Whisky Reviews

Whisky Review #12 – The English Whisky Company – Chapter 14

Chapter 14 from The English Whisky Company has won several awards since its first release in November 2013. The latest win that this bottle has snagged is the European Whisky of the Year 2017. Aged for a minimum of 5 years in ex-bourbon casks, this unpeated version is a welcoming addition to the family of the English Whisky Company. Chapter 14 also compliments the heavily peated Chapter 15, and marks another milestone for the distillery.

Awards:

European Whisky of the Year 2017

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2017

Wizards of Whisky Awards 2014
Gold – European Whisky

Wizards of Whisky Awards 2014
Silver – Single Malts

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Pale Yellow

ABV: 46%

Nose: The delicate sweetness of baked Danish croissants assailed our noses, bringing with it, a hint of brown sugar, canned lychees and coconut shavings. It reminds us of a bakery in the midst of making something really good. (16 points)

Palate: The whisky is smooth and light, rolling across the tongues with tones of bananas, lemon peels, and caramelised sugars. Tasted like creme brulee with vanilla. (16 points)

Body: Fruity and sweet with all the beautiful notes from bourbon cask maturation, we are definitely impressed when we tasted this well-balanced whisky. (34 points)

Finish: The finish is pleasantly long and dry with a warm oak spice that enhances the overall experience. (15 points)

Total Grade: 81 points

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    Whisky Butler August Curation – The International Whisky Box

    August is upon us and one of the most exciting day of the year for all Singaporeans is coming very soon! That’s right – Singapore’s National Day is coming and what’s better than celebrating this wonderful day of independence with a dram or two? To celebrate Singapore’s 52nd birthday, Whisky Butler has curated an international collection of whiskies to showcase the extraordinary skills of whisky makers from different countries.

    The August Whiskies

    1. The English Whisky Company – Chapter 14

    August starts with a whisky from a historic distillery in Norfolk, England. The English Whisky Company from St Georges Distillery in Norfolk is England’s first distillery for over 120 years. Set up by father and son James and Andrew Nelstrop in a major barley-producing region that is blessed with good, clean water, The English Whisky Company Chapter 14 made a great impression on us!

    2. Starward – New World Malt Whisky

    Next up is the Starward single malts from The New World Whisky Distillery in Australia (Dieageo invested in it recently!). Founded by David Vitale in 2004, Starward specialises in young whiskies made using 100% Australian barley and matured in 100% Australian wine barrels. This is the distillery’s first release to the world.

    3. Three Ships 10 Years Old

    The Three Ships whisky range is made by the James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington and considered to be the most notable South African whisky. Led by Master Distiller Andy Watt (a one-time pro cricketer who later trained in whisky-making), Three Ships have created international award-winning whiskies.

    4. Tipperary 10 Years Knockmealdowns

    Last but certainly not the least, the Tipperary 10 Years Knockmealdowns is created by the Irish Tipperary Boutique Distillery and is the first of its limited edition mountain range whisky. The distillery is owned and built by the Ahearn family and the whiskies are all made using water from their Ballindoney farm. They are also proud of their non-chill filtered methods which produces a delightful Irish whisky!

    In our next few posts, we will share more about the individual bottles and what we think of them.

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      Whisky Review #11 – The Dalmore King Alexander III

      We have briefly introduced the history of The Dalmore in a separate post and King Alexander III was very much linked to the origins of the distillery. Considered the crown jewel of The Dalmore principal collection, this special creation by Master distiller Richard Patterson is the only single malt in this world that combines the greatness of six different casks. Yes, that’s right.. SIX! Other than the brand signature American white oak and Matusalem oloroso sherry casks, he added in spirits from Madeira, Marsala, Port pipes, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result? A complex, yet smooth single malt – a true showcase of the Master distiller’s lifetime experience and creativity.

      Awards:

      International Wine & Spirit Competition 2017
      Silver – Scotch Single Malt – Highland

      World Whiskies Awards 2014
      Silver  – Highland Single Malt No Age Statement

      International Spirits Challenge 2014
      Silver – Distillers’ Single Malts 12 years and under

      International Wine & Spirit Competition 2014
      Silver Outstanding – Scotch Single Malt – Highland

      International Wine & Spirit Competition 2013
      Silver – Scotch Single Malt – Highland

      Tasting Notes:

      ABV: 40%

      Colour: Deep Mahogany

      Nose: Signature of Dalmore, the malty sweetness can immediately be captured. This is immediately followed by subtle aroma of fresh flowers with notes of berries. A slight spiciness ends it all. (15 points)

      Palate: A complex palate of sherry and berries first captures the taste buds. Subtle tastes of chocolate and zesty orange follows, with a bit of spice. (15 points)

      Body:  A well-balanced whisky. It is worth noting that the spiciness comes after the fruity flavours and it’s not over powering, similar to the 18 year old edition. (33 points)

      Finish: The sweet fruity finish lingers in the mouth, with hints of chocolatey taste, and spice. (18 points)

      Total grade: 81 points

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        Whisky Review #10 – The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve

        The Dalmore Cigar Malt was created by Richard Patterson due to his love for whisky and cigar. A third cask was added into their usual two in the maturation process – the premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques. This innovative combination of spirits from three different casks produces a fine whisky with rich flavours and is perfect for pairing with cigars.

        There was actually an older edition that was discontinued in mid-2009 and it caused a huge uproar among the cigar-smoking fans. This ‘new’ edition is slightly different from the discontinued one as it is now made up of slightly older whiskies.

        If you are a cigar lover, you might be awed when you find out the flavour benchmark for pairing this whisky – Partagas Serie D No. 4!

        Awards:

        International Wine & Spirit Competition 2017
        Silver – Scotch Single Malt – Highland

        International Wine & Spirit Competition 2014
        Silver – Scotch Single Malt – Highland

        International Spirits Challenge 2014
        Silver  – Distillers’ Single Malts 12 years and under

        Tasting Notes:

        ABV: 44%

        Colour: Golden Amber

        Nose: The distinctly sweet toffee aroma catches our attention immediately. Shortly after comes the smell of charred oak, ending it all with a slight spice. (14 points)

        Palate: The sweetness of toffee fills up the palate, followed closely by burnt caramel. Strong nutmeg spice envelops the mouth as the whisky stays longer. (14 points)

        Body: Good balance between the nose and the palate, making it a well-rounded whisky. The sharpness of the spice is cushioned comfortably by the sweetness of toffee and perfect integration of sherry and wine casks.  (34 points)

        Finish: The finish is medium, with a lingering sherry oak sweetness. (15 points)

        Total grade:  77 points

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          Whisky Review #09 – The Dalmore 18 Years Old Whisky

          This is an upgraded version of The Dalmore 12. This award winning 18 years old edition is matured 14 years in American white oak ex-burbon casks, and the last 4 years in 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry casks. The extended maturation and wood exposure creates a more well-rounded finish with a lusciously creamy and sherried body.

          Awards:

          International Wine & Spirit 2017
          Silver Outstanding – Scotch Single Malt – Highland

          International Spirits Challenge 2014
          Silver – Distillers’ Single Malts between 13 and 20 years old

          International Wine & Spirit Competition 2014
          Bronze – Scotch Single Malt – Highland

          International Wine & Spirit Competition 2013
          Bronze – Scotch Single Malt – Highland

          Tasting Notes:

          ABV: 43%

          Colour: Copper Bronze

          Nose: A distinct smell of pine gushes out followed by a strong fruity sweetness, ended by a slight pleasant spiciness. (13 points)

          Palate: Sweetness of chocolate raisins immediately engulfs the palate with slight hints of plums. As the whisky stays in the mouth longer, notes of coffee and vanilla appears and ends with peppery spiciness (17 points)

          Body:  A well-balanced whisky. It is worth noting that the spiciness comes after the fruity flavours and it’s not over powering. (33 points)

          Finish: Long fruity finish with slight taste of citrus. (18 points)

          Total grade: 81 points

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            Whisky Review #08 – The Dalmore 12 Years Old Whisky

            This is the entry level of The Dalmore series. Aged 12 years old, this whisky from the Highlands spent its first 9 years maturing in American white oak ex-bourbon casks. Half of the spirit is then transferred into 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry casks for the final 3 years. These spirits are then married together for bottling. What results is a rich and beautiful single malt because of the added maturation in sherry cask – a bold process in making a 12 years single malt.

            Awards:
            International Wine & Spirit Competition 2017

            Silver – Scotch Single Malt – Highland

            Tasting Notes:

            ABV: 40%

            Colour: Golden Amber. Unlike other 12 year old whiskies, The Dalmore 12 years has a darker hue, due to the 3 year maturation in sherry casks.

            Nose: The sweetness of caramel fudge floats to our nose the moment the bottle is opened. Strong vanilla with a hint of citrus follows after. (15 points)

            Palate: Hint of spice hits the tongue before the sherry sweetness takes over. Thick and velvety smooth feel with delicate citrus notes. (15 points)

            Body: A well balanced whisky that is velvety smooth. Easy to drink, suitable for after dinner. (32 points)

            Finish: A medium-long finish that is slightly dry; sweet with toffee notes and a hint of vanilla. (18 points)

            Total grade: 80 points

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              Whisky Review #07 – House of Hazelwood – 25 Years Old Expression

               

              The House of Hazelwood is created by the Master Blender of William Grant and Sons, Brian Kinsman. Inspired by family ancestor Janet Sheed Robert and the 1920s classic elegance of Shanghai, a city that stood at the centre of Cathay elegance in the 1920s. This expression is the pride of the Master Blender as every single malt that earned its place in his final selection are rare in their own ways. All these prized single malts are then married in American oak. The complex and diverse flavours are then allowed sufficient time to infuse and mellow, resulting in a magnificent whisky that is at once rare and unique.

              Tasting Notes:

              Colour: Amber
              ABV: 40%

              Nose: We get hit by refreshing caramelised brown sugar at first waft followed by variants of vanilla, maple and soft spice. Hints of freshly sawn wood adds to the complexity while citrus zest and orange blossoms lingers in the background. (16 points)

              Palate: A pleasant combination of spice and sweet vanilla rolls off the tongue as we sipped. The spice adds a tingling to the tongue while the sweetness of vanilla softens the sharpness of the spice. (15 points)

              Body: While it may not be as well balanced as the 21 years old expression, this expression adds points to the body by keeping true to its sweet vanilla overtones in both the nose and the palate, making it a pleasant and luxurious drink. (32 points)

              Finish: Long and yet dry, the 25 years old expression lingers long in the mouth with the hint of sawn wood. (17 points)

              Total Grade: 80 points

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                Whisky Review #06 – House of Hazelwood 21 Years Old Expression

                The House of Hazelwood is created by the Master Blender of William Grant and Sons, Brian Kinsman. Inspired by family ancestor Janet Sheed Robert and the 1920s sultry beauty of Mumbai. This expression is the bolder, slightly spicier version of the 18 years old expression, making it a more robust and well balanced whisky. The special notes for this whisky is the addition of some 21 years old malts which were aged in sherry casks made of European oak.

                Colour: Dark Gold
                ABV: 40%

                Nose: Spice and dried fruits dominates the nose with a somewhat sticky sweetness of rich fruit cakes. A splash of water changes the nose and adds complexity to the whisky by bringing a subtle hint of tobacco leaf. (16 points)

                Palate: A bold taste of woody spice coupled with cinnamon and clove hits our tongues immediately with the first sip. To bring out the influence of the sherry casks, a splash of water is needed. Water changes the palate a little, bringing out the sweet oiliness of treacle, dates and polished leather. (16 points)

                Body: A more robust expression than the 18 years old, this whisky delivers in its palate what is promised on the nose. A well balanced whisky with a little bite. (34 points)

                Finish: Dry but short finish, the spiciness does not stay long in the mouth, making it pleasant to drink. (17 points)

                Total Grade: 83 points

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                  Whisky Review #05 – House of Hazelwood 18 Years Old Expression

                   

                  The House of Hazelwood is created by the Master Blender of William Grant and Sons, Brian Kinsman. Inspired by family ancestor Janet Sheed Robert and the 1920s classic elegance of Paris, this expression releases a classic and elegant whisky blended from the purest expression of Kininvie and Girvan spirits married in Portuguese oak.

                  Colour: Soft Gold
                  ABV: 40%

                  Nose: The tender notes of sweet vanilla waft up the nose and stays dominant for the whole time. Possibly the simplest nose with just soft oak to add to the complexity. (15 points)

                  Palate: Creamy toffee with a soft sweetness of vanilla gently rolls through the tongue as we sipped. The sweetness is enhanced by soft oak undertones, making this whisky gentle and approachable, but yet defined by age. (17 points)

                  Body: The body of this whisky is balanced and consistent. Light and luxurious in feel as compared to other blended whiskies. (30 points)

                  Finish: A long and elegant finish with lingering vanilla and oak undertones. A thoroughly enjoyable whisky. (17 points)

                  Total Grade: 79 points

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                    The Handy Guide to WhiskyGeeks’ Tasting Notes

                     

                    We must emphasise that whisky tasting is subjective and every whisky blog has a different opinion on the whiskies that they have written about. While there might have been similarities, there will always be something that we might not agree on. The same could be said between us and you, as our readers. Perhaps the whiskies that we love and grade highly taste horrid to you; or the whisky that you absolutely adore is trashed by us. None of us is right, but none of us is wrong either! Remember, it is always subjective!

                    Nonetheless, we would like provide you with a handy guide so that you can easily use our tasting notes as a way to help you decide if you might like or dislike the whiskies you want to try. Our tasting notes are simply broken down to the following:

                    1. Nose
                    2. Body / Structure
                    3. Palate
                    4. Finish

                    Grading is done using the following:

                    1. Nose – 20 points
                    2. Body / Structure – 40 points
                    3. Palate – 20 points
                    4. Finish – 20 points

                    With a total of 100 points, we will use the above grading system to determine whether we think the whisky is good in our opinions. The reason that we give the body a much higher weightage is because we believe that the body of a whisky is a determining factor to whether the whisky is a good one.

                    We will also talk sightly about the colour, the alcohol content and the packaging whenever these information is available to us.

                    We hope that this simple guide is useful for you when reading our whisky tasting notes! Feel free to reach out to us if you have any comments, questions or feedback.

                    Thank you!

                    Regards,
                    The WhiskyGeeks