In the four years and 1400+ reviews on Dramface, weβve only ever scored one 10/10. Until today. Murdo shares an under-the-radar old-school Signatory Glenturret which brought a tear, and full marks.
Ainsley returns from his first visit to Glasgow, low on health and finances, but high on life. He shares why; but needs to pull Wally in for a review of a special Glasgow oloroso single cask.
Tyree doubles down on two drams and finds that Glenlivetβs Licensed Dram is a worthy successor to the Illicit Still β plus a very special Port Ellen follow up review.
Wally has a new obsession, which is troubling because it was sold out in a day and heβs fast getting through the only bottle he has. Bruichladdichβs Greener Still hits the spot, just as heβd hoped.
Six - yes six - from Cut Your Wolf Loose today. In a remarkably candid piece, our LA resident Archie reflects on a tumultuous professional path to date, all to explain his love for art - and independence.
Fletch remains distracted by other projects, but heβs had such a moment with a Glen Scotia special that heβs had to stop and check in, just to share the joy of what a special whisky can do.
Wally βforgetsβ to forward on the set from Decadent Drams showcasing their June outturn. Luckily, there are some quite spectacular treats inside, including a 52yo Glen Garioch.
A nostalgic look back in time with Broddy. As he sips an ancient and lost style of Loch Lomond, perhaps never intended to reach 30yo, he thinks back to how things were once made differently.
A curious set of preview samples from Bruichladdich to review. These will be released in 2026 to celebrate their 25 years of revival. Wally is happy he kept them for himself this time.
As well as sharing his thoughts on a selection of Decadent Drinks recent outturn, Ainsley also shares his thoughts on his latest visit to the Independent Spirits Festival in Leith.
Whatβs better than a single Springbank 12 Cask Strength review? Three reviews of course. After a short Dramface break, we return with batches 26 through 28 in Archieβs glass. Heβs a happy man.
The hardest questions in whisky? βWhatβs your favourite?β However, at this moment in time, Hamish has an answer. Today, he shares his all-time favourite whisky! An SMWS Ardmore.
After finally hooking up with some fellow Dramface pals in Glasgow, Ogilvie has to confess a feeling of giddiness. He cracks a Glasgow Distillery souvenir to help recall how great it was to render things real.
Ainsley is full of excuses: Brexit, holidays, distractions, work, being French. Eventually, he gets around to sharing some beauties from Decadent Drinks. The good news; theyβre belters & mostly still about.
Wally finally cracks open a bottle thatβs been around for so long it became a burden of anxiety. Now that itβs open; howβs he feeling about having a 40yo Strathisla on the shelf?
Fergus reflects on the solidifying of his whisky exploration through trips and sharing, but also the understanding of new concepts, such as independent bottling, like this monthβs Decadent Drinks outturn.
Covering four Ardnamurchans in one sitting, Dougie eventually discovers something heβs been searching for in whisky - that mysterious βeffervescenceβ. Perfect that it comes from his beloved Ardna.
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.
Today we learn the swap for yesterdayβs review. Ainsley pushes the boat out for a pricey 18 year old and splits it with Dramface Jackie in a celebration of what whisky is all about - sharing. Hughie chips in too!
In reflective mode, Dougie does what we need him to do: close out the year with a retrospective via Ardnamurchan. AD/10, Sauternes and AD/Venturers all up for grabs. He pulls in Ainsley to help out.
9/10 klaxon: As an Englishman paying little attention to English whisky, Fergus was surprised when a friend encouraged him to try Whittakerβs First Release. Yet it might just be his WOTY for 2024.
We live in a era of privilege, witnessing the coming of age of brand new whiskies and new things to love. Doog tries Ardnamurchan at ten years old and recounts his fall into complete fandom.
As Ardnamurchan turns 10 years old, Drummond dives into their recent Golden Promise release single cask; the one for the George Hotel in Inveraray. To suggest he likes it is an understatement.
Murdo heads up one of our 'Then & Now' comparison reviews; this time featuring Longmorn's legendary 16 year olds. There's also a bonus buddy up on the iconic 15yo with Fergus.
Ainsley brings a Glen Ord banger to a 90+ points whisky night and ends up contemplating whatβs different about βolderβ whiskies that are, in whisky terms, actually pretty young.
The Dougie Crystal Blend. A meticulous, carefully crafted plan to create the best possible blend, was quickly tossed out the window as the giddiness of eight cask strength bangers took hold.
Prepare for a dose of FOMO as Wally waxes lyrical about another banger from Glengyleβs Kilkerran. He says, despite all the defiance and fighting to get there - theyβve released their best yet.
Visiting a brick-and-mortar whisky shop, with best intentions, Broddy tries to use up some time while not using up any money. He fails and blows a fortune, but uncovers an absolute banger.
The say distance makes the heart go fonder. Dougie returns to Ardnamurchanβs fair whisky shores after a long break and discovers whatβs inside this 5 year old Unpeated Golden Promise Barley expression.
On a trapse to the Big Smoke to explore some whisky in his favourite bar, Doog catches the lurgy. But not before he discovers a belter of a Ben Nevis form Woodrows - and the concept of a bloodtub.
Swinging in with a quick sequel and an expensive trophy, Nick is so impressed with this batch of Springbankβs 12yo that heβs already (almost) forgotten just how much he handed over for the privilege.
Knowing itβs pretty difficult to get a Springbank Local Barley, Wally goes ahead with a review anyway; to share his theories, but also just to say thanks.
Sharing his future dreams, Tyree gives us a snapshot into why he loves why as he does, and how this will likely define his life trajectory. Oh, and the small issue of a near perfect dram too.
Charlie falls in love with a blended malt. One that he loves so much heβs even tried to make a version of his own at home. With this Cadenheadβs Warehouse special, heβs wondering whatβs in the char.
This time around itβs Charlieβs turn to armour up and attempt a game of whisky guesswork. Itβs the Thompson Brothersβ Mystery Malts Series 6 in the glass this time - two of them. How does our Chic do?
Earie is eager to slip into whisky season. Happily, a birthday gift seems to be the perfect fit to assist in bringing the orange and red-tinged seasonal vibes. This time, itβs a peated Glenturret - Ruadh Mhor - from North Star.
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.
Ardbeg seems to be doing things in a fair way these days, or is Wally just being his usual, far-too-generous, optimistic self? Heβs got the 15yo Trudernish in the glass and he seems to like it.
In Charlieβs 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 Cadenheadβs releases..
Having never climbed Ben Rinnes, Charlie decides to clamber through three - make that four(ish) - expressions of the Benrinnes spirit to see what itβs all about. Official vs Indy once more!
After a brutal summer of extreme heat across Europe, Hughie battled palate fatigue. Staying away from whisky, he eventually had his taste-buds rejuvenated by this funk-bomb from Hampden.
Six - yes six - from Cut Your Wolf Loose today. In a remarkably candid piece, our LA resident Archie reflects on a tumultuous professional path to date, all to explain his love for art - and independence.
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 thereβs a clear favourite.
Ogilvie reflects on movements in his life and a future change coming to when he would often share a dram on his back porch of an evening. Embracing an auction purchase of a Bedford Park Ben Nevis acclaimed by Broddy a year before, Broddy joins him in a collab review on this IB release.
Drummond has spent some time now on The Bottle Ban and he brings us an update on how itβs going. Since the review is for a 2026 Springbank, we know for sure itβs not fully intact.
Murdo enjoys an annual bonus. Intent on saving it, he splurges a little on an indulgent and pricey Springbank Local Barley; the Bere release from 2025. Is the extra worth it?
The 2026 Paul Launois release from Ardnamurchan inspires a Dramface collab. Four of our writers gather at its side to ponder the trajectory of one of the coolest annual releases in whisky.
As Dramface slows to its summer cadence, Archie reflects on the perspectives afforded to us via a slower pace to things. He chooses a bruiser of a Loch Lomond Croftengea to help.
When Ogilvie manages to snag a lesser-spotted Balcones Texas 1, he finds himself joined by another two who are just as excited to be sipping on the Texas Single Malt.
In his continued pursuit of everything heβs not yet tried, Charlie lands upon Glentauchers. In the absence of an interesting - or available - official release, he compares two indies from auction.
Archie takes a trip into some stunning landscape to appreciate what he has: friends and close family in a stunning landscape. He then joins Wally to celebrate a whisky that we, for now, still have.
Wally βforgetsβ to forward on the set from Decadent Drams showcasing their June outturn. Luckily, there are some quite spectacular treats inside, including a 52yo Glen Garioch.
After ignoring a distillery he once thought had long closed, Charlie dives in to a duo comparison on Ben Nevis. Both from Decadent Drinks, both 12yo - sherry vs bourbon. Fight!
Itβs Wallyβs turn to tackle a brace of the formidable Thompson Brothers Mystery Malt Series 6. As usual, he dives in completely blind, but this time heβs confident. Is it misplaced?
Dougie attends the Inaurgural Ardnamurchan Open Day as part of the West Highland Whisky Festival. As well as a report of his participation on the day, he enjoys a 2016 single cask exclusive released for the event.
North America hosts the World Cup and the USA finds itself once more distracted by this odd sport that fascinates the rest of planet Earth. CA based Archie drinks it all in with two recent bottles from Fragrant Drops.
Charlie manages to attend only the very last day of this yearβs Campbeltown Malts Festival, but still feels like it was very worth while - especially after picking up two Little Brown Dog bangers!
In a fit of rebellion, Mason rails against the wave of AI generated everything he finds in his life today. Whisky, especially good old-school style such as these Ardnamurchan Golden Promise releases, seems to help.
Broddy gathers seven bottles of SMOS Reserve Cask Small Batch releases in a single mega review. He justifies his scoring for each while dropping a bombshell of heresy about oatcakes.
Facing the challenges of restraint, Mason tackles the inevitable fallout of over-accumulation. We can all relate. That said, it doesnβt stop him from buying a backup of this Thompson Bros Sutherland.
A curious set of preview samples from Bruichladdich to review. These will be released in 2026 to celebrate their 25 years of revival. Wally is happy he kept them for himself this time.
Earie uses some Big Words to describe reviewing decent, earnest whiskies in an independent way. This time itβs another flight of Dram MΓ²r releases from spring 2026. Including a sneaky malternative.
Heading out to the beach once more, Archie talks about why itβs important to take our time. These three from Woodrowβs of Edinburgh encompass that perfectly, from Ben Nevis, Ledaig and Campbeltown.
This time around itβs Charlieβs turn to armour up and attempt a game of whisky guesswork. Itβs the Thompson Brothersβ Mystery Malts Series 6 in the glass this time - two of them. How does our Chic do?
Despite being a fan of some of his local distilleries, Broddy missed the appearance of an official Alberta Whisky Act. Not slow to cash-in, Costco got together with some distilleries - including this tasty Anohka.
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.
When times are tougher and the purse strings are pulled tighter on the whisky budget, Drummond is pleased to benefit a little from the Dramface Deflection System. Six from Adelphi in the hopper today!
In Charlieβs 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 Cadenheadβs releases..
Toothache is a terrible thing at the best of times, but when youβre living on a remote island with no immediate care, Doog learns just how tough it can be. Can a magical Ardnamurchan help?
Commenting on something of a modern phenomenon, Fletcher considers the official outlets that do their own βindieβ bottlings. A perfect example is Glasgow and their Port Cask 7yo.
Murdo knows what to look out for while travelling. Some of the things heβs really keen to try just donβt make it to his native Hong Kong. Like these Wire Works souvenirs he grabbed from The Whisky Exchange.
Six - yes six - from Cut Your Wolf Loose today. In a remarkably candid piece, our LA resident Archie reflects on a tumultuous professional path to date, all to explain his love for art - and independence.
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 thereβs a clear favourite.
For various reasons, Broddy doesnβt have much excitement these days for his local Canadian whisky. He does find a tasty Oloroso finish Shelter Point to restore some faith.
Archie grabs his favourites from a recent Impex Collection outturn, it just so happens both are on the peaty side, but heβs more grateful for a common theme in Dramface recently; the community that exposed them to him.
Horrified at how few Japanese whiskies have featured in Dramface, Earie steps forward with a Shizuoka United S. He also attempts to explain why there are so few of these being enjoyed around here.
Purple flowers and cinnamon bears, Archie takes us on another hike through his local nature. This time, itβs a budget friendly Clynelish in the form of The Teuchter from Decadent Drinks.
The 2026 Paul Launois release from Ardnamurchan inspires a Dramface collab. Four of our writers gather at its side to ponder the trajectory of one of the coolest annual releases in whisky.
Archie takes a trip into some stunning landscape to appreciate what he has: friends and close family in a stunning landscape. He then joins Wally to celebrate a whisky that we, for now, still have.
Wally βforgetsβ to forward on the set from Decadent Drams showcasing their June outturn. Luckily, there are some quite spectacular treats inside, including a 52yo Glen Garioch.
After ignoring a distillery he once thought had long closed, Charlie dives in to a duo comparison on Ben Nevis. Both from Decadent Drinks, both 12yo - sherry vs bourbon. Fight!
Itβs Wallyβs turn to tackle a brace of the formidable Thompson Brothers Mystery Malt Series 6. As usual, he dives in completely blind, but this time heβs confident. Is it misplaced?
One of the team has been MIA in recent times, we discover why as life pops up with an unexpected curveball. He shares over a bottle of Strathenry from the Fragrant Drops affordable βElevensesβ series.
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.
In something of a look-through-the-letterbox at the life of Broddy - including his sight challenges - we have him explain why he thinks the Arran Barley is a manifestation of emulation. In a good way.
Sometimes, we donβt get exactly what we expect. Thatβs when an open mind and patience can deliver a decent experience regardless, as Earie and Fergie discover on this Signatory Mortlach.
In a fit of rebellion, Mason rails against the wave of AI generated everything he finds in his life today. Whisky, especially good old-school style such as these Ardnamurchan Golden Promise releases, seems to help.
It seems that Pulteney have never been fully forgiven for the brand update that happened all the way back in 2018. Drummond put the case forward for their often overlooked 18 year old.
In a wonderfully candid and personal piece, Archie shares his transition into trusting independent bottlers and how he decided to start with Murray McDavid. Itβs not what you might think.
Broddy gathers seven bottles of SMOS Reserve Cask Small Batch releases in a single mega review. He justifies his scoring for each while dropping a bombshell of heresy about oatcakes.
Kindred spirits Archie and Charlie collab on one of their favourites: Torabhaig. This time itβs all about their new Taigh core release and the meaning of home, with summery pics of California and Scotland.
Charlie continues his deep dive into new distilleries (to him), this time uncovering the two βGlensβ of Ord and βDullan, then comparing two Special releases to indies from James Eadie and the Thompson Bros.
Dougie discovers, for the first time, brown noise. He shares his thoughts. He also discovers, for the second time, Glen Garioch 12yo. He also shares his thoughts. And his photos? We hope youβre sitting down.
Mason isnβt a cat-lover. Nor, it seems, is he ready to be seduced by this young Glasgow 1770 8yo Peated. Maybe, however, with a little time, anyoneβs mind can be changed.
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.
When times are tougher and the purse strings are pulled tighter on the whisky budget, Drummond is pleased to benefit a little from the Dramface Deflection System. Six from Adelphi in the hopper today!
After following in whiskyβs footsteps for many years, Fergus is shocked when he stumbles over some early-days tasting notes. Heβs come a long way, but is he up to Holyroodβs Pitch?
In Charlieβs 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 Cadenheadβs releases..
Ogilvie leads as he, Archie and Eallair team up on a duo of special releases from NcβNean. Supplied through Nick, each of them have a go at Edition 4 β Lemon Meadowβ and 5 βMalted Teacakeβ.
Earie has been chewing hard on wood vs spirit and how it comes into play, especially at a young age. He shares his thoughts over a Glasgow 1770 6yo Sherry Cask Matured, Batch 01.
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.
Having never climbed Ben Rinnes, Charlie decides to clamber through three - make that four(ish) - expressions of the Benrinnes spirit to see what itβs all about. Official vs Indy once more!
Ogilvie conducts a social experiment while visiting Marthaβs Vineyard - how many polite Good Mornings are returned on his walkabout? He picks up his Vineyard exclusive Kilchoman too.
Six - yes six - from Cut Your Wolf Loose today. In a remarkably candid piece, our LA resident Archie reflects on a tumultuous professional path to date, all to explain his love for art - and independence.
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 thereβs a clear favourite.
It turns out Broddy has some Nordic heritage. He shares some of the details, culture and food he enjoys while bringing us his thoughts on a Norwegian Arctic Single Malt. Nice.
Archie grabs his favourites from a recent Impex Collection outturn, it just so happens both are on the peaty side, but heβs more grateful for a common theme in Dramface recently; the community that exposed them to him.
Retailers, apparently, are important. That is, if theyβre good. Ex-retailer Ainsley explains why thereβs more to it than budget-and done. He shares a Thompson Bros Good Spirits Co. Highland Malt to illustrate.
In his continued pursuit of everything heβs not yet tried, Charlie lands upon Glentauchers. In the absence of an interesting - or available - official release, he compares two indies from auction.
In another of Charlies series, he looks at the exact opposite of Diageoβs so-called βworkhorseβ distilleries. This time itβs the tiny Royal Lochnagar, a rare thing indeed, and finding an indy proves tricky.
Finding himself battling DIY and anxiety, two Mystery Malts arrive at Doog Towers for some fun relief. A welcome arrival as heβd had a twitching eye on a bottle for himself. Now heβs got two. Howβd he do? Did he win?
It turns out Fergie has a fear - of lightening strikes. His childhood story of why makes it understandable. But during a recent storm he found a distraction, an antidote; a Bunnahabhain from Single Malts of Scotland.
Wally and Charlie are at it again; wallowing in their gleeful states simply because their team have made the World Cup finals for the first time in a generation. The SV Ben Nevis Tartan Army release in the glass this time.
Charlie and Wally are nervous. Scotland appear at their first World Cup finals since 1998 this weekend. Will Clydesideβs unofficial/official distillery limited edition release be the one to pour if thereβs something to celebrate?
With the Classic Laddie displaying its 10yo label once more, Ramsay picks up whatβs only his second ever Laddie and asks if our tendency for nostalgia is well-placed, or potentially harmful.
Sometimes we place unrealistic expectations on things, based on our own dreams and memories, building up inevitable βfailureβ. The return of Arranβs 14yo has Wally wondering if weβre all just after a βhot takeβ.
Broddy gathers seven bottles of SMOS Reserve Cask Small Batch releases in a single mega review. He justifies his scoring for each while dropping a bombshell of heresy about oatcakes.
Ogilvieβs been in a huff. Challenged by a lack of interesting bottles, he finds himself faced with shelves of taupe. Until a βconsolationβ bottle of New Riff Malted Rye from a Sherry Cask lights up an evening.
Charlie continues his deep dive into new distilleries (to him), this time uncovering the two βGlensβ of Ord and βDullan, then comparing two Special releases to indies from James Eadie and the Thompson Bros.
Earie uses some Big Words to describe reviewing decent, earnest whiskies in an independent way. This time itβs another flight of Dram MΓ²r releases from spring 2026. Including a sneaky malternative.
As an advocate for bottle splits, Earie enjoys a souvenir from a pal - one of the Equinox & Solstice releases from Decadent Drinks - this time an under-the-radar Mannochmore.
Archie feels thereβs a fairly newborn distillery that deserves a little light shone on them and apologises for an almost three-year hiatus from Dramface. He makes up for it with a duo review.
In whisky, when is a finish not a finish? Fergie tackles a recent Small Batch form Glasgow and asks when itβs actually more like a secondary maturation. The 6yo Amarone βfinishβ is in the glass.
Looking back on a plethora of inaugural bottlings from all these new distilleries in recent years has Gilbert realising itβs hard to keep up. This time itβs Jacktonβs turn with their RAER Inaugural.
When times are tougher and the purse strings are pulled tighter on the whisky budget, Drummond is pleased to benefit a little from the Dramface Deflection System. Six from Adelphi in the hopper today!
In Charlieβs 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 Cadenheadβs releases..
Ogilvie leads as he, Archie and Eallair team up on a duo of special releases from NcβNean. Supplied through Nick, each of them have a go at Edition 4 β Lemon Meadowβ and 5 βMalted Teacakeβ.
It turns out Murdo is an anxious traveller. He reaches for a pre-flight dram - one that he hoped would be a nice replacement for his loved Glendronach 15yo. Did the Tamdhu 15yo do the trick?
In railing against the addition of colour and chill-filtering, Mason is tripped up by a bargain-basement Glen Moray Classic. Heβs forced to apply some pragmatism and just appreciate what it is.
Mason has been β enjoyingβ his recent hiatus from alcohol. This year has been longer than most due to Europeβs βheat domeβ of 2026, which has had him reach for this Eagle Rare 10yo upon return.
In another of Charlies series, he looks at the exact opposite of Diageoβs so-called βworkhorseβ distilleries. This time itβs the tiny Royal Lochnagar, a rare thing indeed, and finding an indy proves tricky.
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.
Broddy gathers seven bottles of SMOS Reserve Cask Small Batch releases in a single mega review. He justifies his scoring for each while dropping a bombshell of heresy about oatcakes.
Charlie continues his deep dive into new distilleries (to him), this time uncovering the two βGlensβ of Ord and βDullan, then comparing two Special releases to indies from James Eadie and the Thompson Bros.
In a hurry to get to funner places, Wally phoned one in. This time itβs a limited edition Macallan, and thereβs nothing - yet somehow everything - wrong with it.
Charlie picks up three blends from the past - his own past - and dips in to see what he was missing. A Chivas Regal 12yo from the 1970s alongside an old Johnnie Walker Swing and a 1980s Teachers.
A stranger to Glenlossie until 2025, Charlie uncovered one of Diageoβs βblend housesβ in a Cadenheadβs tasting. Typically for him, a pleasant experience and a bottle purchase finds him exploring and comparing.
In the first of his series of βOfficial vs Indyβ reviews, Charlie tees up one of our most evocative comparisons: Clynelish. The question is, will he uncover any of the W-word?
There arenβt many Irish whiskeys (or whiskies!) showing up in Murdoβs market, but he finds a Marsala Cask from Boann and pulls the trigger. Is it worth it? Is it any more transparent? Is it whisky or whiskey?
Three of the team hark back to Christmas vibes as they each, independently, happen upon a Signatory 100ΒΊ Proof Exceptional Cask Glentauchers. As is typical with Dramface, it divides opinion.
In order to calm the tensions of travel, Archie once enjoyed an airport beer. These days, however, heβs moved up a few levels: Planedrams. In his Plaincairn on this trip he revisits an old faithful Glenfarclas 12yo.
Feeling the crunch on his finances, Mason gets introspective. Facing over-accumulation, he naively attempts a slow down and a clear out of languishing bottles & revisits a Cadenheadβs 11yo Garioch.
After nearly smashing this bottle of Annandale before the photo shoot, Fletcher recalls the times heβs lost whiskies through packing fails and baggage handling fails. He also wants to know why this malt is such a positioning fail.
Despite enjoying his new home, Ogilvie continues to find frustration in his state-controlled βWhisky Desertβ of North Carolina. Then he happens upon not one, but two home-grown whiskies!
In revisiting an old favourite, Hughie puts the case forward for 40% ABV entry level offerings, as well as the dangers of applying the strategy to the rest of the range. AnCnoc 12 is in the glass.
Earie has given up worrying about the scale of his βcollectionβ and admitting that the fun is in buying more whisky. He trusts SMOS and buys blind, but he may have come a cropper on this Dailuaine.
Once in a while along comes a flavour profile that stretches our frame of reference in whisky enjoyment. Enter Hughie and his astonishment over a bottle of Ardara Irish Single Malt. Heβs intrigued.
Ally shares the concept of βbus dramsβ. This is a known practice and there are protocols and potential for social faux pas. But there are ways around it. Bring βinterestingβ drams. Like this 19yo Jura from Milroys.
Hamish is drawn to comparing Lochleaβs new Dark Briar to the similar sherry-cask Fallow Edition. In doing so he starts to wonder how the concept of a βcore rangeβ ever came about in malt whisky.
Matching whisky with audience can be tricky. Itβs either too much, or not enough. Our debutant Ally shares his experience with a NAS supermarket Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition. All Β£19 of it.
Who wouldβve thought some dog-sitting would result in the ability to explore a bottle of whisky that youβd never buy yourself? Mason digs into this vintage Highland Park 18yo.
A brand-new, flagship core range release from a big brand is not as common as we might think, but the Dramface crew are genuinely excited by this new 12yo from Glen Scotia. Did they read the room?
Continuing our Friday cocktail theme, Murdo bottle swaps to try a take on a somewhat famous whisky mixed drink: the Smokey Cokey with Lagavulin Distilllerβs Edition. The whiskyβs reviewed too, βcourse.
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.
Ogilvie leads as he, Archie and Eallair team up on a duo of special releases from NcβNean. Supplied through Nick, each of them have a go at Edition 4 β Lemon Meadowβ and 5 βMalted Teacakeβ.
Having never climbed Ben Rinnes, Charlie decides to clamber through three - make that four(ish) - expressions of the Benrinnes spirit to see what itβs all about. Official vs Indy once more!
A Dramface first - a donation from the community! Also a first for Ally Mann; reviewing an English single malt. He admits to a short hiatus from whisky too, and remarks on the positives of taking a break.
Archie takes us back to his life as a musician as he reflects on the pre-digital era and missed connections. Heβs helped along by a Connections release from North Star Spirits, this time the Islay edition.
Hoping for the best, but fearing the worst, Archie picks up a high-volume bottle for the masses - a Kirkland Highland Malt Whisky 15yo at 46% . On the face of it great value. But, is it?
Broddy gathers seven bottles of SMOS Reserve Cask Small Batch releases in a single mega review. He justifies his scoring for each while dropping a bombshell of heresy about oatcakes.
Charlie picks up three blends from the past - his own past - and dips in to see what he was missing. A Chivas Regal 12yo from the 1970s alongside an old Johnnie Walker Swing and a 1980s Teachers.
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.
Through chasing whatever whiskies he can explore, Ogilvie notices a lost-in-translation scenario between bourbon and malt. He wonders why this lauded Penelope Wheated is so⦠simple.
In a particularly fun and relatable piece, Ally shares the challenges at home of juggling the transition away from his over-accumulation and the onset of Storage Wars. A Wolfburn No.270 is in the glass.
Archie happens upon a βdistilleryβ heβs never heard of. This βShieldaigβ 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.
Drummond returns from a short hiatus with an insight into a trait that heβs come to accept; the need to pause and make time for self-care. A trio of Cadenheadβs Bunnahabhain helps of course.
Once more, Wallyβs weary brain is faced with a whisky he doesnβt understand. In the end he wonders if the odd presentation of The Bordersβ Right As Rain release is all to do with it being too cheap.
Ogilvie senses impostor syndrome. But heβs made of strong stuff and plods on regardless, doing a great job of sharing his thoughts on the September outturn from Decadent Drams for us all.
It takes a trip far away, with too little whisky, to make Charlie reflect on how lucky he is to live so close to the source. With a Johnnie Walker Double Black, he sees that Scotland is, actually, a great place.
In a follow up to yesterdayβs serendipitous collaborative review, we interrogate the purpose and provenance of Nikkaβs Coffey Malt. Itβs something of an odd fish that we seem to, oddly, appreciate.
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: Nikkaβs Coffey Grain.
Broddy spots a tall bottle with appealing specs; 16 years and all ex-bourbon. Heβs in. Glenmorangie too. Expecting an amplified 12yo, heβs left, not for the first time, rueing unmet expectations.
A shipping miscommuniquΓ© sees various Dramface team members end up with whisky they didnβt expect. This time itβs Glasgowβs 1770 Constantia and it means three can join in on the review.
Charlie digs out four somewhat forgotten blends from his cupboard to revisit them, all the while realising they all have a story - and a good reason for being there.
A memorable label was etched into Ogilvieβs mind & one day he finally found a St Georgeβs Baller; an American ode to Japanese whisky. Therein he discovers one of his most challenging pours heβs ever tried.
Broddy discovers a nearby Canadian distillery doing everything all the right way, with local ingredients and an ingenious still set up. He dives in with both feet, buying four bottles at once. How does he fare?
Mining solo, Innes suddenly discovers a whisky club in London and everything changes - until Covid-19 changes everything. This 28yo Cadenheadβs Glen Scotia is from the (very recent) hay days.
A man struck by strong branding and potent design, Dougie spots something that isnβt whisky - as he knows it. But it is Β£32.50, so he fires in to explore Port of Leithβs βTable Whiskyβ.
When the Tobermory Distillery Halo Effect kicks in and Innes bursts out his wallet for a whisky that, in the end, has him asking "When is too much sherry cask influence a problem?"
As Murdo tells tales of travel and opening minds, he shares his take on three very rare and curious 'whiskies', while taking us through his life-long dream realised: a trip to North Korea.
Self-declared Tomatin fanboy Broddy has a suspicion that weβre being fleeced; that quality is dropping and folk are being taken advantage of. Today, itβs poor olβ Tomatin in his sights.
After being ruined for whisky in Campbeltown, Murdo promises his wife to not mention whisky for an entire European holiday. Only for her to lead him to La Maison Du in Paris, and a bottle of Vilanova.
Itβs been said malt and virgin oak donβt work. Broddy grabs a Glen Garioch and a Deanston Cask Strength for a side by side. Thereβs a clear winner, even if is scoring is a little less clear on this one.
After being challenged with a blind pour, Broddy gives the much misaligned Bowmore 15yo another chance. After gaining a reputation of being poorly handled in official bottles, this could be a rare uptick.
A self-declared lover of anything Linkwood, even Murdo has to admit that sometimes it is possible to find something you donβt enjoy - despite expecting to. Case in point - a 10yo Signatory Linkwood.
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: Nikkaβs Coffey Grain.
We take a break from our summer, erm, break, to bring an epic team Dramface pile-on for the Thompson Brothersβ Mystery Malt Series No.2. Letβs see if we all pay attention to the try-it-blind memo this time.
Were old blends better? Ainsley snags an old export blend and compares it to five contemporary scotch blends available to him in France. The results are revealing. It does not go well.
Charlie asks the all important question - If Bowmore is truly one of Scotch whiskyβs legends - why are none of their official releases any good? Brutal. But he explores three to find out.
Charlie digs out four somewhat forgotten blends from his cupboard to revisit them, all the while realising they all have a story - and a good reason for being there.
Probably the most under-the-radar of all scotch single malts, yet itβs been around long enough to produce a 10yo. Charlie made a pilgrimage to the most westerly of them all: Abhainn Dearg. Worth it?
Starting out eager and earnest, Mason grabbed a βbargainβ 21 year old Glenfiddich, only to discover that age and quality are not always synonymous in whisky.
Despite appearances, we donβt put real effort into giving Macallan a hard time at Dramface, the truth is, theyβre taking care of things themselves. Nick throws a huff at The Harmony Rich Cacao.
Itβs been weeks since Murdo joined the fun in Glasgow, but heβs still buzzing about all the fun; and the people who have become friends since. He reminisces over two Springbank Cage prizes.
Upon discovering Bordersβ under-the-radar inaugural release for Β£35, Fletch gets excited, but is immediately disappointed and takes a moment to offer some βfeedbackβ. Oh dear.
When we love whisky so much, itβs hard to be brutal about some of the obvious negatives. Yet sometimes, when things are clearly wrong, we just have to call it out. This decision was not taken lightly.
Fletch is trying hard to find a nice, special occasion whisky but, in another fit of disappointment, heβs reminded instead of a childhood movie that still haunts him today.
Just because you can, doesnβt mean you should. Itβs one of Fletchβs favourites; Deanston. Looking for something that the Tequila cask has imparted, he compares it to a similarly insipid Tequila cask blend.
Fletcher finds himself pondering this Blended Malt and, feeling like heβs being forced to make cocktails with it, he stubbornly judges it neat. Redemption? Ermβ¦ no.
Itching to get his curious whisky face back on, Dougie heads to his local purveyor of whisky dreams. Running on nothing more than excitement and seat-of-his-pants selection, weβd like to tell you he lucked out, but, alas, no.
How can Wally admit to loving a bottle and yet score it 3/10? Itβs complex, but in this case he thinks Diageo have made it a big, confusing, opaque and cynical mess - for retailers and punters.
The appeal of a lesser-seen and budget Islay official single malt is too much for Hamish to resist. His experience of Kilchomanβs core ranges has him excited, but the Loch Gruinart leaves him wanting.
Taking a broad view of the rapidly expanding Australian whisky scene, Tyree delivers a snapshot with four Aussie single malts, and almost uses the full gamut of our scoring to do so.
After giving Ardbegβs latest Committee Release a kicking, Tyree reached out to Adamh, who kicked it harder. The bonus review refocusses on positivity but Ardbeg need to do better than this for Β£120
Everyone is going to need to get a whole lot more discerning.
An understandable favourite, but lacks depth and character
Whisky βbargainsβ come at a price
Perfect bottle design. Watery, inert whisky.
PX runs rampant with kitchen spices over an immature spirit.
Punkβs not dead, but Ardcore is.
A distant, hugely disappointing descendent of greatness.
More interesting than the core range, but we need more.
Mason has such a case of disappointed-ness. he can barely bring himself to review the bottle. At β¬140 though, he feels compelled to warn everyone that this - isnβt good. A 2007 Dalmore in the glass.
Were old blends better? Ainsley snags an old export blend and compares it to five contemporary scotch blends available to him in France. The results are revealing. It does not go well.
Charlie asks the all important question - If Bowmore is truly one of Scotch whiskyβs legends - why are none of their official releases any good? Brutal. But he explores three to find out.
While shopping for bits and bobs, Mason is hit by nostalgia from a cute 20cl bottle of Johnnie Walker Red. At only β¬7, he decides to have a little fun despite the inevitable disappointment of this modern blend.
After some early encouragement into the whisky scene via friends and Macallan, Murdo persists with a bottle of the Night on Earth Seasonal Release, only to discover itβs a stinker.
Usually a gentle type, the spectre of a bad experience from Ogilvieβs past rears its head to have him reaching for the warning klaxon. Do not buy this. A rare 2/10 on Dramface.
Trash or treasure? Well, that depends hugely on the whisky, but also very much upon who we are and what we like. This is certainly Broddyβs trash, so is it Wallyβs treasure? Strap in.
A disappointed Drummond was tempted by a hefty discount on a bottle of JW Green, only to be shocked at how 15 year old malt could be neutered in such away.
This may push you back to your scotch
Looks fantastic, sounds fantastic, is very much not fantastic
Were old blends better? Ainsley snags an old export blend and compares it to five contemporary scotch blends available to him in France. The results are revealing. It does not go well.
When we love whisky so much, itβs hard to be brutal about some of the obvious negatives. Yet sometimes, when things are clearly wrong, we just have to call it out. This decision was not taken lightly.