Book Review: Barrels & Drams
I’m not sure why anthologies are so popular in the wine and spirits space. Maybe it’s because people get too soused up while writing and can only finish a few pages before dozing off at the computer. Barrels & Drams: The History of Whisk(e)y in Jiggers and Shots, edited by William M. Dowd, isn’t very…
Beefeater Gin Punches for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II has been the monarch of England for a whopping 60 years as of June 3 this year, and Britain will be celebrating in Jolly Old Style all summer long, and not just with demure waving to each other. Our friends at Beefeater sent these delicious-sounding punch recipes all designed to celebrate the…
Tasting Report: Wines of Alto Adige 2012
Alto Adige is a region in the north of Italy that you have probably never heard of, yet one of the most popular wines in the world – Santa Margherita – hails from here. As a wine region, it’s wedged among Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and stylistically it shares traits with all of these…
Review: Caol Ila Distillers Edition 2011 – Distilled 1998
A classic 12 year old Islay malt whisky, finished in Moscatel (aka Muscat) casks. As fans know (and love), Caol Ila is one of the peatier whiskys out there, and even the sweet orange character of Muscat can’t cut through the smoke with much effect. Burly, smoldering, and long-lasting, it’s classic, somewhat simple Islay whisky…
Review: Talisker Distillers Edition 2011 – Distilled 2001
Though it’s just 10 years old (making it the youngest in this series of whiskys), this Isle of Skye-born malt, finished in Amoroso sherry casks, is the most expensive in the 2012 collection. Part of that has to do with the elevated proof level, and part has to do with the richness of the dram.…
Review: Lagavulin Distillers Edition 2011 – Distilled 1995
This 16 year old Islay, matured in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, doesn’t come across as terribly different than other Lagavulin expressions I’ve tried. Moderately smoky with solid peat character, it’s tempered by the sherry finish, but not overwhelmingly so. The body is rich and silky — and I’ve never seen a Lagavulin this deeply amber…
Review: Oban Distillers Edition 2011 – Distilled 1996
This limited edition Oban is 14 years old, a western Highlands malt that is finished in Montilla Fina sherry casks. A dry whisky, this malt is thick with barley character, washed with dry — not fruity or citrus-inflected — sherry character, almost Madeira-like in the way it comes across on the palate. Briny and thick…
Review: Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition 2011 – Distilled 1995
Day two of our Classic Malts Distillers Edition 2011 coverage continues with this 15-year-old Dalwhinnie, born in the Highlands of Scotland and finished in Oloroso sherry casks. Big honey and nougat notes here, this spirit is showing a lovely maturity and balance, with smoldering maltiness that exhibits a touch of smoke on it. Coconut and…
