Whisky Reviews
Here you'll find honest opinions, thoughtful analysis and the occasional disagreement, because no two palates are quite the same. We review widely, score reluctantly and remain convinced that whisky is far more interesting than the numbers attached to it.
Agreement is optional; curiosity is encouraged.
Official vs Indy: Balvenie
Continuing his series, this time Charlie visits Balvenie. While the outcome might be - for us - expected, it lights his interest in yet another distillate that is usually otherwise obscured from us. A bonus from Kininvie appears too.
Thompson Bros Sutherland 5yo
Facing the challenges of restraint, Mason tackles the inevitable fallout of over-accumulation. We can all relate. That said, it doesn’t stop him from buying a backup of this Thompson Bros Sutherland.
Wire Works Heritage Chevallier
Reflecting on a wonderful Independent Spirits Festival in Leith, Wally considers what was missed, what could be better and what’s under our noses, like this amazing Wire Works Heritage Chevallier.
Ardnahoe 5yo Skerryvore XX
The second Ardnahoe in two weeks at Dramface. Maybe it’s going to be another good year for Islay’s newest malt. Charlie evaluates the Skerryvore XX special limited edition from 2025.
Ardnahoe Cask Strength
Reading this would make you consider we have a recruitment academy. We don’t, but it’s nice to see enthusiastic learning, such as both Dramface & Ardnahoe Cask Strength inspiring our Archie.
Meikle Tòir 5yo The Turbo
On his 3rd attempt, Felix manages to snag a Meikle Tòir - The Turbo; an annual peat bomb that has always intrigued him. However, with time to interrogate, it gives him the toughest of scoring quandaries.
Fragrant Drops Holyrood 5yo
Through adventures of European culture, Ainsley gives us an insight into taking a break from the intensity of Paris and whisky, before returning to some tasty Holyrood from Fragrant Drops.
Springbank 5yo 100º Proof
A typically meandering Wally thought piece as he asks himself - based on his perspective and experience, is Springbank’s shiny new 5yo 100º Proof worth the same price level as their 10yo?
Ardnamurchan Quartet
Covering four Ardnamurchans in one sitting, Dougie eventually discovers something he’s been searching for in whisky - that mysterious ‘effervescence’. Perfect that it comes from his beloved Ardna.
Thompson Brothers Mystery Malt Series 2
We take a break from our summer, erm, break, to bring an epic team Dramface pile-on for the Thompson Brothers’ Mystery Malt Series No.2. Let’s see if we all pay attention to the try-it-blind memo this time.
Glasgow 1770 Constantia
A shipping miscommuniqué sees various Dramface team members end up with whisky they didn’t expect. This time it’s Glasgow’s 1770 Constantia and it means three can join in on the review.
Adelphi Ardnamurchan 5yo
Something got in the way of Doog’s enjoyment of what’s become ‘his whisky’. Fortunately for all, he worked out what it was, and faced it down. He bring us a MacLean & Bruce 5yo Ardnamurchan to share all.
Glasgow 1770 Pineau Des Charentes
Some whiskies split the crowd. At Dramface, we have the luxury of occasionally being able to harness that. Like this Glasgow 1770 Pineau Des Charentes. Is Fletch’s bonfire Hughie’s damp campfire?
Glasgow 1770 Syrah Cask
Doog came scarily close to declaring a whisky a disaster. Fortunately, a 70cl bottle of Glasgow’s Small Batch Syrah was coincidentally diverted his way to save everyone’s blushes.
Ardnahoe Duo
Wally kicks things off for 2025 with Ardnahoe’s core range Infinite Loch & exclusive Society bottling and hopes that they are harbingers of what could follow in whisky’s New Year.
Millstone Heavy Peated Palo Cortado
Broddy’s favourite distillery, Millstone, collides with his favourite sherry cask, just as the owner is hosting tastings in his local retailers, but it’s his wife’s birthday. We know what happens, don’t we.
Glasgow 5yo
What happens when you win at a whisky auction then don't pay up? Doog finds out. Being something of a sniper these days, he also finds a bargain Glasgow 5yo banger by Finn Thomson.
Caol Ila 12yo vs 5 Indys
Weekend sorted: exploring the idea you can't screw up a Caol Ila, Tav earns a gold star by lining up 5 indy bangers and comparing them all to the classic official 12yo.
Ardnamurchan 5yo
Continuing our quiet nod to Ardnamurchan's 10 years making whisky, Nick chimes in with a 5yo oloroso Single Cask Nation bottling. But would he invite it to dinner?
Kilchoman Madeira Cask
Murdo admitting to having to much whisky to his wife doesn’t prevent her from finding him a thoughtful gift. A nice Madeira cask Kilchoman. Her reason for selecting it is curious too.