Full honesty—I picked these up simply because they came in mini bottles. Grangestone is a brand owned by William Grant & Sons, one of the largest independent whisky producers in Scotland. So, are they actually any good? Let’s find out. Grangestone Bourbon Cask Finish (40% ABV): This 50 ml sample cost me $1.99. The nose…
Category: Single Malt Scotch
UPDATE: Isle of Skye Whisky 12-Year
This whisky review has remained one of the most popular pieces on my blog. With our bottle now officially finished, I thought it was an ideal time to look back at the impressions we recorded when we first opened it in August 2024. Did it live up to our expectations? Is it worth buying again?…
The Macallan Harmony Collection: JING and Cirque Du Soleil
We recently had the pleasure of sampling two remarkable expressions from The Macallan Harmony Collection—one in collaboration with JING Tea and the other with Cirque du Soleil. The Harmony Collection is an annual limited-edition release that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship. The JING Tea-inspired expression draws from the delicate notes of Phoenix Honey Orchid Tea, while…
Jura Travel Editions: Islanders’ Expression 03, The Road, and Perspective 01
And with that, 2025 is nearly behind us. This is my last review of the year, and I can’t wait to see what 2026 holds for us all. This year kept us closer to home, with fewer trips than usual, but that’s something we plan to change in 2026. Our goal is to explore more…
UPDATE: Glenmorangie A Tale of Forest
Back in November 2022, we picked up A Tale of Forest. Fast forward to today—the bottle’s empty, and the question is: Does it still live up to our first impression—and would we buy it again? Stick around to find out! First, a quick refresher on the tasting notes. Nose: pine, juniper and light smokePalate: bitter,…
Bruichladdich Organic 2003 Anns An T-Seann Doigh
Over Thanksgiving weekend, we had the chance to sample Bruichladdich Organic 2003 Anns An T-Seann Doigh—a whisky I’d never encountered before. ‘Anns An T-Seann Doigh’ translated from Gaelic as ‘in the traditional way.’ This was Bruichladdich’s first organic release, distilled in 2003 and bottled in 2009. It’s likely no longer available, but I couldn’t resist…
Glenfiddich x Aston Martin F1 16-Year Single Malt
I’ll admit, I’ve never sat through an entire Formula One™ race—but there’s no denying how iconic the sport is. Glenfiddich has teamed up with the Aston Martin Formula One team to craft this special 16-Year expression. Time to buckle up and find out if this bottle takes the checkered flag. Nose: sweetness, toasted oak and…
Ardbeg Anthology 14-Year: The Unicorn Tale
I’ve always been a big fan of Ardbeg—so much so that it was the very first distillery we visited on our trip to Scotland. That said, some of their recent releases haven’t quite hit the mark for me—not because of flavor, but because of price. There are exceptions, of course (BizarreBQ was fantastic and I…
Balvenie French Oak 16-Year
I recently had the pleasure of sampling The Balvenie French Oak 16-Year, and it was truly a remarkable experience. This expression spends 16 years maturing in American Oak before finishing in French oak casks that once held wine from the Charentes vineyards. The result is a whisky that beautifully marries tradition with a touch of…
Glenmorangie A Tale of Spices
Glenmorangie has unveiled a new addition to its Tale series: A Tale of Spices. Inspired by the vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas of bustling spice markets, this expression promises a sensory adventure. Personally, A Tale of Ice Cream still holds the crown for me—but let’s see how this latest release measures up. A Tale of…
Tamnavulin Double Cask
This Double Cask marks my second encounter with Tamnavulin. Back in September, I explored their Sherry Cask edition—a delightful introduction to the brand. So how does this one measure up? Let’s dive in. A quick refresher on Tamnavulin: nestled in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains near the River Livet, this Speyside distillery began its…
Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky
At a recent event, I had the rare pleasure of tasting Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky — a remarkable recreation of the original whisky shipped to Antarctica in 1907 by the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton. Crafted to honor that historic expedition, this whisky is both elusive and exceptionally high priced, making it a true…