The Distillates | An irreverently reverent take on all things liquor.

Scotch

Oct 2023

Springbank Eat, Sleep, Dram, Repeat

Springbank eat, sleep, dram, repeat tour was absolutely worth the journey and the price. For those of you considering the adventure, here are some tips.

Brandy

Jun 2023

Who, What, and Where are Domaine le Chaou?!?

The last few years Armagnac has experienced a small renaissance. The traditional single producer rustic brandy has struck a chord with connoisseurs. At the start..

Scotch

May 2021

The Journey’s End w/ Jim McEwan

We tried 6 pre-release bottlings from both Jim McEwan and Dramfool’s personal collection. Some of the best bottles I’ve had this year.

Brandy

May 2021

Where is L’Encantada Domaine Le Freche?!?

L’Encantada Domaine Le Freche has joined a short and vaunted list of serious personal favorites. I will literally go out of my way to chase..

Whisky

Apr 2021

SMWS 26.151 – Fragrance clings to the hand that gives flowers – Clynelish 26yo 47.3%

Let’s do a SMWS Clynelish tasting! I’ve had very little Clynelish and have heard wonderful things about this bottle. Nose Tangerine, peach/apricot cobbler, honeysuckle, jasmine,..

Latest Tasting Notes

Whisky

Shane

The Yamazaki Peated Spanish Oak 43%

Nose: Date granola, raisin nut bran, dried apples.

Palate: Mixed berry jam, figs, peaches, touch of menthol, hint of smoke

Rating: 6 / 10 – a solid and tasty spirit although I don’t love the phenols. I have to wonder how I would like it more or less if it were the first dram.

Whisky

Shane

Ardnahoe Bholsa Oloroso 50%

Nose: Smoked oysters with blackberry vinegar, burnt ends, dark cherry

Palate: Smokey salted pecans, dried raspberries, tobacco leaf, dates

Rating: 7 / 10 – for a core line bottle this is really excellent

Whisky

Shane

Bruichladdich X4-18 Year 63.5%

Nose: Terry’s chocolate orange, grass, sulfur.

Palate: Milk chocolate, szechuan pepper, medjool dates, chow mein, milk candy.

Rating: 6 / 10 – rivesalt cask is very present

Whisky

Shane

Bunnahabain Coastal Edition Old School Single Malt 50 Year 43.1% by Signatory Vintage

Nose: Hawaiian tropic tanning oil, curacao, pink peppercorn, banana gummies.

Palate: Lemon verbena, white tea, yuzu, prunes. Touch of salt

Rating: 6 / 10 – What a strange whisky. Fun to try but not something I would reach for often.

Whisky

Shane

Daftmill 2010/2023 Winter Edition Year 46%

Nose: Vanilla custard, lemon, clove, grape skins

Palate: Vanilla wafers, oatmeal cookie, daisies. mild bourbon notes

Rating: 5 / 10 – a completely pleasant note. No objections, but nothing particularly special.

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