Had the chance to try this in a shop and, upon being told I had "happiness in a glass," could not help but observe how overrated Port Ellen is, as of late. Not that it is bad or anything like that, of course. Simply, there are better drams around for a fraction of the price.
Laphroaig Triple Wood
- 10 May 2013 01:56
Peat smoke and subtle fruit (elderberry), somewhere between Quarter Cask and PX. Long finish with salted bacon and liquorice.
A more than decent dram, if not a life-changing one.
Balblair 1965
- 26 Mar 2013 05:58
This one has an excellent nose, full of apples, honeysuckle and various flower juices. The mouth is more bitter, while the finish is dry with a touch of liquorice.
A good dram, though probably not worth the hefty price tag.
Caol Ila Aged 18 Years
- 11 Mar 2013 03:20
Nose: it is a farmyard attack at first, then kelp washed ashore, bacon and burning charcoal on a barbecue. It moves towards roasting lard, though it remains subtle, thankfully. It manages to maintain a maritime feel, with iodine, as well as give away a hint of nut oil.
Mouth: this one is rather velvety, with some sizzling bacon (not too crispy, though) and a good dose of white pepper. The whole has a mellow, dry sausage character, which is very appealing.
Finish: bacon again, bacon-flavoured chocolate (yes, it exists; look it up!), a drop of citrus, rather far back -- maybe grapefruit? -- and, finally, black olives.
Balanced and agreeable dram.
Society Single Cask No. 125.36 A Tapestry Of Tropical Tastes
- 30 Jan 2013 04:38
The first time I had this one, I was far from convinced. It was even one of the worst single-cask 'morangie I had had.
Someone brought it to a tasting and poured it in the glasses a couple of hours before we drank it. I was sceptical, but had to acknowledge the fact oxidation did it some good.
Nose: if sipped too soon, it delivers butter and stale cream. Later on (hours in the glass): magnificent! After all that time, tropical fruits are now flowing by the basket! Alongside melted butter, it is a cascade of passion fruit, mango, banana, pineapple, even strawberry, orange water, guava, grapefruit, some all-too-rare lychee.
Mouth: again, without waiting long enough, the alcohol feels not very well integrated. Caramelised butter on the tongue with an annoying bitterness. Once it has breathed for a long period, it is jammy, with lots of citrus and tropical fruit (papaya and pineapple). It is also spice-rich (ginger and pepper, mostly).
Finish: if drunk too soon, the pepper is a bit invading. Behind it, a debauchery of tropical fruit: lots of pink grapefruit, passion fruit, pineapple, banana, mango, guava, kiwi. This is a BenRiach 1976, long and coating. Boiled sweets come out too, with a drop of water.
Given the right technique (patience, a lot of it), this is stunning. Nearly miraculous.
