Six Whiskies and an Armagnac | Various ABV

Comfortable under the tent

I appreciate that people who have long histories with whisky often say there are no “whisky experts”. It’s a purposeful and welcoming statement to allow everyone under the whisky tent - a collaborative embrace affirming that everyone, and their opinions, has a seat at the whisky table.

When I first received the invitation to write for Dramface three years ago I had two conflicting sensations. I was elated to join this group that I admired so very much, and yet I was also dumbstruck that I, a whisky nobody, was invited here to provide my own ramblings as to bottles I had purchased. I did comment aloud as much to my wife, wondering if a mistake had been made giving me keys to the car.

Coming onboard with Dramface has been, in all seriousness, a most wonderful and unexpected fork taken in my road of life and whisky. As a divorce lawyer, and someone who hadn’t had a tremendous history with uisge beatha, I admittedly felt a bit out of my orbit. But I jumped in with both feet.

Since that initial feel-out-of-orbit sensation, I have learned so very much from immersing myself in books and other resources. However, without doubt, the most valuable resources were the pages of Dramface; and even more so, I have learned directly from my fellow contributors – whether reading our group conversations about any and all topics regarding the amber spirit or through the direct discussions with these amazing folk. It’s an embarrassment of riches to have surrounded me. I never would have thought this would be such an educational – as well as enriching – endeavor.

As I sit here and reflect, it seems particularly beyond the realm of reality that I have now been writing for three years and have written more than seventy pieces. Through this effort, my whisky confidence has grown. This has been a blessing beyond words and I thank Captain Wally for taking a punt on an old Yankee lawyer.

And yet . . . when I received a message from the very same Captain last month, I returned to that initial thought from three years ago of feeling a little out of my league. He messaged asking if I would be comfortable receiving the September outturn from Decadent Drinks to review them for Dramface. I hadn’t had this feeling since my initial welcome to the Dramface fold. I felt humbled. To be certain, despite the many stories relayed in my reviews, some serious, some quirky, some personal, some funny, (and I know I speak for everyone here at Dramface) I always take the whisky review part of my submissions very seriously. Again, I know I am no expert. I fully recognize that my whisky experience and tasting library pales in comparison to many on our Dramface team – let alone someone such as a Billy Abbott, David Stirk, Roy Duff, Dave Broom, or Charles MacLean. And that is just fine. But, when I got the nod, it felt . . . serious.

So, upon receipt of this message relaying I would receive the September outturn, while there was excitement, I felt a certain weight hit me. Maybe it was the fact that I was to review whiskies that I had not purchased for myself. Maybe it was the fact that I would be entrusted to give my opinions as to whiskies that I would most likely never see or obtain (I type this as I look at a label showing a 27 year old Deanston at 50.4% ABV). Maybe it was the fact that the Captain has entrusted me with my thoughts as to some very uniquely crafted whiskies. Maybe it was the fact that I would be asked to do reviews of whiskies from samples. Me. The guy who doesn’t have anything near a Charlie MacLean or Serge bandwidth. I’m the guy who loves to relay social interactions, concerns about my kids, and other quirky thoughts and events that I’ve experienced and woven into whisky tales. Me. Heck, I’m the guy who now reviews bourbons and provided a review concerning the unfortunate meeting with blackberry Crown Royal.

I have to admit that it took me a few minutes to digest this and take it all in. And then, a whisky epiphany came to me, which finds me embracing the task at hand with a huge smile on my face.

Among the reasons for the existence of Dramface – in my humble opinion – is for everyone to have a seat at the table. Whisky is about people. Not just some people…everyone. As noted at the beginning of this review, the fact that we eschew anyone saying they are “an expert” is that (1) we are always learning something new, (2) everyone has their own palates and experiences that they bring to the table, and (3) whisky is about, and for, everyone equally.

I am so very grateful to have the opportunity to taste and review these whiskies. As I type this introduction, I have not yet cracked any of them open. They may all be amazing, they all may be duds, or (as I suspect) there may be a wide range of tasting experiences to come. I will do my best – as we always do – to give you the honest and serious descriptions for each. And in so doing, I thank Captain Wally for his trust, and I also thank each and every reader for whom I hope to provide some insight about some liquid that you soon might find at a local retailer or online.

That initial pause of weight and reflection is long gone and I am excited for the opportunity. The smile lingers, and I head to the table to start my first rounds of nosing and tasting.

Review 1/7

Mannochmore 15yo, Equinox & Solstice Autumn 2025, refill hogsheads, 48.5% ABV
£85 still some availability

The box I received from Decadent Drinks with the samples inside did not provide any information. No indications of how the respective samples were aged or finished. The only information I have for each of these samples is what is on the small sample-size bottles’ labels:

Name of distillery, if available. Age of liquid. ABV. That’s it.

The first out of the box is the Mannochmore.

I have not had many experiences with Mannochmore, but what has passed over my lips has uniformly been wonderful. Mannochmore is the liquid I used to sway my new pal, Lev. The expression I shared with Lev was sherry-cask matured. By contrast, the Mannochmore before me appears to be from ex-bourbon casks. I am intrigued to be re-acquainted with some Mannochmore – and having it at 15 years with a healthy 48.5% ABV promises to aid in what should be a solid pour.

From Decadent Drinks:

This year's Autumn edition of Equinox & Solstice is a small batch, 15 year old Mannochmore created from marrying together two refill hogsheads and bottling with slight reduction at this series trademark bottling strength of 48.5%. It's a waxy, fruity, warming and luscious dram. Perfect cosy accompaniment for Autumn.

Score: 7/10

**Very Good Indeed.**
***TL;DR***
*Exactly what I was expecting, in a good way*

Nose

Soft. Peaches. White grapes. Floral. Orange pith bordering on marmalade. Barley sugar. Apricots. Melted creamsicle.

Palate

Immediate prickle, which surprises me as this is only 48.5% ABV. Casaba melon. Marmalade and white stone fruits. This gives a lovely tart/bitter taste vs. sweetness. Pears and apricots. Dried mango. Sugar at the bottom of a cup of oolong tea. A subtle mellow spice like nutmeg? Maybe allspice? brings it all together.

The Dregs

When I was a boy, every now and then my parents would treat my brother and I to dinner at the nearby Chinese restaurant. My brother and I would put a large sugar cube into our small cups for our tea. The best part was getting to the tea/sugar sludge at the bottom. A hint of that taste – taking me back 50 years – is here in this Mannochmore.

A different take on my sherry cask matured bottle I shared with Lev. That said, the distillate remains so very good: soft, layered, and interesting. A great bottle and one that doesn’t need to shout or use gimmickry from overtly active casks. The distillate quietly shines. This is comfort whisky, not unlike wearing your favorite sweatshirt that is worn, soft, but not yet started to fray. IFYKYK…

Score: 7/10

Review 2/7

Balous Bas-Armagnac, 2014, 53.3% ABV
£95 still some availability

Second out of the box is a Bas-Armagnac. When I retrieved this sample, I froze. I have never had Armagnac before. Who am I to give an adequate assessment of a spirit of which I am unfamiliar? And yet, perhaps I am the best person to assess this spirit as I have utterly no preconceptions about Armagnac; I am a blank slate. And so, with more than a bit of curiosity, I pour the Armagnac and give it time to breathe.

From Decadent Drinks:

A 2014 single-cask Armagnac from the southern edge of Gascony, distilled from 100% Baco and bottled at 53.3%. It’s lean, structured, and stubborn in all the right ways. Pineapple skins, green tannins, sharp stone fruits, and a dry finish that grips like a handshake from someone who makes their own vinegar. Funky, floral, slightly feral, a rural Gascon time capsule with no gloss and no forgiveness. One for the romantics and masochists alike.

Score: 4/10

**Some promise.**
***TL;DR***
*One small step for man. One giant leap for Ogilvie Shaw*

Nose

Ooof. Limburger or some soft and pungent cheese. Tinned shoe polish. I go away from the glass two or three times, and each time, the same. If I stick with it, the cheese and shoe polish scents dissipate enough to reveal some caramel. Unripe and hard plums. Cream cheese icing from a carrot cake.

Palate

Artificial vanilla. Medicinal. Figs. Tannic. Tangy and very sharp. I can detect some white stone fruits and wafts of floral notes. That lactic, cheesy funk lingers about. I am trying to parse out other flavors, but this is a challenge. Regardless of anything else, I can affirmatively say that this dram grips you. The finish is not short, but it is drying on the tongue…and it does not compel me to want another sip.

The Dregs

As is my habit, I do not go looking online for any information about bottles - or, in this case, samples - I am reviewing until after I have finished my nosing and tasting notes. I do so after my efforts as I am curious to know what the distiller or brand says about its own wares – the provenance, the casks used, the finishes, and what the distiller or brand has to say about its own liquid.

Before I get to what I found, I have to reiterate that I was slightly terrified to provide this review of Armagnac. It is something that I didn’t get along with and, to be overly generous, I simply did not enjoy. I thought it a very tough tasting as I was convinced that either I didn’t know any better or there were things my palate could not adequately process. And then, after I finished my review, I went to the Decadent Drinks website. This is what they said about their own offering:

“Grips like a handshake from someone who makes their own vinegar.”

“Slightly feral”

“One for the . . . masochists”

I can’t begin to tell you what a relief it was to read their write up…

Interesting, challenging, but not my jam.

Score: 4/10

Review 3/7

Blended Scotch Whisky, 12yo, 53% ABV
£85 still some availability

The next out of the box was a blended Scotch. I was excited for this. I am starting to get a taste for grain whiskies and it’s helping me appreciate blends.

No doubt, however, like anything else, there are really good and really poor examples. On the poor side, grain whisky can overwhelm with a super glue-type chemical note, often referred to in reviews as PVA glue. However, with older stock that has been treated well in good casks, grain whisky can be a revelation of creaminess and smooth flavors.

A good grain can provide some unexpected magic in the glass. With that, I am looking forward to this…especially after the “slightly feral” previous offering.

Score: 8/10

**Something special.**
***TL;DR***
*Pronounced older grain makes for a special dram*

Nose

Immediately I sense an old grain whisky in this blend. Not quite PVA glue as is often relayed, but something slight; a bit chemically sweet but not off-putting in any way – instead, rather intriguing and inviting. Touch of cantaloupe. Brown sugar cookies. The colour of this whisky would belie some wine or sherried influence, and it translates to the nose with some light wafts of red stone fruits. Whipped cream and a hint of malt. Celery salt. White grapes. A Royal Brackla-esque sherried style peeks around the corner.

Palate

Creamy. Rich, and surprisingly so for the 12 year old notation on the label. Prunes and dates. Hint of citrus, perhaps pith of a lime? Overlaying this is custard with boysenberry jam. Tongue coating. Silky and yet a bit prickly at the same time. A bit of toffee. The grain in this whisky gives it a lovely change of pace, a lovely texture, and more than a bit of richness. At the finish, a hint of pipe tobacco which is lovely.

The Dregs

Score one for the grain whisky in this glass! It isn’t to say that the single malt with which it was blended is poor – no, not by any means, but I would guess that the grain whisky in this glass is easily 25 years old and has been treated well in that time with good casks. The 12 year old single malt holds its own and mixes with its grain sibling very well. Overall, a very nice example of a blended Scotch. If the price of this bottle was reasonable (I have no idea of the price for any of these samples), it would be a permashelf whisky.

As noted above with the Armagnac, I went to the Decadent Drams website after finishing my nosing, tasting, and review. I’m very glad to say that my taste buds and assumptions were on the mark.

From Decadent Drinks:

"We don’t usually dabble in blends. Angus will happily remind anyone that he’s an “out and proud malt snob” nine days out of ten. But every now and then, fate drops something into your lap that’s too good to ignore.

In this case, it was a tiny parcel of very old, very low-strength North of Scotland grain whisky from 1973. The kind of spirit that practically begs to be given a stage rather than left gathering dust. We married it with sherry-matured blended malt, then folded in a few venerable Speyside malts (peated and unpeated) before giving the whole lot over a year’s rest in a refill sherry hogshead. The result was bottled at a judicious 53%, a few degrees down for balance and drinkability.

For the label, there was only one choice: Charlie MacLean. The original champion of blended Scotch, whisky legend, friend, and inspiration. If anyone deserves to front our first foray into blends, it’s him.

This isn’t just a blend; it’s a love letter to the category from a bunch of supposed malt snobs. And if you’re going to break your own rules, you might as well do it properly."

Surprisingly, to me, this could the best of the lot. Rich, creamy, balanced, full of layered flavors, and that sweet tobacco note is the icing on this dram. Well done.

Score: 8/10

Review 4/7

Deanston 27yo, 1997 distilled, refill hogshead, 50.4% ABV
£285 still some availability

Of all the samples, this label brought the biggest expectation. I have had Deanston, but only the Virgin Oak and the standard 12 year old. I have heard from my fellow Dramfacers and all of you amazing Dramface readers and commenters of splendid Deanston expressions with older age statements. This would be my first foray into that realm and I walk through the door with a smile on my face and eager anticipation.

From Decadent Drinks:

A beautifully old-school Highland single malt, distilled in 1997 and patiently aged for 27 years in a modest refill hogshead. Bottled at natural cask strength, this whisky showcases Deanston’s wonderfully waxy, distillate-driven style at its purest. Rich, elegant, and deeply characterful, it’s a classic example of long maturation done right: no frills, just exceptional spirit allowed to shine.

Score: 6/10

**Good stuff.**
***TL;DR***
*My expectations may have got in the way here*

Nose

A quiet and reserved nose. Lemon meringue pie. Floral. Honeysuckle brambles. Stewed plums are here. Citrus zest.

Palate

Light zest of orange. A bit of malt. Lemons. A bit waxy, which gives this a nice texture. Oat bread with honey drizzled on it. Light spice but still carries a prickle in my cheeks. Mid-palate I have the sensation of ripe grapefruit bringing a complimentary mix of sweet and tart elements. Floral.

The Dregs

Perhaps it was my own expectations of what this would be that have left me a bit deflated. To be sure, this is good whisky, and my deflation may be that I thought we’d be starting at an 8/10 rating. Now that I type this, yes, I am sure, actually, that my expectations are the cause of my mini let-down. Placing my expectations aside, I recognize this to be a good whisky. Good, but not great. It is quite nice, no doubt about it. But it is missing something that would elevate it. I think of Murdo and his love for Deanston and I want so very much to find something in the glass to warrant a higher score, but I just can’t find it here. No; the 27 year age stated Deanston did not knock me on my backside. Nonetheless, this is still a solid dram. Very close to a 7/10, but not quite over the hump – especially compared to the 7s in this lineup.

Score: 6/10

Review 5/7

Glencadam 13yo, 2012 distilled, refill barrel, 53% ABV
£95 still some availability

Dramface recently unveiled its refresh of the Top 40 Distilleries. Glencadam was last rated at #19. It remained steady and remains at position #19. Recognised, but treading in the middle of the Top 40. The Dramface rankings appear to underscore and emphasize this indifference. Glencadam is, to me, an underrated distillery. I am not sure why. Truly, every time I have a dram of Glencadam I am left wondering why I don’t search out bottles from this label more often. I believe I am not alone.

Now, pulling this sample from the box and seeing a Glencadam of 13 years and 53% ABV, the smile emerges as I’m greeted with a pour from my overlooked distillery.

From Decadent Drinks:

From a single refill barrel distilled in 2012, this 13-year-old Glencadam has been bottled with a touch of reduction at 53%. The result is a dram that lets the distillery’s character shine in full voice: bright, juicy fruit wrapped around that wonderfully malty, old-school undercarriage Glencadam does so well.

A whisky that’s equal parts charm and backbone, offering pure distillery character with just the right amount of polish.

Score: 8/10

**Something special.**
***TL;DR***
*A great example from one of the most underrated distilleries of our time*

Nose

Lovely Glencadam signature: clean and understated. Nilla wafers. Candied ginger. Clotted cream and peaches.

Palate

Vanilla custard. Gingersnap cookies. Hint of banana. After a few seconds, hints of crisp white wine. An understated wave of white chocolate comes forward. Fruit and cereal. Fruity and malty. At the end, a cool menthol-ish sensation washes over my palate and I love that – quite refreshing.

The Dregs

So, here I am once again wondering why I don’t search out more bottles of Glencadam to have muled to me in the whisky desert. This sample is wonderful.

It brilliantly showcases the clean, simple, and lovely Glencadam spirit. The bourbon casks used here are, to my taste, not first-fill as I get a more-distillate forward experience. It shines. Very smart move (if I am correct) by Decadent Drinks to avoid active casks and let the spirit shine.

Did I mention that this dram shines in its simplicity?

Score: 8/10

Review 6/7

Old Pulteney 11yo, 2013 distilled, first-fill bourbon barrel, 53% ABV
£95 still some availability

If the Mannochmore and the Glencadam brought with them positive expectations, the single malt that gave a bit of trepidation was this Old Pulteney. I reviewed the standard OB Old Pulteney 12 a while ago and I was not shy about my disapproval.

That OB was a watery and watered-down embarrassment to a label that I had heard provided some amazing liquid. As with the Deanston, I have heard people rave about Old Pulteney single malt that is aged well and not watered down. I have always passed on the few bottles of Old Pulteney that I have come across after buying the 12 year old. I have cautious optimism that some unadulterated Pulteney will be eye-opening.

From Decadent Drinks:

Distilled in 2013 and matured in a first-fill bourbon barrel, this 11-year-Old Pulteney comes bottled at 53% after a touch of reduction. It’s a whisky that wears its coastal roots proudly: rich, briny backbone, flashes of freshness, and the sturdy Highland heft that makes Pulteney such a favourite.

A dram that captures the character of the north-east shore in full sail – bold, bright, and unmistakably maritime.

Nose

Moist vanilla pipe tobacco. Slight bit of minerality (is it really here, or am I looking for it?). If it’s here, it’s not significant. Quiet nose. Chalky. I keep searching and spend a longer time nosing than usual. This is a very pleasant nose, but I can’t seem to parse out specific flavors. After a while, a bit of banana. Pear nectar. Fruit cocktail.

Palate

Lovely texture. A bit creamy. A hint of brininess is here with white pepper and that fruit cocktail note. Waft of juniper (the scent you get running among, and brushing against, juniper bushes…that scent is here). Background of vanilla and raw honeycomb. A not-insubstantial finish with that pear nectar flavor and some mineralic barley sugar…if that makes any sense.

The Dregs

A very pleasant surprise. This is the Old Pulteney liquid that I have heard about, and I am glad to finally have an introduction to it. This isn’t shouty or bold as one would think a 53% ABV dram might offer. I was surprised by the creaminess yet quiet nature of the dram. Very pleasant and one that has changed my outlook on this distillery. This offering is a good bottle to have on the shelf.

Score: 7/10

Review 7/7

Bunnahabhain 12yo, refill barrels and fresh sherry casks, 57.1% ABV
£95 still some availability

Bunnahabhain has been a favorite of mine. Between my first years of whisky exploration and my visit to the distillery in 2022, Bunnahabhain could do no wrong. And then, chinks in the armor appeared with the standard 12 year old ebbing in quality over the past few years. Even one of their 12 year old cask strength releases was a bit flat. My Bunnahabhain batteries were recharged recently after I rewarded myself with a 2018 bottling of Bunna 12. I found that at an auction and reviewed it here. That dusty bottling re-acquainted me with, and reminded me of, how wonderfully solid and robust their 12 year old spirit could be.

From Decadent Drinks:

A whisky with salt on its lips and stories to tell. This 12-year-old Bunnahabhain spent its life balanced between refill wood and fresh sherry casks (roughly half and half), drawing on the best of both: the distillery’s coastal soul sharpened by refill, and its richness deepened by sherry.

We bottled it with a few degrees knocked back to 57.1% – our favourite strength, where the spirit shows muscle and clarity without losing finesse.

This is whisky for derring-do, for bold adventures and sea-swept journeys, for maps that end at the horizon and stories that begin in the glass.

Score: 7/10

**Very good indeed.**
***TL;DR***
*A wonderful reminder of what the Islay stalwart can be*

Nose

Dusty oak and dry sherry. Cinnamon and dried figs. Floral with a waft of malt. Well-worn leather jackets. No peat. Hint of cashews.

Palate

Buttery. A very nice texture. Sherry influence is here, but not overly so. Cinnamon and dried fruits. Raisins. Dark chocolate. Hint of ginger and baking spices. Mid-palate comes a waft of my mother’s rum cake (base of which was vanilla cake and the rum was a dark or spiced rum) and a hint of cream soda. At the finish, there is a sour/bitter note that doesn’t offend, but seems out of place. That is accompanied by a nice spice prickle.

The Dregs

This 12 year old Bunnahabhain reminds me of the flavors that brought me into the Bunna fan-boy realm in the first place. It is a wonderful reminder of the spirit and what it can be. I am hopeful that the OB 12 year olds can rebound a bit, but until I am proved wrong otherwise – stick to the IBs and take a chance at the OB 12 year old cask strength versions (my last 12 year old CS was rather good).

As for this expression from Decadent Drinks they treated the distillate so very well with the sherry cask and it’s a lovely dram. It is my guess that this is a sherry cask finished whisky instead of having aged for its life in sherry casks. There doesn’t seem to be an overly pronounced sherry influence – i.e. this is not a sherry bomb.

Maybe I am wrong about the casking/finishing. That said, this is Bunna with sherry cask influences done very well.

Score: 7/10

The Final Dregs

First and foremost, I want to relay that for these tastings, which took a long time with seven samples - nosed and tasted each at two separate sittings – I did not use any water to dilute and compare. Because I am reviewing samples I did not have a tremendous amount of liquid with which to sacrifice to water dilution experimentation. Rather, I sat with each sample at two different sittings – most being on two different days, and with a few having tastings in the morning and then in the evening.

This has been an enriching experience for me, and again, I thank our Captain for trusting in ol’ Ogilvie to give these samples some scrutiny…even the bas-Armagnac.

I will end where I started. I am thankful for being under the collaborative and inviting whisky community umbrella. Glad to be with you all. And glad to share my mildly experienced two cents.

I hope it’s been useful.

For the love of God, I need some water!

Tried this? Share your thoughts in the comments below. OS

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