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Reviews by: paydaymayday
Talisker 10 Year Old Sep 1st 2010
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- Reviewer
- paydaymayday
- Color
- Heavy copper to gold. Looks quite viscous, fairly oily but not so much as a typical Islay - I suppose because it’s not. Being from such a unique geographical spot, this is fitting.
- Nose
- An initial spice, then comes on strong. Light peaty and earthy tones invade the nostrils. Sea salt tingles the inside of the nose. Fades fast to leave a fresh seashore breeze over thick, moist grass. A very faint hint of rich nuts hides behind the curtain.
- Palate
- Peat immediately collects at the back of the mouth but is not unwelcoming; it leaves room for play in the front of the mouth. Envelops the mouth quickly. The oil halts the finer tastes on the initial sip, but soon gives way to a light brine, which also fades. Mixed spices arrive along with cedar notes and make their presence politely known. Sea salt and pepper make a brief appearance on the tip of the tongue.
- Finish
- The first sip of the dram seems to offer a quick, retreating finish, but as the glass empties, it warms up to you and stays with you as a old, welcomed houseguest. Almost an imperceptible hint of iodine as the salt, peat, spices, and wood travel slowly from the back of the mouth to the front. The fireplace is definitely roaring, but it is toasty warm - not burning.
Absolutely outstanding malt with a true character that changes and develops from the first sip to the last.
Oban 14 Year Old Sep 1st 2010
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- paydaymayday
- Color
- Rich honey to pale gold. A hint of fresh copper. Initially looks quite thin, but it’s legs take a long time to emerge and remain strong for a surprisingly long time.
- Nose
- Initially light on the nose with sherry first emerging. Alcohol ever-so-gently tickles the nostrils but does not sting or numb. Takes quite a while to emerge: at first, one detects a multitude of aromas just beneath the surface, but they remain evasive. Soon, however, a touch of sweet honey and black pepper arrive. Shortly after this, one notices fresh damp wood just placed in the woodstove. Apples and bananas and other similar fruits are being prepared nearby.
- Palate
- Unbelievably light and delicate; not much oil. Feels very soft in the mouth. A faint but noticable sherry is laying down an excellent plate for the even softer tastes that lie above. Highly complex. Just as evasive as the nose, it teases your tongue and then darts away. The fruits and honey on the nose have been baked into a pie - it is quite sweet. The woodstove has long since extinguised, and the woodsmoke has almost entirely cleared. A sea salt mist lingers in the background throughout.
- Finish
- Vanilla and toffee linger very briefly, but almost extinguish immediately. Probably the weakest part of this whisky - but not because of its flavor; that is quite nice. Instead, it disappears far too quickly to truly appreciate the complex undertones that this master distiller has imparted in his whisky.
*NOTE* this tasting is for the Double Matured Distiller's Edition - 1995-2009. Bottled at 43%. Overall very impressive, masterfully put together. If only it lasted a little longer; I find myself drinking it quickly to try and capture all of its essence. **Important!** Also note that this review was done on a freshly opened bottle. My thoughts on the whisky have improved even more so as it opened in the bottle over the weeks and flavors emerged.
Bowmore 15 Year Old Sep 1st 2010
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- Reviewer
- paydaymayday
- Color
- Treacled gold
- Nose
- Nose warming. Rich and complex. An initial whiff of peat smoke, but more subdued than the 12 year sibling. Sea salt emerges, followed by a hint of sweet earthy fruits.
- Body
- Full yet initially fleeting. A delicate oiliness pervades afterwards and it is quite pleasant as you begin to notice it.
- Palate
- Buttery and warm. Faded peat from a calm fire. Tart fruit on the verge of being overripe. Tiny hint of salt. Very complex for an Islay.
- Finish
- Long. Tingles the front of the tongue, then migrates to the back of the mouth and glows. Like an old friend that moves away but continues to send loving letters.
It seems I recieved a gift bottle that shows whisky can be the finest of gifts.