Founded in 1816, the Islay distillery Lagavulin (which means “Mill in the Valley”) is one of the older boys on the block. It may in fact be that the distillery has been around for longer yet, as records are said to show that illicit distilling took place as early as 1742. Either way, their experiences shines through clearly in their 16 year old expression. Islayinfo.com have published an interesting article, apparently written by Alfred Barnard in the late 1800s, you can read it here.
continue reading »
Today’s review is of another Japanese whisky (I’ve previously reviewed Suntory Yamazaki). Established in 1779 on an island well known of its whisky production, it is one of the oldest distilleries on that island and indeed the country to which it belongs. I’m being cryptic on purpose here, of course; any guesses as to which distillery, or island, I’m talking about? Five points if you get it right – the distillery in question is Bowmore, and the island Islay – Bowmore is owned by the Japanese company Suntory, but fear not; the whisky is still as Scottish as can be.
continue reading »
I decided, on a whim, to go on a 3 week holiday to Sweden. As you may know from previous posts I have family here and thus I try to come over every once in a while. After a short road trip I arrived at my final destination – the coastal city of Karlskrona – where I am staying right by the sea. At the moment of writing, the sun is setting in a beautiful spectrum of reds and yellows, the birds (seagulls, I’ll admit) are singing and as ever I find in my hand a trusty dram. Life, in short, is good. Before I continue with the review I feel I should give a word of warning to anyone intending to visit Sweden or indeed Scandinavia – bring your whisky with you! It’s a beautiful place with lots to offer, but cheap or even reasonably priced alcohol is not available. As a point of reference, a standard bottle of Famous Grouse is KR279 (about £24) as compared to £15 or so in the UK.
continue reading »
Smokehead is a single malt Islay whisky, distilled by… I don’t know, actually, it’s a bit of a secret. Popular guesses include Lagavulin and Ardbeg, I’m personally not sure which one I lean more towards. Whoever distils it, it’s young, I can tell you that much.
From the design of their bottle and website, it is fairly clear that Smokehead are trying to attract a younger audience, and I’m all for it – it’s a great way to introduce younger whiskey drinkers to a decent single malt rather than letting them run to the Bourbon/Sour mash shelf in the shop. They’ve also teamed up with the Scottish BrewDog brewery (who have a similar mission, but with beer), who released a Smokehead version of their Paradox stout in 2008.
continue reading »
As the thermometer outside my window approaches the 20c mark, growing closer day by day, and the first BBQ of the year has been prepared, carried out and consumed; only one thing could possibly happen next. I’ve fallen ill, more specifically I regret to announce that I have contracted acute viral rhinopharyngitis; there is little doctors can, or indeed will, do. The common cold is a bugger! Luckily I know of a cure myself, one all too rarely prescribed by doctors – a daily dose, perhaps even two, of ye olde water of life.
continue reading »
You may have heard of them before, a little distillery called Ardbeg on the coast of Islay. As I was talking to my dear friend a day or two ago, I mentioned that I was writing a review of Ardbeg Blasda. A good memory being one of his finer qualities, he asked why I’d chosen to review Renaissance and Blasda, but not the more common 10 year old expression. The thought hadn’t really crossed my mind before, but when he mentioned it did seem rather obvious that I ought to. So let’s take a look at it, shall we? It certainly does deserve it.
continue reading »
