80

Isle Of Jura 16 Year Old

Review by: mdavis
Color: Light straw
Nose: Earthy, some straw, maybe even a touch of ammonia? Then honey. Distinctive and pleasant.
Body: Medium body.
Palate: The honey comes through on the palate along with a bit of earthy character and salt.
Finish: Smooth finish with lingering honey.

I received this bottle as a gift. My initial opinion was not overly enthusiastic, but the whisky grows on you. Good price for the 16 yr. I plan to investigate the 10 yr. Nice bottle of a distillary that is coming back.

82

The Balvenie Doublewood 12 Year Old

Review by: mdavis
Color: Amber
Nose: Some sherry and citrus - typical of Balvenie house style. Very slight hint of smoke.
Body: Good balance. Moderately full bodied.
Palate: Somewhat complex when allowed to stand in the glass for a while. Smoke disappears to sherry, citrus, a bit of peat.
Finish: Slight burn.

This is one of the better values in the Balvenie stable. Not my favorite of the bunch, but a repeat because of the price.

87

The Balvenie Single Barrel 15 Year Old

Review by: mdavis
Color: light amber
Nose: honey, hint of citrus - maybe orange peel, very slight suggestion of smoke
Body: full
Palate: honey character carries over from the nose with slight citrus, a hint of peat and a bit peppery
Finish: nice finish, not overly long

This is a really nice dram, full bodied, full of honey and a bit of orange with a bit of peat. Not at fruity as the 10 yr. Not exactly cheap, but worth the price.

87

Ardbeg 10 Years Old

Review by: mdavis
Color: Light straw
Nose: Smoke, peat, some citrus peeks through with a hint of sweetness behind the smoke, but dry overall.
Body: Peat and smoke, slightly oily.
Palate: Some sweetness shows through the smoke. Citrus?
Finish: The sweetness fades to a drier finish and full body. Long, dry finish as the smoke leaves.

This is a big Islay, non-chill filtered. Very fine value and one of Ardbeg's best.