76

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Years Old

Review by: Mandrake
Color: Warm amber
Nose: Darkly fruity, raisins and currants. Caramel and a hint of smoke.
Body: Medium body, a bit watery.
Palate: Blackcurrant and wood, lighter notes too. Apple and a bit of heather.
Finish: Slightly abrupt and not particularly well integrated. Fruity notes, hint of smokiness.

Surprisingly good blend, a massive step up from the Red.

67

Glenfiddich Special Reserve 12 Years Old

Review by: Mandrake
Color: Light gold
Nose: Pear, granny smith apple, crisp biscuit, straw
Body: Medium-light body
Palate: Sharp and crisp, dry fruitiness. Pear and grasses
Finish: Light woodiness, medium length

Nothing special, it's a pass in the future.

51

Johnnie Walker Red Label

Review by: Mandrake
Color: Light caramel
Nose: Fusel alcohol and chemical burn.
Body: Thin and sharp.
Palate: Bitter alcohol.
Finish: Short and hot.

God this is awful.

70

Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15 Years Old

Review by: Mandrake
Color: Light Honey
Nose: Grassy, floral, light toffee, apple.
Body: Medium-light body.
Palate: Dry fruit, hint of toffee.
Finish: Fades quickly but is noticeable for a while. Nothing too distinctive, bit of fruit.

Better options for the money. Nothing at all offensive, but not something I'd look for again.

82

The Balvenie Doublewood 12 Year Old

Review by: Mandrake
Color: Caramel
Nose: Honeysuckle, vanilla, bit of oak. Lightly smoked.
Body: Medium bodied.
Palate: Sherry and light peat. Hint of smoke. Not all that complex, but pleasant.
Finish: Short finish, warm but fleeting.

Not bad at all. Doesn't overwhelm or strike with awe, but it's very pleasant and a worthwhile single malt.

Great depth for a 12 yr, nice fruit and cask elements. Nose is so fantastic that it disappoints a bit on the palate. Still top-drawer.

It's definitely got some character, though it remains very accessible. Quite nice.

92

Aberlour a'bunadh

Review by: Mandrake
Color: Deep copper
Nose: Orange peel and butter. Cherry and roses.
Body: Full and weighty. Creamy.
Palate: Absolute sherry monster, lots of fruit. Woody as well, oak just piles on. Sweet orange.
Finish: Long and warming

Absolutely extraordinary cask strength, I love everything about it.

86

Talisker 10 Year Old

Review by: Mandrake
Color: Gold with reddish-amber hints
Nose: Peaty and salty. Bit of smoke and heather. Slight sweetness.
Body: Medium bodied, slick and a bit oily.
Palate: Salty, fair bit of peat and grassiness. Oak, with some dryness as well.
Finish: Hot and sharp in the finish, pepper and salt.

Distinctive and enjoyable, a real bargain at the price.