Comments on: What was the last whisky that really wowed you?

By: Richard Blaine

Richard Blaine — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:07:38 +0000

I was sooooooo happy to try a 42 year old 1966 single cask of Tullibardine at Willow Park in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It was the single darkest, richest, most complex sherry matured whisky I have ever had! The flavors just went on and on, as did the finish.

I was lucky to be helped by Brice Coates, a Willow Park scotch expert. He explained the history of the barrel, and its impressive pedigree being the sister cask of the 1966 world cup edition. A unique experience. Thanks Brice!
(…and its exclusive to Willow Park. So, I had to buy a bottle.)

By: John Hansell

John Hansell — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:25:18 +0000

Wonderful stuff indeed!

By: Carl H

Carl H — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:14:58 +0000

Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Old – knocked my honorable socks off.

By: Lawrence

Lawrence — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:39:05 +0000

The new Laphroaig 18 ( a bit of wow and a bit of relief that is was good). Aberlour 18 and a really recent wow…Glencadam 10 which I found to be awesome.

By: Rick

Rick — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:28:28 +0000

Just last weekend during a road trip in Alberta I was given a real treat to taste. A 39 year old Tullibardine vintage 1966.

This one really blew me away, the best whiskey I have tasted to date. The multitude of holiday desert flavors and aromas saturated my senses and lingered well in to the evening.

I swear I could still taste it even after having dinner.

My thanks to David Michaels at Willow Park in Calgary.

By: TheMandarin

TheMandarin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:06:17 +0000

Brora 26, Duncan Taylor bottling.

Sit down after a long walk and enjoy this tasteful, strong but silent type. A beautiful, deep whisky that won’t bullshit you.

By: Bruichladdict

Bruichladdict — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:57:06 +0000

Spirit of Toronto 2009:

Canadian release of Springbank 10, 15, and 18. The 18 was reminiscent of The Glenfarclas of the same age! The 10 impressed me MORE than the 15, but the 18 came out on tops.

Colour was quite deceiving though! This is a great example of how vatting of first fill and refill of sherry and bourbon can impart magnificent flavour without the colour. They didn’t feel the need to adulter with E150. Why should they? When the quality is there, there’s no need. Listen up Macallan!

By: John Hansell

John Hansell — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:46:30 +0000

Paul M., yes I remember that Binnys HP very well. In fact, I still have a few drops left in my bottle.

By: Paul M.

Paul M. — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:28:34 +0000

Highland Park 33 y.o. – Binnys hand selected cask.

By: Rich

Rich — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:42:13 +0000

to echo two of the above: the Ardbeg Corryvreckan 2008 Committee Reserve (57.1%), and the Lagavulin 2007 21 year (56.5%). perhaps the two best single malts i have ever had.

honorable mention to the Glendronach 33 year and the 1981 Talisker 20 year.

a surprise nod to the Ardbeg 1991 16 year rum cask.

and to be fair, i have not yet opened my Laphroaig 25 year (50.9%), Brora 2007 30 year (55.7%) or Highland Park 21 year (47.5%).

so, i have goodness in my past, and goodness in my future.

By: sam k

sam k — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:36:55 +0000

John, the Rebel Yell Reserve has been available for a little while,though not here in PLCB-land except by SLO at $29.79 per with a minimum order of six.

It’s 90 proof, just like it used to be when it wasn’t available above the Mason-Dixon Line 25 years ago (sort of like the Coors mystique at the time). I’ve been hoping it would approach the quality of that S-W product, and Matt’s assessment gives me reason to believe it might.

I’ve never bought a bottle of the 80 proof version, just because.

By: John Hansell

John Hansell — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:27:31 +0000

Matt G., how did Rebel Reserve miss my radar screen? Sounds interesting.

I’m seeing a lot of the same whiskies being mentioned throughout this thread. Maybe I’ll summarize them in a couple days after the commenting slows down.

If you haven’t chimed in yet, please do!

By: Vojta K.

Vojta K. — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:52:35 +0000

Although I didn’t taste it properly, I had this moment with Ardbeg Supernova. I didn’t know what to expect, and it really amazed me.

By: Jason Cretacci

Jason Cretacci — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:41:05 +0000

I was taken by surprise by the Signatory Bottled Ben Nevis 1992 16 yr. old I had recently. I had the pleasure of trying about 16 Signatory products recently, but this one really surprised me with its rich flavor of nuts, chocolate, dry spice and a really nice finish. Quite the find.

By: jazz lover

jazz lover — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:32:49 +0000

Bruichladdich 31 yr. 1970 44.2%
Lagavulin 21 yr.
Highland Park 21 yr Duty Free
This is why I love Single Malt.