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.
Crolly Irish Single Malt
Hamish has re-evaluated things and set himself some mindful goals. He thinks whisky could do well to consider the same. He gets contemplative with a bottle of brand new Crolly Irish Single Malt.
Macallan Harmony Collection Edition 6
Somehow, Charlie ends up buying a bottle of Macallan’s Harmony Collection. As a Dramface regular, he should know better, but the story of why is an interesting one; we can all relate.
Hawaiian Bourbon Duo
Broddy recommends everyone gives in to holiday whisky-souvenir purchases, as he reaches for a summer pour that instantly transports him back in time to family fun in Hawaii.
Jackton’s RAER Inaugural
Looking back on a plethora of inaugural bottlings from all these new distilleries in recent years has Gilbert realising it’s hard to keep up. This time it’s Jackton’s turn with their RAER Inaugural.
Holyrood Pitch
After following in whisky’s footsteps for many years, Fergus is shocked when he stumbles over some early-days tasting notes. He’s come a long way, but is he up to Holyrood’s Pitch?
Glenrothes - Official vs Indy
In Charlie’s distillery deep-dives and comparisons, the indies have always won out. However, could a naturally coloured official Glenrothes turn that around? He tries two of them alongside two Cadenhead’s releases..
Nc’Nean Huntress Duo
Ogilvie leads as he, Archie and Eallair team up on a duo of special releases from Nc’Nean. Supplied through Nick, each of them have a go at Edition 4 ‘ Lemon Meadow’ and 5 “Malted Teacake”.
White Peak Wire Works Duo
Murdo knows what to look out for while travelling. Some of the things he’s really keen to try just don’t make it to his native Hong Kong. Like these Wire Works souvenirs he grabbed from The Whisky Exchange.
Compass Box Nectarosity
In an attempt to get back to basics, Archie rekindles some fun in whisky with the assistance of the playful and bright fruit-punch from Compass Box: their Nectarosity release.
Glen Moray Classic
In railing against the addition of colour and chill-filtering, Mason is tripped up by a bargain-basement Glen Moray Classic. He’s forced to apply some pragmatism and just appreciate what it is.
Arran Signature Series Trio
Broddy has been squirrelling the releases from Arran in the Signature Series - so far. With a fourth edition imminent, he brings us his thoughts on the first three, and there’s a clear favourite.
Official vs Indy: Royal Lochnagar
In another of Charlies series, he looks at the exact opposite of Diageo’s so-called ‘workhorse’ distilleries. This time it’s the tiny Royal Lochnagar, a rare thing indeed, and finding an indy proves tricky.
Overeem Collective Club Exclusive
After not insignificant conflict caused by a mighty customs bill, Earie is left reflecting on all of the positive connections and events brought by whisky. An exotic Overeem from a maple syrup cask is in the glass.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof
Once in a store, Ogilvie heartily recommended this Jack Daniels Barrel Proof to an acquaintance. When he returns to a bottle three years later, he realises some things change, if fact sometimes everything does.
Torabhaig Taigh
Kindred spirits Archie and Charlie collab on one of their favourites: Torabhaig. This time it’s all about their new Taigh core release and the meaning of home, with summery pics of California and Scotland.
Macallan Night on Earth: First Light
In a hurry to get to funner places, Wally phoned one in. This time it’s a limited edition Macallan, and there’s nothing - yet somehow everything - wrong with it.
Official vs Indy: Dalmore
The gateway dram for Charlie was a Dalmore 18 year old. We all start somewhere. In this instalment of his indy vs official series he tackles Dalmore once more. Four of them.
Aberargie Inaugural
Archie takes a stroll down Memory Lane to share tales of his early attempts to ‘sell himself’; a pre-modern day influencer. He thinks of how things are so much different as the brand-new Aberargie arrives.
Aber Falls Madeira Cask
Some distilleries deserve a second chance, such as this Aber Falls Welsh single malt. Their clumsy start was arguably to aim too cheap. Others however, make a second chance a hard sell.
Shieldaig Oloroso Cask
Archie happens upon a ‘distillery’ he’s never heard of. This ‘Shieldaig’ turns out to be a branded malt, which is fine. It has a purpose. Just like Dramface, which he also wants to discuss a little.