THURSDAY 20TH JUNE 2013
Speyside
Speyside is a complicated region with a high concentration of distilleries. The easiest way to
make sense of its complex geography is to follow its rivers from sea to source and discover the
whisky heritage on and close to their banks.
SPEYSIDE DISTILLERIES
WHISKY BIBLE SCORE CHART (taken from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2013)
The overall score out of 100
0-50.5
51-64.5
65-69.5
70-74.5
75-79.5
80-84.5
85-89.5
90-93.5
94-97.5
98-100
Nothing short of absolutely diabolical
Nasty & well worth avoiding
Very unimpressive indeed
Usually drinkable but don’t expect the earth to move
Average and usually pleasant though sometimes flawed
Good whisky worth trying
Very good to excellent whiskies definitely worth buying
Brilliant
Superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live
Better than anything I’ve ever tasted!
The Macallan Gold - 1824 Series
Whisky Bible 2013 rating –88
Nose: This burnished gold spirit presents a lemon citrus nose, the orange peel and an interlacing
sweetness that softens but doesn't eliminate the zest. A quiet note of vanilla is followed by dark
chocolate - more assertive, yet not overly so - with a lingering floral and light oak notes.
Palate: Citrus and boiled sweets rule the palate, along with hints of ginger and cinnamon, while
soft oak tones reveal toasted apples.
Finish: The finish is medium sweet, malty and slightly dry.
The 1824 Series brings together two of the most important elements of The Macallan; natural
colour and sherry seasoned casks. Together these create a signature Macallan character,
embracing all the defining elements which have made it one of the world's truly great single malt
whiskies.
Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask
Whisky Bible 2013 rating – 88
Nose: The aroma is rich with notes of tropical fruits, namely passion fruit, and creamy toffee.
Palate: Sweet vanilla forms a creamy palate with notes of apples and mangos with a hint of
orange in the background.
Finish: The finish lingers with a vanilla focussed character.
Overall: Mouth-coating and fruity with superb balance, this is an excellent new release from the
chaps at Balvenie.
This whisky has been matured for 14 years in traditional oak casks before being transferred to
Caribbean rum casks to impart some extra flavour. This process has created a well-rounded and
drinkable whisky with notes of fruit and vanilla.
The result is an exceptional single malt whisky with the traditional smooth, honeyed character of
The Balvenie, married with notes of toffee and a hint of fruit, with a warm, lingering finish.
Glenfarclas 105
This was created in honour of George S Grant who would bottle a cask and leave it at cask
strength to give to family and friends at Christmas time, and what better time, for Glenfarclas 105
is just full of Christmassy flavours.
Whisky Bible 2013 rating – 95.5
Nose: Great depth, sherry. Creamy and nutty. Honey on toast, touch of smoky coffee.
Palate: Silken, spicy and peppery oak. Almond, praline, hazelnut, dried peels, fruity. Touch of
Armagnac, hint of rancio perhaps?
Finish: Long, luxurious, with a pulsing vanilla grape mix & build of spices, light oils.
A classic malt which has upped a gear or two and has become exactly what it is: a whisky of pure
brilliance.
Probably the market leader in cask strength whiskies. Deep peaty-gold, and spirity yet beautifully
smooth and dry.
Linkwood 12 year old flora fauna
Whisky Bible 2013 rating – 94.5
Nose: Quite green, thick. Herbal, nutty, oily. Almond.
Palate: Medium, oily. Honey, pine oil. Malt, almond.
Finish: Quite long, dry, touch of anise.
The Flora and Fauna series released 12 year old from the Speyside distillery, Linkwood. "A classic
example of a relatively light and fragrant whisky that has real complexity and a gorgeous feel".
Linkwood Distillery stands on the River Lossie close to Elgin in Speyside. The Distillery has
retained its traditional atmosphere since its establishment in 1821. Great care has always been
taken to safeguard the character of the whisky which has remained the same through the years.
Tomintoul 21 year old
Whisky Bible 2013 rating – 93.5
Nose: Creamy and sweet with notes of vanilla, toffee apple, butterscotch and malt.
Palate: Thick, mouth filling and very creamy, there are notes of toffee, vanilla, bourbon, raisins,
rum spices and oak.
Finish: A simple, medium-length finish with notes of rum and raisin ice-cream and malt.
A 21 year old from Tomintoul, and a relatively new addition to their line-up. This is very sweet and
creamy and utterly delicious. It was released to replace the now discontinued 27 year old back in
2011
.