Like most of us, I read about and watched reviews on combining W.L. Weller 12 and Old Weller Antique (OWA) to get something that resembled a Pappy Van Winkle. I was interested. I had a few OWA ($35 CAD), and won two Weller 12’s ($46 CAD) in this year’s Sazerac lottery, so I figured I’d try it. There are a few different recipes circulating, some … Continue reading My Poor Man’s Pappy experiment
I’d like to start by thanking Brown-Foreman for inviting me to a recent Collingwood Whisky tasting and lunch. This was hosted by them, and I was invited as part of my inclusion of the Toronto Whisky Society. As part of the lunch, Alexis Green, the brand ambassador, walked through this distillery with us, had an introductory tasting, shared some great cocktail recipes, and overall gave … Continue reading Collingwood Distillery Luncheon / Whisky Tasting
Ledaig 19yr SC 1997 (Cadenhead) 19 years Bourbon cask – I think? 53.9% ABV Normally I like sherry cask Ledaig bottles, or some of the younger, brash bourbon cask ones. Last older Ledaig IB I had was a real letdown. But, ended up splitting another one, because I know too many great whisky enablers. Nose: Leather, tobacco, oak, dark chocolate, vanilla, herbal notes, brine, red … Continue reading Review: Ledaig 19yr Single Cask 1997 (Cadenhead)
The Toronto Whisky Society sometimes conducts group reviews, where we split a bottle and all review it, then consolidate into a single post, a recent example being J.P Wiser’s Union 52. However, as a group, we have 2500 reviews online, mostly posted on the Reddit Whisky Network, which we’re slowly moving over to our website. We decided where more than 4 of us have reviewed a … Continue reading Group Review: Glenlivet 16 Nàdurra
Yesterday marked the annual Spirit of Toronto tasting event at the Roy Thomson Hall. An absolute must for the whisky enthusiast, Spirit of Toronto offers an all-inclusive experience with a wide range vendors and expressions. This was the second consecutive year I attended, and once again I had an amazing evening. One of the best features about Spirit of Toronto are the Masterclasses offered each … Continue reading Spirit of Toronto 2017
If you missed out on your local lottery, or don’t feel like paying the exorbitant prices on the secondary market, these four “baby” versions of the BTAC range will have to suffice. W.L. Weller 12, 45% ABV, $46 CAD Nose: Really nice vanilla, oak, and brown sugar notes dominate. Also black cherry, some caramel, old leather, and a faint lemon and orange citrus thing in … Continue reading Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – Jr. Edition
On April 23rd the Toronto Whisky Society hosted our most recent event, a tasting by the Victoria Caledonian Brewery & Distillery. Andrew Campbell Walls, the incredibly delightful brand ambassador of Victoria Caledonian Distillery, was gracious to lead is through a tasting of the TWA Blended malts available from the distillery, along with a sample of the currently maturing single malt spirit (Mac Na Braiche). Below … Continue reading Victoria Caledonian Distillery – TWS Event
I first reviewed Laphroaig 10 way back in my 49th review about 2.5yrs ago while at a company outing and gave it a 91. Granted, this was after a few drinks, so probably not the most reliable of reviews. When I visited Islay last June with my wife, we went to Laphroaig, and claimed the rent for our square foot of land in their peat … Continue reading Reviews: Laphroaig 10 @ 40% & 43% ABV
Toronto Whisky Society were privileged enough to be sent bottles and samples of Do Good distilleries offerings. We’d like to start out by thanking Do Good for these samples, and for being patient while we waited for someone to legally bring them back from the US. Do Good Distillery is built upon the ideal of making unique, wonderful craft spirits. Their emphasis is on whisky. They use … Continue reading Toronto Whisky Society Do Good Distillery Reviews
Five of the big players from Islay. You will notice Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, and Kilchoman (among a few others) are absent from this lineup. I wanted to review the entry-level (age statement) offerings from the main distilleries to see how each compare. They are affordable, available, and most of all, these are the ones I currently have. Bowmore 12, 40% ABV, $60 CAD Nose: Very light … Continue reading Islay comparison
Glenburgie 21yr IB (Archives 1995) – Review 21 years Bourbon hogshead 54.1% ABV Glenburgie is one of the lesser known Speyside distilleries, despite not being widely known it produces over 4 million litres/year. The profile of the Glenburgie single casks I have tried in the past have been rather bold and interesting, hoping this one continues the trend. Nose: Peaches, vanilla custard, apples, floral, … Continue reading Review: Archives Glenburgie 21 Year Single Cask
Glenfarclas 21, 43% ABV, £7.50 (50ml) Nose: Very faint oranges and apples, heavy cream, dust, old books, and some leather. Everything is very mild. Taste: Honey, almonds, soft oak, wet cardboard. Finish: Short, not overly complex, light and mild. Thoughts: What is going on here? This is Glenmorange Original soft. Just really weak and flat. Zero alcohol note, but a pretty basic whisky. Not sure … Continue reading Glenfarclas 21 & 25 year old’s
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