Bowmore – Tasting notes

May 31, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

Bowmore No. 1

With more maturing history within its walls than anywhere else in Scotland, Bowmore No.1 malt will unlock the door to a story of deeper character. Exclusively matured in first fill Bourbon casks, Bowmore’s newly launched No.1 Malt is singularly special. Vanilla sweetness, cinnamon spice and oak smoke beautifully complement the mouth-watering citrus, honeycomb and coconut flakes, culminating in a peat smoked, bourbon vanilla and lime finish.

Colour: Honey gold.

Aroma: Vanilla sweetness, cinnamon spice and oak smoke.

Palate: Mouth-watering citrus, honeycomb and coconut flakes.

Finish: The peat smoked, bourbon vanilla and lime finish.

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Bowmore 10 Year Old Travel Exclusive

Bowmore 10 Year Old pushes the boundaries with bold flavour fusions. Spanish Oak sherry casks develop spicy notes on our signature peat smoke in an intense marriage of fire and earth.

Colour: Dark amber

Aroma: Sun-dried fruit, baked Seville orange and toasted maple

Palate: Sultanas, sea salt and dark fruit oils

Finish: Peat-smoked walnut and spices

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Bowmore 12 Year Old

Complex yet perfectly balanced, our 12 Year Old reflects the raw essence of Bowmore – thrashing waves, windswept landscapes and generations of tradition. Bowmore 12 Year Old has received much critical acclaim; the late, great whisky writer Michael Jackson proclaimed it “remarkably long and complex”. We like to think of it as vanilla ice cream at a beach bonfire.

Colour: Warm amber.

Aroma: Subtle lemon and honey, balanced beautifully by Bowmore’s trademark peaty smokiness.

Palate: Sweet and delicious heather honey and gentle peat smoke.

Finish: The long, mellow finish.

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Bowmore 15 Year Old “Darkest”

Matured in an inspired combination of both bourbon and sherry casks, it’s the final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks that gives Bowmore 15 Year Old ‘Darkest’, one of the most beautifully balanced Bowmores, the rich, deep colour reflected in its name, and its warming finish.

Colour: Treacle dark amber.

Aroma: Delicious dark chocolate, sun-dried fruits and a tell-tale wisp of Islay smoke.

Palate: Wonderful cedar wood and rich treacle toffee.

Finish: The robust and complex finish with a hint of sherry tannin.

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Bowmore 15 Year Old Travel Exclusive

Exquisitely married in first fill Bourbon casks and hogsheads, Bowmore 15 Year Old has a refreshing, inspired and uplifting character.

Colour: Golden barley

Aroma: Zesty citrus fruits

Palate: Silky peat smoke and salty-sweet vanilla

Finish: Sweet almond and lemon

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Bowmore 18 Year Old

Cosseted away in the finest, hand-selected oak casks and allowed to mature at its own sedate pace, this is one of the most remarkable, perfectly balanced malts of its kind. One of our rarest most exceptional bottlings, the stocks of Bowmore 18 Year Old may be limited but there’s no end to its enjoyment.

Colour: Mellow mahogany.

Aroma: Classic Bowmore smokiness, perfectly tempered with creamy caramel, chocolate and ripe fruit aromas.

Palate: Beautiful soft fruit and chocolate balanced with a light smokiness – incredibly complex.

Finish: The long and wonderfully balanced finish.

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Bowmore 18 Year Old Travel Exclusive

Bowmore 18 Year Old is perfectly balanced, with a dignified maturity through time well spent in the depths of the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks.

Colour: Treacle dark amber

Aroma: Rich chocolate and gentle peat smoke

Palate: treacle toffee, dates and bitter-sweet orange peel

Finish: Roasted coffee and macadamia nuts

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Bowmore 25 Year Old

A whisky to be savoured slowly, every delicious drop of this exquisitely balanced malt has been matured for a quarter of a century in North American bourbon and Spanish sherry casks. Exceptional even by Bowmore’s standards, our highly acclaimed Bowmore 25 Year Old exhibits the finest qualities of each.

Colour: Deep, rich mahogany.

Aroma: Intense sherry and stewed fruits, with a trace of Bowmore smokiness.

Palate: delicious toffee and hazelnut, woven together with just a hint of sweet peat smoke.

Finish: The mellow, gentle and incredibly complex finish.

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Black Bowmore 50 Year Old, The Last Cask To Be Rediscovered

Created under the careful eye of Bowmore’s craftsmen, including Master Distiller Eddie MacAffer, Black Bowmore 50 Year Old, The Last Cask To Be Rediscovered is a whisky aged to perfection. First distilled on 5 November 1964 at the Bowmore distillery on Islay, over the years this series has become one of the rarest and most sought-after single malt whiskies ever created.

Colour: Deep, black pearl darkness.

Aroma: The senses are awakened to the deep aromas of soft, sweet, exotic fruits, complemented perfectly by Bowmore’s renowned gentle peat smoke.

Palate: After 50 years maturing in Bowmore’s legendary No.1 Vaults, Black Bowmore 50 Year Old, The Last Cask To Be Rediscovered has developed a sublime elegance on the palate to reveal notes of tropical fruit including mango, papaya and pineapple balanced by dam

Finish: A long, lingering mouth-feel carried by notes of Bowmore’s native Islay seabreeze.

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Bowmore The 50 Year Old

Distilled one very cold day in December 1961 and laid down in two ex-bourbon hogshead casks, our Bowmore 50 Year Old has spent half a century maturing in Bowmore’s legendary No. 1 Vaults. Today, just 200 bottles of this truly exceptional single malt remain – 50 of which will be released each year between 2013 and 2016. Bowmore 50 Year Old is a celebration of not just one mastercraft but many, starting with the time-honoured skills of our small distillery team that cold winter’s day on Islay.

Colour: Warm honey gold.

Aroma: Sweet almond frangipane in coconut milk, the fruitiness of apricots and crystallised orange, together with hints of black truffles and tea tree oil.

Palate: Bursts of ripe fruit – figs, fleshy papaya, pomegranate and pineapple – intermingled with black truffles and gentle smoke.

Finish: The evolving finish of almond cake and caramelised pears interwoven with subtle peat oils.

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Bowmore Vault Edit1°N Atlantic Sea Salt

Created using the finest hand selected ex-bourbon casks to create a refined liquid of greater depth, Bowmore Vault Edit1°n Atlantic Sea Salt reflects the distinctive microclimate in the depths of the No.1 Vaults. Bowmore distillery’s close proximity to the sea is vital in determining the final character of the spirit and the Atlantic sea spray that washes against the iconic sea-facing wall of Bowmore’s legendary No.1 Vaults is a key note in this release.

Colour: Bright Gold

Aromas: Breathe in notes of salted honeycomb complemented by the fresh and cool breeze of Atlantic sea spray

Palate: After spending its life maturing in Bowmore’s legendary No.1 Vaults, this pioneering whisky embodies sun-ripened fruits, zingy spiced cocoa and blood orange

Finish: A lasting finish that opens out like the vast Atlantic Ocean of which the Bowmore distillery overlooks. The ideal dram to enjoy on a cold winter’s evening, this sublime whisky is awash with blackberry, sea salt and kumquat

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Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish

Mizunara oak casks embarked on the 6,000 mile journey from Japan to Islay. Cultures and languages differ but master craftsmanship is admired the whole world over. Combining the best of the east and the west in a first for scotch malt whisky, Bowmore Mizunara cask finish is an intriguing marriage of Scottish strength and passion with Japanese elegance and refinement. Here, in a first for scotch malt whisky, these legendary Mizunara casks became home to Bowmore’s celebrated single malt, resting peacefully in the infamous No.1 Vaults. A remarkable creation has emerged which is a rare masterpiece indeed, merging the skills of the great whisky distilling nations.

Colour: Warm amber.

Aroma: Spicy, mellow sweetness carried on a fresh ocean breeze.

Palate: Sweet vanilla, cedar wood, exotic mango and honey rose blossom.

Finish: Floral spice and fragrant smoke.

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Bowmore 1957

In October 2012, Bowmore released their oldest ever expression, the exceptionally rare Bowmore 1957, 54 Year Old. Not only is this the oldest whisky they have ever released, it is also the oldest Islay Single Malt ever released. Distilled in 1957 and bottled in 2011, this marvel has been lying in wait in the finest oak for more than half a century. With only 12 bottles in existence in the world, Bowmore 1957 is the oldest and rarest ever Bowmore.

Colour: Glistening warm gold.

Aroma: An elixir of blueberries and wild figs with mellow almonds, tropical fruit and rich oaky overtones.

Palate: Layer upon layer of sweet and refined ocean tastes with soft blueberries, cassis and figs, sea salt and fresh eucalyptus.

Finish: Long and whispering finish of cassis, bergamot and star anise.

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Ballantine’s – Tasting notes

May 25, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

Ballantine’s Finest

Subtle, Sweet and with Vanilla Finish.

The First: Ballantine’s Finest is the oldest recipe in the current range, created in 1910 by the Ballantine’s family. There are more than 40 malts and grains in this blend. These are carefully selected from 4 different iconic Scottish regions.

Colour – A light gold.

Nose – Soft, elegant, heather honey aromas with a hint of spice.

Taste – Well balanced subtle flavours with tones of milk chocolate, red apple and vanilla.

Finish – The sophisticated after-taste gives a fresh, floral and rounded glow.

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Ballantine’s Brasil

Lime, Vanilla and Balance

A delicate combination of stimulating citrus complemented perfectly with a smooth touch of Vanilla, the taste is both smooth and consistent, with the sweet and creamy flavours of scotch perfectly balancing the refreshing lime.

Colour – Bright sunny gold

Nose – A delicate combination of stimulating citrus complemented perfectly with a smooth touch of vanilla, the taste is both smooth and consistent, with the sweet and creamy flavours of Scotch perfectly balancing the refreshing lime.

Taste – Soft and sweet, with a perfect balance of refreshing lime and smooth vanilla. Complementing this perfectly are the delicate sweet and creamy signature flavours of Scotch.

Finish – Refreshing lime tang with a soft dry finish.

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Ballantine’s Aged12 years

Honeyed, Well Balanced and Creamy

Rich, smooth and creamy blend comparing to finest which is more floral and delicate. Ballantine’s12 is characterized by more honey, toffee and creamy notes.

Colour – Bright honey gold.

Nose – Honey sweetness with a complex balance of oak and vanilla aromas.

Taste – Complex honey and floral flavours with a creamy oak sweetness in perfect balance.

Finish – Refreshing, long and sweet

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Ballantine’s Aged 17 years

Fruity, Harmonious and Subtle Oak.

The longer maturation of Ballantine’s 17yo gives an extra depth of flavour and character to the blend. Characterised by a subtle sensation of smokiness. It has a fruitiness and velvety texture which comes from fresh fruits.

Colour – Clear, golden amber.

Nose – Deep, balanced, elegant and smooth with hints of sweet vanilla, oak and a sensation of smoke.

Taste – Full and complex, vibrant honey sweetness and creamy vanilla flavours with hints of oak and spicy liquorice.

Finish – Long, sweet and smooth with a hint of spice.

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Ballantine’s Aged 21 years

Rich, Intense With Concentrated Ripe Fruits and Cinnamon Spice

Ballantine’s 21yo is creamy and has got a nutty influence coming from the oak cask. Sweeter on the palate with a more intense spiciness.

Colour – Sparkling red/gold

Nose – Rich, honey-sweet with hints of apple and floral aromas.

Taste – Smooth, rich liquorice and aromatic spice flavours with traces of heather and smoke.

Finish – Long and mellow with hints of dried fruits.

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Ballantine’s Aged 30 years

Powerful, Opulent with Concentrated Fruits.

Bursting with juicy pear flavour and concentrated fruits like peach. Ballantine’s 30yo is deeper, more complex and less spicy. Ballantine’s 30yo is the ultimate balance between distillery character and cask influence.

Colour – Deep old gold.

Nose – Deep, soft fruity aromas and an elegant subtle sweetness with a luscious vanilla oakiness.

Taste – A full, rich complex balance of honey, floral and fruity flavours, with mellow notes of vanilla.

Finish – Long-lasting and elegant.

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Ballantine’s Aged 40 years

Incredible Depth, Complex and Extremely Fruity

Each whisky in Ballantine’s 40 is at least forty years old, drawn from enviable stocks of priceless whiskies built up over many generations.A true reflection of the dedicated craftsmanship that epitomises George Ballantine. A perfectly balanced blend of high aged whiskies, Ballantine’s 40 will appeal to whisky connoisseurs as the most aspirational Scotch whisky in the world.

Colour – Deep and intense.

Nose – Bursting with rich flavours of ripe pears in syrup and fruitcake, with a background of cinnamon and root ginger.

Taste – Incredible depth. Multi-layers of rich toffee and sweet soft red apple.

Finish – A delightful finish that lasts for a blissfully long time.

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Ballantine’s Limited Edition

Creamy Soft and Smooth

Limited is a very special blend of Ballantine’s rarest & most valuable malt & grain whiskies. A very rare & exclusive whisky of the highest quality. Creamy soft & smooth, characterised by ripe pear & peach, combined with rich vanilla flavours, this is a whisky which honours the continued traditions established by George Ballantine.

Colour – Rich Amber Gold

Nose – An initial gentle rich sweetness & softness that develops into effervescence that brings out autumnal flavours. Sweet fruity pear and orange flavours intertwine with smooth, creamy toffee, together with hints of liquorice and cloves.

Taste – The opening burst of flavour evolves into the complexity of luscious tastes that is the Ballantine’s hallmark – ripe pears, peaches and vanilla.

Finish – Long and mouth-watering.

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THE BOTANIST ISLAY DRY GIN

May 25, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

THE BOTANIST ISLAY DRY GIN

The botanist is a gin of layered complexity. A progressive exploration of the botanical heritage of the isle of Islay. Nine classic gin botanicals are augmented by 22 local herbs and flowers, foraged responsibly by hand from the hills, shores and bogs of this fertile hebridean island. The result is a gin as much for the mind as the palate; a thinking person’s gin. A roller coaster botanical odyssey in a glass.

COLOUR – Quicksilver

BODY – The spirit is satin smooth gliding over the palate like no gin you have ever tried before. A totally seductive experience.

NOSE – The aromas explode like an olfactory Aurora Borealis, filling the senses with meteorites of smell sensations as they explode from the glass. Sweet delicate menthol, apple mint, spring woodlands, juniper, coriander with aniseed undertones, lemon and orange peel, a bouquet of summer flowers on the Machir, honey from thistle, coconut from gorse, wild mint and summer meadows. It’s a magical melody of Islay’s natural bounty from the Atlantic washed beaches to the summit of heather covered hills. Inhale and you’re there on the queen of the Hebrides!

PALATE – The taste is rich and mellow; cool on entry then as it reaches the back palate you can feel the warmth and absolute purity of slow unhurried distillation. This is a bewitching, delectable and luxurious gin; its citrus freshness excites and stimulates the taste buds allowing you to experience a star-burst of flavours as they explode across the palate.

FINISH – All this from a beaten up old pot still, operated by beaten up distillers on the coast of heaven.

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THE FAMOUS GROUSE TASTING NOTES

May 12, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

THE FAMOUS GROUSE

Blending premium whisky isn’t just something we do, it has been the foundation of our craft since 1800. We bring together the finest ingredients to create a natural spirit before the passing of time imparts the wonderful flavour from our handcrafted casks. Add to this the fusion of skilled craftsmen and a tenacious obsession with quality and you arrive at our Famous, rich, sweet, well-rounded whisky.

Appearance – Full, Golden, clear and bright

Aroma – Well balanced oak, Sherry with a hint of citrus

Taste – Medium full flavour, Mature, Speyside frutiness

Finish – Good length, Clean, Medium dry

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THE FAMOUS GROUSE SMOKY BLACK

The Famous Grouse Smoky Black (previously The Black Grouse) blends more peated malt whiskies, including a rare version of Glenturret, with exceptional grain whiskies to produce a richer, lightly smoky and smooth flavour. Explore a smokier side to our Famous whisky.

Appearance – Dark, Russet golden, Clear and bright

Aroma – Smoky, Soft and Musky,Rich and full

Taste – Full flavour, Spice and dried fruits, Smoke through the oak

Finish – Long, Smoky, Aromatic

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THE BLACK GROUSE ALPHA EDITION

The Alpha Edition is a richer, smokier expression of our award winning Scotch Whisky. This beautifully mature and complex blend has a higher, older malt content delivering much more depth to this richly sweet and smoky blend. On the nose the Alpha Edition is sherbet sweet. Deeper exploration provides warmth and richness, before a lingering, velvety, smouldering, smoke-filled finish.

Appearance – Dark burnished gold, Clear and bright

Aroma – Toasted orange peel, cinnamon sticks, Dark chocolate

Taste – Sweet vanilla, Dry smokiness

Finish – Sherbet sweet, Warmth and richness, Smoke-filled finish

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THE NAKED GROUSE

The Naked Grouse enriches the flavours of Scotland’s favourite whisky by maturing in sun dried sherry oak casks. The influence of our quality first-fill sherry casks develops a deep russet appearance and an aroma that melds black cherries, cocoa and oak. The taste experience is sublimely smooth with famous trade-mark dried fruits yielding to cinnamon sticks and nutmeg. The sweet finale is rich in dark chocolate with a spicy, orange finish. A fine example of the blender’s art, it is best enjoyed neat or as a classic “Old Fashioned”.

Appearance – Deep amber Glow

Aroma – Black Cherries, cocoa powder and oak wood

Taste – Sweet winey notes, plums and a hint of cinnamon

Finish – Dark Chocolate, lingering spiciness and medium sweet

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THE FAMOUS GROUSE MELLOW GOLD

The Famous Mellow Gold blends whiskies from rare, handcrafted Spanish sherry casks and charred American oak bourbon casks to arrive at a distinctly smooth, mellow character and rich depth of flavour. Explore a sweeter side to our Famous whisky.

Appearance – Rich, honey golden, Clear and bright

Aroma – Orange peel, vanilla, perfumed with a hint of lychee

Taste – Spicy, crème brulee, orange bitters and cedar

Finish – Lemon peel with lingering spiciness

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THE FAMOUS GROUSE 40 YEAR OLD

The Famous Grouse 40 years old is our award-winning luxurious blended malt whisky. It is the oldest expression ever released by The Famous Grouse and is limited to an exclusive 276 decanters. Each whisky in this rare blend was carefully selected for its unique character, combining in perfect harmony to create a very special blend. It has been maturing slowly for 40 years in the very best and most expensive casks in the world.The elegant decanter was created in partnership with Scottish designers Timorous Beasties and is befitting of its precious contents. Hand-engraved with a bespoke design of the brand’s icon, the red grouse, nestled amongst beautifully detailed foliage, the decanter is completed with a Scottish silver stopper and cased in a luxury wooden gift box.

Appearance – Smooth, Rich, Clear and bright

Aroma – Ripe Mango, Crushed Coriander, Cardamom Pod and Dill

Taste – Sweet Fruity Citrus and banana, Gingerbread, Light Peat Smoke

Finish – Very Smooth, Sweetly Complex

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Ardbeg – Tasting notes

May 12, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

Ardbeg Ten Years Old is revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all. Yet it does not flaunt the peat; rather it gives way to the natural sweetness of the malt to produce a whisky of perfect balance. Named World Whisky of the Year in 2008.

Non chill-filtered with a strength of 46% ABV.

Colour: Light Gold

Aroma: A burst of intense smoky fruit escapes into the atmosphere – peat infused with zesty lemon and lime, wrapped in waxy dark chocolate. Bold menthol and black pepper slice through the sweet smoke followed by tarry ropes and graphite. Savour the aroma of smoked fish and crispy bacon alongside green bell peppers, baked pineapple and pear juice.

Add water and an oceanic minerality brings a breath of cool, briny seaspray. Waxed lemon and lime follows with coal tar soap, beeswax and herby pine woodlands. Toasted vanilla and sizzling cinnamon simmer with warm hazelnut and almond toffee.

Taste: An explosion of crackling peat sets off millions of flavour explosions: peat effervesces with tangy lemon and lime juice, black pepper pops with sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. Then comes a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. Smoke gradually wells up on the palate bringing a mouthful of warm creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows. As the taste lengthens and deepens, dry espresso, liquorice root and tarry smoke develop coating the palate with chewy peat oils.

Finish: The finish goes on and on – long and smoky with tarry espresso, aniseed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley and fresh pear.

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ARDBEG UIGEADAIL

In 2009, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named Ardbeg Uigeadail‘World Whisky of the Year’ – in praise of its “utter silky brilliance” and “complexity on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching.”

Pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’, it’s a special vatting that marries Ardbeg’s traditional deep, smoky notes with luscious, raisiny tones of old ex-Sherry casks. Ardbeg Uigeadail was voted by the 120,000+ strong Ardbeg Committee as their favourite Ardbeg.

Non chill-filtered at 54.2% ABV

Colour: Deepest Gold

Aroma: Rich and weighty with heady and smoky aromatics. At full strength, the initial aroma is a beguiling mix of warm Christmas cake, walnut oil and parma violets fused with fresh ocean spice, cedar and pine needles falling from the Christmas tree. A smouldering coal fire and the scent of well-oiled leather brings warmth. The sweetness of treacle toffees and chocolate-coated raisins emerge through the smoke. With water, the deep smokiness increases in intensity, reminiscent of a fired Christmas pudding. Rich flowering currants and warm baked banana and walnut bread are served with simmering mocha espresso.

Taste: Full flavoured and rich with a deep mouth-coating texture, the taste is an intriguing balance between sweet, spicy and deep smoky flavours. The flavour is initially sweet. A burst of winter spices sets off a smoky-spicy explosion countered by a sumptuous mid-palate of honey glazed smoked food and chewy treacle. Waves of deep smoky tones and rich aromas build up on the palate like a fine Montecristo cigar.

Finish: Amazingly long and chewy with lingering raisiny, deep mocha tones and rich aromatic smoke into the perfectly integrated finish.

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Corryvreckan

Ardbeg Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, where only the bravest souls dare to venture. Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram. Like the whirlpool itself, Corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted! Awarded The World’s Best Single Malt in 2010 by the World Whiskies Awards.

Non chill-filtered at 57.1% ABV

Colour: Rich Amber

Aroma: Heady, intense and powerful. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. A collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths. From salty seasoning comes a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries. Surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce.

Taste: Plunge into the whirlpool and torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue. The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface.

Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.

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Dark Cove Limited edition

Take this whisky and hide it well. For its heart has been matured in DARK SHERRY CASKS, imparting waves of treacle toffee, coal tar, squid ink, noodles and toasted coffee grounds.

Inspired by our turbulent past, this whisky is a clandestine meeting of Ardbeg matured in ex-bourbon casks and a heart matured in dark sherry casks. The darkest Ardbeg ever.

Nose: At first meaty, earthy and spicy. Bold notes of dark chocolate emerge against orange, rich treacle toffee, coffee and oak. Wafts of a distant, smoky bonfire in the background, along with a mysterious floral note, like flowering blackcurrant bushes. And lashings of linseed oil.

Palate: The mouthfeel is almost tart, or zesty lime. Raisins, dates, ginger and pepper spice surge forward, then retreat. Waves of smouldering charcoal, wood polish and huge, tarry creosote notes follow. Finally a more savoury note escapes; cured smoked ham and squid ink noodles.

Finish: Long, spicy and rich with lingering notes of toffee, coffee and tar.

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Crown Royal – Tasting notes

May 10, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

CROWN ROYAL DELUXE: Crown Royal Deluxe is the standard of excellence for Canadian whisky. It is an extraordinary blend of 50 full-bodied Canadian whiskies, matured to perfection.

NOSE – Rich and robust, with slight hints of vanilla and fruit.

PALATE – Delicately smooth and creamy with hints of oak and the sweet flavor of vanilla.

FINISH – Long and lingering.

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CROWN ROYAL NORTHERN HARVEST RYE: Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye combines the distinctive flavor of Canadian rye grain with the unmistakable smoothness of Crown Royal for a truly exceptional Canadian whisky.

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye is the first Canadian Whisky to earn World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s Annual Whisky Bible 2016.

NOSE – Baking spices, cereal, light wood spices

PALATE – Gentle oak note, rich butterscotch, spiced vanilla, develops into soft peppery notes

FINISH – Smooth and creamy

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CROWN ROYAL BLACK: Crown Royal Black is a rich and flavorful blend of Canadian whisky. All the signature smoothness of Crown Royal, matured in charred oak barrels and blended at a higher proof for a richer texture and bold finish.

NOSE – Deeper oak background with sweet maple notes.

PALATE – Creamy, ‘velvety’, dried fruit notes, mainly fig.

FINISH – Deeper bourbon notes and smooth at a higher proof.

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CROWN ROYAL WINE BARREL FINISHED: Crown Royal Wine Barrel Finished, the second expression in the Crown Royal Noble Collection showcases our Crown Royal Fine De Luxe Whiskey, the standard of excellence for Canadian Whiskey, finished in Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels. The result is an intriguing new character that is still unmistakably Crown Royal.

NOSE – Heavy fruit and butterscotch: black currant, cove, with dried blueberry.

PALATE – Caramel and butterscotch with red grapes and fermented grape leaves.

FINISH – Wood tannins- spice with anise and clove.

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CROWN ROYAL RESERVE: Our Master Whisky Blenders have hand selected the whiskies with the body and taste that were necessary for achieving the exceptional depth of Crown Royal Reserve. The end result is their gift to Crown Royal enthusiasts: a creamy, rich, reserve-grade blend, flush with sharp clove, and cinnamon top points of rye.

NOSE – Rich and complex with a slight apple flavor and floral tones.

PALATE – Velvety, smooth and mellow, with defined oak tones, rich, spicy flavors of cinnamon and vanilla.

FINISH – Expansive and long-lasting.

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CROWN ROYAL XO: Crown Royal XO furthers the signature blend from 50 of our finest whiskies, and then finishes them in cognac casks. Resulting in both an extraordinarily complex and smooth expression, Crown Royal XO is an elegant whisky that is deliciously balanced with hints of vanilla, spice and rich dry fruit.

NOSE – Muted and mild, with notes of vanilla, caramel and light oak.

PALATE – Balanced with hints of vanilla, spice and rich dried fruit.

FINISH -Medium length with light vanilla, subtle spice and smooth finish.

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CROWN ROYAL XR: Taste the rarest in our extra rare whisky series, handcrafted with a unique blend that includes one of the final batches of whiskies from the renowned LaSalle distillery. Experience its sophisticated blend of dried fruits and honey in a harmonious balance with spicy notes of Canadian rye, finishing in a lovely, round taste of raisins, cocoa and brown sugar.

NOSE – Light but rich and complex.

PALATE – Lightly sweet with spicy notes of Canadian rye.

FINISH – Long, peppery and warm.

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CROWN ROYAL VANILLA: To create this extraordinary blend, Crown Royal whiskies are carefully selected by our master whisky blenders and infused with the rich flavor of Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla. The result is a uniquely sophisticated whisky, bursting with the bold flavor of vanilla and the distinctive smoothness of Crown Royal.

NOSE – Rich vanilla bean with delicate hints of oak.

PALATE – Creamy vanilla with a smooth, light whisky finish.

FINISH – Viscous and warming with a Crème Brulee aftertaste.

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CROWN ROYAL REGAL APPLE: To create this extraordinary blend, Crown Royal whiskies are hand-selected by our master whisky blenders and infused with Regal Gala Apples and apple flavors. The result is a delicious Canadian whisky balanced with notes of crisp apple flavor.

NOSE – A blend of bright apple balanced with signature Crown Royal blended whisky with hints of spice.

PALATE – Opening up with a slightly tart, crisp, apple flavor balanced with signature Crown Royal blended whisky composed of notes of caramel & light spice.

FINISH – Crisp apple note with balanced sweetness, culminating in a full-bodied smooth finish.

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CROWN ROYAL MAPLE: Crown Royal Maple Finished Whisky is an exceptional blend that combines maple flavor with the distinctive smoothness and character of Crown Royal blended whiskies. The blend is then finished in maple-toasted oak to deliver a uniquely smooth experience.

NOSE – Light, fresh maple combined with the signature caramel and vanilla nose of Crown Royal.

PALATE – An exceptionally smooth blend with an authentic light maple taste.

FINISH – Warm, woody caramelized note.

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Caol Ila – Tasting notes

May 10, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

Caol Ila: Caol Ila is pronounced “Cull Eela”. It’s the Gaelic name for the Sound of Islay, which separates the island from Jura. For some, the distillery’s pronunciation is as remote as its location, sitting as it does on the rugged eastern coast, where it has remained hidden from view since 1846. However you say it, the fine, smoky whisky produced by generations of islanders is worth exploring.

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Caol Ila Moch

Appearance – Pale gold.

Nose – Like wet, salty sand after the tide has receded, with antiseptic notes. Some smoke behind, as from an old bonfire.

Palate – Unreduced, sweet and salty with a balancing acidity, Caol Ila’s trademark smoky-antiseptic character is here.

Finish – Quite short, drying and warming with a little bitterness. Lingering smoky aftertaste.

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Caol Ila 12 Years Old

Appearance – Pale straw.

Nose – Subdued, citric fruitiness; a whiff of bath oil and dentist’s mouthwash. A fresh and appetising nose, with little or no trace of smoke.

Palate – Drinks well at natural strength; sweet start; pleasant, light fragrant smokiness and a lengthy finish.

Finish – Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish.

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Caol Ila Distillers Edition

Appearance – Clear gold.

Nose – Wonderfully concentrated and clean, peaty, medicinal, with rich fruit, spicy and fragrant.

Palate – Sweet maltiness strike first, then overwhelmed by peat smoke, intense, crisp flavours, and cinnamon spice.

Finish -Long, rounded, robust and multi-layered.

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Caol Ila 18 Years Old

Appearance – Golden.

Nose – Smoky bonfires, then soapy water and wet wool, with a smouldering beach bonfire in the distance. Hints of mineral oil, then wax.

Palate – Smooth and mildly sweet start with good acidity and sea salt.

Finish – A lingering, charred, slightly sour finish.

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Caol Ila Cask Strength

Appearance – A pure amber tone.

Nose – Carbolic, with a beach-bonfire smokiness behind. Then medicinal, lightly floral.

Palate – Reduced, smooth and mildly sweet; light acidity and salty. Mild, compared to the flavour at natural strength.

Finish – Pleasant, lightly charred. Lingering

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Caol Ila 25 Years Old

Nose – Unreduced, sweet-spicy, fresh sea-air notes. Hints of preserved fruit, perhaps. Adding a little water brings up subtle, fragrant polished wood.

Palate – Unreduced, immediately sweet and fruity with a balancing bitterness. As befits its age, Caol Ila’s trademark smoky-medicinal character is controlled rather than exuberant. A good mouthfeel complemented by a complex flavour.

Finish – Quite long, sweetly drying, with more smoke coming through. Pleasant aftertaste.

Events

The Frankfurt International Wine Competition

May 2, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

The Frankfurt International Wine Competition

Sommelier Nikhil Agarwal judges at The Frankfurt International Wine Competition 2017. Nikhil attended The Frankfurt International Wine Trophy which is an international wine competition where he was invited to be one of the judges on the jury. Other judges included famous sommeliers and wine experts. The trophy is credible, well-known and ISO 9001 certified. Winning wines are awarded the prestigious Frankfurt’s Grand Gold Medal. The competition took place on 9 April 2017 in the Gesellschaftshaus Palmengarten, located in the heart of the city of Frankfurt.