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.
Kilchoman 100% Islay Trio
Hughie reignites an old flame - Kilchoman. Specifically their 100% Islay release. Despite the βmonogamyβ of a single distillery and even a single expression, he still manages a little promiscuity by enjoying three at once.
Ardnamurchan Sherry Cask 2024
Something of a late arrival, but it would seem thatβs how long these things take, especially for those of us further away from the source. Folks like Broddy, and his distance from this 2024 Sherry Cask Ardnamurchan.
Kavalan Solist Madeira Cask
Broddy snags a treat - his first ever freebie. But while he assesses this Madeira Cask Kavalan from a local retail community hub, he happens upon a realisation about legacy.
Kingsbarns Duo
West-coast born, but East-coast dwelling, Charlie stands up for Scotlandβs East Neuk. Over two Kingsbarns charmers he asks why thereβs not more fuss made of their whisky renaissance.
Adelphi Ardnamurchan 5yo
Something got in the way of Doogβs enjoyment of whatβs become βhis whiskyβ. 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 Fletchβs bonfire Hughieβs damp campfire?
Johnnie Walker Celebratory Blend 200th Anniversary
In discovering a cracking but largely ignored Johnnie Walker Blend, Wally shares why we donβt talk about - or chase - traffic at Dramface. An odd position, but the whiskyβs great!
Thompson Bros Dufftown 16yo
Ainsley considers the seasonal moods of enjoying our drinks and preferring light and fresh sips in summer weather. Only to throw it all out the window for a banger of an oloroso Thompson Bros Dufftown.
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.
Glasgow 1770 Syrah Cask
Doog came scarily close to declaring a whisky a disaster. Fortunately, a 70cl bottle of Glasgowβs Small Batch Syrah was coincidentally diverted his way to save everyoneβs blushes.
Loch Lomond Limousin Oak
The last of Ogilvieβs auction spoils has him happy. A venture into a new take on a familiar style; a 1st fill French Limousin oak and a single cask Loch Lomond Open Edition from 2020.
Longrow 100Β° Proof
Whisky finds you. Sometimes it has to be found elsewhere and carried in a backpack over borders and mountains, but it finds you. Dougie was found by the latest Longrow 100ΒΊ Proof.
Holyrood Pitch
In his debut, Felix puts forward the case for Scotch whiskyβs restricted innovation as well as an apparently overlooked bottle from Edinburghβs Holyrood; their still available βPitchβ release.
Glasgow 1770 10yo
After yearning for an ex-bourbon unfettered Glasgow release, Ramsay has his wish granted when a ten year old finally drops. A limited milestone it may be, but does it live up to the dream?
Gold Cock 20yo
After preaching about his resolutions to become a little more βscrutinousβ about purchases, an auction offers up a Gold Cock Czech whisky and Earie canβt resist a punt. How did that work out?
Woven Homemade
Dougie needs to bump an order for free shipping and is drawn to a reasonably priced Woven Homemade Blend, which causes him to reflect on how his perspectives have altered immeasurably since the dark days.
Balmenach Indy Quartet
Hamish has fallen down a Balmenach rabbit hole, which means heβs discovered a worm tub rabbit hole. Today, he shares four malts in a vertical line up looking into what the worm tub might be about.
Powers Johnβs Lane 12yo
Ramsay tackles an important aspect of Irish whiskey. Over a glass of Powers Johnβs Lane 12yo, he declares that the category worryingly possesses a distinct lack of transparency.
Lindores Abbey Thiron
In a busy and crowded whisky space, Hamish takes it upon himself to investigate a distillery thatβs been off his radar: Lindores Abbey. Their Thiron annual release brings out the history buff in him.
Benrinnes 12yo Cadenheadβs
After a positive introduction to Benrinnes through the Flora & Fauna in 2022, Ogilvie heads to his check-box auction haul to explore the distillery further. This time with ex-bourbon and Cadenheads.