12 year old whiskies

December 12, 2014

Chivas Regal 12 year old review

Chivas Regal, a very famous Scotch brand can trace its roots back to 1801. Strathisla, built in 1786 on the banks of the river Isla, is the distillery in the highlands of Scotland, which was bought by Chivas Brothers in 1950. Strathisla is also known for nice Speyside single malt […]
December 10, 2014

Bowmore 12 year old review

One of THE USUAL SUSPECTS of smoke Even with 40% ABV level, Bowmore 12 year old is one of the heavy hitters of smoke. Not as heavy as the 10 year old drams from Ardbeg or Laphroaig. But still, one of The Usual Suspects, when it comes to smoke whisky. […]
November 20, 2014

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 year old review

The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 year old single malt has been matured in two different wood types. Matured in ex-bourbon casks and then transferred into first fill European oak sherry casks. Full and smooth dram, that manages to be moderately dry. Suits well for me, who isn’t that passionate for über […]
November 7, 2014

Auchentoshan 12 year old review

Auchentoshan distillery is also known as “Glasgow’s Malt Whisky” because it’s located near Glasgow. Also known as “the breakfast whisky” because of its sweet and delicate nature. Auchentoshan 12YO replaced their 10 year old in 2008, and according to few sources across the internet, it’s been an improvement. Unusually for […]
September 10, 2014

Cardhu 12 year old review

Cardhu 12 year old single malt is a Speysider matured in American bourbon casks. It has won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2011. According to The Whisky Exchange,  “Cardhu is the biggest selling single malt whisky in Spain, with its soft, sweet character the perfect […]
August 23, 2014

Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or – 12 year old review

Not JUST DESSERTS – rich and characteristic whisky This Glenmorangie was relaunched in 2011 with a Sauternes cask finish. Nectar D’Or might be an indication to the golden nectar, held in the casks to finish the whisky. Rich with fruity and vinous character, I like it. And I am surprised […]
August 20, 2014

Glenfiddich 12 year old review

THERE WILL BE BLOOD before I’m through with this dram! I feel bad for making a movie reference of something good compared to a poor showing. There Will Be Blood was good but that was the first thought that came to my mind after Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt. […]
August 19, 2014

Dalmore 12 year old review

HELLO, DOLLY! I’m leaving you Dolly The Dalmore 12 year old single malt is matured in American white oak and Oloroso sherry casks. For my taste, a contradictory dram. Pure with fruity sweet notes, yet with a bad twist. I detest marzipan and unfortunately Dalmore 12 yrs had it a […]
August 8, 2014

An Cnoc 12 year old review

Like tasting 500 DAYS OF SUMMER The 12 year old single malt by An Cnoc didn’t rock my world too much. Not a bad whisky, but a bit too flat-lined on the taste and finish. Yet, very easy to drink but not offering anything special. This sweet and spicy dram […]
June 23, 2014

Glenfarclas 12 year old review

Truly ROCKY when it comes to sherry whiskys Glenfarclas 12 year old single malt whisky became one of those sherry whiskies, that fits into my palate nicely. Big sherry influence is usually not “my cup of tea”. Of course there’s lots of factors in the whisky making process, that affect. […]
June 18, 2014

Caol Ila 12 year old review

Caol Ila means “Sound of Islay” in Gaelic. Their whisky is mainly used for blending, ingredient for Johnnie Walker, Bells and Big Peat for example. Only 5% of Caol Ila whisky is used for single malts. The distillery is located near Port Askaig at the North of Islay, overlooking the […]
June 9, 2014

Port Askaig 12 year old review

BURN AFTER READING its label and tasting This is a single malt Scotch from a mystery Islay distillery, produced by Speciality Drinks for The Whisky Exchange. In my opinion, Port Askaig is like Coen brothers production, that isn’t critically acclaimed. Islay being like the Coen brothers, producing only good products. […]
June 3, 2014

Suntory Yamazaki 12 year old single malt review

12 year old single malt by Suntory Yamazaki has been in the market since 1984. It was the first Japanese whisky with big marketing on the background. Michael Jackson of Whisky Magazine has stated: “Yamazaki 12 year old is a pioneering malt in Japan, for which Suntory deserve great credit. […]
May 27, 2014

Redbreast 12 year old Single Pot Still review

Redbreast is an Irish whiskey brand coming from New Midleton distillery in Cork, Republic of Ireland (along with Green Spot and many other famous brands). Made with traditional Irish way, it is a Single Pot Still (also known as Pure Pot Still) whiskey. Made from malted and unmalted “green” barley […]
May 16, 2014

Macallan 12 year old Elegancia review

First of all, Macallan Elegancia is a interesting addition to the whisky world. Especially for whisky drinkers, who love wine. I’m not one of those but still this dram managed to capture me a bit. The Elegancia, which I tasted, was a part of Macallan tripack: that included 3 x […]
April 2, 2014

Knockando 1993 12 year old review

SOME LIKE IT HOT but this is mildly hot Knockando 12 year old is always a product of one single season. I got a chance to taste the 1993 version at our local whisky society tasting in Finland. If Knockando 12YO was a movie, it might be a typical Friday […]
March 31, 2014

Glen Elgin 12 year old review

KILL BILL VOL. 2 experience for me Glen Elgin 12YO is a tricky single malt. I had this one in a whisky tasting and sampling just isn’t enough for me to get a hang of it. Glen Elgin 12 years felt like a sequel to something more full. Kill Bill […]
March 21, 2014

Suntory Hibiki 12 year old review

This Suntory owned Hibiki 12 year old whisky is actually a blend. I couldn’t believe it for the first time I got to taste it. Another curiosity: some of the whisky has been part-matured in Umeshu plum liqueur casks. The malts are from Suntory owned Hakushu and Yamazaki distilleries, with […]