The Big Red Dram

Had a lovely tasting with some family on Monday, and we enjoyed 6 expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery.  The Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a store pick of the same.  Weller Special Reserve, Eagle Rare, E.H. Taylor Small Batch and finally Blanton's.  It was a fun way to enjoy a group of offerings that shared a similar profile yet each had a uniqueness all their own. 

Side note, it was SavWay not SavMore that every now and then has a display of rare bottles that are inflated over retail.

This popular Campbeltown distillery has been turning out solid offerings for such a long time, and the 15 year is no exception.  A very easy drinking unpeated whisky.  I recommend this to anyone looking for a wonderful bottle to add to their shelf.  This will not be a bottle of overly complex flavors, no, it is simpler.  This is one you will reach for when smoking a light cigar or just wanting a smooth dram to wrap up the night. Sláinte!

Today I quickly discuss 3 expressions from the lovely Ardbeg distillery.  The Wee Beastie, Supernova 2015 Committee release and the Limited Edition Kelpie were all delicious and just exemplary Ardbeg expressions.  I hope my fellow Ardbeggians had a wonderful day enjoying a delicious dram from this magnificent distillery!  Slàinte Mhath!

Happy Bunnahabhain day and welcome to a sampling of two 12 year olds.  I will tell you that this is like comparing apples and oranges but there are some similarities between the standard core range release 12 year old and the beautiful Signatory Cask Strength Collection 12 year old I purchased from Fine-Drams.com.  There is also a special guest appearance from the Travel exclusive Eirigh Na Greine at the end!  

Slàinte Mhath!

With a little help from my friend John Scuillo the Glen Garioch Virgin Oak was selected for tonights episode.  At 48% ABV this bottle was not my favorite when I got it 3 years ago, man how times have changed.  This solid offering has a little bit for everyone.  If you are looking for a gateway single malt that has some familiar smells and tastes of bourbon then this is your bottle.  I was happy to rekindle my interest in this bottle as I hadn't had some in a long time.  Great nose, pleasant palate and good finish, this is a fine addition to any collection. Oh and it's Ardnahoe not Ardmore 🙄.

Tonight's 20th episode is a bit whisky and a bit coming soon.  Caol Ila 17 year Unpeated is a solid offering from the Islay distillery and was one of my favorites from my trip there 3 years ago.  While not as complex or flavorful as say, a Glenfarclas 105, for a cask strength offering from ex Bourbon barrels, this one has a lot going for it.  Sweet and sultry nose, followed by an ever building intense palate that ends in a warm and long finish.  If you can still find this, get it. Delicious.

Two bottles that were part of the water to whisky tour at Laphroaig that I did back in May of 2017.  These are not something everyone can have but they were delicious drams and a pair of wonderful offerings that bridge the age group gap I currently have from 10 to the 16 I own.  Perfect for a tasting down the road I think.   Cheers to episode 19.

It isn't a fair fight but it is a nice comparison between two delicious Bourbon's.  Small Batch has a wonderful nose and Finish but I felt it lacked a little in the body.  The Full proof is well deserved of its recent World Whisky of the year 2020 win.  It is delicious and complex and at 62.5 it ought to be.

Was enjoying a drink so I thought why not talk about it.  Just a bonus episode talking about Old Fashioned's and my mini barrel project.  Enjoy and stay safe out there!!