tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-389074662024-02-29T03:07:10.255+08:00WhiskyWiki - Unbiased, Pseudo Scientific, Fun"This whisky just tastes yummy!"Liphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09599705241784517504noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-60834916464997720782017-09-27T17:32:00.001+08:002017-09-27T17:33:26.655+08:00Fukuoka Whisky Heaven<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Was in Fukuoka for a few days to attend a friend's wedding and managed to find some time to visit a few whisky bars recommended by friends.<br />
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The first stop was Bar Kitchen, owned by Oka-san who manages a staggering 3,000 bottles in the bar.<br />
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One of the most amazing displays of whisky I have seen and he even has the entire Ichiro's Malt Card Series on display.<br />
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We asked if he had the elusive 'Monochrome' Joker bottle but sadly that was finished so we tasted the 'Colour' Joker as a consolation prize.<br />
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One of the favourites from the night was also from Ichiro's Malt which was a beautiful 'The Game' Madeira Cask aged for only 6 years.<br />
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In the end it was a great night out thanks to Oka-san for all his lovely recommendations!<br />
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Next, we tried Whisky Bar Leichhardt which has a fantastic selection of 1300 bottles at the bar. Bartender/owner Sumiyoshi-san told me he also has another 200 bottles in the storeroom and 1500 bottles at home so he too has 3000 bottles which he can draw from! <br />
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Again, Ichiro's Malts were recommended and he shared these bottles below.<br />
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The one I tried was 'The Dream Cask' from Bar Kitchen (that I didn't get to try the night before) from a bourbon cask that was stunning.<br />
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For the last night, we went to Bar Higuchi, which is a whisky/cocktail bar in the Nakasu area. Higuchi-san also has a great selection of whiskies. Didn't manage to ask how many he had but it is probably close to a 1000 bottles based on a rough estimate. He is organizing Whisky Talk Fukuoka 2018 which I'm so tempted to go now after learning more about it.<br />
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He has an impressive selection of vintage Macallans proudly on display.<br />
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Focused more on Scotch at this bar and had a very good Glen Keith 1988 vintage here.<br />
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Overall, Fukuoka is really a great place to go for whisky and the food (the ramen is amazing). Would highly recommend it to everyone! More specific reviews of the bottles coming up next!<br />
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-7120408239870443542017-09-25T00:45:00.002+08:002017-09-25T00:45:38.793+08:00Ichiro's Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is an interesting whisky from Ichiro's Malt that is aged in Mizunara Oak which is only found in Japan.<br />
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Comment: Honey, citrus and apples with sandalwood on the finish. Great for a no age statement Mizunara if you want to sample something different.<br /><br /></div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-6654398596112927082015-05-04T00:01:00.002+08:002015-05-04T00:01:53.614+08:00Karuizawa 35yo 1978/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Karuizawa, probably the DRC of the whisky world now with prices going through the roof at recent auctions. A very generous friend decided to open one of these at a dinner party. This was a Number One Drinks bottling for LMdW aged 35 years in a bourbon cask. Should be interesting.<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<b><i>Comments:</i></b> Nail varnish followed by intense apricot and pear accompanied by a hint of minty smokiness. The palate is strong on the citrus and honey with a spicy, medicinal finish. What a great dram with such varied complexity.</div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-91529584026920770892015-04-10T19:36:00.000+08:002015-04-10T19:39:12.821+08:00Whiskylive Singapore Part 3: Balvenie Tun 1858 and George T. Stagg<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Taiwanese Tuns</i></div>
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This is the final part of the Whiskylive 2014 whisky tasting session. After so many amazing whiskies, what else could be on offer that could tempt us to have more as most of us were getting a little tipsy. Then we saw the Balvenies and it was a no brainer. The delectable pair that they had was the Tun 1858s, Batches 2 and 3. After the success of the Tun 1401 (Batch 4 reviewed <a href="http://whiskywiki.blogspot.sg/2015/01/balvenie-tun1401-batch-4.html" target="_blank">here</a>), Balvenie master distiller David Stewart decided to experiment again with another marrying Tun to create these batches exclusively for the Taiwan market.</div>
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<i><b>Batch 2: </b></i>Great nose with the usual honey, vanilla with a little leather overtones. Spicy on the palate with prunes, apricots and liquorice. A lingering sweetness on the finish but somehow feels that it lands slightly short overall.</div>
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<i><b>Batch 3: </b></i>Almost identical nose to Batch 2. Or maybe my olfactory receptors have been shot after so many whiskies. Taste and finish is a lot more balanced on this one though with chocolate and biscuit notes rounding up the profile.</div>
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<i>One for the road</i></div>
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We wanted our last dram for the night to be something different from what we had tried. What better way to end with probably one of the most famous bourbons in the market, the George T. Stagg<i>. </i>This beast<i> </i>was a staggering 70.3% alcohol, which is classified as 'hazmat'. i.e. you cannot carry this stuff on airlines! We were almost afraid to touch it without adding water...almost...</div>
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<i><b>Comments: </b></i>Wow, what a punch! Toffee, vanilla, chocolate with spicy fruits with lots of oakiness in the finish. With a dash of water, it opens up with citrus and floral notes. What a way to end the evening. </div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-6670765736546005712015-04-09T00:12:00.001+08:002017-09-25T00:33:22.103+08:00Whiskylive Singapore Part 2: Hanyu The Game & Ichiro's 8 of Clubs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Who's got game?</i></div>
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Next, we had some fascinating whiskies from the Land of the Rising Sun. First up was a pair of Hanyus from Ichiro called The Game, one from a Mizunara cask (release #2) and the other from a Red Oak cask (release #3). These are special bottlings for Japanese spirits retailer Shinanoya and I believe almost impossible to find now. Those labels are absolutely gorgeous if anything else!</div>
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<b><i>The Game 2nd Edition:</i></b> Smells and tastes like a forest with fresh oak and grass dominating the palate initially followed by a vanilla sweetness and spicy, zesty lemon aftertaste. The Mizunara cask definitely adds an interesting dimension to this one.</div>
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<b><i>The Game 3rd Edition: </i></b>Herbacious with a little bite and peppery kick followed by a sweet minty finish. A very fine and elegant dram but if I had to pick, the Mizunara cask would be my choice.</div>
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<i>A rare treat - 23 year Hanyu</i></div>
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To round off the Japanese whisky tasting, we tried a 3rd Hanyu which was the Ichiro's Malt 8 of clubs. This one is another exciting experiment by Ichiro to take an old Hanyu Hogshead cask and finishing it in an American Oak Puncheon.</div>
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<i><b>Comments: </b></i>An intriguing nose with vegemite, pepper and whiff of smoke. The taste is heavy on spice with hints of pine nuts and cocoa with a moderate slightly salty finish.</div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-31356184887638908922015-04-02T00:17:00.000+08:002017-09-25T00:33:44.220+08:00Whiskylive Singapore Part 1: Brora 1972, Glendronach 1970 and Port Ellen 18yr<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Photo courtesy of whiskylive.sg</i></div>
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My favourite, and only large scale, whisky event in Singapore is the annual Whiskylive Singapore organized<i> </i>by La Maison Du Whisky. This year we were fortunate to get access to the Collector Room where there were many (too many in fact!) outstanding rare whiskies to be sampled. Let's get started on some of the highlights! The first three are interesting drams from independent bottlers. </div>
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<i>The legendary 1972 vintage Brora</i></div>
One of the first whiskies that caught my eye was the G&M 1972 Brora. I've always wanted to try a Brora, which is a silent distillery and quite rare to come by. In the world of whisky, the 1972 vintage for Brora was dubbed the finest ever produced (similar to a Bordeaux 1982 vintage) and is what generated tremendous interest in this distillery. While not an original bottling, I suppose I can't complain!<br />
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<i>Comments: </i>Salty smoke, grassy, followed by vanilla and lemon notes. Finish is peppery and waxy. What an unusual and complex whisky. Takes awhile to savour and appreciate and really grew on me with every sip. <br />
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<i><span style="color: black;">They call this a dumpy bottle</span></i></div>
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Glendronach. Increasingly one of my favourite distilleries and go to whiskies if I'm in the mood for a sherry cask whisky. First time trying an independent bottling but this came highly recommended by the experts at LMDW.</div>
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<i>Comments: </i>The aroma of citrus and apricots followed by toasted sesame hits your nose immediately. The taste is honeyed with hints of bitter plum and a long smooth finish. Quality. </div>
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<i>Can you ever go wrong with a Port Ellen?</i></div>
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Port Ellen, how I miss thee. My first Port Ellen was a 1978 4th release from Diageo (reviewed <a href="http://whiskywiki.blogspot.sg/2007/10/port-ellen-1978-4th-release.html" target="_blank">here</a>). I was only just starting out my adventures in whisky and how I regret not buying more at the time particularly looking at the prices today. So naturally, when I saw this bottle my eyes lit up, ordered a glass and took a sip...</div>
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<i>Comments: </i>Hmmm....not quite what I expected. Light and grassy with floral and astringent notes followed by a dollop of smoke. Think of a Lowland whisky mixed with peat, a bizarre combination. Just didn't do it for me. Guess the answer to the aforementioned question is Yes. Sigh.<i> </i></div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-10485048261882667402015-01-25T22:32:00.001+08:002015-01-25T22:34:02.898+08:00Tokyo Tastings: Joker, Mars and Ichiro<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Back to Zoetrope, my favourite Japanese whisky bar in Tokyo. This time I wasn't rushing so had time to enjoy my whiskies and chat with Horigami-san, the owner, about his collection and his love for film. Will save the details of the conversation and get straight to the whisky!<br />
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<i>This is no joke!</i> </div>
The first dram that I was keen on trying was the Ichiro's Malt Hanyu Joker, which is the final release from Ichiro's famous Card Series that sold out pretty quickly even though there were 3,690 bottles released. A shame he did not have the 1st release, which was a black and white Joker, to do a comparison but heaven knows how expensive it would have been.<br />
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<i>Comments: </i>Hint of nail varnish and mint on the nose followed by floral and cherry scents. The mouth is chewy with a mish mash of chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, peaches with a nice dallop of spice. The taste just keeps evolving in the mouth and it's hard to pin down an exact flavour profile. A very complex and unique dram in that regard. Truly an important piece of Japanese whisky history!<br />
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<i>Mars Attack!</i></div>
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Next up was an interesting pair of whiskies from Mars, which is from the Shinshu distillery located in the Nagano prefecture. Mars is probably the only Japanese distillery that does not export it's whisky so it's pretty rare to find it outside of Japan. I was quite excited to try 2 single casks, one sherry butt and the other American white oak, both aged 12 years and distilled in 1992, the year Shinshu stopped production before restarting again in 2011 focused on blended whiskies.<br />
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<i>Mars Single Cask Sherry Butt #1124:</i> Heavy sherry notes with pomegranate and a spicy, slightly oily finish. Not too bad!<br />
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<i>Mars Single Cask American White Oak #1143:</i> Vanilla, apricots and peaches are the variety of the day. Finish is again slightly spicy with a feinty finish. Quite yummy actually and I preferred this just slightly more than the sherry cask.<br />
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<i>My eyes were probably bloodshot as well by then</i></div>
For the last dram of the night I spotted a curious looking bottle with the Zoetrope label on it. A special edition Ichiro's Malt bottled for Zoetrope! This one is unique as it was finished in a rum cask. Why not give it a shot? <br />
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<i>Comments: </i>A little sharp on its own and really opened up with a few drops of water. Lemon zest and apples followed by a small wave of pepper and bittergourd. The finish is pretty long and you can taste hints of the rum cask which gives it a spicy and nutty kick at the end. </div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-8832133673350478422015-01-02T20:10:00.000+08:002015-01-02T20:10:10.087+08:00SMWS 26.63 and 125.30<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My very first 2 bottles from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society purchased in Paris when I was in France for G's wedding more than a year ago. They believe in the beauty of single cask whisky and the variations in taste profile that occur cask to cask even within the same distillery. In my opinion, this is the 'true' single malt and is what makes whisky so fascinating and how it should be enjoyed.<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<i><b>SMWS 26.63:</b></i> My very first Clynelish! Has a punchy nose with cinnamon and grassy notes. Upon tasting, lemon and apricots come through. Slightly too sweet for my liking but still a nice whisky.</div>
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<i><b>SMWS 125.30:</b></i> Oh my goodness! I would never have thought this was a Glenmorangie. Sublime honey (exactly as per the description of Winnie the Pooh!) with peaches and vanilla notes finishing the smooth and long finish. Very, very good and is hands down favourite of anyone who's tried it.</div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-50027271291868480622015-01-02T19:17:00.000+08:002015-01-02T19:18:06.583+08:00Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwwX0RTXJwJodxrHlzTzoegpRTFFmmhU2UabH4mKuhxho_U22gNAzUSSRe-3wAjArTOLprA4wWkjE2Mv55CaM8s-QQhKGy_ez9xdDNO4QP_H1lMhHfmNMCqSbKF7SHR4CED1fpw/s1600/Balvenie+Tun1401+Batch+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwwX0RTXJwJodxrHlzTzoegpRTFFmmhU2UabH4mKuhxho_U22gNAzUSSRe-3wAjArTOLprA4wWkjE2Mv55CaM8s-QQhKGy_ez9xdDNO4QP_H1lMhHfmNMCqSbKF7SHR4CED1fpw/s1600/Balvenie+Tun1401+Batch+4.jpg" height="400" width="246" /></a></div>
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From one of my favourite distilleries this is my first review of the very popular Tun 1401 series. We have Batch 4 here which is the marriage of 3 Sherry Butts & 7 American Oak Barrels. An interesting blended Single Malt!</div>
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCzoZ2kyCL5I4dSqpUaM-47ZIRgNGvh5hAUskBc8_ni8lwx1Enbn0o0MJfw1aR8aaCqHFQZ5w3uZoADhnjBvXWwcctiLqD_DGguQbsCwzZjzyMpeJ19TWP_-igAJG5i_F0qo0iw/s1600/Balvenie+Tun1401+Batch+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCzoZ2kyCL5I4dSqpUaM-47ZIRgNGvh5hAUskBc8_ni8lwx1Enbn0o0MJfw1aR8aaCqHFQZ5w3uZoADhnjBvXWwcctiLqD_DGguQbsCwzZjzyMpeJ19TWP_-igAJG5i_F0qo0iw/s1600/Balvenie+Tun1401+Batch+4.jpg" height="400" width="247" /></a></div>
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<i>Comments:</i> Herbacious notes followed by zesty lemon and vanilla and honeyed finish. A good dram but not sure if worth the current prices they are selling for now.</div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-56444885035710829272014-11-06T23:38:00.000+08:002014-11-06T23:38:17.890+08:00Glen Grant 16 Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Was in Kuala Lumpur and visited C's restaurant for the first time. He recommended the Glen Grant 16 Year, a distillery that I have never actually tried despite it being one of the largest whisky brands in the world.<br />
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Comment: A very easy whisky to quaff. I think the 4 of us finished a bottle within an hour. Light, fruity and fresh is the best way to describe it with an amazingly smooth finish. </div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-40807304981527773372014-09-28T09:53:00.000+08:002014-09-28T09:53:58.467+08:00Tokyo Tastings: Ichiro's Malt Ace of Spades and Kawasaki 1981<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Another day in Tokyo, another random bar stumbled upon. This time it's Zoetrope, a bar specialising in Japanese whisky and silent films! Another only in Tokyo experience. I was rushing to the airport to catch my flight so quickly scoured the menu and found 2 gems, an Ichiro's Malt Ace of Spades and Ichiro's Malt Kawasaki 1981. There were many other interesting whiskies to try on the menu so definitely will be back!<br />
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So this is the famous Ace of Spades worth a ridiculous US$10K according to this article. These Ichiro card series bottlings are getting increasingly rare and collectors are all over them like bees to honey. Think I'm pretty fortunate to have tried it because I probably had the last drop from the bottle.<br />
There were 2 releases for this series and this was the 1st one I believe with an outturn of 122 bottles.<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<i>Comments: </i>A very classy whisky. A wonderful citrus and earthy nose. The palate is sherried candy and becomes chocolatey with a long lingering spicy finish. Great balance with the oak and sherry! Not sure though if I could ever justify paying the price tag on this whisky right now.</div>
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Kawasaki just like Karuizawa is another closed distillery in Japan. The only difference is that Kawasaki is a single grain whisky (90% corn / 10% barley). Let's see what Ichiro-san's magic can do for the whisky.</div>
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<i>Comments: </i>Wow! Strong vanilla with layers of orange and dark chocolate permeate the tastebuds. Remarkably smooth for the alcohol strength and does not bite at all. Feels like a cross over of some of the great bourbons and rums that I've tried. Solid stuff! (P.S: Realised after that this whisky was a Malt Maniacs 2010 Gold Medal winner).</div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-87896220703446052962014-09-15T21:50:00.000+08:002014-09-15T21:50:29.356+08:00Whisky and Steak - Part 2 (Old Pulteney 21 Year & New Zealand's 1987 24 Year)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The third dram we tried that night was the Old Pulteney 21 year which I have been longing to try since it won the Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray's 2012 edition.<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<i>Comments: </i>Refreshing lemon zest and pears on the nose. The palate is oily with hints of chocolate, vanilla and a dash of smoke in the end. What a beautifully balanced whisky and worthy addition to any whisky cabinet.<br />
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Another interesting dram for the night...a 24 year whisky from New Zealand's only and closed Willowbank distillery. This one commemorates the year of the 1st Rugby World Cup, which was of course won by the All Blacks. Only 1000 bottles of this whisky are in existence. A rare treat indeed.<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<i>Comments: </i>Refreshing spring grassy mouth followed by a spicy toffee and citrus finish with woody vanilla undertones. Nice tipple and great effort from the Kiwis.</div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-56938926469017172362014-09-15T18:29:00.000+08:002014-09-17T07:55:53.715+08:00Whisky and Steak - Part 1 (Balvenie 16 Yr Triple Cask & 15 Yr Single Barrel Sherry Cask)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last minute steak dinner pulled together at Y's house with some good friends. Had some really good wine to pair with the food but of course had to end the night with some whisky. We had a very random selection of 2 Balvenies, a 24 year New Zealand (yes New Zealand) whisky and the award winning 21 year Old Pulteney.<br />
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Let's start with the Balvenies which are recent additions to the range. The first is a 16 year Triple cask available exclusively for travel retail and the second is the newly released 15 year Single Barrel Sherry Cask that is replacing the Oak cask series (reviewed <a href="http://whiskywiki.blogspot.sg/2007/12/balvenie-vertical.html" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<b>Balvenie 16 yr Triple Cask: </b>A bit light on the palate and somewhat disappointing. The usual vanilla and honey notes are there but lacks the usual full bodied flavour of a Balvenie. Maybe the 40% abv has something to do with it? For the price point there are other better Balvenies to be had.</div>
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<b>Balvenie 15 yr Single Barrel Sherry Cask: </b>A worthy successor to the Oak cask Single Barrel and great if you like sherried whisky. Apricots, raisins dominate with a hint of nuttiness and the finish is long and smooth.</div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-59842994539261540472014-08-19T01:48:00.000+08:002014-08-19T08:08:54.986+08:00Ichiro's Malt Chichibu The First<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Good whisky is meant to be shared. This one is no exception. At a BBQ no less. Presenting the legendary Ichiro Akuto's first whisky from the Chichibu distillery. For those of you who are not acquainted with Japanese whisky, Ichiro is the grandson of the founder of the now defunct Hanyu distillery and is carrying on the family tradition with some of the biggest cult whiskies in Japan (see details on the Card series <a href="http://www.buxrud.se/webb/index.htm" target="_blank">here</a>). This one is destined to be a collector's item one day...<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<i>Comments: </i>You would've never guessed this was a 3 year old whisky with its level of complexity. The notes evoke caramel and honey and this follows through with thick layers of spice and citrus on the tongue. This goes on for a wee bit then ends abruptly. Good things, as they say must come to an end.</div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-12493215228283152892014-06-19T00:05:00.000+08:002014-06-19T10:00:14.443+08:00Lagavulin Distiller's Edition (1994 & 1995) and Glendronach 15 Years Revival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Had dinner at one of our favourite sushi restaurants in Singapore after returning from Tokyo. Yes, I love Japanese food. Knowing that the head chef loves his whisky, we brought a bottle of Glendronach 15 Revival to savour as an after dinner drink. Before you knew it, he took out his personal stash of Hibiki 30 (reviewed <a href="http://whiskywiki.blogspot.sg/search/label/Hibiki" target="_blank">here</a>, what an amazing dram which was sold out everywhere in Tokyo!) and Lagavulin Distiller's Edition 1994 and 1995 (previous review of 1989 version <a href="http://whiskywiki.blogspot.sg/search/label/Lagavulin" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b> </div>
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<b>Lagavulin DE 1994: </b>A sherried Lagavulin! Have forgotten what it tastes like already as it has been awhile since I've had the Distiller's Edition version. This one treads the balance nicely between sherry and smoke. The debate will forever rage whether this is better than the 16 YO.<br />
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<b>Lagavulin DE 1995: </b>The sweetness in this one overpowers the peat slightly in this one. A little more tannic on the taste buds as well. I prefer the 1994 although I know of people that prefer this one, probably because they prefer less smoky whiskies in general.<br />
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<b>Glendronach 15Yr:</b> Not in the same class as the single cask series but nonetheless very impressive for the price point. Fresh floral notes and a strong sherry punch hits you when you taste it with a candied finish. I'm stocking up on this one as an everyday dram!<br />
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-41716992976902709902014-06-16T02:57:00.000+08:002014-06-16T02:57:52.999+08:00Tokyo tastings - Ichiro's Malt Single Cask, Balvenie from the 80s and The Spoon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Bar Keith named after the Glen Keith, the owner's favourite distillery</i></div>
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Tokyo always never ceases to amaze me with the infinite number of whisky bars that have fascinating collections. Went to Bar Keith in Shinjuku after doing whisky shopping in Shinanoya and had the fortune to try 3 sublime whiskies thanks to the owner Koji-san, who was extremely knowledgeable AND spoke decent English.</div>
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<i>Interesting label for an Ichiro's Malt</i></div>
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First up was a hidden gem, an Ichiro's Malt Single Cask! Bottlings from the now defunct Hanyu distillery are really hard to come by these days. This is my first Ichiro's Malt review and hopefully many more to come from this cult whisky maker...<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<i>Comments:</i> Bursting with fruits, citrus and plums come to mind, followed by hints of cinnamon and vanilla notes finished. Drops of water bring out the maltiness just a tad. Great whisky! If only I could get my hands on some.<br />
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<i>Is this Balvenie masquerading as Cognac?</i> </div>
I mentioned that Balvenie was one of my favourite distilleries and this was what showed up on the table, a 1980s bottling of a Balvenie 18! It must've been my lucky day as there was only 1 serving remaining in the bottle. I could see Koji-san holding back the tears as he poured the last drop from the bottle.<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<i>Comments:</i> The distinct Balvenie cereal malt taste is more mellow and a fresh vanilla and oak finish hits you with hints of leather at the end. The water, barley and casks used must have been different back then. How the taste of Balvenie has evolved over the years. </div>
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<i>Balvenie and Glenfiddich elope</i> </div>
Time for a nightcap and I was shown this interesting bottle called 'The Spoon' which is essentially a 23 year Balvenie single cask diluted with a teaspoon of Glenfiddich (in whisky circles Balvenie+teaspoon of Glenfiddich=Burnside). Apparently, this is done as stipulated by the distillery so the independent bottler cannot label the whisky they bought a single cask and dilute the parent distillery brand. Nonetheless, a 23 year Balvenie single cask is a 23 year Balvenie single cask, even if diluted with a drop of Glenfiddich. I was more intrigued by the cool label then anything else. On to the review...<br />
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<i>Comments: </i>Spice, honey and citrus tones with a medium long finish that is tannic and oaky at the same time. Quite enjoyable and a great way to end the night. </div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-44354550849828257232014-06-01T22:52:00.000+08:002014-06-19T00:05:39.043+08:00Glendronach 23 Years 1989 Cask 5470<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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How do you end a fantastic wine dinner night with good friends? With a great whisky of course! Found this hidden in my stash that I've been meaning to try for awhile.<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCUv7ZP3ISE20pTqDmhpB85OfjV7Bl_Rwu5N8HHNdRkFv56kq80J933MTqe7Dj7SpnnVWXXR4GizuvqbTD8OXJxKPGN4pGd8bN9wEqDdtALP8oa5KbKezCHRMjkc3cZbO3QSh3g/s1600/Glendronach_1989_5470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCUv7ZP3ISE20pTqDmhpB85OfjV7Bl_Rwu5N8HHNdRkFv56kq80J933MTqe7Dj7SpnnVWXXR4GizuvqbTD8OXJxKPGN4pGd8bN9wEqDdtALP8oa5KbKezCHRMjkc3cZbO3QSh3g/s1600/Glendronach_1989_5470.jpg" height="400" width="211" /> </a></div>
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<i>Comments: </i>Yummy raisins and citrus notes dominate with a long clean honeyed finish. Lovely, lovely stuff. If you love sherried whiskies, these Glendronachs are the way to go. I am becoming a fan... </div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-31807278506499537392014-05-26T23:31:00.000+08:002014-06-19T00:06:03.511+08:00Laphroaig 14 Years Signatory 1998<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Had a happy hour session with my reservist army mates and decided to bring an interesting bottle for them to try. This was a bottle picked up from our good friends from LMDW and came highly recommended.<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosNWWs8_bwC0NVc1ekXFrucC0zqBxKjl5Gm8Q-1HpYk8yIKUdSKMd7C0Y770KFZUtr5u73hvcJ_lisNZJvf183VbIpPiMkQA5026yE2mRol6iPzXKchLtGJWuXPcUJ9NVygg0Lg/s1600/Laphroaig_14yr_1998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosNWWs8_bwC0NVc1ekXFrucC0zqBxKjl5Gm8Q-1HpYk8yIKUdSKMd7C0Y770KFZUtr5u73hvcJ_lisNZJvf183VbIpPiMkQA5026yE2mRol6iPzXKchLtGJWuXPcUJ9NVygg0Lg/s1600/Laphroaig_14yr_1998.jpg" height="400" width="212" /></a></div>
<i>Comments: </i>The cask strength style definitely gives a punch! Grassy, floral waves followed by the inevitable smoked brilliance of Laphroaig. Crisp, medium finish makes it a good nightcap.</div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-1359541605761140402014-02-01T13:36:00.000+08:002014-10-04T13:37:14.093+08:00Ardbeg Tasting: Airigh Nam Beist 1990 & Uigeadail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been awhile since we tried the Ardbegs and we were in the mood for something punchy that evening. We had 2 interesting ones in the collection that were waiting to be opened, an Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 1990, which the distillery calls 'Ardbeg Ice Cream' and the Ardbeg Uigeadail, which won Jim Murray's Whisky of the Year Awards in 2009.</div>
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<i>Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 1990: </i>The usual powerful Ardbeg smokiness blends nicely with creamy vanilla notes with a hint of cashews and an oily finish. Solid!</div>
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<i>Ardbeg Uigeadail: </i>A full flavoured Ardbeg infused with sweet honey and caramel overtones. Nicely balancing the Ardbeg with sherry casks!</div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-35660787521195994142013-11-11T23:33:00.000+08:002013-11-11T23:33:41.246+08:00Santis Malt - Edition Dreifaltigkeit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Was playing poker at a R's place and he recommended we try some interesting whisky from Switzerland that his wife recently bought called Santis Malt. What makes this whisky unique is that it is stored in oak wood beer barrels instead of the usual oak or sherry casks. On top of that, they have a few different products in the market and this one we sampled was the Edition Dreifaltigkeit, which won Jim Murray's European Whisky of the Year in 2010.<br />
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<i>Photo courtesy of: www.saentismalt.ch</i></div>
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Probably the only culture in the world rivaling the Japanese in terms of meticulousness and attention to detail would be the Swiss. Santis Malt keeps the reputation intact by sourcing water from the Swiss Alps and grain from Switzerland grown under extreme weather conditions to impart an idiomatic Swiss flavour to the whisky. On top of that, the bottle labels are personally designed and hand-cut by the managing director himself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4tchQCfgE476YUudBl6YCiz6fAiTJOVDd4VkyJQaiBeWDlD65BKGlA8ayVeRwhe4FXs3PJy-WRBhsNm3YTMSue4vkbhHWo1JDkG7to-kXkRaTq7vazFqJGCm3FHqgTP338EEQA/s1600/Santis+Malt-Edition+Dreifaltigkeit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4tchQCfgE476YUudBl6YCiz6fAiTJOVDd4VkyJQaiBeWDlD65BKGlA8ayVeRwhe4FXs3PJy-WRBhsNm3YTMSue4vkbhHWo1JDkG7to-kXkRaTq7vazFqJGCm3FHqgTP338EEQA/s400/Santis+Malt-Edition+Dreifaltigkeit.jpg" width="222" /> </a></div>
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<b>Comments: </b>This whisky definitely has a very distinct flavour, very unlike traditional whiskies. Strong malt profile with a hint of beer and a smokiness that is closer to smoked duck than the usual Islay peatiness. Very well done for a relatively new distillery. Definitely worth a try! </div>
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-53935267423217800262013-11-01T17:14:00.001+08:002014-09-15T18:46:07.537+08:00Halloween Whisky - Glenfiddich 30 Year & Yamazaki 25 Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Had the pleasure of going to a friend's place for a pre-Halloween dinner and unexpectedly, some seriously fine whisky. <br />
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The first whisky we savoured was the Glenfiddich 30. I've always liked Glenfiddichs and the opportunity to taste on of their top end drams was definitely a treat. This one recently won the Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2013.<br />
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<b>Comments: </b>Overall a superb whisky that goes down very well and suits all palates. Great balance overall with blends of citrus fruit, honey and vanilla overtones for a mellow, distinct flavour.</div>
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A Glenfiddich 30yr would typically be the highlight of any good night out...until an even rarer Yamazaki 25yr gets pulled out of the cabinet. This is the World Whisky Awards 2012 winner of Best Single Malt and is practically sold out everywhere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0DH5oA29sWb6sbWuI39GhuVVd6Vs_ii62hq6gwUIA7UixWOpsurVgPruoq-ZFQRqfxVWhXHNKKsMKj4jZk1oqELYqRzCemJL5nv9jr-gm5yUuFkmsFU4d66a48841kHGBymjnQ/s1600/Yamazaki_25yr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0DH5oA29sWb6sbWuI39GhuVVd6Vs_ii62hq6gwUIA7UixWOpsurVgPruoq-ZFQRqfxVWhXHNKKsMKj4jZk1oqELYqRzCemJL5nv9jr-gm5yUuFkmsFU4d66a48841kHGBymjnQ/s400/Yamazaki_25yr.jpg" height="400" width="211" /></a></div>
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<b>Comments: </b>Talk about intense. Chocolate? Coffee? Sherry? Surprisingly flavourful and deep for a 43% whisky. And the finish just goes on and on...lovely stuff.</div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-54020431839788471612013-02-17T22:59:00.002+08:002013-02-17T22:59:35.396+08:00Kavalan Solist Fino<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Went to a friend's place recently and he told me that he had this whisky that I absolutely must try from Taiwan. It was the Kavalan Solist Fino and apparently won Jim Murray's Best New World Whisky in 2012 (97 points!!!) and WWA Best New World Single Malt Whisky.<br />
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We know the Taiwanese love their whisky but who would have thought that they would be able to make something seriously decent in such a short span of time! This whisky is full-on sherry with hints of nuttiness, sweet fruits and liquorice. The finish though is slightly on the bitter side and not really my cup of tea unfortunately. Otherwise, an interesting whisky to try for sure.</div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-23721197229912836212012-12-25T23:59:00.000+08:002014-09-15T22:02:02.131+08:00Christmas with Hibiki 30 Years and Glengassaugh 1972<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's Christmas time and what better way to celebrate it than to have
great whisky. We were having dinner with family and friends at an
Italian restaurant and we had brought a Hibiki 30 years to savour at the end of the meal.<br />
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THE REVIEW</div>
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<b>Comments:</b> Wow! What an amazing whisky. If you think the 21 year is good, this one adds another layer of complexity with a fantastic nose filled with vanilla and luscious berries. This is such an easy and delicious drink to quaff that the bottle will be gone in no time. Only for special occasions.<br />
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We offered the restaurant owner a dram of the Hibiki and being a self professed whisky lover, he was subtly impressed. Not to be outdone, he was kind enough to let us try his personal bottle of
Glengassaugh 1972 which had his name inscribed on it as a gift from a friend!<br />
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<b>THE REVIEW</b></div>
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<b>Comments: </b>A really different whisky compared to the Hibiki, this dram is oozing with blackcurrants, apricots with peppery spice and strong sherry elements. It has an unbelievably long finish that never seems to end, surpassing even the Hibiki. In the owner's words, 'this tastes more like a fine cognac than a whisky'. <br />
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Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-83559275637499973522011-01-16T14:54:00.000+08:002014-06-16T23:37:27.376+08:00Laphroaig 30 Years Cairdeas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6cGHjr_PVxswdj44WdghmGoBNuBamKB0IsD3754aTOpCKza9-dI0t1wIs0KYf5ZCqm5vg75HGGMmNGGPq4oAEbomcdmeqoenPaIP2opxe6fd5pKUicCNpTceSGz4HrAIah6OBg/s1600/DSC_0643.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6cGHjr_PVxswdj44WdghmGoBNuBamKB0IsD3754aTOpCKza9-dI0t1wIs0KYf5ZCqm5vg75HGGMmNGGPq4oAEbomcdmeqoenPaIP2opxe6fd5pKUicCNpTceSGz4HrAIah6OBg/s400/DSC_0643.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574239471526562834" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a>Here's a whisky I broke out for the New Year to celebrate with friends and family - the Laphroaig 30 year Cairdeas. This dram is essentially the award winning Laphroaig 30 year (<a href="http://whiskywiki.blogspot.com/2010/01/laphroaig-30-year.html">reviewed here</a>) double matured in Maker's Mark bourbon casks. Sound interesting enough already? Let's get on with the tasting.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bZjXU2ChEJq0UjuLyCkJ1kHr5WghMJ7dbYHgWvoryD9x4s-qvMkTcV1IiSBsdZ6VZWhVfn2XdRyvABuCHBCJghflIJgWpnCTkeU4KtZo1tvGaY_-Q4ezAqab0MmI2E739MWOLA/s1600/Laphroaig30Cairdeas.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bZjXU2ChEJq0UjuLyCkJ1kHr5WghMJ7dbYHgWvoryD9x4s-qvMkTcV1IiSBsdZ6VZWhVfn2XdRyvABuCHBCJghflIJgWpnCTkeU4KtZo1tvGaY_-Q4ezAqab0MmI2E739MWOLA/s400/Laphroaig30Cairdeas.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574244146483411890" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 188px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Comments:</span> You can definitely taste the Laphroaig 30yr here subdued a little by the oak finish. Depending on whether you are an oak or sherry cask person will determine how much you like this one. Overall an excellent whisky nonetheless worth every penny for special occasions.</div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38907466.post-56484288256914337802010-02-28T10:11:00.001+08:002014-09-15T18:53:02.930+08:00Tokyo tastings: Nikka Yoichi 1991 & Rosebank 1983<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitONS_x9Cg4uidkiFCuz7bcijXMRXXsULfF8UHaXnsPEduXZtGjvXYZV3WftEBwlONChfchg0NHHaqMsVvyKbCFXPzDmhGxHNfcQ4hq9Vtby8Tuuf_O90CAY2iB0kz3ctTWRe8Kw/s1600-h/P1010983.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitONS_x9Cg4uidkiFCuz7bcijXMRXXsULfF8UHaXnsPEduXZtGjvXYZV3WftEBwlONChfchg0NHHaqMsVvyKbCFXPzDmhGxHNfcQ4hq9Vtby8Tuuf_O90CAY2iB0kz3ctTWRe8Kw/s400/P1010983.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432351165757628594" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 332px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Here's another whisky adventure from our travels to Tokyo. Went to a whisky bar aptly named Wodka Tonic tucked in a little corner near Roppongi hills with D and some friends.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ozu9WPAbmsQhdVPRl9lErbeaueRcXaUS8M7W0JXbpviBsnpVB027dtbsoko3fB_cJx-CLmW_ZvqhDP-gASF1CuP5ZxM434siU1vFBbtTGHH7k9rx7ss-FuE72Pj_05khAYwWCg/s1600-h/P1010987.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ozu9WPAbmsQhdVPRl9lErbeaueRcXaUS8M7W0JXbpviBsnpVB027dtbsoko3fB_cJx-CLmW_ZvqhDP-gASF1CuP5ZxM434siU1vFBbtTGHH7k9rx7ss-FuE72Pj_05khAYwWCg/s400/P1010987.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432352005069494130" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Classic Japanese whisky bar - long wooden table, meticulously ordered shelves of whisky and the prerequisite bartenders in vests and bowties.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnUPS5Rb1KxHHAXLepQcBXEj0mwxnmrudq0FamHSjyMPb-OyJjvnIojS2PwzC6vVbab5upGXpyzt1RYddyaSwj9pmd6nSIp5xD-xTCzvi8EycU4hsQ5eqUti7-lhxiJ7tvZ-yVA/s1600-h/P1020001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnUPS5Rb1KxHHAXLepQcBXEj0mwxnmrudq0FamHSjyMPb-OyJjvnIojS2PwzC6vVbab5upGXpyzt1RYddyaSwj9pmd6nSIp5xD-xTCzvi8EycU4hsQ5eqUti7-lhxiJ7tvZ-yVA/s400/P1020001.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432351471290558194" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>Some of the gems we saw at the bar were the Black Bowmore 1964 and Yamazaki 50 year (only 50 bottles available worldwide with a retail price of 1M Yen!). Unfortunately, they were way out of our price range and all we could do was take a whiff of heaven at the table. Fortunately, there were many other excellent whiskies available that were affordable. I now present you the Nikka Yoichi Single Cask 1991 and the Rosebank G&M Connoisseur's Choice 1983.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHPRIh9yuJLY79prUCYMBsedyBEqPMcNFzMfgBQr7YEIDSsbimhhziKZLxJz1hwXqWMObeNTODzt0olzDKQZNf3RJ1X4x_tz3eWIUC4s9Z5yOaeNvUpH2ztswtMigiQhmlrsqsw/s1600-h/P1010988.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHPRIh9yuJLY79prUCYMBsedyBEqPMcNFzMfgBQr7YEIDSsbimhhziKZLxJz1hwXqWMObeNTODzt0olzDKQZNf3RJ1X4x_tz3eWIUC4s9Z5yOaeNvUpH2ztswtMigiQhmlrsqsw/s400/P1010988.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432350448597705106" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE REVIEW</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKY9gv2waMBU7wy-lfSjj2ojd5JIRZYkI0PjGRY5VRuTcqFnsjmz96fgpaw9U0LFbMSCFB_rJkq6w6JxY9XDsofPuLreUbFoQ6biMav4rReB0_vqZuR9rcqwPA7RU9FvVyAfIKQ/s1600-h/Yoichi_1991.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKY9gv2waMBU7wy-lfSjj2ojd5JIRZYkI0PjGRY5VRuTcqFnsjmz96fgpaw9U0LFbMSCFB_rJkq6w6JxY9XDsofPuLreUbFoQ6biMav4rReB0_vqZuR9rcqwPA7RU9FvVyAfIKQ/s400/Yoichi_1991.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432358576988308306" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 198px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Comments:</span> We liked the fresh fruity nose and taste of this one. Starts with an amazing burst of citrus and ends with elegant wood notes. Another testament to the great whiskies that Japanese are creating in modern times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujDgtFS4Dg-3f1X7MXmEiyTvRLLq803lb8oBpM9OpRN-2ctZTDzJkzftWsHplMZzbaXo9xKmCZnzzDb72yyF8m1ErxmA3Xz50VQpq77K_SaX4HKoHuWtw6bo2k51LW6GTRwmsQA/s1600-h/P1010992.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujDgtFS4Dg-3f1X7MXmEiyTvRLLq803lb8oBpM9OpRN-2ctZTDzJkzftWsHplMZzbaXo9xKmCZnzzDb72yyF8m1ErxmA3Xz50VQpq77K_SaX4HKoHuWtw6bo2k51LW6GTRwmsQA/s400/P1010992.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432350786046211538" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE REVIEW</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVyAP3v3UkPJ5o6m9tZaH6Q_so8UvRxboJ7nGtI7SnsZtcysI8XF0vtcf1qkGQ2tqsoKh56Ks1i_Ly6wOr1m85aBkKhqWYekGFkpvqVXextXUwlJxCtcmxpf7ar7sC0O4FCE37Q/s1600-h/Rosebank_1983.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVyAP3v3UkPJ5o6m9tZaH6Q_so8UvRxboJ7nGtI7SnsZtcysI8XF0vtcf1qkGQ2tqsoKh56Ks1i_Ly6wOr1m85aBkKhqWYekGFkpvqVXextXUwlJxCtcmxpf7ar7sC0O4FCE37Q/s400/Rosebank_1983.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432358433189513410" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 210px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Comments:</span> Another one of our favourites, the now defunct Rosebank distillery. Triple distilled goodness reveals the characteristic cut grass and floral notes. Light and fluffy, almost velvety texture. Excellent stuff.</div>
Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790390605585433386noreply@blogger.com0