The Chardonnay Tasting

The WHAT?
A friend of a friend hosts occasional liquor tastings that are quite elaborate affairs. Previous events enabled me to knock off a nice set of bourbons and another added 4 scotches to my list. This, however, was a Chardonnay tasting. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of chardonnay but I wanted very much to attend because the host was sure to have a wide range of cost and quality on hand. That way if I disliked the lot, I was well and truly able to scratch chardonnay off my list of wines. Follow? The part of the evening you'd be interested in came after the wine was done. Our host set me loose in his remarkable liquor cabinet to try anything I wanted, and let me tell you, there was a lot to want. I was so enthusiastic he even pulled out a few gems from other cabinets for me to try. The result: 13 whiskies (1 Canadian, 3 Irish and 9 Scotches) some of which managed impressive scores.
Row indicator, not the ID of the whisky.#
The Distillery or Brand that produces this productDist / Brand
The product name, as determined by the bottle text or official description. Note that sorting by this will give odd results when it comes to age.Expression
Bottler. Some single malt releases are put out by independent companies. OB=Official Distillery BottlingB
(Country) The country where the product is producedCty
Age in years. NAS implies 3.Age
The type of whiskyTy
What I found the likely MSRP to be in my area for a 750ml bottle. Your price may differ significantly. This is not an advertisement of sale, this bottle is likely empty by now anyway$
The taste score, pleasure versus pain and ignoring any other considerations.Score
The value of the whisky, a calculated value involving taste and price.Value
0Awards
1Glen Ord30 YOOBFlag of Scotland30Single Malt$22500
                  93   
       39              
Taste Award: Gold
2BruichladdichTwenty Years Old Second EditionOBFlag of Scotland20Single Malt$18000
                  92   
         45            
Taste Award: Gold
3Bruichladdich1986 Blacker StillOBFlag of Scotland20Single Malt$18500
                  91   
         45            
Taste Award: Gold
4LaphroaigQuarter Cask NASOBFlag of ScotlandNASSingle Malt$6000
                  91   
                  94   
Taste Award: Gold
5EdradourStraight From The Cask 10 YO 1993OBFlag of Scotland10Single Malt$12000
                 86    
             65        
Taste Award: Silver
6Connemara12 YO PeatedOBFlag of Ireland12Single Malt$6500
                 85    
              74       
Taste Award: Silver
7Longrow10 YO Wood Expressions: TokajiOBFlag of Scotland10Single Malt$9500
                82     
             67        
Taste Award: Silver
8Duncan Taylor and Sons Tamdhu34 YO 1969DTSFlag of Scotland34Single Malt$18000
              70       
 05                    
Taste Award: Bronze
9ConnemaraCask Strength NASOBFlag of IrelandNASSingle Malt$5500
           59          
          51           
No Medals Awarded
10ConnemaraPeatedOBFlag of IrelandNASSingle Malt$4500
           58          
         47            
No Medals Awarded
11Murray McDavid Dallas DhuMission 1974 29 YO Sherry CaskMMDFlag of Scotland29Single Malt$20000
           57          
00                     
No Medals Awarded
12Wiser'sVery Old 18 YOOBFlag of Canada18Blended$3000
           57          
          52           
No Medals Awarded
13BalvenieSherry Oak 17 YOOBFlag of Scotland17Single Malt$9500
          52           
    21                 
No Medals Awarded


The Winter of Desolation

On a long roadtrip I got every whisky that the state of North Carolina's ABC system had to offer.
Sadly, the only difference between what they had and what I can get locally existed on the very bottom shelf. So I tossed them all in with a few beasts I had left over and we have a study in misery.
Row indicator, not the ID of the whisky.#
The Distillery or Brand that produces this productDist / Brand
The product name, as determined by the bottle text or official description. Note that sorting by this will give odd results when it comes to age.Expression
Bottler. Some single malt releases are put out by independent companies. OB=Official Distillery BottlingB
(Country) The country where the product is producedCty
Age in years. NAS implies 3.Age
The type of whiskyTy
What I found the likely MSRP to be in my area for a 750ml bottle. Your price may differ significantly. This is not an advertisement of sale, this bottle is likely empty by now anyway$
The taste score, pleasure versus pain and ignoring any other considerations.Score
The value of the whisky, a calculated value involving taste and price.Value
0Awards
1Glenfarclas25 YOOBFlag of Scotland25Single Malt$15000
           55          
02                     
No Medals Awarded
2Canadian Hunter3 YO Mellow Canadian Sipping WhiskyOBFlag of Canada3Blended$1000
         48            
          53           
No Medals Awarded
3Wasmund'sRappahannock Pot Stilled NASOBFlag of USANASSingle Malt$4000
         46            
        41             
No Medals Awarded
4Heaven Hill10 YO 86 ProofOBFlag of USA10Straight Bourbon$1500
        40             
        43             
No Medals Awarded
5Old Mill StreamNASOBFlag of USANASBlended$500
        40             
         47            
No Medals Awarded
6Canadian De LuxeNASOBFlag of CanadaNASBlended$1000
      30               
      34               
No Medals Awarded
7Travellers ClubSpecially Selected 3 YOOBFlag of USA3Blended$500
    23                 
     27                
No Medals Awarded
8Gold Crown3 YO PreferredOBFlag of USA3Blended$500
   18                  
   19                  
No Medals Awarded


Mini Madness II

A collection of newly acquired miniatures to wrap up the year
Row indicator, not the ID of the whisky.#
The Distillery or Brand that produces this productDist / Brand
The product name, as determined by the bottle text or official description. Note that sorting by this will give odd results when it comes to age.Expression
Bottler. Some single malt releases are put out by independent companies. OB=Official Distillery BottlingB
(Country) The country where the product is producedCty
Age in years. NAS implies 3.Age
The type of whiskyTy
What I found the likely MSRP to be in my area for a 750ml bottle. Your price may differ significantly. This is not an advertisement of sale, this bottle is likely empty by now anyway$
The taste score, pleasure versus pain and ignoring any other considerations.Score
The value of the whisky, a calculated value involving taste and price.Value
0Awards
1BowmoreDawn NAS Port CaskedOBFlag of ScotlandNASSingle Malt$5500
                  92   
                    100
Taste Award: GoldPractical Award: Perfect
2Dalmore12 YOOBFlag of Scotland12Single Malt$4000
                81     
               79      
Taste Award: SilverGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
3Kentucky VintageOriginal Sour Mash 8 YOOBFlag of USA8Straight Bourbon$2500
                80     
                 85    
Taste Award: SilverPractical Award: SilverGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
4BowmoreDarkest NAS Sherry CaskedOBFlag of ScotlandNASSingle Malt$7500
               77      
           59          
Taste Award: Bronze
5ClontarfSingle NASOBFlag of IrelandNASSingle Malt$3000
               77      
               75      
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
6Pure KentuckyXO 10 YOOBFlag of USA10Straight Bourbon$4000
              74       
               75      
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
7Noah's Mill15 YOOBFlag of USA15Straight Bourbon$7000
              73       
            63         
Taste Award: Bronze
8The TalismanNASOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$3000
              73       
              70       
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
9Old St AndrewsClubhouse Premium NASOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$3000
              71       
             67        
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
10Glenkinchie10 YOOBFlag of Scotland10Single Malt$5500
             67        
          52           
No Medals Awarded
11ClontarfReserve NASOBFlag of IrelandNASBlended$3000
            63         
           58          
No Medals Awarded
12Gordon & McPhail Old Pulteney8 YOGMFlag of Scotland8Single Malt$4000
            60         
          54           
No Medals Awarded
13Saint Brendan'sIrish Cream NASOBFlag of IrelandNASLiqueur$1500
           58          
         49            
No Medals Awarded
14ClontarfClassic NASOBFlag of IrelandNASBlended$2500
           57          
          54           
No Medals Awarded
15Cu DhubNASOBFlag of ScotlandNASSingle Malt$3000
           56          
          52           
No Medals Awarded
16Rowan's Creek12 YOOBFlag of USA12Straight Bourbon$5000
           56          
         48            
No Medals Awarded
17John BarrNAS Gold LabelOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$1500
          51           
          53           
No Medals Awarded
18AuchentoshanNASOBFlag of ScotlandNASSingle Malt$3000
          51           
         47            
No Medals Awarded
19TeachersHighand Cream NASOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$1500
          50           
          53           
No Medals Awarded
20BowmoreDusk NAS Claret CaskedOBFlag of ScotlandNASSingle Malt$6500
        43             
     25                
No Medals Awarded


Alphabet Challenge

One whisky for (nearly) every letter of the alphabet, posting live without having all the letters. That's the Alphabet Challenge!
Row indicator, not the ID of the whisky.#
The Distillery or Brand that produces this productDist / Brand
The product name, as determined by the bottle text or official description. Note that sorting by this will give odd results when it comes to age.Expression
Bottler. Some single malt releases are put out by independent companies. OB=Official Distillery BottlingB
(Country) The country where the product is producedCty
Age in years. NAS implies 3.Age
The type of whiskyTy
What I found the likely MSRP to be in my area for a 750ml bottle. Your price may differ significantly. This is not an advertisement of sale, this bottle is likely empty by now anyway$
The taste score, pleasure versus pain and ignoring any other considerations.Score
The value of the whisky, a calculated value involving taste and price.Value
0Awards
1Lagavulin16 YOOBFlag of Scotland16Single Malt$8000
                  92   
                82     
Taste Award: GoldPractical Award: Silver
2Ardbeg10 YOOBFlag of Scotland10Single Malt$5500
                  90   
                  90   
Taste Award: GoldPractical Award: Gold
3Glenmorangie10 YOOBFlag of Scotland10Single Malt$6000
                 88    
                82     
Taste Award: SilverPractical Award: Silver
4BushmillsNAS Black BushOBFlag of IrelandNASBlended$3500
                 85    
                 87    
Taste Award: SilverPractical Award: SilverGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
5Talisker10 YOOBFlag of Scotland10Single Malt$6000
               79      
             66        
Taste Award: Bronze
6Highland Park12 YOOBFlag of Scotland12Single Malt$4000
               75      
              70       
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
7Caol Ila12 YOOBFlag of Scotland12Single Malt$5500
              74       
            62         
Taste Award: Bronze
8PowersGold Label NASOBFlag of IrelandNASBlended$2000
              70       
              71       
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
9Compass BoxOrangerie NASOBFlag of ScotlandNASLiqueur$6500
             69        
          50           
No Medals Awarded
10EmmetsClassic Cream NASOBFlag of IrelandNASLiqueur$1500
            64         
          54           
No Medals Awarded
11Jim BeamNAS Yellow LabelOBFlag of USANASRye$1500
            60         
            62         
No Medals Awarded
12Usher'sGreen Stripe NASOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$1000
            60         
            64         
No Medals Awarded
13Deanston12 YOOBFlag of Scotland12Single Malt$3500
           56          
          50           
No Medals Awarded
14Vat 69NAS Golden LightOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$1000
           56          
            60         
No Medals Awarded
15John BarrBlack Label NAS Special ReserveOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$2000
          54           
           55          
No Medals Awarded
16Yukon JackNASOBFlag of CanadaNASLiqueur$1500
          53           
           59          
No Medals Awarded
17BartonImperial NASOBFlag of USANASBlended$500
          51           
           57          
No Medals Awarded
18KilbegganNASOBFlag of IrelandNASBlended$2000
        42             
        43             
No Medals Awarded
19Austin NicholsWild Turkey NAS 80OBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$2000
        41             
        42             
No Medals Awarded
20George DickelNo. 12 NASOBFlag of USANASTennessee$2000
       39              
        40             
No Medals Awarded
21Senators ClubNASOBFlag of USANASBlended$500
       39              
         46            
No Medals Awarded
22Georgia MoonNASOBFlag of USANASCorn$1000
       38              
        43             
No Medals Awarded
23Fighting Cock6 YOOBFlag of USA6Straight Bourbon$1500
       37              
        43             
No Medals Awarded


Liqueur Extendueur

For reasons that I cannot seem to remember or express I decided to taste a group of whisky liqueurs.
Not to ruin it for you, but I abandoned this mission after only 9 tastings.
Row indicator, not the ID of the whisky.#
The Distillery or Brand that produces this productDist / Brand
The product name, as determined by the bottle text or official description. Note that sorting by this will give odd results when it comes to age.Expression
Bottler. Some single malt releases are put out by independent companies. OB=Official Distillery BottlingB
(Country) The country where the product is producedCty
Age in years. NAS implies 3.Age
The type of whiskyTy
What I found the likely MSRP to be in my area for a 750ml bottle. Your price may differ significantly. This is not an advertisement of sale, this bottle is likely empty by now anyway$
The taste score, pleasure versus pain and ignoring any other considerations.Score
The value of the whisky, a calculated value involving taste and price.Value
0Awards
1Austin NicholsWild Turkey American Honey NASOBFlag of USANASLiqueur$2000
              71       
             69        
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
2BushmillsIrish Cream NASOBFlag of IrelandNASLiqueur$2500
             66        
          52           
No Medals Awarded
3DrambuieNASOBFlag of ScotlandNASLiqueur$3500
            60         
          53           
No Medals Awarded
4BaileysIrish Cream with a Hint of Mint ChocolateOBFlag of IrelandNASLiqueur$2000
           58          
         47            
No Medals Awarded
5BaileysIrish Cream with a Hint of CaramelOBFlag of IrelandNASLiqueur$2000
           56          
         45            
No Medals Awarded
6Phillips UnionNAS Cherry Flavored WhiskeyOBFlag of USANASLiqueur$2500
          50           
         46            
No Medals Awarded
7Celtic CrossingNASOBFlag of IrelandNASLiqueur$2500
        40             
       36              
No Medals Awarded
8Phillips UnionNAS Vanilla Flavored WhiskeyOBFlag of USANASLiqueur$2500
      33               
      30               
No Medals Awarded
9Mr. BostonNAS Rock & RyeOBFlag of USANASLiqueur$1500
     29                
     28                
No Medals Awarded


Countdown to 100

A sprint to triple digit nirvana.
Row indicator, not the ID of the whisky.#
The Distillery or Brand that produces this productDist / Brand
The product name, as determined by the bottle text or official description. Note that sorting by this will give odd results when it comes to age.Expression
Bottler. Some single malt releases are put out by independent companies. OB=Official Distillery BottlingB
(Country) The country where the product is producedCty
Age in years. NAS implies 3.Age
The type of whiskyTy
What I found the likely MSRP to be in my area for a 750ml bottle. Your price may differ significantly. This is not an advertisement of sale, this bottle is likely empty by now anyway$
The taste score, pleasure versus pain and ignoring any other considerations.Score
The value of the whisky, a calculated value involving taste and price.Value
0Awards
1Famous GrouseNASOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$2000
               78      
                81     
Taste Award: BronzePractical Award: SilverGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
2Labrot and GrahamWoodford Reserve NAS Distiller's SelectOBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$3000
               75      
               76      
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
3The DimplePinch 15 YOOBFlag of Scotland15Blended$3500
              71       
             67        
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
4Lord CalvertCanadian 3 YOOBFlag of Canada3Blended$1000
           58          
            62         
No Medals Awarded
5Buffalo TraceNASOBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$2000
           58          
            60         
No Medals Awarded
6CalvertExtra NASOBFlag of USANASBlended$1000
         48            
          53           
No Medals Awarded
7George DickelNAS Old No 8 BrandOBFlag of USANASTennessee$1500
         45            
         47            
No Medals Awarded
8Old OverholtStraight Rye 4 YOOBFlag of USA4Rye$1500
        43             
         46            
No Medals Awarded
9Clan MacGregorVery Rare NASOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$1000
        42             
         47            
No Medals Awarded
10Harwood Canadian3 YOOBFlag of Canada3Blended$500
       36              
        43             
No Medals Awarded


Green Christmas

All my Christmas presents and holday finds had to sit impatiently on the shelf while I cleaned out the stockpiles.
See what kept me warm over the cold winter months.

Row indicator, not the ID of the whisky.#
The Distillery or Brand that produces this productDist / Brand
The product name, as determined by the bottle text or official description. Note that sorting by this will give odd results when it comes to age.Expression
Bottler. Some single malt releases are put out by independent companies. OB=Official Distillery BottlingB
(Country) The country where the product is producedCty
Age in years. NAS implies 3.Age
The type of whiskyTy
What I found the likely MSRP to be in my area for a 750ml bottle. Your price may differ significantly. This is not an advertisement of sale, this bottle is likely empty by now anyway$
The taste score, pleasure versus pain and ignoring any other considerations.Score
The value of the whisky, a calculated value involving taste and price.Value
0Awards
1Compass BoxThe Peat Monster NASOBFlag of ScotlandNASVatted$5500
                 86    
                84     
Taste Award: SilverPractical Award: Silver
2Johnnie WalkerGold Label 18 YOOBFlag of Scotland18Blended$7500
                 86    
              72       
Taste Award: Silver
3Glenfiddich18 YO Ancient ReserveOBFlag of Scotland18Single Malt$7000
               79      
            64         
Taste Award: Bronze
4Glenfiddich15 YO Solera ReserveOBFlag of Scotland15Single Malt$5000
              74       
            63         
Taste Award: Bronze
5Phillips UnionNASOBFlag of USANASBlended$2500
              70       
             69        
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
6BallantinesFinest NASOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$1500
           59          
            60         
No Medals Awarded
7Canadian ClubClassic 12 YOOBFlag of Canada12Blended$2500
           57          
          54           
No Medals Awarded
8Club 4003 YO Special ReserveOBFlag of USA3Blended$500
          50           
           56          
No Medals Awarded


Bourbon Boom

I somehow unwittingly aseembled a dozen Kentucky spirits and decided to put them head to head. Oh, and a blend snuck in!
Row indicator, not the ID of the whisky.#
The Distillery or Brand that produces this productDist / Brand
The product name, as determined by the bottle text or official description. Note that sorting by this will give odd results when it comes to age.Expression
Bottler. Some single malt releases are put out by independent companies. OB=Official Distillery BottlingB
(Country) The country where the product is producedCty
Age in years. NAS implies 3.Age
The type of whiskyTy
What I found the likely MSRP to be in my area for a 750ml bottle. Your price may differ significantly. This is not an advertisement of sale, this bottle is likely empty by now anyway$
The taste score, pleasure versus pain and ignoring any other considerations.Score
The value of the whisky, a calculated value involving taste and price.Value
0Awards
1Baker's7 YOOBFlag of USA7Straight Bourbon$4000
                80     
                84     
Taste Award: SilverPractical Award: SilverGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
2BulleitNAS Frontier WhiskeyOBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$2500
               76      
               79      
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
3Booker Noe'sNASOBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$5500
               75      
               76      
Taste Award: Bronze
4Austin NicholsWild Turkey NAS Rare BreedOBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$3500
              70       
              72       
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
5Basil Haydens8 YOOBFlag of USA8Straight Bourbon$3500
             67        
            60         
No Medals Awarded
6Virginia GentlemanNASOBFlag of USANASBourbon$1000
            61         
            64         
No Medals Awarded
7Early TimesNASOBFlag of USANASBlended$1000
           59          
            62         
No Medals Awarded
8Old Grand-DadNAS 100 proof BondedOBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$2000
          51           
           55          
No Medals Awarded
9Kentucky Gentleman4 YOOBFlag of USA4Straight Bourbon$500
          50           
           56          
No Medals Awarded
10Ancient AgeNASOBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$1000
       39              
        44             
No Medals Awarded
11Old Crow3 YOOBFlag of USA3Straight Bourbon$500
       35              
        42             
No Medals Awarded
12Ten HighNAS Sour MashOBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$500
      30               
       36              
No Medals Awarded


Mini Madness

The first, the biggest ever (until the ABC challenge) and the mini mayhem lasted MONTHS.
Row indicator, not the ID of the whisky.#
The Distillery or Brand that produces this productDist / Brand
The product name, as determined by the bottle text or official description. Note that sorting by this will give odd results when it comes to age.Expression
Bottler. Some single malt releases are put out by independent companies. OB=Official Distillery BottlingB
(Country) The country where the product is producedCty
Age in years. NAS implies 3.Age
The type of whiskyTy
What I found the likely MSRP to be in my area for a 750ml bottle. Your price may differ significantly. This is not an advertisement of sale, this bottle is likely empty by now anyway$
The taste score, pleasure versus pain and ignoring any other considerations.Score
The value of the whisky, a calculated value involving taste and price.Value
0Awards
1Glenlivet12 YO French Oak FinishOBFlag of Scotland12Single Malt$6000
                81     
             69        
Taste Award: Silver
2Forty CreekNAS Barrel SelectOBFlag of CanadaNASBlended$2500
                81     
                83     
Taste Award: SilverPractical Award: SilverGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
3Glenfiddich15 YO Cask StrengthOBFlag of Scotland15Single Malt$6500
               77      
             68        
Taste Award: Bronze
4Dewars12 YOOBFlag of Scotland12Blended$3000
              74       
              73       
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
5Makers MarkRed Wax NASOBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$2000
              73       
               77      
Taste Award: BronzeGold Bottle Award: +70 points at $40
6Glenlivet12 YOOBFlag of Scotland12Single Malt$3500
             68        
            62         
No Medals Awarded
7GlenfiddichSpecial Reserve 12 YOOBFlag of Scotland12Single Malt$4000
             65        
           56          
No Medals Awarded
8Austin NicholsWild Turkey NAS 101OBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$2000
            61         
             65        
No Medals Awarded
9KesslerAmerican Blended Whiskey NASOBFlag of USANASBlended$1000
           59          
            62         
No Medals Awarded
10Justerini and BrooksRare NASOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$2000
           57          
           56          
No Medals Awarded
11Jim BeamWhite Label 4 YOOBFlag of USA4Straight Bourbon$1000
           56          
            60         
No Medals Awarded
12BaileysIrish CreamOBFlag of IrelandNASLiqueur$2000
           56          
         45            
No Medals Awarded
13Knob Creek9 YOOBFlag of USA9Straight Bourbon$2500
           56          
          54           
No Medals Awarded
14WindsorWindsor Canadian NASOBFlag of CanadaNASBlended$1000
          54           
           58          
No Medals Awarded
15Crown RoyalNASOBFlag of CanadaNASBlended$2000
          54           
          54           
No Medals Awarded
16Jack DanielsGentleman Jack Rare NASOBFlag of USANASTennessee$2500
          53           
          51           
No Medals Awarded
17DewarsWhite Label NASOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$2000
         49            
         49            
No Medals Awarded
18Canadian Club6 YOOBFlag of Canada6Blended$1000
         48            
          53           
No Medals Awarded
19Old Grand-DadNASOBFlag of USANASStraight Bourbon$1500
         47            
         49            
No Medals Awarded
20Cutty SarkNASOBFlag of ScotlandNASBlended$1500
        44             
         47            
No Medals Awarded
21Black VelvetNASOBFlag of CanadaNASBlended$1000
        42             
         47            
No Medals Awarded
22Evan WilliamsBlack Label 7 YOOBFlag of USA7Straight Bourbon$1000
  14                   
  10                   
No Medals Awarded