Jura 16 Review (Diurach’s Own)

Jura 16 Year (Highlands – Island) – 43% ABV – $96.20 CAD (LCBO) Nose:  Very sweet, but somewhat subdued.  Honey, sweet toffee, candied fruit (apple and citrus), malt, and chestnuts. Palate:  Thick, rich mouthfeel.  Sweet toffee again, right on the arrival.  Fresh, sugared, tart red fruits (think red currants), caramelized brown sugar, honey, raisins, baking […]

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Highland Park 12 Review

  Highland Park 12 Year (Highlands – Orkney) – 43% ABV – $80.20 CAD (LCBO) Nose: Subtle in its complexity… Sweet toffee is evident, with a sense of subtle campfire smoke.  Light heather and grassy notes blend into the floral.  It finishes with a sense of minerality and sea salt. Palate: Sweet toffee.  Immediate smokiness […]

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Glenfiddich 12 and Glenfiddich 15 Distiller’s Edition Review

Ok, I think I’m going to give up on the numbering… It’s already getting confusing to keep track of, and I’m barely approaching double digits. Anyway…  New double comparison review!  The ubiquitous Glenfiddich 12 versus it’s big, burly brother the Glenfiddich 15 Distiller’s Edition!  How do they stack up?  Well, let’s say at least one […]

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Whisky Musings #6 – Benromach 10

In this review we discuss Benromach 10, a very reasonably priced entry level scotch from the Speyside region.   Benromach 10 (Speyside) – 43% ABV – $59.15 (LCBO) Colour: Chestnut Nose: Earthy: Toasted almonds, tobacco, fresh leather.  Hints of raisin, cinnamon spice and smoke.   Palate: Earthy notes still pervade.  Almonds and shoe leather on the approach, […]

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Colouring and Filtering Scotch Whisky

Examples of various shades of scotch whisky without caramel colour There are few practices in the whisky world that are met with with more derision and ire than the addition of caramel colour (e150a), and chill filtration.  Many whisky bottlings now proudly display “natural colour” or “non-chill filtered” on the labels.  This begs the questions, […]

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Whisky Musings #4 – Aultmore 12

This installment takes us to the Speyside region, and the relatively under-appreciated distillery of Aultmore.  Enjoy! Colour: Pale Straw Nose: Like a Hawaiian vacation in a glass… Heavy tropical fruits.  Citrus, pineapple and banana immediately.  Light vanilla and oakiness follow underneath.   Palate: Sweet, but not dessert-malt level.  The tropical fruit is still predominant, but […]

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