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.
Orkney Sponge 2005 16yo
Some jobs, such as Ainsley’s, means Christmas is hardly a time of rest; too much work and not enough play. Soon though, a rest and a return to the cabinet finds a Decadent Drinks Old Orkney and a return of the mojo.
Decadent Drinks December 2025
It’s Dougie’s turn to step up with a box of the latest outturn from Decadent Drinks. Like this weekend deep-dive read, it’s no small undertaking. But it starts with an Ardnamurchan, so he’s in…
Decadent Drinks June 2025 Outturn
You’ve asked we do more of these, despite samples being a hot topic at Dramface. Well this time it’s sample-debutant Charlie’s turn with a set of minis from the Decadent Drinks June outturn. How will he get on?
Decadent Drinks May 2025 Outturn
Wally sets aside a day to sit with a line up of Decadent Drinks releases. He uncovers some show stoppers and - remarkably - he can even afford one of them.
Decadent Drinks April 2025 Outturn
Wally decides it’s his turn to try some outturn samples. This time it’s the Decadent Drinks Decadent Drams/Whiskyland April 2025 line up of Spirit of Yorkshire, Inchmurrin, Miltonduff & Imperial.
Ben Nevis Trio
In trying to understand why Ben Nevis is such a ‘connoisseur’s malt’ Ainsley assembles a trio of indies and pours them alongside each other for a cosy night hiding from the Parisian rain.
WhiskySponge Mortlach, Bowmore & Ardmore
As Elis gets to spend a little time with three “try before you buy” banger WhiskySponge releases, he’s prompted to cover the topic of trust and how it’s implicit in everything that works.
Islay 31yo Whisky Sponge Edition No.61
The support act, then the main attraction: a true special release
Dailuaine 1997 Whisky Sponge Edition No.64
A well-presented Speysider - but the floral sweetness is too much
