Thanks Andy. Given that I had no input over this weeks line up, it meant that I couldn't 'curate' the line up, so there were indeed more misses than hits.
Jeez, Chris, if I lived in Nottingham or the neighbourhood I'd join that tasting in a jiffy. I live in Brum and it's just too far of a journey. I'd love to meet you and be part of the fun of a tasting. C'mon Nottingham, support your local retailer and expert! Interesting line up and some of the findings here kind of touch on some of my previous comments. I recently bought a bottle of OMC Benrinnes 24 (refilled hogshead) and it was not what I expected. In a blind session I doubt most would think it older than 8 years old at most. Pure blend filler and this kind of thing is happening too often. Nice bourbon (Yes, I know) to wrap things up. Cheers.
Hi WT. Thanks for the support as always. The thing with Benrinnes is that it's output is so variable. The distillery is distinctly eccentric, almost to the point of weirdness. It features two sets of three stills, which work together as a trio, which results in a sort of partial triple distillation. The final spirit is then run through external chilled worm tubs, so sometimes you get a full on meaty bottling, but at other time a more traditional spey. Basically you just haven’t got a clue what you are going to get, when you pick a bottle of Benrinnes off the shelf. It’s possibly the ultimate game of whisky Russian roulette!
@@TheGoodDramShow That's interesting to hear. Actually, one my all time most interesting whiskies (in a good way) was a 19 year old Benrinnes bottled by Robert Graham a few years back, A unique flavour is all I can say but it hit my sweet spot. I still have one bottle left in the bunker. I'll admit the one I was griping about has improved as the fill level has gone down and it's had some time and oxygen. Nevertheless, the refill hogi has seen better days. It's raw stuff for 24 years old.
I don't normally watch to hear you slate a whisky but I must admit to waiting with some anticipation for your reaction to that Australian whisky. I've tried it, and it's the only time I've used 'dirt' and 'boiled asparagus' in my tasting notes. It's up there (or rather down there) with the most unpleasant whiskies I've tried, but it certainly wasn't dull. I'm writing this as I listen to the start of the video so I'm not sure how you've responded yet...
Hi Andrew. Many thanks for your comments. I must admit that 'boiled asparagus' wasn't something that sprang to mind when tasting that whisky. Believe me, it certainly wasn't the worst whisky that I've ever tasted. I suppose you could say that it was 'interesting', but I don't know too many people that would part with over a hundred quid for interesting.
Hi Alistair. Thanks for the comment. I have been doing Zoom tasting evenings for work throughout the lockdown and beyond. Last months (August) was the first face-to-face tasting evening since February 2020. Although virtual tasting were fun, there is nothing like being in the same room as a group.
Hi Chris, Great show once again and with a very interesting line-up. Good to see consistency from Dufftown, plumbing the depths as usual. However, you can only review what's in front of you and as long as your review is honest I don't see why Cadenhead's would be offended. They bottle many, many great whiskies and there's bound to be the occasional 'Duffer' (your joke not mine). I like the idea that you sample everything before you decide to stock it. In my opinion, as a form of quality control it appears to work as I haven't had a poor bottling yet from you. So, if a company sends you an iffy sample then they only have themselves to blame if you don't subsequently stock it. Looking forward to next week already. Cheers!!
Thanks for your comments. Obviously I respect your opinion, but all I can say is that I am 100% honest and I have extremely high standards. Yes, there are some types of whisky that I'm not a huge fan of but I always approach them with an open mind and will always give praise where it is due, but although there are a number of superb whiskies bottled there are some, that are just not worth the price tag.
Not many successes in that one for you Chris! Constructive and honest as per, great review again.
Thanks Andy. Given that I had no input over this weeks line up, it meant that I couldn't 'curate' the line up, so there were indeed more misses than hits.
Thanks Chris!
No worries!
Great review! The axis of evil hasn’t been referenced for a while! Dickel whisky is fabulous!
Thanks Andy. No, it's ben some time!
Haha enjoyed this one. Lots of 'surprises'
Glad you enjoyed it. It was a fun episode to do!
Jeez, Chris, if I lived in Nottingham or the neighbourhood I'd join that tasting in a jiffy. I live in Brum and it's just too far of a journey. I'd love to meet you and be part of the fun of a tasting. C'mon Nottingham, support your local retailer and expert! Interesting line up and some of the findings here kind of touch on some of my previous comments. I recently bought a bottle of OMC Benrinnes 24 (refilled hogshead) and it was not what I expected. In a blind session I doubt most would think it older than 8 years old at most. Pure blend filler and this kind of thing is happening too often. Nice bourbon (Yes, I know) to wrap things up. Cheers.
Hi WT. Thanks for the support as always. The thing with Benrinnes is that it's output is so variable. The distillery is distinctly eccentric, almost to the point of weirdness. It features two sets of three stills, which work together as a trio, which results in a sort of partial triple distillation. The final spirit is then run through external chilled worm tubs, so sometimes you get a full on meaty bottling, but at other time a more traditional spey. Basically you just haven’t got a clue what you are going to get, when you pick a bottle of Benrinnes off the shelf. It’s possibly the ultimate game of whisky Russian roulette!
@@TheGoodDramShow That's interesting to hear. Actually, one my all time most interesting whiskies (in a good way) was a 19 year old Benrinnes bottled by Robert Graham a few years back, A unique flavour is all I can say but it hit my sweet spot. I still have one bottle left in the bunker. I'll admit the one I was griping about has improved as the fill level has gone down and it's had some time and oxygen. Nevertheless, the refill hogi has seen better days. It's raw stuff for 24 years old.
I don't normally watch to hear you slate a whisky but I must admit to waiting with some anticipation for your reaction to that Australian whisky. I've tried it, and it's the only time I've used 'dirt' and 'boiled asparagus' in my tasting notes. It's up there (or rather down there) with the most unpleasant whiskies I've tried, but it certainly wasn't dull. I'm writing this as I listen to the start of the video so I'm not sure how you've responded yet...
Hi Andrew. Many thanks for your comments. I must admit that 'boiled asparagus' wasn't something that sprang to mind when tasting that whisky. Believe me, it certainly wasn't the worst whisky that I've ever tasted. I suppose you could say that it was 'interesting', but I don't know too many people that would part with over a hundred quid for interesting.
As always an honest review! Thanks Chris!
Thanks Alan. My pleasure!
Hi Chris have you considered a virtual whisky tasting? Wine Society do a range of tastings + food, I would certainly support if you did.!!
Hi Alistair. Thanks for the comment. I have been doing Zoom tasting evenings for work throughout the lockdown and beyond. Last months (August) was the first face-to-face tasting evening since February 2020. Although virtual tasting were fun, there is nothing like being in the same room as a group.
Hi Chris,
Great show once again and with a very interesting line-up. Good to see consistency from Dufftown, plumbing the depths as usual. However, you can only review what's in front of you and as long as your review is honest I don't see why Cadenhead's would be offended. They bottle many, many great whiskies and there's bound to be the occasional 'Duffer' (your joke not mine).
I like the idea that you sample everything before you decide to stock it. In my opinion, as a form of quality control it appears to work as I haven't had a poor bottling yet from you. So, if a company sends you an iffy sample then they only have themselves to blame if you don't subsequently stock it.
Looking forward to next week already.
Cheers!!
Thanks Philip. I always think, when tasting samples, would I buy it at whatever the price is and if the answer is no then I don't buy it.
I have tried all of the above drams I think you are being a bit harsh
Thanks for your comments. Obviously I respect your opinion, but all I can say is that I am 100% honest and I have extremely high standards. Yes, there are some types of whisky that I'm not a huge fan of but I always approach them with an open mind and will always give praise where it is due, but although there are a number of superb whiskies bottled there are some, that are just not worth the price tag.