Suntory Yamakazi 18

$73

Nose: Rich and slightly sweet though with a balanced oakiness. Walk in the woods: apple and violet, an old log cabin in the summer heat.
Palate: Though lighter than the nose suggests this has class. Leafy, almost mossy. Pine woods, violet again and a dusty rooty quality but sufficient sweetness to add depth and complexity.
Finish: Good length. Pomegranate.
Comment: This is a real jump in quality and shows great finesse.

 

           Requestor: Scott S.

           Splitter 1: Open

           Splitter 2: Open

SMWSA Glen Keith, 32 ys, #81.09

$195

When this distillery was built in 1957 (converted from an old meal mill), it was the firstnew distillery in Scotland since 1899. It sits opposite Strathisla Distillery in Keith. It is not common as a single, especially from a 32 year old sherry cask. This has given arich, dark oloroso colour – Williams and Humbert `Walnut Brown´ to be precise. The first nosing is rich and surprisingly, slightly medicinal, Elastoplasts and a hint of sherry. `A first aid training course´ said one. Tasted without water there is Germolene, rich sherry and wax candles. Water brings the medicinal notes to the fore, cloves and old medicine cupboards. It takes water well; sweet sherry flavour, spice,cloves followed by a gentle afterglow and a long very smooth finish.

           Splitter 1: Open

           Splitter 2: Open

NOTE: The price on this has doubled in the past year.  The price is a rare find (and I'm not saying where) and INCLUDES SHIPPING FROM OVERSEAS

              Requestor: Andy Smith

           Splitter 1: Chris Stevenson

           Splitter 2: Randy Riggs 

Port Ellen 23yo 1977/2001 (50%, DL OMC, USA, 318 Bts.)

$220

This received a very high rating by the malt maniacs

              Requestor: Randy Riggs

           Splitter 1: Andy Smith

           Splitter 2: Chris Stevenson

Springbank 15

$85

As the eye takes in the dark, russet colour of the 15 Year Old, the nose anticipates the rich sweet smell of the sherry casks used to mature this old style Springbank.
The anticipation is rewarded as you pull the stopper and the sherry aromas drift out. However, the sweet nose on this dram only begins to suggest the full range of flavours which emerge on the palate; dark chocolate, figs, marzipan, brazil nuts and vanilla all mingle to DRAMatic effect! A truly classic Springbank that is perhaps best enjoyed after-dinner or with your favourite cigar.
 

              Requestor: Andy Smith

           Splitter 1: David Gardner

           Splitter 2: Scott S.

Glenlivet Nadurra 16 Years 114.4 Proof

$46

Colour: Pale gold, with bright lemony shades.

Nose: (without water) Intense, tickling. Fresh and clean. Resolutely fruity. A full basket of ripe fruit, mostly exotic. William pears, baby bananas, pineapple, coconut, a touch of passion fruit. Lemon pulp. Green apple. Gives a feeling of appetizing freshness enhanced by an aniseed fringe. Lingers on that fruity mood for ever. Creamy note of praline. In the back, some herbal and spicy notes. Green tea, coriander seeds.

(with water) The nose becomes softer and more biscuity. Cereal notes come through with buttery aromas. Lemon curd. Freshly squeezed tangerine. A floral touch of gorse.

Palate: (without water) Crisp, appetizing. So mouth-coating, with an oily feel immediately followed by a fizzy sensation on the tongue. Lavishly challenging for the taste buds but alcohol is perfectly tamed and never burning. Custardy. Poached peaches in a vanilla syrup. White chocolate. Aniseed lollipop. Candied ginger.

(with water) Gets more chewy. And even more refreshing on sweet malty and minty flavours. Thirst-quenching.

Finish: Dry, clean, crisp. Very long. Aniseed. Refreshing. Bitter oranges. Gingery.
 

              Requestor: Scott S.

           Splitter 1: Andy Smith

           Splitter 2: David Gardner

Milford

$42

Milford Single Malt is similar in style to the Lowland malts of Scotland, lighter in body and aroma than the malts of the highlands - elegant with a delicate nose, soft citrus in flavour and a very smooth
 

           Requestor: Scott S.

           Splitter 1: Andy Smith

           Splitter 2: Scott S.

Bruichladdich 1984 'Redder Still'- 22 yr old

$268

Matured 22 years in the chilly wind of Islays Atlantic coast in dark Oloroso sherry casks, with additional cask enhancement in Chateau Lafleur, Grand Cru class Pomerol casks, producing a spirit of lush floral intensity and intense garnet color. Truly, the flower of the Western Isles.

-from the producer-

           Splitter 1: David Gardner

           Splitter 2: Al Stemp

Lagavulin Distiller's Edition

$100

This bottling of Lagavulin is finished on Pedro Ximenez sherry butts. This kind of sherry has the consistency of syrup. The maturation has really given something extra to Lagavulin. Lagavulin Distillers Edition is a vintage which means that it has been distilled a specific year. The age is usually 16 years plus a few months in the the sherry butts.
Appearance: Amber.

Nose: Sherry, raisins, dark chocolate and peat.

Taste: Intense smoke and sherry. Dried fruit.

Finish: Long and dry
 

              Requestor: Scott S.

           Splitter 1: Andy Smith

           Splitter 2: Mike Smith