Reviews by: Bongo
Cragganmore 12 Years Old
Review by: BongoColor: golden amber
Nose: slightly fragrant and old woody, mildly peaty
Body: smooth, not thick slightly gritty
Palate: sweet and salty peat, with an overtone of honey
Finish: a slow build of flavours, subtle changes in layers of salt, old wood, slightly husky and then honey
definitely a nice whiskey. not as bold as many, not without its edge but not aggressive in its clout. A good sipping whiskey likely to please most palates.
Crown Royal
Review by: BongoColor: rich amber
Nose: slightly toasted and dried fruity with a hint of solvent
Body: watery, less bodied and slightly vaporous
Palate: salted honey malt, like brine with honey and solvents
Finish: warm finish decaying into a flavour resembling the fragrance of an old carpet in a saloon bar
clearly a better choice than drinking turps, but not bringing any delicate or unusual flavours or aromas. It is a blend, and seems to be a one size fits all designed to turn coke into an alcoholic beverage.
Bruichladdich Links
Review by: BongoColor: light gold (slightly watered)
Nose: strong medicinal alcohol, slight peat
Body: strong body, silky and smooth
Palate: strong Iodine, brine and peat
Finish: has a longer decay from the warmth, moving to strong afterburn of alcohol which gradually gives way to bitter sweetness which lingers at length
Clearly a quality whiskey. Reminds me of a cross between a Laphroaig and Macallan kask strength.
Oban 14 Year Old
Review by: BongoColor: light amber
Nose: fruity peat
Body: standard, slightly thicker than water with a smoothness to it
Palate: peat and woody with a medium burn of alcohol
Finish: a creciendo of strength which dissolves quickly into a sweet flavored warmth. Pleasant lingering flavors remain.
A nice whiskey indeed. It has enough flavour to be interesting, and is strong enough to represent a commanding drink. A fine choice for fireside contemplation.
Bowmore Cask Strength
Review by: BongoColor: rich amber
Nose: peat, brine and slight hospital smell
Body: medium body, smooth
Palate: vivid flashes of emergency room, salty and earthy
Finish: almost linear decay from the initial blast of alcohol. As the flavours mellow the saltiness becomes more sweet than bitter, and there is a pleasant earthy tone.
Not my first choice. It is strong in the hospital quality like Laphroaig, and though the earthy salt flavours are pleasant as they mellow, overall I would choose this last over others I have reviewed here.
The Macallan Cask Strength
Review by: BongoColor: golden amber (watered)
Nose: rubbing alcohol but warmer, hint of peat
Body: silky, very smooth and thick, full bodied
Palate: peat hinting at oak
Finish: warming and aromatic, mellowing into a sweet lingering presence, subtle and not overbearing
This was a real treat and unlike any other whiskey I have tried. It delivers itself in a warm and smooth silky texture, almost like a liqueur in body. The flavours are strong but not overpowering, and it is a perfect accompaniment for a good book or other relaxing contemplative experience. I would recommend this to anyone as a good choice to keep around the house.