Tag Archives: palate

Clynelish 14 YO – Coastal Highland

July 12, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

CLYNELISH STORY
The original distillery at Clynelish was purpose built to
serve the new farms being established on the fertile land
of Sutherland’s coastal strip. For a cost of just £750 in
1819, the future Duke of Sutherland was able to provide
a ready market for the barley grown by his tenant
farmers. It’s from these origins that we’re able to enjoy
the highly regarded Clynelish today.

The economic recession of 1931 forced the distillery to
close. Production restarted in 1938, only to shut down
again from May 1941 until November 1945 due to
restrictions on the supply of barley during World War
two.

In the 1960’s, Clynelish was brought up to date when
electricity was installed and still which had previously
been heated by a hand-fired coal burning furnace were
converted to internal steam heating. Then, true to its
origins as a model design, Clynelish was replaced by a
new distillery built on an adjacent site in 1967-68.

PERFECT SERVE
Clynelish 14 Year Old has floral fragrances and maritime
flavours with a light, dry finish, best appreciated on the
rocks or neat.

Appearance: Yellow Gold
Nose: Light candle wax, sugar. Faint floral fragrance. Scented
candle wax comes up with water. Dried flowers on a beach. Later,
brown sugar
Body: Firm, light to medium
Palate: Pleasant, creamy mouthfeel; maritime generally
Finish: Some salt, dryish, attractive slight bitterness

Scotland

Dalwhinnie 15 YO – Highland

July 12, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

DALWHINNIE STORY
The distillery was founded by Grant, Mackenzie and
Sellar in 1898 (when known as Strathspey distillery). Its
name derives from the Gaelic for a ‘meeting place’ of
sheep and cattle drovers. It is incredibly remote but was
purpose built to be close to the geographic centre of the
Highlands and enjoy easy access to the reliable link to
market offered by the new Highland Railway. This helped
the distillery to survive its fragile beginnings.

As well as being a fine distillery, Dalwhinnie also has the
distinction of being an official weather station, with one
of the lowest recorded average temperatures in Great
Britain.

PERFECT SERVE
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old is a smooth, creamy, fragrant
whisky. Heather, honey and delicate sweet spice notes
make it the Gentle Spirit that is best enjoyed neat or
on the rocks.

Appearance: Gold
Nose: Crisp, dry and very aromatic with hints of heather and peat
Body: Light to medium
Palate: Smooth and lasting flavours of honey sweetness & vanilla
followed by deeper citrus flavours
Finish: Lingering, starts sweetly, then gives way to smoke & peat

Scotland

Talisker 10 YO – Isle of Skye

July 12, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

TALISKER STORY
Built by the side of Loch Harport on the western shores
of the Isle of Skye by Hugh and Kenneth
MacGaskill(sons of the local Doctor) in 1830. The name
Talisker comes from the Norse, Thalas Gair, meaning
“sloping rock”
In 1880, Robert Louis Stevenson describes it as “the
King o’ Drinks” and by 1900 it was already one of the
best selling whiskies in the world.
In 1960, the still house was completely destroyed by
fire. Two years later, the distillery re-opened, the old
stills having been replaced with exact copies.

PERFECT SERVE
The powerful, sweet-smoky, pepperiness and saltiness
of TALISKER 10 year old Isle of skye Single Malt Scotch
Whisky is best enjoyed from a rocking glass, neat or on
the rocks.

Appearance: Brilliant Gold
Nose: Powerful peat smoke with just a hint of sea-water saltiness,
fresh oysters and a citrus sweetness
Body: Full
Palate: A rich dried-fruit sweetness with clouds of smoke and
strong barley-malt flavours, warming and intense. Pepper at the
back of the mouth.
Finish: Huge, long, warming and peppery in the finish with an
appetising sweetness

Scotland

The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 YO – Highland

July 12, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

THE SINGLETON STORY
The Singleton of Glen Ord comes from a distillery
founded in the 19th Century that keeps with the
traditional methods of production with in-house malting,
a very long fermentation combined with a slow
distillation. All these elements combine to produce a
very unique single malt.

TASTE CELEBRATION
Aged in ex American whiskey and Spanish Sherry casks,
The Singleton of Glen Oed hasa warm, fruity flavour that
has seen it win numberous gold medals at several of
themost prestigious sprits competitions in the world.

PERFECT SERVE
The Singleton of Glen Ord Single Malt Sctoch Whisky is
silky sweet and medium bodied with traces of ginger
and biscuit and is best appreciated neat or over ice.

Appearance: Deep Shining amber
Nose: Warming, rich and fruity with dried orange peel
Body: Light to medium
Palate: Gingery, soft, silky sweet, smooth, and chewy
Finish: Medium to long with dark chocolate notes

Our Blog

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

Our Blog

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.

Our Blog

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.

______________________________________________________________________

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.

________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

Our Blog

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.

——————————————————————————————————

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

——————————————————————————————————

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.

———————————————————————————————————

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.

——————————————————————————————————

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.

———————————————————————————————————

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.

———————————————————————————————————

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.

———————————————————————————————————

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.

———————————————————————————————————

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.

——————————————————————————————————

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.

Our Blog

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.

——————————————————————————————————

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.

——————————————————————————————————

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.

——————————————————————————————————

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.

———————————————————————————————————

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.

——————————————————————————————————

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

——————————————————————————————————

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.

Our Blog

Dalmore

April 20, 2017 All Things Nice Leave a comment

THE 12 – ANDREW MACKENZIE’S MASTERPIECE

The Dalmore 12 year old, with its intricate aromas and flavours, is recognised as a whisky with character far beyond its age. This was Andrew Mackenzie’s original masterpiece and stood apart from the norm of the day. At a time when it was standard practise to mature whisky for no more than 6 years, Andrew Mackenzie demonstrated his pioneering character by doubling the maturation period. His boldness truly paid off, The Dalmore 12 year old still stands apart as an exceptional whisky today, as it did then.

Matured for an initial nine years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, the spirit is then divided for its final flourish. One half remains in the bourbon barrels, while the other is transferred to exclusive 30 year old Gonzalez Byass Matusalem oloroso sherry butts before they are reunited to create this phenomenal whisky.

AROMA – Citrus fruits, chocolate and aromatic spices.

PALATE – Citrus, oloroso sherry, vanilla pod.

FINISH – Roasted coffee and chocolate.

WOOD FINISH – American white oak ex-bourbon, Matusalem oloroso.

THE 15

The Dalmore 15 year old is smooth, rich and well rounded; the epitome of The Dalmore house style.

This delicate and approachable vintage is initially matured for 12 years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks. The character of The Dalmore 15 is achieved by then splitting the whisky equally between three different sherry woods; Amoroso, Apostoles and Matusalem oloroso for a further three years. The spirit is finally married together in an upstanding sherry butt, allowing the flavours to infuse.

AROMA – Orange marmalade, cinnamon and nutmeg.

PALATE – Mandarin, vanilla, ginger.

FINISH – Christmas spice and oak.

WOOD FINISH – American white oak ex-bourbon, Amoroso sherry, Apostoles sherry, Matusalem oloroso

THE 18 – ABOVE AND BEYOND

An evolution of The Dalmore house style, this 18 year old expression harnesses bolder notes. A robust and formidable whisky, The Dalmore 18 year old showcases the result of extended maturation and the influence of the wood.

Matured initially for 14 years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, the spirit is then transferred to 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry butts for a further four years. These sherry butts from the world-renowned sherry house Gonzalez Byass are selected exclusively for The Dalmore.

AROMA – Vanilla, dark chocolate, orange.

PALATE – Dark chocolate, candied citrus fruits, rich coffee.

FINISH – Citrus fruit, oak.

WOOD FINISH – American white oak ex-bourbon, Matusalem oloroso

THE 25 – AS EXCEPTIONAL AS IT IS UNIQUE

The Dalmore uses a completely unique cask finish to create their revered 25 year old. Matured initially in American white oak, the whisky is carefully divided into rare hand-sourced 25 year old sweet Palomino Fino sherry butts and 1980 first fill bourbon casks.

These exceptional whiskies are then expertly married together in bourbon barrels before being transferred, for the final time into Tawny Port pipes from Portugal, for a totally unrivalled finish.

The 25 showcases the dedication and creativity of Richard Paterson in his pursuit to find incredible casks for The Dalmore.

AROMA – Exotic fruits, marzipan, treacle toffee.

PALATE – Orange peel, chocolate truffles, liquorice.

FINISH -Demerara sugar, bitter chocolate.

WOOD FINISH – First fill bourbon cask,American white oak ex-bourbon, 25 year old sweet Palomino Fino sherry, Tawny Port pipes

CIGAR MALT RESERVE – ONE OF A KIND WHISKY FOR CIGAR LOVERS

This specially crafted whisky has been expertly made to be the perfect accompaniment to the finest of cigars.

Matured initially in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry butts, it is then finessed in premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques.

AROMA – Cinnamon, vanilla and red fruits.

PALATE – Tropical fruits, banana toffee and vanilla ice cream.

FINISH – Orange zest, bergamot.

WOOD FINISH – American white oak ex-bourbon, Matusalem oloroso, Premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon

KING ALEXANDER III – THE EMBODIMENT OF BRAVERY

In 1263, Colin of Kintail, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, took a bold decision to stand up and be counted, and felled a charging stag which attacked King Alexander III of Scotland. In return for saving his life, the grateful King gifted the 12-pointed Royal Stag emblem to the Mackenzie Clan as a reward.

When descendants of the Mackenzie Clan took over the ownership of The Dalmore distillery in 1867, they continued to honour this brave act and proudly put the 12-pointed Royal Stag on the bottle. To this day, the Stag still adorns each and every bottle of The Dalmore.

To celebrate the pioneering and innovative values of the Mackenzie Clan, our Master Distiller has painstakingly created the only single malt in the world to unite a unique six cask finish for one outstanding achievement. Spirits matured in ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem oloroso sherry butts, Madeira barrels, Marsala casks, Port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques are combined in perfect harmony to create a uniquely complex, yet smooth single malt. This is the embodiment of brave creativity and a lifetime’s experience.

AROMA – Red berry fruits, fresh flowers, passion fruit.

PALATE – Citrus zest, vanilla pod, creme caramel.

FINISH – Sweet cinnamon, nutmeg.

WOOD FINISH – Matusalem oloroso,Port pipes, Marsala, Madeira, Cabernet Sauvignon barriques, American white oak ex-bourbon.

The platform for knowledge, networking and indulgent experiences for wine, luxury spirits and gourmet food aficionados. www.allthingsnice.in