Ardbeg 10 Year Old
Background:
The Ardbeg 10 Year Old is an Islay single malt whisky produced by the Ardbeg Distillery, which was founded in 1815. It's known for its intensely smoky and peaty character and has won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2020.
Age:
10 Years
Maturation Casks:
First-fill ex-bourbon casks and ex-sherry casks.
Levels:
PPM: 55
ABV: 46%
Colour:
Pale gold.
Nose:
Peat Smoke, tar, seaweed, vanilla, citrus.
Pallate:
The whisky is full-bodied and oily, with a strong peaty and smoky flavor, along with hints of sweet vanilla, caramel, and honey. There are also notes of black pepper, which add a gentle spiced kick to the whisky. The finish is long and smoky, with a hint of espresso and a touch of sweetness.
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Background:
The Ardbeg Uigeadail was introduced to the Ardbeg range back in 2003. Uigedail (pronounced Oog-a-dal) means 'dark and mysterious place'. This Islay single malt Scotch whisky is full-bodied and smoky. Voted by more than 120,000 people on the Ardbeg Committee as their favourite Ardbeg, the Uigedail boasts 11 awards between 2013 and 2018. It was also named "World Whisky of the Year" by Jim Murray's Whisky Bible in 2009.
Age:
No age statement
Maturation Casks:
Ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks.
Levels:
PPM: 50
ABV: 54.2%
Colour:
Golden brown, treacle.
Nose:
Peat Smoke, tar, sherry, tobacco, raisin, salt, brine.
Pallate:
The tasting notes stated on the front of the bottle include "Treacle, Bacon, Bonfire". The flavour is rich and complex and the nose flavours carry through onto the pallate with slightly more medicinal notes, with some spice and further depth. A long, warm, ashy coal fire comes alive to underpin the fruity flavours, this pleasant and warming ash continues on for a beautifully long smoky finish.
Glenlivet 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (French Oak Reserve)
Background:
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (French Oak Reserve) is a Speyside single malt whisky. It was awarded a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2020 and won a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017.
Age:
15 Years
Maturation Casks:
American and French Limousin oak from France’s Dordogne region, where it’s often used to mature cognacs.
Levels:
PPM: Not peated.
ABV: 40%
Colour:
Deep gold.
Nose:
Vanilla, caramel, toasted oak.
Pallate:
The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with flavors of vanilla, toffee, and honey. There is a distinctive fruity edge, resembling pear drops, apple and raisins. There are also notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, which add a gentle spiced kick to the whisky. The finish is long and warming, with a slight hint of oak and citrus and a touch of sweetness.
Highland Park 10 Year Old
Background:
The Highland Park 10 Year Old is a distinguished single malt whisky from the Highland Park Distillery, known for its balanced flavors and distinctive character. It has garnered a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts.
Age:
10 Years
Maturation Casks:
A combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
Levels:
PPM: 20
ABV: 40%
Color:
Golden Amber.
Nose:
Subtle peat smoke, honey, and heather notes.
Palate:
The whisky delivers a harmonious blend of honeyed sweetness, gentle peat, and hints of dried fruit. It evolves with notes of vanilla, spices, and a touch of oak. The finish is medium-length, with a light smokiness.
Lagavulin 16 Year Old
Background:
The Lagavulin 16 Year Old is a well-known Islay single malt whisky produced by the Lagavulin Distillery, renowned for its rich peatiness and complexity. It has gained a loyal following and received numerous accolades for its distinctive flavor profile.
Age:
16 Years
Maturation Casks:
Various oak casks, including ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
Levels:
PPM: 35
ABV: 43%
Colour:
Amber.
Nose:
Peat smoke, Brine, Seaweed.
Pallate:
On the palate, the whisky offers a harmonious blend of peat smoke, honeyed malt, and a touch of dark chocolate. The flavors evolve with hints of citrus, spices, and a gentle oak influence. The finish is long, smoky, and satisfying.
Laphraoig 10 Year Old
Background:
Laphraoig 10 Year Old is an Islay single malt whisky produced by the Laphroaig Distillery, which was founded in 1815. It has won numerous awards over the years, including a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2019 and the title of Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky at the International Whisky Competition in 2020.
Age:
10 Years
Maturation Casks:
First-fill ex-bourbon barrels and ex-sherry casks.
Levels:
PPM: 40
ABV: 40%
Colour:
Pale gold.
Nose:
Peat Smoke, Seaweed, iodine, vanilla, honey, marzipan,
Pallate:
On the palate, the whisky is full-bodied and oily, with a strong peaty and smoky flavor, along with hints of sweet honey and salty seaweed. There are also notes of vanilla, caramel, and citrus, which add complexity to the whisky. The finish is long and smoky, with a hint of brine and a touch of sweetness.
Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 10 Year Old
Background:
The Bruichladdich Port Charlotte Heavily Peated 10 year old whisky has garnered a few accolades. It was awarded a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2018 and was named Best Islay Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards in 2020. The whisky has also been mentioned in a number of whisky guides and books, including Jim Murray's Whisky Bible and Ian Buxton's 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die.
Age:
10 Years
Maturation Casks:
First-fill American whiskey casks, second-fill American whiskey casks and second-fill French wine casks.
Levels:
PPM: 40
ABV: 50%
Colour:
Light gold, caramel.
Nose:
Peat smoke, sea salt, caramel.
Pallate:
The Port Charlotte 10 is a rich and smoky Islay whisky that boasts a complex and layered flavor profile. The robust and warming character of the high alcohol content is apparent in the taste. The smokiness from the nose is intensified, accompanied by notes of caramel, vanilla, and brine, with a hint of sweet waffle. There is also a hint of fruitiness that adds a touch of sweetness to the overall flavor too. The finish is long, warming and slightly dry, with a pleasant spiciness that lingers on the tongue.
Smokehead
Background:
Smokehead is an Islay single malt whisky known for its bold and peaty character. It's produced with a focus on delivering a smoky and intense flavor experience.
Age:
No age statement
Maturation Casks:
Various oak casks, including ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
Levels:
PPM: 40+
ABV: 40%
Colour:
Amber to deep gold.
Nose:
Peat smoke, Maritime, Earthy, Citrus.
Pallate:
On the palate, Smokehead delivers an explosion of peat smoke, complemented by flavors of brine, spice, and dark chocolate. The whisky offers a robust and lingering smoky finish.