A destination for cool whisky reviews, interesting whisky news, and a place for sharing the fun, excitement, and wonder of uisge beatha - the water of life.
@SusannahPerri Thanks, Susannah! And if you're not really a whisky drinker, I always recommend finding a bar that has it on the shelf so you can just pay for one glass of it first before buying a whole bottle of something you may not even like. But if you do, let me know! 😁 🥃
I got the chance to try this at the distillery back in 2017. I like Deanston and the whisky they normally produce but this one was a complete turn off. Virgin oak finished malt is always way too tannic that borders on being offensive to the palette. Bourbon lovers tend to like it though, since they are used to those sharp wood notes. Now, give me a Deanston 23 from Oloroso and Im in heaven.
@nontoxicenvironments I'm envious you got to visit the distillery and I hear what you're saying about the virgin oak finish. Maybe one day that 23 year old and I will cross paths! Cheers! 🥃
@raghavramon2051 Thanks for pointing out the Island Green, Raghav. To be honest, I hadn't heard of it before but after doing a little research it sounds very tasty with similar notes to the Islay Origin. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it. Thanks! 🥃
@bowman1999 Thanks, Rob! And I know you're not alone, quite a few people enjoyed the Sowing Edition First Crop. But this was still a nice rebound for me. 🥃
Good review! I’ve been quite impressed with the Woodrow’s of Edinburgh bottlings so far. Have you tried their Caol Ila 8 year old finished in Cream Sherry Quarter casks? Also a good one.
@John-iq4cj Thanks! And, no, I haven't had their Caol Ila releases yet but I agree that they're doing a great job with what they've put out so far. Thanks for the heads up. 🥃
Many thanks for your kind words, that generous score, and your good suggestion on mentioning the non-chill filtration & no color added detail on our labels. All of our newer retail bottlings (in the newer-than-this-bottling livery) highlight that detail, which is good news. Cheers to you!
This was my gateway scotch into finding a huge love for excellent scotch! I loved it from the first dram! I am a huge peat head and I love all peated scotch whiskies but this remains a massive favourite! I would of course prefer no chill filtering and colour added but I admit I love this beauty anyway and it's a constant on my bar - and my husband's!! Terrific video!!
@christinecamley Thanks so much, Christine! And, I agree, it was a gateway whisky for me, too. It's nice to have those connections available that we can go back to easily. 🥃
Got a couple of bottles of this and the 10 when it was on sale at K&L a while back. Made a 50/50 blend of the two in a 4oz sample bottle. After a couple of weeks, they married together pretty well and is better than either one. Cheers
@TheReal_DeanD Good acquisition, for sure. The new Hedonism is delicious (I tried some over the weekend) but now that the casks are harder to come by, they've moved it from a core product to a limited annual release. And increased the price. Enjoy the one you've got! 🥃
Got the 18 as a Christmas present to myself in November. It was part of a UK order as the 18 was less than what the 15 costs here in the US. Very nice. Cheers
@Oblander It's a good whisky tasting glass, made by a company called Wonders of Whisky. wonderswhisky.com/products/the-professional?variant=40229829509198 🥃
@ifyouwanttobetrustedthenbe7462 I'm so sorry to hear that (although it's a complaint I often hear from my Canadian whisky family...). Fingers crossed that it shows up in stores or at least a nearby pub! 🥃
@chriswicecarver3715 Sorry if that explanation didn't come through as clearly as I'd like, Chris, but thanks for asking about it. It is 8 out of 10. The breakdown and explanation of the rating scale is detailed on www.thewhiskyzone.com/ratings-reviews
Rick, when Wally reviewed this on Dramface and mentioned the price that gave me pause. I poked around online and found a US retailer offering it at under $160.00. The fact that we can get it at 750 ml was an added bonus. Thanks for the review.
I totally agree with your assessment, Rick. I managed to get my hands on this locally before disappeared from the shelves. It's a great value dram. I'll be keeping my eyes open for a replacement. Cheers!
@squibpasqo I've also heard good things about the Dru but it's a bit harder to acquire in my area. I appreciate the question, though...it reminds me to keep an eye out! 😁 🥃
@@thewhiskyzone I remember seeing it years back, not understanding the reason why - but still enjoyed the dram being frugal Scot, never want to waste a thing 🥃😂
Thanks for the review; I have two bottles of Balblair 12. I can see the sweetness and chocolate but the oakiness from the American cask is prominent. I’m not a fan of oak taste. But the whiskey is great.
Personally prefer the 8 over the 16 as the latter can be a bit boring and the 8 has a more natural presentation and better flavour. These days 16 also over priced for what it is (sorry die hards!)
@ghuk1234 You're preaching to the choir about the 16 being overpriced these days. Finding it at a fair price can be real challenge. And, yes, I think the 8 is a viable alternative.
