Black Sheep Of Scotch Whiskies
Jean Foillard
Côte du Py Morgon Gamay 2020
Yvon embodies the humble and proud vigneron, a man who would rather tend his vines than host appointments, and sell to close friends than foreign markets.He has long farmed what are sure to be among the oldest vines in the entirety of the region, predominantly centered in Fleurie. Undoubtedly, these are some of the most pure, fresh yet unctuous wines that have ever come from the Beaujolais region. Never sulfured, they are the pinnacle of freshness and drinkability upon release, yet benefit from long cellar aging as well.
Ardbeg
The Ultimate Ten Years Old Single Malt Islay Scotch Whisky
My first Ardberg and it left quite an impression. Gosh! This was like eating bacon and smoking cigars. Ron Swanson should be drinking this instead of Lagavulin 😂 Truly, it feels like someone decided to bottle up that campfire by the sea that's been drenched in bacon fat from dinner the night before. With water, the marine quality becomes more apparent, but that smoke just remains. Only with great concentration can one discern some fruit notes (citrus). The finish is just all about that endless peat. Surprisingly, this whisky was quite "smooth" despite all the extremities it brought. Definitely need to taste more Ardbegs to understand what's going on - not displeasing, but for now, Talisker's more up my alley in the category of peated whiskies. — 4 years ago
Bunnahabhain
12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Super rich and decadent with a wave of dark stewed fruits like plums, cherries and strawberries. It’s incredibly fruit forward, but not too sweet. There’s a background of black strap molasses and strong maltiness. Incredibly balanced for such a flavorful dram. A phenomenon winter whisky. — 7 months ago
Nikka Whisky Distilling Company
Black Label Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky
I bought this for the winter months and finished the last of it over the weekend. This is a blended malt named in honour of Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese Whisky. He was the first Japanese who mastered Whisky making in Scotland and brought this expertise back to Japan. It was an incredibly pure and rich Whisky with a certain smokiness. I don’t drink enough Whisky to know the difference but this could easily have been Scotch to my palate. 43% ABV. — 2 years ago
Laphroaig
10 Year Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
“The most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies”.....I would tend to agree! — 5 years ago
The Balvenie Distillery
Single Barrel Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Actually this is a different Balvenie, it’s one of the Stories line of limited releases. “The Creation of a Classic” https://www.thebalvenie.com/our-whisky-collection/stories-whiskies/the-creation-of-a-classic/ 2023 Whisky Advent calendar Day 1: this is light but very flavourful. Loads of vanilla with spices and a bit of dried fruit. Very nice. — a year ago
Caol Ila
Aged 12 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The mildest of the Diageo peated whiskies I've had so far. Definitely not the campfire peat monsters of Ardbeg, or the distinct maritime peat of Talisker, or the more medicinal peat of Lagavulin... The peat here comes off as sweet and aromatic, almost like incense. The body seems to be the lightest of the lot too (comparing apples and apples), although it's hard to say without seeing them all next to each other (definitely lighter than the Ardberg and even Glen Elgin here). Palate flavours are subtle in the Caol Ila, but citrus notes come through clearly. Finishes a touch short with a sort of grassy earthy quality that I quite enjoy. Not a blockbuster whisky, yet I find it quite drinkable.
NB: Better mixed 1:1 with the Ardbeg Wee Beastie. Seems to balance out the extreme smoke of the Ardberg, drawing out lovely saline notes. — 3 years ago
Truett-Hurst
Black Sheep Pinot Noir 2017
Hard to differentiate from the black sheep by my amateur palate. Both more full-bodied than some of the other Pinots. But very good with a well peppered pork tenderloin. — 5 years ago
Chivas
Aged 12 Years Blended Scotch Whiskey
Color of light black tea. Nose is quite spicy, a bit smoky and peaty, ripe apple, and more spiciness in the nasal cavity. Taste is unexpected sweet, with spiciness takes the backseat, flowering and honey notes, a bit minty, and some more hotness, quite smooth and dense enough. Aftertaste of more honey note and lingering warmth. Not bad at all as crowd pleaser. I am surprised by the low ratings overall from the community. — 5 years ago
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
What a pair w/ Crostini, Chervil Sheep Cheese & Duck Confit. 👌
Dark, juicy, lush to mid fruit core, dark cherries, strawberries, hues of blueberries, raspberries, limestone, softened granitic earth, deeper red cola, black & red licorice, baseball card bubble gum, understated fresh herbs, dark, rich, sweet earth, hints of maple syrup, tree bark w/ sap, dark & red florals for days, excellent, round acidity and a well made, balanced, relaxed tension, polished, lush finish that lasts 90 seconds. Delicious.
This is better than some premier cru red burgundies for far less $.
Absolutely one of the top three producers of Grand Cru Gamay. — a month ago