The term Casks and Barrels to most of us seem to be simply a tightly bound wooden drum that in more modern times is used to store, age, and possibly transport spirits. At first to me, they seemed to be two words out of a thesaurus for something meaning exactly the same, and texts and…
Author: Donnie
Fun loving, adventurous and an introvert on a journey exploring a new found interest: Whisk'e'y!
Review : Johnnie Walker 15 YO Sherry Finish Blended Whisky
My recent visit to Costco got me introduced to yet another release from the infamous and the most widely sold whisky brand, Johnnie Walker! This expression was first introduced in Asia in the 2020s and later released to most of the world. The whisky might be seen as another take of the longstanding and ever…
Review : Epitome Reserve Peated Single Malt Whisky
Spirit bohemath Diageo has been taking a keen interest in the Indian Subcontinent, gradually and steadily investing in a host of establishments and ventures, with their recents being Godawan and United’s Epitome Reserve. In fact, United Epitome Reserve‘s first expression released in the first half of 2021 was very well received, a single grain spirit made…
Review : Starward Nova
An old Qantas aircraft hanger, a single wine barrel and a dream is what it took for us to experience that lovely pop, everytime you crack open up a bottle of Starward, or the divine “glug” as you pour the spirit into a glass or even the lush gold and the sweet aromas as it…
Review Craigellachie 13 YO
Many scottish distilleries take the name of the town that they are built on. Some, however, are influenced by the surrounding topography. The Craigellachie distillery, built in 1891 is a bit of both, meaning “rocky hills” in gaelic, it takes the name of its village, sitting proudly on ‘craggy rock,’ also commonly called the ‘rock…
Review : Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
It’s been a while since I had a sip of Johnnie’s, the acquaintance bore fruit when my eyes briefly strayed and fixed itself upon a rather dark – ruby shaded bottle with the contours that seemed very familiar. This wasn’t the ordinary Black, but a colour more entrenched in a rich, dark blackcurrant like hue…
Godawan Single Malt Series 01
There is a burgeoning blitz for high quality, single malt whisky in India, with expressions popping up every now and then. And why not when there is real value that sets them apart from the average, low cost, poorly constructed spirits; something that both local and foreign distilleries see as an untapped opportunity. Alas, Diageo’s…
Review Tiger Snake Whiskey
Continuing the “world whisky” streak, we head down under, diving into something more local, this time closer to home. The Great Southern Distilling Company is situated in Western Australia with a presence in both Albany and Margaret River. They make a variety of spirits in their repertoire – Gin (Giniversity range), Vodka and Whisky; with…
Review : St. George Baller Single Malt Whiskey
Bourbon has always been strongly associated with the use of corn and with no fault; considering how the grain has been sown into the very fabric of American culture, being planted and harvested since the time of the countries’ early settlers. Malted barley has played a more purposeful role here, leveraging its use for fastening the fermentation…
Review : Kavalan Concertmaster Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky
A dive back into the realm of world whiskies was long awaiting, with a flavour profile that is influenced by a sub-tropical climate, the coastal ocean air and made from water that flows from mountains blanketed in snow. The distillery and the expression itself finds its origins from the far East, not as extreme as…
Review : Dalmore 12
The Stag is an emblem that adorns several famous distilleries and at least two to most; one the Glenfiddich, meant to represent the “Valley of the Deer” while the other, the Dalmore – with its Stag and its 12 point antlers bravely embellished as part of their branding, an ode to a legacy that dates…
Review : Glen Scotia Campbeltown 1832
This seldom heard bottling jumped onto my headlights on my trip back to Perth; the salesmen didn’t miss the opportunity either, selling a strong and rather persistent pitch. It did seem like he knew his spirits, but there was surely some gift of gab at play. Nevertheless, I thought, why not give this one a…
Review : Bowmore 10 Aston Martin
Both the Bowmore and the Aston Martin are stalwarts in their own right; backed by a rich history with each offering qualitative contributions in their own fields. An outcome from yet another collaboration between the two, were a series of expressions, a tri-series – The Bowmore Aston Martin 10, along with the older 15 and…
Review : Jura The Bay 12 YO
The Jura in my view, hasn’t got that many eyes, nor does it sail the word of mouth as one would hope. I’m not sure if it’s the lack of advertising that is missing substantial outreach, the lack of effective product placement or awareness; or its availability barring the 10 YO expression! For me, perhaps…
Review Ledaig Rioja Cask Finish
The Ledaig to me has always been a stellar whisky, especially for the value that it brings. The expression has had the misfortune of being lesser known than the other mainstream distillers for several reasons – known and unknown. However their 10 to me was such a great tuple – sweet and rich, fortified with…
Review Bowmore 10
To make things interesting, I got myself a Bowmore 10, a whisky I’ve sampled several times, though not particularly for a review. The choice for circling back emanated from a keen interest to ascertain how the Bowmore Aston Martin 10 stands up against the base travel retail bottling from the distillery. The Bowmore is no…
Review Talisker Surge
My first experience with the Talisker was very mundane, leaving me unimpressed. Possibly a bad batch of the 10, because every other sampling was quite the opposite, making me an avid fan of their briny, peated profile. And when a new expression caught my eye, I was inquisitive to see how this one would play out….
Review : Glenfiddich 14 YO
Have you ever felt that the most unappealing of casks is probably the Ex-Bourbon cask? You know… those casks that have previously aged American spirits (Bourbon); used, re-used and possibly abused due to their relatively cheap pricing and easy availability. I mean how much can a newly distilled spirit garner from a barrel that’s already…
Review : Amrut Bagheera
The Bagheera is a reclusive animal, one that has been part of local folk lore and even a main charachter in Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.” This expression of Amrut takes an unusual route adorning the Bagheera along with the very regal Mysore Palace, with splashes of shades of green taking backstage. Why the Bagheera?…
Review : Benriach Triple Distilled Three Cask Matured 10 YO Single Malt
It had been a while since I got to pen my thoughts on some of my recent acquisitions; family, work and other commitments taking precedence. Missing on the joy and the clickity clackity sounds from hitting the keys on my keyboard re-inspired and brought joy in reliving what a particular whisky had to offer, its…
Uisce Beatha | My Whisk'e'y Diaries 