Bruichladdich Octomore 5 yo (61%)

Well well well.

Peculiar.

Very peculiar.

There's a peaty assault across the bar as the glass is poured. This is going to be a beast.

On the first few sips, only grassy young spirit flavours manage to punch through the 61% ABV and fearsome smoky/peatiness.

But nothing too unpleasantly medicinal, at least.

After the initial adjustment, there's a flood of sweet grapiness. I'm told it's matured in some high end dessert wine casks, so that makes sense.

So there's smokiness, sweetness, grassy young spirit, grape, and a big punch of alcohol. Does it all work? I'm not sure. It holds together much better than it should, but a sweet tooth as well as a sense of adventure are required to properly appreciate this.

I won't be rushing back, but it's been an experience.

Convalmore 32 yo 1975. Old Malt Cask 50%

Sherbet, floral, citrus/orange. Sweet and something a bit spicy. Clean and peppery finish.

No real woodiness, despite the age. Very nice indeed.

Tamdhu 30 yo. Gordon and MacPhail 43%

Clean sherry, mince pies and other rich Christmas aromas on the nose.
A lovely mouth: sherry and oak.
Nutty, chocolatey finish.

Nothing brand new here, but still— it's a good 'un.

Balblair 24 yo. 1979/2003. 46%

Nose: Lively orchard fruit and honey

Mouth: Smooth wood and sweet honey.

Finish: Long and pleasant.

An easy drinker, this. Rather nice.

Benromach 10 year old. 43%

Herbal grassy notes jostling with subtle sherry on the nose. It all comes together rather nicely in the mouth: lighter flavours balanced by understated sherry and soft spiciness. Long, warm and satisfying finish.

Seems to lack the tantalising smokiness of the Benromach 'Traditional', but otherwise it's strikingly complete and complex considering its age. Very good.

1st Feb 2013
Seemed to get smokiness coming through fairly strongly tonight, particularly on the nose. Hey ho.

Mortlach 17 year old. Adelphi 57.5% Cask 5945

20 Dec 2012

Sherry, pine needles, chocolate truffles, rich raisins.

It's Christmas in a bottle.