Review: Ardbeg Auriverdes

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Ardbeg Auriverdes – 49.9% abv

So as I’m sure many of you know by now, this years Ardbeg Feis Ile release will be Ardbeg Auriverdes. Before I review below, here’s a wee bit of the PR blub that I’m sure you’ve read before now:

AuriverdesAuriverdes is matured in American oak casks with specially toasted cask lids which were tailor-made for this whisky.

The toasting technique has given the whisky a distinctive flavour profile with the lids producing a mocha coffee flavour at one end, flowing into creamy vanilla at the other – truly a dram of two halves!

The name of Ardbeg Auriverdes derives from the colour of the golden whisky (auri) in Ardbeg’s iconic green bottle (verde). Auriverdes is also the nickname of the national football team of Brazil, hosts of this summer’s World Cup, and inspiration behind Ardbeg’s Peat Football tournament

Right then, that said, let’s have a quick review of this whisky to see what we can expect in May.
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Review: Ballantine’s Brasil (makes a good cocktail!)

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Logo-Ballantines-Brasil-BD-560x293Ballantine’s Brasil – Spirit Drink – 35% abv

BBrazilPackRecently I was sent a box of goodies which turned out to be a Ballantine’s Brasil Cocktail Set! Great! It contains all the bits and bobs that you need to make a cracking summer drink… a recipe booklet, bottle of Ballantine’s Brasil, big stirring spoon, bottle of lemonade, tall glass, and a fresh lime, awesome stuff!

So, what is Ballantine’s Brasil? Basically it’s a flavoured whisky, but since you can’t flavour whisky and still call it whisky, it’s actually labelled as a “spirit drink” if you look closely, that’s law for you!

The official blurb reads as such:
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Review: Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old

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bunnahabhain-25-year-old-whiskyBunnahabhain 25yo OB 46.3%

So I was recently chatting with someone who suggested I should review more main stream bottlings that are bottled by the distilleries, rather than ultra expensive malts that are either limited release, or other malts bottled by independent bottlers. So with that in mind I’m starting with this Bunna 25… it’s a distillery bottled whisky, and although it’s right at the top end of the range and probably not entirely affordable it’s at least a start!

So on to the review…
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Review: Master of Malt 60 Year Old Speyside

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Master of Malt 60 Year Old Speyside – 42.2%

master-of-malt-60-year-old-speyside-whiskyColour : Full gold with orange tints.

Nose : Old leathery herbal notes come bounding out of the mossy woody background, caramelly fruit rind.

Palate : This’ll sound odd, and I’ve only had the smallest experience (from music gigs etc), but it’s like the best cannabis, herbal, strong and very pleasing! It’s woody, but not to the point where it’s dominated, and has a touch of polish, cola cubes, smoke and coal. It’s old, smooth and magnificent, you want to hold it on your tongue forever.
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A couple of Vestal Vodkas Reviewed

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Vestal-Logo

“Once upon a time, long before effective tax collection systems, big brands, global marketing and idiosyncratic bureaucrats in Brussels, Polish vodka was an artisanal product. It was made in small batches in villages and small towns across Poland. Vestal Vodka’s goal is to recapture this spirit of time and place and introduce you to the true spirit of Poland.”

I review a couple of their offerings below…
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Breaking News: Bladnoch distillery calls in liquidators

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bladnoch-distillery-signBreaking News

Bladnoch distillery is no longer in the hands of the Armstrong brothers. A liquidator has been called in to take control of the company. It’s important to note that the company was not bankrupt, there are no financial difficulties. The four directors/shareholders simply could not agree on a way forward, two wanted to sell, two did not. Unfortunately there were no buyers wishing to acquire a 50% shareholding and as the value of the distillery as a whole has increased considerably it was not possible to reach an amicable agreement.

Sad news from a great independent distillery.

Comments? Find me on twitter @steveprentice

Review: Girvan Patent Still – 25 Year Old

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grain_gir25yoThe Girvan Patent Still – 25yo – 42% abv

Colour: Light and clear gold to straw in colour – natural colouring and nice to see! – Doesn’t the bottle look sexy too eh?

Nose: Light and refreshing, gentle grains encased in perfect amounts of sweet vanilla oak. Well aged but it doesn’t smell old, it’s just had time to breath, relax and let off some alcohol steam.

Palate: Fairly thick feeling oils in your mouth, but they’re easy going on you. Just enough ABV and cask influence to give you a touch of spices and bite, but the over riding thing is a perfect velvety sweetness with a background of grains and oak, vanilla and toffee apples.

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Quick Review: Pig’s Nose – Blended Scotch Whisky

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pigs-nose-whiskyPig’s Nose – Blended Scotch Whisky – 40% ABV

Colour: Golden, slightly caramelly.
Nose: Sweet, rich, sumptuous, a little young. Reminds me a little of Black Bottle.
Palate: Silky smooth and easy. Packed with flavour, caramel, smoke, fruits, butter and a bit of spice.
Finish: There’s some Islay malt in this which with the fruit helps the finish last longer than you’d imagine.
Thoughts: It’s not going to rock your world, but it’s a perfectly nice blend which is more interesting than many. If you liked the old Black Bottle (it’s now changed recipe) then you’d like this.

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