My recent trip to Edinburgh resulted in a total conversion from blended whiskies to single malts.
Previously I was a Johnnie Gold man. It's single malts only now.
I propose to try a range of single malts to find the best for the next boys weekend. Maybe 2 or 3 for the next boys weekend.
First to try, The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 years single malt scotch whisky. This is a very popular whisky, and I'll give it a go before some of the rarer examples.
Here are the tasting notes from Master of Malt:
Nose: The aroma is rich with notes of tropical fruits, namely passion fruit, and creamy toffee.
Palate: Sweet vanilla forms a creamy palate with notes of apples and mangoes with a hint of orange in the background.
Finish: The finish lingers with a vanilla focussed character.
Overall: Mouth-coating and fruity with superb balance, this is an excellent new release from the chaps at Balvenie.
Here is my bottle before I get stuck into it:
The review from The Whiskey Reviewer:
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask Aged 14 Years Scotch has been a very popular offering, and has been reviewed, tested, sampled and consumed by about everyone that could spell the word “Scotch.” Volumes have been written in untold numbers, exploring every nuance of the whisky. It’s difficult to say something new or clever that hasn’t been said a dozen times before. However, I like this Scotch, enjoy exploring it, and that is always worth sharing.
The Scotch
The Caribbean Cask Scotch has a beautiful burnt gold appearance. The yellow and orange hues separate as the light passes through the glass of whisky giving it an iridescent glow creating a picture of a lightning strike on a pot of gold. The legs are thin, and yet very apparent.
The nose is easy to pick up and includes aromas of toffee, vanilla, oak and a very light smokiness. On top there are some subtle but distinct notes of pineapple. It’s almost like picking up a whole fresh pineapple and smelling it before cutting into it. You may also pick up a very light alcohol burn on the nose.
There is a light creaminess with each sip. Most of the initial action is at the back of the mouth and it moves to mid-mouth towards the roof while continuing in the back. The Balvenie describes the flavor as vanilla, sweet oak and fruitiness, and it is completely dead on in its description. There is some very light smokiness, but the vanilla and rum notes make it very subdued.
The activity continues at the back and mid-mouth for some time before beginning to die out and the strong finish takes over, a long and pleasant finish. This finish cranks up the whisky experience to a completely different level, making The Balvenie Caribbean Cask drink like a bigger, more potent scotch. In addition, it moves the mouth activity to the front and sides of the tongue and keeps it there before gradually fading out. The whole experience is one that is rich and creamy and satisfying. The finish is driven by a smooth, soft vanilla flavor.
This is an easy drinking single malt that is enjoyable for regular Scotch drinkers, but is particularly easy for those whisky/whiskey drinkers interested in trying some fine single malt Scotch for the first time.
Tasting notes from Shirley:
Smooth, very smooth. I can taste the creaminess. If I had to pick a word I would say marmalade. Balanced and very easy drinking. Deceptively light for 43% alcohol. I'll give it 90. I realize this is a high score for the first single malt - it's just such an excellent whisky.
Rankings:
I will rank the whiskies as I go. Obviously only one at the moment.
1. The Balvenie Caribbean Cask. 14 years. 90/100.
On 17 February 2018 I upgraded my score for this brilliant whisky from 88 to 90.
Posted by: Paul | Saturday, 17 February 2018 at 06:50 PM
Scotch and Tequilla should not be mentioned in the same breath.
But you should bring Butch's Tequilla to my office and we can post ourselves drinking it (very briefy, before I open the single malt in Charddy casks).
Posted by: Paul | Saturday, 10 February 2018 at 10:46 PM
Nice Civil War map. A bit disappointed that MI22 does not appear anywhere in in the photos. I thought holidays without a PRESTAGS counter are illegal now.
I will try your single malt after I get over Butch's Tequilla
Posted by: PythonMagus | Saturday, 10 February 2018 at 10:07 PM