Whisky I've Drank: Talisker Dark Storm

By Corinne Mossati

Exclusive for the travel retail sector, Talisker Dark Storm is the younger sibling of Talisker Storm which was released in 2013. The “no age statement” whisky has been dubbed as the smokiest single malt produced by the isle of Skye distillery. But for fans of peated whisky, how does it fare?

Talisker Dark Storm:

Talisker Dark Storm is bottled at 45.8% ABV and matured in heavily charred American oak casks.

Dark amber in colour, the nose is initially sweet with butterscotch and honey followed by briny salty notes and peat smoke at the end. The palate exhibits some vanilla and butterscotch sweetness progressing to sea salt and seaweed, earthy at times with a hint of nuttiness before it end with salty and smoky notes.

The finish is long, warming and lingers with sea salt then spice and ends with a peppery kick on the smoky finish.

Overall, this is a fine dram for fans of peated whisky but don’t expect the peat – either on the nose or the palate – to be significantly bolder than the Talisker Storm. Nonetheless it is an enjoyable single malt whisky that is worth keeping an eye out for in your travels.

Talisker Dark Storm is available in travel retail in 1L bottles.

Whisky I've Drank: Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

By Geoff Kleinman
We will never forget the first time we had George T. Stagg bourbon – it was a revelation. Never had a spirit delivered such fireworks on the palate. Unapologetically strong (at 143 proof), George T. Stagg is the kind of whiskey you sit with and chew on for a long time. The biggest problem with George T. Stagg isn’t its monster proof, it’s that it has become nearly impossible to find. We were surprised when we heard that Buffalo Trace, the makers of George T. Stagg, were extending the George T. Stagg line with Stagg Jr., a younger barrel proof version of the notoriously strong whiskey. George T. Stagg is traditionally released as a 17 year old whiskey, while Stagg Jr. comes in at eight to nine years, literally half the age of George T. Stagg.
Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (134.4 Proof / 67.2% ABV, $49.99) is noticeably paler in color than George T. Stagg, more dark gold than amber. The nose of Stagg Jr. is spicy with cinnamon leaping out of the glass. The nose is slightly less oak forward than George T. Stagg with more honey , vanilla, and marzipan, and it’s less complex. When you add a few drops of water to Stagg Jr., the spicier undertones really amp up, especially the oak. At 134.4 proof, the entry is extremely assertive with sharp oak, vanilla, and cinnamon right out of the gate. It’s clear from the first sip that Stagg Jr. absolutely requires water, even if it’s just a couple of drops. It’s hard to call an eight or nine year old bourbon young, but there’s a youthful quality to Stagg Jr. which, from the get go, feels a little more wild, unfocused, and unintegrated. The midpalate of Stagg Jr. is dominated by oak combined with high proof spirit, so strong that it steals the thunder out of the other flavors. Sweet vanilla is in the mix as well as cinnamon, but the alcohol and oak are so dominant that it’s hard to chew through them to get to anything else. The heat and spice peak at the end of the midpalate for a spicy and dry finish. It’s not a fantastic finish and is pretty consistent with the rest of the flavor experience.
There’s no doubt that, like George T. Stagg, Stagg Jr. is a strong whiskey, but strong isn’t everything. What makes George T. Stagg such an amazing whiskey is how it balances strength with complexity; it’s a whiskey to be explored and experienced. Stagg Jr. is just strong. Stagg Jr. isn’t a terrible whiskey, it’s just a one trick pony. Whiskey enthusiasts who have experienced and enjoyed George T. Stagg probably won’t get what they are looking for from Stagg Jr., but with the relative scarcity of some of the super premium bourbons like Pappy’s (which Buffalo Trace also makes), Stagg Jr. is going to get poured a lot, especially at bars which appeal to bourbon drinkers who want to drink “high end.” Buffalo Trace assures us that Stagg Jr.’s release won’t impact the stocks of the full George T. Stagg, which we assume will continue to be painfully scarce. Our advice would be to save up and try to snag George T. Stagg when it’s released, as Stagg Jr. doesn’t even come close.

Whisky I've Drank: Chivas Regal Extra

By WhiskyandWisdom
As someone who’s more known for championing the cause of single malt, it’s very rare for me to pour myself a blended whisky, let alone to then sit down and ponder it for half an hour or so. It’s even rarer for me to subsequently then make some tasting notes and to give a blend a write up. But, sometimes, you just can’t turn your back on a good whisky.
The good folks at Chivas Brothers have put together a new expression in their Chivas Regal range, going by the simple name of “Extra”. It doesn’t have an age statement but, price-wise at RRP $73, it sits between the Chivas Regal 12 and Chivas Regal 18 expressions. Flavour-wise, to my palate, I rate it considerably higher than the 18yo expression, but that’s obviously a very subjective observation.
I’m a big fan of Chivas Brothers and what they do in the industry. From the production guys who are at the coal face at the washbacks and stills, to the tour guides that lead their devoted fans around the distilleries, to the marketing guys who are on the frontline of sales, Chivas is a company I’ve enjoyed collaborating with over the years. And, on the single malt front, I have a special place in my heart for the likes of Glenlivet, Aberlour, Strathisla, and Longmorn. But to be fair and honest, Chivas Regal 12yo is a whisky I’ve struggled to warm to. Chivas Regal Extra, on the other hand, is one that I’m extremely happy to embrace.
Extra is the first new regular Chivas Regal expression in the duty paid stream since the launch of Chivas Regal 25 in 2007. So what makes this blend different from its stablemates and stand out from the pack? The answer lies in the more pronounced use of ex-sherry casks. In any blend, the contributing malts will have been matured in a mix of both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, although the ratio is usually very much in favour of the former. In the case of Extra, a higher proportion of the contributing component whiskies have come from ex-sherry casks, and the proof is in the pudding: This is a whisky where the sweetness, dried fruits, and spice notes are very much to the fore, and you can taste the sherry influence, rather than having to imagine it.
The whisky has been bottled at 40% ABV and strikes a good balance of spirit, oak, depth, and body. My tasting notes for this were as follows:
Nose: 

Quince paste; red currants; a wee hint of cordite; and marzipan. There is, arguably, the tiniest hint of smoke. Fruit peel mix sits comfortably in the foreground. With time, some nice confectionery notes emerge that strike a happy balance between wine gums and fudge.
Palate:

Soft, rich and well-rounded, with delicate spice and a nice mead-like sweetness and texture. It has a pleasing depth and warmth – noticeably a step above its 12yo stablemate. Being a well-concocted blend, things are well balanced, and there are no aggressive flavour spikes or outliers.
Finish: 

Soft fino sherry and light caramel sauce.
Comments: 

What I really love about this blend (apart from its great balance and flavour) is that the sherry influence is apparent, without ever becoming dominant or overshadowing the whisky. No, it’s not like drinking a Glenfarclas or a Glendronach, but that’s precisely the point and why this dram appeals: It offers hints and excerpts of those sherry-dominant malts, whilst still providing vanilla & caramel notes from the component grain whiskies, and a hint of smoke from – presumably – a contributing Islay malt.
Chivas Regal Extra launches in Australia this month and, in fact, we’re the first country in the world to unveil it! Furthermore, throughout the month of September, 18 exclusive partner bars have been selected around the country to showcase the new expression. Walk into any of the bars listed below, purchase a Chivas drink, and if you request “something extra”, you’ll receive a complimentary sample of Chivas Regal Extra. 

Whisky I've Drank: The Snow Grouse - Blended Grain Scotch Whisky

By MaltMilaege.com
Rating:
★★★★☆

Score:
82/100
ABV:
40%
Region:
Scotland
Body:
Light-medium
Intensity:
Light-medium
Texture:
Medium (chilled)
Balance:
Excellent
Best served:
Chilled and neat
Theme(s):
Vodka, creamy, crisp, apple, grain whisky
In a nutshell:
The Snow Gouse is an example of excellent grain whisky that expresses a youthful and smooth vodka-like character without alcoholic harshness but with the obvious benefits of aging in oak barrels that adds depth and spiciness to an otherwise crisp and creamy whisky with an apple foundation at its core whether served chilled or at room temperature.
Likes:
Crisp, smooth, pleasant alcohol, complex
Dislikes:
Light bodied such that it lacks some substance as the youthfulness tends to dominate a little
Price:
£20
The Snow Grouse is a blended grain whisky that can be served at room temperature or chilled from the freezer. This means that it does not contain malt whisky, but grain whisky. No problems there, because grain whisky can be just as good as malt whisky. The Snow Gouse is an example of excellent grain whisky that expresses a youthful and smooth vodka-like character without alcoholic harshness but with the obvious benefits of aging in oak barrels that adds depth and spiciness to an otherwise crisp and creamy whisky with an apple foundation at its core whether served chilled or at room temperature.
Youthful whiskies can sometimes be quite impressive, and the Snow Grouse is one such example because it offers a lovely creaminess akin to a high quality vodka, but without the noticeable stench (ie: bad smell) of new spirit and this indicates exceptional distilling! White spirit such as vodka can be a pleasure to drink, because high quality vodka should be creamy and luscious without harshness and without the stench of alcohol or that unpleasant doughy new spirit smell. Snow Grouse is an example of a pleasant vodka-like whisky, because in addition to good oak influence it has that luscious creaminess and softness that is characteristic of young grain spirits that have been distilled with tender love and care. There is no alcohol smell despite its youthful demeanor, and this is impressive.
I tasted this whisky at room temperature and from the freezer (seriously chilled). The Famous Grouse recommends serving this whisky chilled, but I think it should be savoured both at room temperature and chilled. At room temperature the whisky is more fragrant on the nose whereas chilled the nose is more subdued but the taste is sweeter and more interesting.
Nose:
Room temperature: Youthful and piercing in the glass, this whisky offers thin gusts of pear and alcohol with flints of grain. The alcohol is not harsh but pleasant, almost like a high quality vodka. It has a creaminess and softness that brings dried apple, custard apple and vanilla custard with crumbled short bread and chocolate rum cake layered with blackberries and some very mild licorice. Noticeable tart berry theme at room temperature.
Seriously chilled: Fresh, light and crisp with a more luscious aroma, this whisky releases thickened custard layered over fresh apple and pear as the grain and alcohol mellow to deliver more noticeable oak in the form of vanilla and some shavings of dark chocolate wafers mixed with a good quality vodka. This whisky has a vodka themed foundation, but with the benefit of being aged in oak! I have no issues drinking this whisky chilled, because that is common among vodka drinkers; and in fact letting it warm in the palm of your hand allows the whisky to release even more character.
Taste:
Room temperature: Sharp lashes of bitter alcohol and wet tea leaves whip the tongue, as the sweetness of custard apple shines.
Seriously chilled: Smooth, like a honeyed liqueur, if offers a beautiful SNAP of flavour with a bitter-sweet theme. Sweet honeyed apple rests over buckwheat pancakes alongside bitter surges of subtle and mellow alcohol which delivers a creamy texture that recedes to bitter damp green tea leaves.
Finish:
Room temperature: Lingering softness with creamy alcohol very much finishing a high quality vodka theme, but with the snaps of grain and lovely oak influence.
Seriously chilled: 

Better, with a crisp finish, that bitter green tea lingers but sees smooth waves of sweet honeyed apple and some creamy custard.

Whisky I've Drank: The Singleton Of Glen Ord - Matured For 12 Years

By @RexAlban
Brand:Glen Ord
Type:Scotch
Region:Highland
ABV:40%
In 2006 Diageo launched The Singleton of Glen Ord for selected Asian markets. It is now however available at the distillery in the Muir of Ord. This whisky is worth going the distance, believe me.
The nose:

Is perfumed with hints of Turkish Delight, sherry, apples and peaches. Fading in and out may be some eucalyptus. Returned again to the glass and coffee caramel, it's been sitting for a while with a lid over the glass.
The palate: 

Smooth with Turkish Delight, prune, apple, some cinnamon, hints of creamy chocolate and hazelnut bar.
The finish: 

Is long warming with sherry and parma violets and the fruityness lasts right through.
Very pleasant after dinner malt.

Whisky I've Drank: The Famous Grouse 12 Years Old - Gold Reserve

By Jan van den Ende
Country: Scotland
Brand: The Famous Grouse
Type: Blended Malt Whisky
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 40% - ( My Bottle is 43% ABV ).
Chill-Filtration: Yes
Whisky Review # 550
Colour: Deep Gold (Artificially Coloured)
Nose:

Just like in the 15 Years that I reviewed earlier I find a peculiar Aroma in the 12 Years that I can't quite place. It's something that reminds me of Cooked Vegetables with a little added Sulphur but that doesn't make a lot of sense, does it. Anyway, it's clear that there are some Refill Macallan Ex-Sherry casks in the mix. The rest is mostly Glenrothes I think while it's very hard or even almost impossible to detect Highland Park. Is there the faintest puff of Smoke in the background? It could be but I'm not gonna put a lot of money on that. On the Nose, this Famous Grouse has Sweet notes but there's a slightly Sour touch to it as well. I find Toasted Barley, Toast with a mix of Butter and Margarine, light Honey, Toffee, Caramel, Hay, Dried Apricot, Apples, Plums, Nuts, light Vanilla, Orange, Nougat and hints of Espresso and Milk Chocolate. The Alcohol is not fully integrated. At this price level, it's not at all bad but objectively speaking there's not too much of interest going on.
Taste: 

Not unpleasant but slightly on the Thin Side. The Oak, Spices and Alcohol are more noticeable now. I find Toasted Barley, Vanilla, Oak, Toffee, Caramel, Cocoa Powder, Dried Fruit (Apricots and Raisins), light Sherry, Apples, Tutti Frutti Bubble-Gum, Orange, Pepper, Nutmeg, Cinnamon and traces of Chocolate and Sulphur.
Finish: 

Middle Long and Bitter Sweet with Oak and Spices leading the way. I find Toasted Barley, Dried Fruit, Walnuts, Oak, Pepper, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, light Honey, Toffee, a little Sherry, Vanilla and traces of Aniseed, Licorice, Cocoa Powder, Tutti Frutti Bubble Gum, Orange and Rum.
I added a bit of Water and you get more Barley, Vanilla and Apples on the Nose. Palate and Finish become too Thin. Better sip it neat.
Rating: 81
Nose: 20.5 - Taste: 20 - Finish: 20 - Overall: 20.5
General Remarks: 

The Famous Grouse 12 Years Blended Malt was a limited Travel Retail edition at first. Today you can buy bottles in other places as well but the number is dwindling as the Edrington Group discontinued the Famous Grouse Expressions with Age-Statement.
It is said to contain Malt Whisky from a/o Glenrothes, Macallan, Glenturret and Highland Park. These are all distilleries owned by the Edrington Group. The price can vary depending on where you live but it's usually around 30 US Dollars. (June 2016).
Drinking Experience Neat: Okay/Good
Conclusion:

It's a pity for us consumers that the Edrington Group discontinued this Blended Malt with Age-Statement as the Price/Quality ratio is excellent. I would prefer this Famous Grouse 12 years over most of the well-known Blended Whiskies anytime. It's a very easy going Blended Malt that reminds me mostly of Glenrothes. A little Macallan is there as well but its hard to detect Highland Park. It's quite similar to some of the recent mainstream NAS Single Malts from the Speyside area. But with a much better Price/Quality ratio! What a pity this Grouse won't fly anymore! You should not expect a very complex Whisky but if you find it at around 30 Dollars just buy it!