I’ve yet to encounter a disappointing expression from Cotswolds Distillery, and the Hearts & Crafts No. 6 Calvados Single Malt is no exception. Matured in carefully selected Calvados casks, this release is part of the distillery’s Hearts & Crafts series, a tribute to the Arts and Crafts movement that flourished in the Cotswolds in the…
Tag: Wine Cask
Laphroaig Aged 33 Year Strong Characters Donald Johnston
I enjoy a good daily sipper as much as anyone, but what I love even more are those special whiskies reserved for meaningful moments—occasions you want not only to remember, but to honor with something truly exceptional. The Laphroaig 33-Year-Old Strong Characters: Donald Johnston just might be one of those whiskies. A few years ago,…
Rabbit Hole Dareringer Finished in PX Sherry Casks
Rabbit Hole isn’t a brand I’ve spent much time with—this is only the second expression I’ve tried after Boxergrail, which I surprisingly enjoyed despite being a rye. How does this one compare? Let’s dive in. Made from a mash bill of 65% corn, 25% wheat, and 10% malted barley, this whiskey is finished in PX…
Highgrove Evergreen Single Malt Whisky
Cotswolds Distillery has partnered with Highgrove, King Charles’s private residence, to create the Highgrove Evergreen Single Malt Whisky—an expression that I believe is a permanent addition to their core range. The barley used is grown on the Highgrove Estate itself, and the whisky is matured in a combination of bourbon and STR red wine casks….
Tullibardine Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Last night, I spent an incredible evening sampling Tullibardine expressions at Rozafa Mediterranean Restaurant in Quincy, MA graciously hosted by Prestige Beverage Group and Terroir Distillers. Before we talk whisky, let’s talk food—because it deserves the spotlight. Owner and chef Marlon Vila brings fresh ingredients and a true scratch-cooking philosophy to the table, with dishes…
Killowen Rum and Raisin Irish Whiskey
And just like that, we’ve arrived in March—which means St. Patrick’s Day is only about two weeks away. The plan? Highlight as many Irish brands as possible. We’re kicking things off with one I had never heard of until recently: Killowen Small Batch Irish Distillers. To be honest, I was ready to blind‑buy this bottle….
Tullibardine 12-Year Double Wood and The Murray 2008 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
If you found yourself in the storm’s path, chances are you’re still digging out this morning. We were close to a foot of snow the last time I looked, with more expected later this afternoon. If there’s no pressing reason to head outside, staying cozy indoors seems like the wisest choice. So settle in, pull…
Barrell Bourbon Cask Finish Series: P.X. Sherry Edition 001
Barrell Craft Spirits (BCS) is a brand we don’t often explore, so sampling this expression during a recent visit with friends was an exciting opportunity. This marks only our second experience with BCS. For those unfamiliar, P.X. refers to Pedro Ximénez—a type of sherry cask renowned for its rich, sweet character. For this release, BCS…
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…
Cotswolds Distillery: 2023 Single Cask Release Madeira Casks
This past weekend, we went to a whisky tasting event, which we paid to attend, and stumbled upon Cotswolds Distillery—a brand I’d never heard of until then and boy, what a great discovery! Let’s dive in. Cotswolds Distillery is in the heart of the Cotswolds countryside and was founded in 2014 by Dan Szor, a…
Moon Harbour Dock 1 – Château Rieussec Single Malt Whisky
Last week, I shared my thoughts on a German whisky brand, Nassau. Today, we’re shifting focus to France with a look at Moon Harbour, a distinctive French whisky. Until now, the only French whisky I’d tried was Brenne. Moon Harbour is crafted in Bordeaux and takes its name from the iconic crescent-shaped moon formed by…
Bruichladdich 18-Years
When Bruichladdich comes to mind, peated whisky is often the first thing that I associate with it. However, it’s important to note that now all Bruichladdich whiskies are peated. This Bruichladdich 18-Year expression is one of those unpeated variations. Now let’s dive into the details of this whisky. This expression is crafted by utilizing…
thewhiskeywench 