Topic
#2016
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Maltbarn: Balblair, Teaninich, Dalmunach, Linkwood
Some time ago we already had a series of new whiskies from Maltbarn, that had been presented at the Limburg festival. Issues with logistics caused some others to be delayed, but here they are now.It seems to be fairly modest selection for this bottler. They're all young or middle-aged whiskies - the older releases were in the previous review.
by Ruben2 viewsbalblairlinkwoodteaninich200820152016 - news
5 Rums: T.D.L. 2001 / 2009 / 2016
Sometimes I just need a small incentive to start a new rum session. In this case a pile of T.D.L. samples was a perfect occasion. Enjoy! T.D.L. 25 yo 2001 (57,2%, Compagnie des Indes for Asia 2026) Nose: brilliant fruits. Guava, pink grapefruit, hints of passion fruit syrup and bits of mango. Then some flower petals, hints of rosehip tea, tiny drops of camphor and mint. The energy is incredible. Also subtle hints of cinnamon, molasses and light fusel oils. Mouth: now the fruity core gets a little overshadowed by an overload of mint, polished leather and pine needles. Sure, there's still mango, pineapple and peach sweetness, a hint of resinous honey, but then more salty liquorice, ginger and bitter drops of herbal extracts. Finish: long and rich, with the resinous notes and herbal tea in front row.A gorgeous nose, no doubt, and then an ever so slight deception because the tropical juiciness doesn't explode in the mouth. Worth checking out though, if you're in Asia. Check with Comp
by Ruben1 viewrum200120092016antelope-macaucolours-of-rum - news
Old Orkney, Old Islay, Benrinnes, Mortlach (Decadent Drinks)
Here's our timely review of some of Decadent Drinks ' releases. We start with an Old Orkney and Old Islay, from the new Island series . Then there are two Decadent Drams: a deeply sherried Benrinnes 1997 and a bourbon-influenced Mortlach 2005. Old Orkney 8 yo 2016 (47%, Decadent Drinks 2026, bourbon + sherry casks) Nose: quite a vegetal start, with musty leaves. Bay leaves and subtle mint. Later it opens up towards dried apricot and raisins, along with some vanilla and yellow apple. Some sea spray, heathery notes and lemon peels. Just a mild sooty note and black pepper in the background. Mouth: richer fruity sweetness, with more dried fruits, hints of charred pineapple and stewed apples. Now more coal smoke as well, as well as burnt herbs and a salty hint. Then honey and earthy touches. Still a lot of leafy notes too. Finish: quite long and quite savoury again, with black peppercorns, salty peat and heather.An easy-going Orkney that offers more complexity than the price would sug
by Ruben4 viewsbenrinnesbunnahabhainhighland-parkmortlach19972004 - news
3x Rye Whisky: Arbikie / inQuota / Tennessee
A review of three rye whiskies from across the globe, including releases from Scotland (Arbikie), Tennessee (an Archives release) and Italy (inQuota).
by Thijs Klaverstijn4 viewsitalyarbikiehighlandsreviewsscotlandunited-states - news
November 2025
Bindi Quartz 2024 . Peaches and sunshine. Marzipan and almond meal, pollen and a thread of cordite. Clean and pulsing with energy. Fleshy and bold in the mouth; generous, with baking spices and warmth . V. Good, and yet I hesitate to post a tasting note. . . the longer the gaps, the more my self doubt. . . I open a second and then a third bottle to triple check. . . and I come to a similar conclusion each time, it’s an excellent Chardonnay, and yet my words seem incomplete. The oak treatment is subtle - lending a background richness and understated polish; the acids wonderful; lots of layers and finesse; restraint and beauty. In between the three Bindi I sample a few glasses of 2016 Cullen ‘Kevin John’ Chardonnay . It’s much more mature (obviously), golden and nutty, laden with figs and spice. Rounded and cuddly, the tension replaced with softness. Good - Very. A further counterpoint is the 2018 Frankland Isolation Ridge Riesling . Sharp and bright, but starting to t
by noreply@blogger.com (Edward)5 views201620182024australiachardonnaygreat-southern - news
Tasting notes
A fortnight of travel related wine consumption. . . I’ve been like this cliff top echidna, enjoying the sights while using my nose to look for treasure. . . Riesling. Light and bright. Parish Vineyard Riesling 2023 (Coal River, Tasmania) - v. sharp wine, with a slightly unexpected fruit profile - tangarine and pink grapefruit in the mouth. Grippy and rewarding. The Kühling-Gillot Qvinterra Troken 2023 (Mosel) also excellent. Tight and sappy, all the usual suspects - slate and mineral in the mouth, a terpene nose, hardness with a trace of sweetness in the mouth . A pair of complex (and costly) chardonnay. As much as I love Chardonnay, budgetary constraints and poor access, have lead to a years (5) long hiatus between sips of Giaconda. Still - the Giaconda Chardonnay 2016 feels like an old friend. Familiar, idiosyncratic, seemingly unchanged. Terrific nose - smouldering and complex, at times a hint of toffee. Amazing acid structure and text
by noreply@blogger.com (Edward)6 views200920142016202020212023