Roseisle 12yo 2023 Special Releases
Murdo puts forward the case for flexibility; to be seduced by quality and value over brands. Which, ironically, has him visit a brand that’s often rudely referred to as Diageo’s Death Star - Roseisle.
Linkwood 10yo Signatory
A self-declared lover of anything Linkwood, even Murdo has to admit that sometimes it is possible to find something you don’t enjoy - despite expecting to. Case in point - a 10yo Signatory Linkwood.
Glendronach 21yo
With a rare glimpse into Murdo’s home life, he shares a tale with a bottle that has become something of a domestic icon for him. A vintage Glendronach 21yo(?) from 2021.
Clynelish 9yo - Thompson Bros Mystery Malt
Murdo’s review of a Thompson Bros Mystery Malt Series 2 Clynelish is actually more a tale of sharing, generosity and community. With a little critical thought about the concept thrown in.
Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition
Continuing our Friday cocktail theme, Murdo bottle swaps to try a take on a somewhat famous whisky mixed drink: the Smokey Cokey with Lagavulin Distilller’s Edition. The whisky’s reviewed too, ‘course.
Nikka Coffey Malt
In a follow up to yesterday’s serendipitous collaborative review, we interrogate the purpose and provenance of Nikka’s Coffey Malt. It’s something of an odd fish that we seem to, oddly, appreciate.
Nikka Coffey Grain
The Colonials try to find a good bottle they can review as a collaboration. This is harder than you might imagine, given regional availability, but they settle on an enigma: Nikka’s Coffey Grain.
Star Hill Farm Inaugural
Murdo considers the gamble each time we purchase a bottle of something new - the gamble of value. Even when he reaches out to a Dramface peer for this Star Hill Farm, he can’t be assured a good deal.
Glencadam 15yo
Today Murdo reveals his milestone epiphanies and, specifically, how they led to appreciating more spirit-forward drams such as the classic Glencadam 15yo. Calder chips in from Oz too.
Linkwood 17yo 100º Proof
Nothing in life is free. Murdo has a think about this as he considers who is the ‘product’ in any of our modern whisky day transactions, while sharing another Linkwood banger from Signatory.
Dailuaine 2015 (w) Thompson Bros
Murdo riffs off a recent Ainsley piece where he explored the concept of wax in whisky. After tracking down a bottle of Thompson Bros Dailuaine celebrated for ‘wax’, he feels ready to share.
Linkwood-Glenlivet 1987
Did our challenging times during Lockdown actually offer us a few silver linings? Murdo offers a few possible examples which endure for him today, including discovering this knockout Cadenhead’s Linkwood.
Ardray Blended Scotch
Whisky quest at Singapore’s Changi Airport.: The saleswoman leads Murdo down the Travel Retail isles and pulls out this Blended Scotch by Ardray. Is she a true whisky sage or a master of sales magic?
Glenfarclas Cask Strength Comparison
As a firm fan of Glenfarclas, Murdo is frustrated by weak and unreliable official bottles - despite good prices. In today’s comparison of two fully natural releases, he makes an enthusiast’s plea.
Clynelish Distillery Hand-Fill
The last piece in the trilogy of Murdo’s trip to Scotland and the Highlands, touring Dornoch and Clynelish. Over a pricey distillery hand-fill Clynelish he reflects on what made it all so special.
Thompson Bros Teaninich 12yo
Murdo’s Whisky Monday saga continues; a Tomatin trip then north to Dornoch Castle. Showing remarkable restraint, he returns home to his Thompson Bros 2009 Teaninich 12yo to reminisce.
Springbank Cage Duo
It’s been weeks since Murdo joined the fun in Glasgow, but he’s still buzzing about all the fun; and the people who have become friends since. He reminisces over two Springbank Cage prizes.
Deanston Lepanto Distillery Exclusive
Put off by the VC prices, Murdo heads home only to regret not buying. Still dreaming of that warehouse tasting, he heads back once more, halfway around the world for a memorable Deanston.
Glentauchers 1997
Murdo is invited to present interesting whiskies to a group of wine lovers, searching for bold flavours and hooks, he makes a slight error skips this beautiful Glentauchers from Signatory.
Bruichladdich Ternary Project
After some self-indulgent discussions via the Dramface podcast, Murdo weighs in with his own takes; on writing, scoring and responsibility, while enjoying a very rare Bruichladdich.