tastes. Buysman burnt caramel. One dimensional. Very woody and sherried.
Bowmore NAS 'Cask Strength' (56%, OB, Bottled +/- 1999, 100cl) - 78 points
Nose: Smoke, peat and sherry - it's a Bowmore allright... Sweeter notes as well. Hint of chloride and some salt. Water doesn't help much.
Taste: Undiluted, it starts surprisingly sweet. Then the big burn begins. Smoke. Salty and dry with some powerful (toffee?) sweet episodes.
Bowmore 6yo 1989/1996 (43%, Ultimate, Distilled 3/4/89, Bottled 1/96, Cask #2870, Bottle #185 of 442, 70cl) - 72 points
Nose: Quite sweet, but a little oily as well. Butter? Even more sweetness in the nose after some breathing. Very complex aroma for it's age.
Taste: Disappointing, and certainly not up to the "Bowmore" standards. Rough and bitter; Unbalanced.
Bowmore 12yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1995, 100cl) - 81 points
Nose: Seems almost "shy" about it's Islay heritage at first. Sherry, spicy saltiness. Light smokiness. Very characteristic boquet.
Taste: Very sherried, perhaps even a bit too much for an Islay. Very nice complexity, though. This malt is very elusive.
Bowmore 12yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1999, 100cl) - 80 points
Nose: The first impression seems quite fruity. Sherried and woody. A little smoky and spicy.
Taste: Wood and sherry - something very individualistic. Trademark Bowmore. A little gritty, though.  
Bowmore 15yo 'Mariner' (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 2000, 70cl) - 80 points
Nose: Fruity, nutty and a little musty. Feinty. Not very well integrated. A wide palette of fragrances, but it feels a little 'chemical'.
Taste: Sweet & extremely sherried. Soft and slightly fruity. Not very Islayish at first, but then the peat and salt emerge. Lots of wood.
Bowmore 16yo 1985/2001 (50%, Silver Seal, Sherry wood, Bottled September 2001, Bottle #331 of 480, 70cl) - 79 points
Nose: Surprisingly light at first. Clean with faint Islay notes. After a while some subtle sherry notes emerge.
Taste: Some smoke. A big burn, thanks to the 50%. It's pleasant enough, but for me it lacks personality and character.
Bowmore 17yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1999, no code, 70cl) - 84 points
Nose: Not as honest about its Islay heritage as younger versions. Smoke. Quite light and clean. Some menthol after a while.
Taste: Ah - there's the Islay peaty burn! The taste is much like that of the 12yo - but more refined and balanced.
Bowmore 17yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 2000, code B181B / L445 222L 11:45, 70cl) - 84 points
Nose: Sherry and smoke. More organic than the 15yo. After a while fruitier notes emerge. Wet wood. Hint of mint? Spices. Mint?
Taste: No sweetness at first. Hint of liquorice? Smoke. Dry and a little bitter. Floral perfume. The same sourish, winey dissonant in the finish.
Bowmore 21yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1998, 70cl) - 86 points
Nose: Slightly oily, very 'oriental' and spicy. Heavy, unique sourness. Maggi? Soy sauce? Fabulous. Not a lot of Islay character, though.
Taste: Much woodier and more sherried than the younger OB's. A bit too much maybe, for my tastes. Oh, but that wonderful nose....
Bowmore 1965 'Full Strength' (50%, OB, Bottled 1980's, Italy) - 95 points
Nose: Fabulous sherry. Dark fruity notes. Sellery. Clay. Great wood. Subtle smoky notes, like a garden bonfire. Something metallic. Stock cubes.
Taste: Smooth, fruity start followed by sweet liquorice. Good wood. Dry Burn. Strong fruity centre. Long smoky finish. Fabulous mouth feel at 50%.
Bowmore 32yo 1968/2000 (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1995, 70cl) - 87 points
Nose: Starts soft, but quickly becomes very aromatic. Fruity; water melons and cider. A little soap perfume after a while.
Taste: Soft start, followed by a powerful explosion. A little peat and lots of wood. Closer in character to the present Bowmore OB's than the nose.
 

(ROYAL)  BRACKLA   (Speyside) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Brackla 6yo 1994/2000 (43%, McGibbon's Provenance, Distilled winter 1994, Bottled winter 2000, code L6058, 70cl) - 70 points
Nose: Phew! Oily and grainy. Clean. Hint of peat? Nice enough, but not a lot of character.
Taste: Flat and mostly devoid of character. Hint of peat in the finish.
Royal Brackla 16yo 1984/2001 (43%, Coopers Choice, 70cl) - 76 points
Nose: Polished. Fruity and nutty. Melon. Sweetish. Very pleasant, but a little nondescript. Fruity elements grow stronger over time.
Taste: Not very strong in the start. Coffee in the centre? Hint of sherry. After some breathing, the burn seems to grow stronger. Long finish.
Royal Brackla 20yo 1978/1998 (59.8%, UDRM, LLXL00000006, Bottle #3887, 70cl) - 79 points
Nose: A lot. Fruity & flowery. Hint of lemon zest. Beer? Some oil. The dentist? The (undiluted) aroma has amazing width and complexity.
Taste: Very hot and sweet at cask strength. A little water brought more sweetness - nutty, honeyed and slightly toffeeish. Very long, dry finish.
 

BRAEVAL / BRAES OF GLENLIVET   (Speyside) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Braes of Glenlivet 8yo 1987/1995 (62.7%, Cadenhead's, D06/87, B07/95, 5cl) - 87 points
Nose: Ah! Smooth and complex with whiffs of gooseberry. Organics. Polished. Very intriguing with plenty of old sherry and tobacco. Subtle sweetness.
Taste: Aahh... Sweet and powerful at cask strength, with sherry and smoke. Hint of peat? Something oily and sandy on the palate.
Braes of Glenlivet 12yo 1989/2001 (62.1%, Cadenhead's Authentic Collection, Bourbon hogshead, 294 bottles, Btl. July 2001) - 88 points
Nose: Rich and expressive. Lots of power. Horse sweat. Organics. Oriental spices. Smoked ham. Liquorice. Fruit sweets. Faint citrus? Cinnamon. 
Taste: Fruity and a little smoky at C/S. Sweet. Quite hot in the centre. Great structure. Diluted to +/- 50% it appeared more woody.
Braes of Glenlivet 15yo (43%, Kirsch Import, 95/723, Bottle #328 of 690) - 79 points
Nose: Faintly sherried, becoming stronger. Cookies? Nice. Rounder and sweeter with time, but it keeps a relatively low profile.
Taste: Harsh start. A little dusty, but then it brightens up. Liquorice root? Sherry. Decent burn; quite dry. Sandy. Remains a little bitter in the finish.
Braes of Glenlivet 16yo 1979/1995 (60.4%, Signatory Vintage, USA Bottling) - 89 points
Nose: Wow! Gobsmacking blast of sherry. Lots of wood. Organics and dust. Late fruits. Furniture wax? Tobacco. Coffee beans.
Taste: Dry sherry at first, sweetening out into a big fruity center. Wood. Very dry. Tobacco? Pleasant woodiness - a tad much for me.
Braes of Glenlivet 17yo 1979/1997 (58.1%, Signatory Vintage, Sherry cask #6082, Bottle #308 of 370) - 88 points
Nose: A deep and powerful sherry symphony. Starts out with lots of autumn forest notes. Amazing complexity. Oriental notes.
Taste: Very sherried burn, with a peppermint counterpoint. Good wood. Marzipan in the finish. With water, the finish became woody and dry.
Braes of Glenlivet 1977/2000 Madeira (43%, Montgomerie, Distilled 19/10/1977, Cask #100763, Bottle #057) - 85 points
Nose: Very rich! Fruity. Sweet with candied lemon peel and turkish delight.
Taste: Toffee & coffee. A little gritty on the palate. Oaky and winey dry in the finish.
 

BRORA   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Brora 1982/1999 (40%, G&M Connoisseur's Choice) - 78 points
Nose: A little grainy. Mellow. Dusty. Not very expressive - restrained compared to other Brora's I've tried.
Taste: Peaty, but not as powerful as other Brora's. But it makes a comeback after a few minutes with a hot, peppery finish.
Brora 19yo 1982/2001 (50%, Silver Seal) - 90 points
Nose: Powerful sherry and fruity overtones. Turkish delight. Fruit cake. Smoke and peat in the background? Spices and organics.
Taste: Ooh! This seems like an overproof malt to me. Marzipan! Chewy. Whiffs of fruit as well. Yoghurt? A hint of coffee. Dry finish.
Brora 19yo 1982/2001 (46%, Chieftain's, Casks #1198 & 1192, 1332 bottles) - 82 points
Nose: Wow! Very sherried. Sweet and fruity, but no peat. Classic style. Wet dead oak. Vanilla and the skin of sour pears. A hint of smoke.
Taste: Dry with a liquorice tingle. Smoky bite after a few seconds. Tannin? Very, very woody - too much for my tastes. Cigar mouth.
Brora 20yo 1981/2001 (43%, Signatory Vintage, Oak cask #575, distilled 31/3/81, bottled 5/4/01) - 78 points
Nose: Stone Dry. A little fruity. strong and dry iodine impressions.  Sweet undercurrent. Coastal. Not a lot of volume. Soap?
Taste: Soft dry start, opening up into fruits first, then peat. Bourbony. A big, long afterburn. Hops in the finish. Medicinal. Iodine.
Brora 20yo 1975/1996 (60.75%, UD Rare Malts) - 88 points
Nose: Some peat right from the start - growing stronger. Wet dog. Not unlike vegetable stock at first, more like ox tail soup later on. Farmy notes.
Taste: Salt & sweet. Wonderful balance. Perfectly drinkable at cask strength.
Brora 24yo 1977/2001 (56.1%, UDRM, Bottled October 2001, Bottle #1599) - 87 points
Nose: Fruity & peaty - an unusual combination. Smoke and resin. Dry Lapsang Souchon tea.
Taste: Dry and peaty start with a pinch of salt. Liquorice. Leather. No sherry notes. An 'I can't believe it's a Highlander' Highlander.
Brora 28yo 1971/1999 (50%, Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask, 283 bottles) - 88 points
Nose: It shows many of my favourite elements; salt, leather and a hint of seaweed. Sushi? No smoke, though.
Taste: Clean and clear; brine and bourbon with fruits in the background. Pleasant dryness. The taste opens up into different elements over time.
Brora 29yo 1972/2002 (59.5%, Douglas Laing Platinum Edition, Second batch, 240 bottles) - 93 points
Nose: Soft peat. Wet dog. Tar, Salt. The peat grows stronger over time. Horse stable. Ammoniac. Soda? Some faint fruity and sour notes too.
Taste: Salt and peat, pure and clean. Sorry, no further notes on this fabulous malt.
 

BRUICHLADDICH   (Islay) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Lochindaal 10yo (43%, Bastard bottling of Bruichladdich under previous ownership, 70cl) - 68 points
Nose: Not a lot. Faintly sherried. Toffee? Some smoke. Then soft fruity notes appear. Apple? Something metallic. Sweat? Rotting wood?
Taste: Flat. Bitter start, growing sweeter. Metallic. Dark chocolate. Smoke? Sour, unbalanced finish. Winey and way too short. Bitter burn in the tail.
Bruichladdich 10yo (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 1995 under previous owenership, 70cl) - 75 points
Nose: Smoky, yet subtle aroma. Tingly with some oiliness. Did I imagine that touch of seaweed?
Taste: Rather soft and a little salty. Not really my cup of tea. Very light - the lightest Islay I ever tasted actually.
Bruichladdich 10yo (46%, OB, Bottled +/- 2001 under new owenership, 70cl) - 77 points
Nose: Light, soft and sweet. Some banana? Almost flowery. More 'volume' than the old 10yo, but it fades away over time.
Taste: Clean and smooth, but not a lot of depth. Still, it's an improvement over the previous expression of the 10yo.
Bruichladdich 11yo 1986/1998 (46%, Murray McDavid, Cask Reference MM 2083) - 78 points
Nose: Clean. Fresh with something oily and a pinch of salt. Dry. A morning walk along the beach after an oilspill. No peat. Grows fruitier.
Taste: Salty on the surface with a sweetish undercurrent. Turns sour. Woody. Bitter. Dry. Peppery prickle. More power than the OB's from the 90's.
Bruichladdich 1989/2002 (58.5%, OB, Bottled under new owenership especially for the 2002 Paris Whisky Festival) - 56 points
Nose: Soft and a bit sweet. Hints of chloride. Then it grows drier and more serious. Creamy with some smoke. Old, cold coffee.
Taste: Ooph! Smoky, woody burn. It's quite harsh and fragmented. Beer? Sour and dry with hints of soap. Flat and bitter..
Bruichladdich 15yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1998 under previous owenership, 33cl) - 77 points
Nose: Restrained. Sweetish notes. Soap? A little oily. No depth. Not unlike a young Caol Ila. Where's the Islay power I'm looking for?
Taste: Malty start, then some salt and smoke - just a little bit. It has a salty bite to it, but it's nothing like the big Islay malts.
Bruichladdich 15yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1999 under previous owenership, 70cl) - 78 points
Nose: Restrained. Slightly sweet and oily. Opens up slightly after a few minutes and bashfully shows some faint Islay characteristics.
Taste: Smooth. Very sweet start. Sour and malty in the middle. No peat whatsoever!?! Pinch of salt in the dryish finish.
Bruichladdich 15yo (46%, OB, Bottled +/- 2001 under new owenership, 70cl) - 83 points
Nose: More sherried than the new 10yo. Slightly dry. Spicy. Some salt. Cookie-dough sweetness. Growing complexity. Needs some time, though.
Taste: Smooth, but with a peaty twang in the background. The taste follows the beat of the nose, but plays a different melody.
Bruichladdich 17yo 'XVII' (46%, OB, Bottled 2002 under new owenership, 70cl) - 82 points
Nose: Quite floral? That's odd. It's also maltier and grainier than other Islays. Aniseed? Toffee? Fruits as well. Lightly salted.
Taste: Malty and sweeter than I expected at first. Again something flowery. Wood. A little smoky but not heavy on the peat.
Bruichladdich 1983/2001 'Ceramic' (46%, OB, 600 Ceramic jugs for a German customer, 70cl) - 83 points
Nose: Spirity, fruity start. Gentle, becoming spicier over time. Then it picks up with a pinch of peat and some smoke, growing stronger and stronger.
Taste: Smooth. Toffee-sweet start, evolving into a herbal, bitter center. 'Beerenburger'? Big burn. The dry finish has a disturbing fruity off-note.
Bruichladdich 1984/2002 'Legacy' (46%, OB, First official vintage bottling under new owenership, 70cl) - 82 points 
Nose: Quite sherried - but transparant at the same time. Fruity and nutty. Grass? Creamy. It seems almost like a Campbeltown malt.
Taste: Smoke and wood. Fruity episodes as well. Hints of smoke and salt. I could find no peat, though.
Bruichladdich 20yo (46%, OB, Bottled +/- 2001 under new owenership, 70cl) - 81 points
Nose: Starts out as the peatiest of the 3 'new' Laddies, but softens up after 10 minutes. Amazing development but it wheezed out after 30 minutes.
Taste: Clean, Islay character. The peatiest Bruichladdich I've tried so far.
 

BUNNAHABHAIN  (Islay) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Bunnahabhain 12yo (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 1993, 50cl) - 81 points
Nose: Smooth and a little bit sherried. Quite gentle for an islay malt. It's not as peaty and smoky as Lagavulin - more like Bowmore.
Taste: Well, yes, you can taste the peat. But it's not as powerful as Lagavulin or Laphroaig. More like Bowmore.
Bunnahabhain 12yo (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 2001, 70cl) - 80 points
Nose: Soft. Obvious sherry in the start - almost fruity. Alcoholic; a bit like rum. Pinch of salt. Hint of oil after a while. Peat & sweet toffee notes.
Taste: Very sherried. Salty, but not much power. Sour notes. Malty and a little sweet in the centre. Dry finish with some smoke.
Bunnahabhain 12yo 1989/2001 Sherry Finish (43%, Chieftain's, Cask #9039, 967 bottles, Sherry Finish, 70cl) - 81 points
Nose: Wow! A sherried punch. Fruity and sweet. Marzipan. Banana? Dried apples. Whiffs of smoke and soap. Oriental spices. Very faint peat.
Taste: No sweetness. Oh, wait - there it is... Needs a few minutes to find the right balance. Gingerbread. Marzipan again. Slightly dry in the finish.
Bunnahab(h)ain 20yo 1979/1999 (56.7%, Signatory Vintage, Cask #3184) - 68 points
Nose: Quite sweet. Toffee. Organics. Some sherry. Tobacco? Hardly any Islay character. Some fruits too. Not what you'd expect from an Islay malt.
Taste: Sweet, smooth start. Malty, bitter centre. Feels softer than the high proof suggests. After a few minutes the palate turns nasty and bitter.
Bunnahabhain 20yo 1980 (54.8%, Prestonfield, Cask #9063) - 83 points
Nose: Wood. Smoke. Extremely sour like raw rhubarb. Vinegar? Organics. Old sherry and dust in the background. Unique, but no real Islay power.
Taste: Soft start, growing fruity towards the centre. Tannin dryness. It has a great candy fruitiness that slowly fizzles out into a dry, beer-like finish.
Bunnahabhain 24yo 1979/2003 (45.7% Cadenhead's Authentic Collection, Bottled July 2003, Bourbon Hogshead) - 87 points
Nose: Salmiak, liquorice and aniseed. Lemon and a hint of oil as well. Nothing too extreme, but very nicely composed.
Taste: The palate was fruity and a little bit dusty. It felt weaker than its 45.7%. Very pleasant.
Bunnahabhain 25yo 1964/1990 (46%, Signatory Vintage, Distilled 30/11/1964, Bottled 2/90) - 87 points
Nose: Not unlike the sour mash and washbacks we sniffed during our distillery visits. Yoghurt and passion fruit. Wonderful organics. Delicious.
Taste: Bloody great - that all my notes say on this one. With my score of 87 points I thought it was highly recommendable.
Bunnahabhain 34yo 1968/2002 'Auld Acquaintance' (43.8%, OB, 70cl) - 90 points
Nose: Fruit and sherry. Organics. Spices. Sweaty socks - but in a nice way... Carnival candy. Black berries. Smoke. Eucalyptus? Amazing complexity.
Taste: Woody start. Fruity centre. Dry finish, still woody. Nice, but nothing very spectacular. Quite bitter. It seems a tad watery.
 

C

CAOL ILA   (Islay) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Caol Ila NAS Cask Strength (55%, OB) - 81 points
Nose: More fruity than peaty at first, growing more coastal. Then more sherry notes emerge. Grainier after some breathing. Chloride? Mint?.
Taste: Relatively soft start, growing smokier and hotter. Very dry. Short finish. With some water the finish became more winey.
Caol Ila 9yo 1992/2002 (43%, Coopers Choice) - 82 points
Nose: Plenty of salt and some peat too. Smoke. Chalk? Maybe a hint of chloride? A serious, transparent malt. There's a sweet undercurrent as well.
Taste: Salt and sweet and then peat - lots of it. Great mouth feel. Wonderful! It's great for a 9yo but the finish lacks depth. Too bitter.
Caol Ila 10yo 1988/1999 (43%, Hart Brothers, Distilled December 1988) - 84 points
Nose: Organics - but not much salt or peat at first. A hint of pepper? Smoke, peat and sweet liquorice after a minute. Leather? Lapsang Souchong?
Taste: Soft at first, then smoke, peat, salt and stock cubes. Liquorice. Then a fabulous toffee sweetness emerges. Some fruits as well. Dry finish.
Caol Ila 1989/1999 (43%, Mackillop's Choice, Distilled October 1989, Bottled May 1999, Cask #1804, Bottle #071, 70cl) - 85 points
Nose: Starts fruity and a little dusty. Quickly opens up, becoming peatier. Wet dog??? Very complex for such a young malt.
Taste: Bitter start, followed by a very peaty dryness. Smoke joins the peat. Sweeter with time, although the peaty center remains the anchor.
Caol Ila 10yo 1989/1999 (46%, Dun Eideann, Casks #1577-1581) - 74 points
Nose:  Dull and dusty. Raw and briny start, growing fruitier with time. Lacks depth. It picks up after a few minutes, showing off more organics.
Taste: Rather weak. Dusty. Sticky. Fruity. Winey finish that grows hotter with time. The first Caol Ila I ever tried that scored below average.
Caol Ila 11yo 1984/1995 (43%, Ultimate, Distilled 15/2/84, Bottled 4/95, Cask nr. 916; Bottle nr. 76 of 415, 70cl) - 78 points
Nose: Lively aroma with some smokiness. An oily whiff of the sea. Particularly light smell; Pepper, Peat, gentle sea-character.
Taste: Complex taste-development ends in a warm punch. Not really as peaty as I expected. A soft Islay malt.
Caol Ila 11yo 1989/2001 (46%, Signatory Vintage, Unchillfiltered, Re-fill Sherry Butt #5377) - 83 points
Nose: Spicy. Salty. Dusty. Horse stable. Chalk? Little detail. Dry. Melon? Hint of chloride. Relatively soft and sweet.
Taste: More sherry than peat at first. Smooth force. Little depth. Sweetish.
Caol Ila 11yo 1990/2001 Rum Finish (43%, Chieftain's, Casks #90201/90205, 1540 bottles) - 81 points
Nose: Starts deceptively light and fruity, then the coastal organics hit hard. Slightly medicinal. However, it loses some steam within a few minutes.
Taste: Smooth start, growing drier. Then a peaty undercurrent appears. It has a sweet side as well. Nice, but it lacks substance and refinement.
Caol Ila 11yo 1991/2002 Port Finish (46%, Signatory Vintage Unchillfiltered, Cask #02/472, 1132 bottles) - 82 points
Nose: Quite restrained at first - dry as well. It opens up a bit after a minute. Soft organics and spices. It grows more coastal with time.
Taste: Ah, that's nice. Powerful burn, you can really taste the port influence. Salty centre, long dry finish. A little 'winey', but plenty of body.
Caol Ila 12yo 1989/2001 (46%, Signatory Vintage, Unchillfiltered, Bourbon Barrels #774 & 775) - 85 points
Nose: Clean. Salt and sweet. Spicy. Peppers? Interesting development over time. This would go pretty good with oysters.
Taste: Smooth start, then peat, smoke and salt are unleashed. Hey, I even found some pepper. Dry finish. Burn baby, burn!
Caol Ila 12yo 1990/2002 Rum Finish (43%, Chieftain's) - 79 points
Nose: Ammoniac, iodine and brine - but slightly restrained. Where's the rum influence?
Taste: Dry start with iodine develops into a smooth center. Bitter finish. Can't find the rum.
Caol Ila 12yo 1990/2002 (43%, McGibbon's Provenance, Winter Distillation, Winter bottling) - 73 points
Nose: Creamy, oily start. That's odd - seems like a Tobermory or Isle of Jura at first. Strangely salty and meaty - like Pizza Hut's pepperoni pizza.
Taste: Dry and gritty. Not much definition and depth. Didn't leave a real impression. A disappointment compared to many other Caol Ila's.
Caol Ila 12yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 2002) - 80 points
Nose: Coastal clear. Salty and briny, but not especially peaty. Something grassy?
Taste: Dry, salty and a little peaty. A solid young Islay malt, maybe just a tad flat.
Caol Ila 1981/1995 (40%, Connoisseur's Choice, 70cl) - 82 points
Nose: Relatively 'thin' for an Islay malt. Peaty with a hint of sherry. Raw beans? Leather? Tobacco? Sweeter and oilier after a while.
Taste: Surprisingly smooth and sweet over a peaty base. A long, dry finish without a lot of development. Turns to gin (juniper) with water.
Caol Ila 15yo (43%, Flora & Fauna) - 79 points
Nose: Quite peaty, but little else at first. Grain dust? More organics emerge over time.
Taste: Surprisingly smooth start. Plenty of peat in the centre but rather flat. Liquorice?
Caol Ila 20yo 1974/1995 C/S (55.7%, Signatory Vintage, Dist. 27/12/74, Bott. 5/95, 70cl) - 83 points
Nose: Sweet and sour at first, but after a minute the Islay hits you. Some oily and nutty tones. Still, some fresh and sour notes too.
Taste: Islay power and a lot of development. Drinkable at 55,7%, but slightly better dilluted - it sweetens the palate but does little for the nose.
Caol Ila 21yo 1975/1997 C/S (61,3%, UDRM, Bottled April 1997, Bottle #0519 & #1437, 70cl) - 90 points
Nose: Wow! - Smoke first, then peat, quickly followed by sweeter fragrances. Very rich and complex. A malt with a lot of different faces. Versatile.
Taste: Very sweet. A lot of power, just about drinkable at cask strength. With water: Drier and saltier, but it keeps on burning - burning....
Caol Ila 23yo 1978/2002 (61.7%, UDRM) - 81 points
Nose: A little uni-dimensional, it seems. Ammoniac and horse stable aroma's. Coastal, but quite restrained.
Taste: Sweetish with salty episodes. Hard to find any distinguishing marks in this one.
Caol Ila 26yo 1974/2001 (50% - Douglas Laing OMC bottling - Dist. 12/1974 - Bott. 4/2001 - 294 bottles - Caol Ila Distillery) - 84 points
Nose: Sweet with peat in the background. Fruity notes. Slightly oily. Smoke, chloride and peat grow stronger with time. Sophisticated.
Taste: No sweetness at first. Peppery burn. Nice development! Barley? A little peat. Malty and quite bitter in the finish. Not as good as the nose.
 

CAPERDONICH   (Speyside) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Caperdonich 1980/1998 (40%, G&M Connoisseur's Choice, 70cl) - 75 points
Nose: Light, fruity and smooth. Early fruits (Apple?). Needs some time. Evolving into older fruits. A faint hint of peat and smoke.
Taste: Quite rough on the tongue at first, but then the wood softens up. The finish develops into a sweety/salty burn that seems to go on forever.
 

CARDHU   (Speyside) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)

Cardhu 12yo (40%, OB, Single malt, Bottled +/- 1994, 70cl) - 73 points
Nose: A little sharp and grainy, but it has some nice chemical banana-candy sweetness. The nose developed quite nicely and slowly.
Taste: Overpowering bitterness is about all there is to tell. If it had tasted as good as it smelled it would have received at least 3 more points.
Cardhu 12yo (40%, OB, Single malt, Bottled +/- 1997, 50cl) - 72 points
Nose: Some sweetness. Entertaining. Banana's - not the real-life banana's, mind you!  I'm talking about the chemical yellow candy things.
Taste: Disappointed after the subtle nose; Some sweet tones, but also burning and bitter. The stuff clings to your mouth.
 

CLYNELISH   (Northern Highlands) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Clynelish 8yo 1990/1998 (43%, Ultimate, Bourbon cask #3208, Bottle #144, 70cl) - 78 points
Nose: Big; quite strong for such a young malt. Very spicy. Some salt. Mighty pleasant. Apples. More oily later on. Bread after a while.
Taste: Smooth. Sweet and spicy. Some salt & pepper. Liquorice. Fruit sweets. Some smoke? It ends in a dry, 'bourbony' finish.
Clynelish 10yo 1989/1999 (50%, Douglas Laing OMC) - 74 points
Nose: Young and brash. Spirity. Grainy. Hint of rum? Oil? Something dusty. Bread? After a splash of water it reveals some smoke. Hint of brine?
Taste: Hot burn. Dry. Not a lot of depth. Coffee. Sweeter with time. Winey, woody finish. It became much grittier after some water.
Clynelish 10yo 1989/2000 (43.0%, Hedges & Butler, Cask #5895, Bottle #068) - 72 points
Nose: Mellow. Oatmeal and hot milk. Yeast? Some flowery notes too - violets? Faint hints of smoke and horse stable. Nuttier and sweeter with time.
Taste: Flat and bitter with a rough mouth feel. Dry finish. Simple and utterly uninteresting. Maybe the cask was tired or treated badly?
Clynelish 11yo 1989/2000 (43%, McGibbon's Provenance, Distilled Summer 1989, Bottled Autumn 2000) - 55 points
Nose: Very oily with a hint of smoke - nothing else. It improves a little after some breathing, but the overall impression is fleeting.
Taste: Smooth, weak start. Fragmented. Bitter and gritty in the centre. Fizzles out.
Clynelish 11yo 1990/2001 (45%, Blackadder, Oak Puncheon #3953) - 61 points
Nose: Sweet spices. Dusty & musty. Well balanced but not expressive at first.
Taste: Fairly bitter start. Bitter, woody centre as well. Flat. Hot. Beer? Dry finish.
Clynelish 11yo 1989/2001 (56.7%, Sigantory Vintage, South-African sherry butt #3233) - 80 points
Nose: Sherry - but not as we know it. A mixture of sherry and bourbon characteristics. Becomes very rich and sweet with a few drops of water,
Taste: A big burn. Bittersweet. Chewy. Oaky. Fruity? Something really special, but it may not be for everyone.
Clynelish 14yo (43%, Flora & Fauna, Bottled +/- 2000) - 76 points
Nose: Malty and grainy at the same time. Some coastal traits under a sherry coating. The F&F styleoverwhelms the distillery character.
Taste: Gritty and dry at first. Woody elements don't mix very well with the rest.
Clynelish 14yo (46%, OB, Bottled +/- 2003) - 80 points
Nose: Malty and creamy. Sherry and organics. Developing sweetness. Spices. Smoke. Opens up a little with time, but doesn't choose sides.
Taste: Dry and hot start, mellowing out into a sour centre. Some liquorice. A bit flat. The taste just slowly fades away in a winey, bitter finish.
Clynelish 14yo 1989/2003 (50%, DL OMC, cask 3850, 312 bottles, 6 months rum finish) - 68 points
Nose: This is a peculiar one. Smells mostly alcoholic. Faintly coastal. With some time and a few drops of water it became a little malty.
Taste: Weak, smooth start but it picks up a bit. Dry and quite woody. Bourbon cask? It's a decent whisky but it simply lacks character.
Clynelish 18yo 1983 (46%, Benivor - W. Milroy) - 80 points
Nose: Polished. Light. Slightly coastal but not very powerful. Some light fruity elements, developing into a more organic complexity. Quite nice.
Taste: Smooth at first. Then a slow sweet burn develops, growing drier. Chloride? Prickles like a soft drink. Water brings out dry, coastal elements.
 

COLEBURN   (Speyside) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Coleburn 14yo 1983/1997 (43% - Signatory Vintage bottling - Dist. 30/4/83 - Bott. 7/97. Coleburn Distillery) - 66 points
Nose: Not a lot of depth. Faint hints of sweets, but not much else. Breaks up very fast; it's there one minute and the next it's gone..
Taste: Warm, sweet and oily. Medium finish with some liquorice. Not very interesting for it's nose and taste - but from a closed distillery.
 

CONVALMORE   (Speyside) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Convalmore 15yo 1983 (43%, Chieftain's Choice, 70cl) - 80 points
Nose: Full and balanced. Sweet. Quite fruity in the start. Chemical coconut. Develops into slightly sherried complexity with malty undertones.
Taste: Soft start quickly grows into a fruity sweetness. Sherry. Toffee. Very smooth, but drier and a little 'winey' in the finish. Just good enough.
Convalmore 16yo 1981/1997 (43%, Ultimate, Oak casks #89/604/107, Bottle #89, 70cl) - 75 points
Nose: Transparant. Citrus and apple. Subtle sweetness beneath the citrussy surface. Unfortunately, it became very 'fishy' after fifteen minutes.
Taste: Dusty start. Very sherried and winey in the center, with strong fruity episodes. Woody, slightly bitter finish.
Convalmore-Glenlivet 26yo 1977/2003 (46%, Candenhead's, Sherry) - 85 points
Nose: Sweet and creamy in the front of the nose. Something grainy. Paint thinner. Hint of smoke. Developing spices and organics. Nice!
Taste: Subtle fruits, growing more prominent. Gooseberries? Orange skins? Cointreau? An interesting profile, but it's not as good as the nose.
 

CRAGGANMORE   (Speyside) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Cragganmore 12yo (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 1993, 70cl) - 81 points
Nose: Amazing complex bouquet. Hard to describe. Hint of fruit sweets. Strange combination of light and heavy.
Taste: Nice development. Fresh at first with a clean but very long finish. Not as complex as it's promising aroma, though...
Cragganmore 12yo (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 1999, 70cl) - 79 points
Nose: Light, round and sweet - sweeter than I remembered Cragganmore to be. Just as complex, though.
Taste: Clean and transparant. Like a clossbreed of Glenmorangie 10 and Bruichladdich 10. Dry twang in the finish.
Cragganmore 12yo (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 2003, L15T00687045, 70cl) - 78 points
Nose: Smooth and a bit spicy. Then it grows maltier. Spices & organics grow stronger.  Faintly fruity and flowery. Malty. Very light liquorice?
Palate: Weak, watery start. Dry and pretty flat. Fairly bitter. Oy, that's too bad...
Cragganmore 12yo 1990/2002 (46%, MMcD, MM 1416, Bourbon, 70cl) - 74 points
Nose: Grassy and flowery - like a mountain meadow. Spicy prickle. Hint of honey? It starts off smooth and friendly but becomes grainier and oilier.
Palate: Rough start. Flat centre. Hot, woody finish. Beer? Hint of eucalyptus? Too dry, too bad.
Cragganmore-Glenlivet 14yo 1989/2003 (46%, Cadenhead's, Sherry) - 81 points
Nose:  Smooth. Honey. Heather? Fairly subtle sherry influence. Cookies? Toffee? Not very expressive at first, but it opens up. Faint organics
Palate: Watery, fragmented start. Slightly sweet. Hot and a little soapy. Burning.
Cragganmore 1988/2002 Distillers Edition (40%, OB, CggD-6553, 70cl) - 80 points
Nose: Sherried and very fruity. Apples? Ginger? Strawberries? A faint hint of peat after five minutes? Beer-like prickle in the back. Good balance.
Palate: Watery and woody. Fruitier towards the centre. Astringent, oaky finish.
Cragganmore 1976/1993 (53.8%, Gordon & MacPhail) - 85 points
Nose: Very spicy. Toffee. Something flowery - nectar? Sherry and organics. Peppers? The spicy black beans used in the Kantonese dish 'Tau Sie Kai'.
Taste: Toffee sweetness. Big burn, but drinkable at c/s. Pleasant bittersweet mouth feel. Responds well to water, becoming sweeter and smoother.
 

CRAIGELLACHIE   (Speyside) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Craigellachie 1983/1994 (43%, Vintage Choice, 70cl) - 65 points
Nose: Peculiar aroma. Very light at first. Sweetish, with a little smoke and oil. Fruitier after a while the oil becomes more pronounced.
Taste: Quite flat. Sweetish start with a hint of peat and smoke. Lacks complexity. Unpleasant bitterness evolves into a dry finish.
 

D

DAILUAINE (Speyside) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top)  

Dailuaine 16yo (43%, Flora & Fauna, 70cl) - 82 points
Nose: Sherry. A hint of smoke. Grassy after a while. Flattens out after a few minutes. A lot of complexity and development.
Taste: Sherry sweetness. Woody. A bit malty. Fruitier over time. Smoke. A big burn. Great development! Oak and sherry in the finish.
Dailuaine 1971/1992 (40%, G&M Connoisseur's Choice) - 72 points
Nose: Starts off with a very strong leather smell. Quite nice actually, but after a minute it drops off, becoming very restrained..
Taste: A strong leathery start. The finish is dry and slightly woody. Water doesn't help. The wood of this cask must have been very tired.
Dailuaine 22yo 1973 (61.8%, UDRM, LLXJ00000176) - 85 points
Nose: Sweet and slightly dusty. Spicy some fruits. Light organics. Hint of vegetables. Cake. Rum. Faint smoke. Hint of peat?
Taste: Sweet and fruity at cask strength. Smooth start. Apple? Good body. Cake? Becomes hotter and flatter with water, it seems. Gritty and bitter.
Dailuaine 1974/2001 (40%, G&M Connoisseur's Choice, code IH/CJI, 5cl) - 84 points
Nose: Very rich, but subtle as well. Polished oak. Tea. Toffee. Fruit cake and rhum. Candy store. Earthy with organics. Some smoke? 
Taste: Fruity and woody with a hint of liquorice. It suggests a power beyond its 40%. Slightly nutty. An excellent palate for a malt this age.
 

DALLAS DHU   (Speyside) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Dallas Dhu 10yo (40% - Gordon & MacPhail bottling) - 79 points
Nose: Smoke & citrus. Sweet and (especially) sour apples! Some sherry. Rich. Lovely chocolate & rum sweetness. Rhubarb? Distinctive.
Taste: Apples. Soft & smooth at first, sweeter with more sherry & malt later on. Toffee and choccolate? Menthol? Long afterburn. Dry finish.
 

DALMORE   (Northern Highlands) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Dalmore 12yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1995, 100cl) - 80 points
Nose: Overwhelming bouquet, very round & sweet. Smooth. Fruity with a hint of sherry that grows stronger over time.
Taste: Disappoints just a bit after the "nostril symphony". A very quick taste-development; Peppery bitterness followed by a long burn.
Dalmore 12yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 2000, 100cl) - 80 points
Nose: Sweet and malty; 'traditional' nose. Smooth and fruity. Hint of smoke. Very accessible.
Taste: Very fruity. Malty. Sweet. Slightly gritty towards the finish. Pleasant, but nothing to get very excited about.
Dalmore 21yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 2000, 70cl) - 81 points
Nose: Polished, round and sweet - but not very powerful. Malty, but a tad more sherried and refined than the 12yo.
Taste: Malty and just a tad bitter. The finish didn't last very long. All in all it's a bit underwhelming - too much breathing, perhaps?
 

DALWHINNIE   (Speyside) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Dalwhinnie 15yo Centenary Edition (43%, OB, Bottled 1998, 70cl) - 72 points
Nose: Fresh, and a little chemical. Grassy and slightly oily. Dried apples and peanuts? A pinch of peat, but it doesn't seem to "fit" right.
Taste: Very soft and smooth, a bit malty with a very nice afterburn. Not very distinctive, I'm afraid - at least not to me.
Dalwhinnie 1981 DE Double Matured (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1998, code D.SD.312, Oloroso casks, 70cl) - 74 points
Nose: A lot stronger than the standard 15, with much more (Oloroso) sherry. Hay and a hint of liquorice root. A pinch of peat as well.
Taste: A watery start. Slightly sherried. Becomes very toffee-like, then bitter. Long, oaky finish. Definitely more powerful than the standard 15.
 

DEANSTON   (Midlands) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Deanston 12yo (40% - OB, Bottled +/- 1999, 70cl) - 57 points
Nose: A little sweet and oily, with a hint of chloride. Quite pleasant at first, but the bouquet vanishes quickly.
Taste: A bit disappointing. A little nutty (hazelnuts/almonds) after a while. Clean, with a malty finish, becoming very bitter with water.
Deanston 17yo (40%, OB, 7156 97/0331 L16 15:53, 70cl) - 68 points
Nose: Strong & sweet at first, malty & spirity later on. Veggy whiffs. Intruiging suggestion of fruit.
Taste: Not very sweet. A bit of mint and menthol. More pine and resin after I added some water. Falls apart. Unpleasant bitter twang in the finish.
 

DRUMGUISH   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

See SPEYSIDE
 

DUFFTOWN   (Speyside) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Dufftown 10yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1995, 100cl) - 76 points
Nose: Sweet, oily aroma. Some pepper and a whiff of syrup. Entertaining, although nothing really stands out. Pleasant.
Taste: Soft and round, leaving a long glow on the tongue. But it lacks development. Less complex than the promising aroma.
Dufftown 12yo 1997  (43% - Chieftain's Choice bottling - Dufftown Distillery) - 73 points
NoseNose: Slightly oily notes. Whiffs of grain. Easy on the nose. After a few minutes: Sweet and nutty. German sweet bread?
Taste: Nice, but less complex and sweet than the nose. A little gritty. Slightly bitter in the finish. Some pepper? A little dry.
Dufftown 15yo (43% - Flora & Fauna bottling - Dufftown Distillery) - 77 points
Nose: A rich, smoky bouquet. Just a tad of oilyness; less than the 10yo old distillery bottling, though. A pleasant, malty sweetness.
Taste: Smooth of body, but with an afterburn. Sweet at first, then dry. Better than the 'standard' 10yo - but not much.
 

E

EDRADOUR   (Midlands) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Edradour 10yo (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 1998, Tall & ugly bottle, Campbell, 70cl) - 70 points
Nose: Soft and malty. Nothing offensive in the nose, but nothing to fall in love with either.
Taste: Malty and smooth. It reminded me a bit of the Dufftown 10yo OB. A tad below average.
Edradour 10yo (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 2001, Short & pretty bottle, Pernod Ricard, 70cl) - 40 points
Nose: Unbalanced start. Sour vomit notes. Soap. Sherried. Farmy, organic notes. Woody. Sweet. Dusty. Very sour and smoky after 10 minutes.
Taste: Ough! Very strange start. Molasses & Mint. Eucalyptus? Malty. Slightly oily. Chemical. Bitter. Rotting wood. Old vomit. Stomach acid.
Edradour 10yo 'Distillery Edition' (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 2001, Pernod Ricard, 70cl) - 35 points
Nose: An interesting mixture of fruit, wood and sherry. Very rich. Smoke. Something oriental as well. Hint of soap perfume. Intriguing.
Taste: Phew! Awful! Pure soap. Flat. Metallic. Ashes. Sour and dry in the finish. There's just something there that drives me up the wall.
 

F

FETTERCAIRN   (Eastern Highlands) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Old Fettercairn 10yo (43%, OB, Bottled +/- 1990, 75cl) - 74 points
Nose: Soft start, quite restrained at first. A little oily. After a while, it opens up into a multitude of fragrances. Sweeter after 10 minutes.
Taste: Soft and nutty. Lightly salted start evolves into a big sweet burn. Some apple sourness as well. Sweetish, perfumy finish.
Old Fettercairn 10yo (40%, OB, Bottled +/- 2000, 100cl) - 72 points
Nose: Very oily & nutty. Almonds. Dried apples, peat and some smoke. Hint of peat. Salted nuts? Organics. Soy sauce? Leather?
Taste:  Smooth with a gentle, toffeeish sweetness. Some sherry. Unique character. Sticky in the mouth. Dry & sweet finish.
Fettercairn 25yo 1970/1996 (57%, Signatory Vintage, Cask #4709, bottle #114 of 202) - 76 points
Nose: Grainy and quite harsh at first. Over time it grew bolder and sweeter. Slightly oily. Something fishy in the background. Milk powder?
Taste: Flat and numbing at cask strenght. With some water more woody elements emerged. Dry finish.
 

G

GLEN ALBYN   (Northern Highlands) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Glen Albyn 10yo (40%, Noord's Wijnhandel, Possibly a 'fake', 70cl) - 60 points
Nose: Very light. Flat, grainy and slightly oily. Grassy, then it becomes a little nuttier. Superficial, although it gets some coastal traits after a while.
Taste: Sweet start, growing dustier and grittier. Slightly oily. Flat. Dry and grainy. Mwaah...
Glen Albyn 22yo 1977/1999 (43%, Signatory Vintage, Cask #1952, 70cl) - 79 points
Nose: Sweet, flowery and spicy at first. Then grainier and organic elements. Soft and fruity - distinct apple notes. Then coastal traits take over.
Taste: Dry. Light start, growing maltier. Liquorice. Quite gritty. Interesting development, but it lacks depth and substance. Woody finish. Tired cask?
 

GLENALLACHIE  (Speyside) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Glenallachie 8yo 1991/1999 (43%, Signatory Vintage, Dist. 5/3/1991, Bott. 10/3/1999, Sherry butt #1340, 70cl) - 78 points
Nose: Soft. A little nondescript at first. Hints of oil & sour fruit. Sweet coffee? Dried apples. Nuttier and maltier after a minute.
Taste: Very smooth, put powerful as well. Honeyish sweetness. Big burn. Long, dry finish. A very decent all-round malt..
Glenallachie 11yo 1985/1997 (43%, Signatory Vintage, Distilled 10/85, Bottled 6/97, 70cl) - 74 points
Nose: Nice! Complex but vague. Citrussy overones at first; pepper later. Menthol after that - very intruiging.
Taste: Very smooth and slightly oily. Menthol or eucalyptus in the finish. Interesting, but not the most enjoyable malt I've ever tasted.
 

GLENBURGIE   (Speyside) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Glenburgie 8yo (40%, Gordon & MacPhail, Bottled +/- 1997, 70cl) - 62 points
Nose: Oily start, with some fragrant fruit; more oily after a while. After more breathing a faint malty nuttiness. Pretty flat, no complexity.
Taste: A bit malty and very dry. Not very much else there. There seems to be a greasy layer around the taste.
Glenburgie 8yo (40%, Gordon & MacPhail, Bottled +/- 1999, 5cl) - 76 points
Nose: Sweet and creamy at first, with surprising smoke, organics and peat after a while. Pears? Garlic? A very funny whisky.
Taste: Flat start, but it rounds out quite nicely in the center with malty and nutty notes. Some smoke as well. Rather unique, actually!
 

GLENCADAM   (Eastern Highlands) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to top) 

Glencadam 1987/1997 (40%, Connoisseur's Choice, 70cl) - 71 points
Nose: Quite powerful, but little depth at first. Hint of fruits. Raisins? Soap? Paint thinner. Chloride? Eucalyptus? Dash of pepper? A little dusty.
Taste: Sweet and smooth at. Marsipan? The sweetness wears off after a minute. Aniseed? Shifts between menthol freshness and malty warmth.
Glencadam 16yo 1985/2001 (43%, Chieftain's, D April 1985, B June 2001, Casks #2689/2691,  1170 bottles, 70cl) - 77 points
Nose: Refined and smooth. Sweet and malty. Coconut. Liquorice all sorts. Spicy. Organics. Hint of oil. Faint, old fruits. Cookies? Camphor?
Taste: Soft and smooth start. Heather honey. Menthol? Woody and a little sour. Tannins in the dry finish. Modest and not very pronounced.
 

GLEN DEVERON / MACDUFF  (Speyside) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  (jump to