The Wine & Whisky Thread

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Originally Posted by Barry

Johnny Walker 'Double Black Label

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Normally I don't go for blends, but this was given to me by my partner. Whilst I was aware of Johnny Walker Red, Black, Blue (and I believe there is a Green) Label, I had not heard of "Double Black".

It turns out that this is a special blend with the intention of having a more smoky, peaty taste than that of the standard Black. The malts chosen for the blend are thought to be Cardu, Talisker and Lagavulin - the last two being favourites of mine. Double Black does not have an age, but again the malts used are at least 12 years old.

I usually drink Islay single malts, Laphroaigh being a particularly favourite as I do like peaty whiskies, but I have to confess I was rather taken with the Double Black.

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The Double Black is a bit more peaty as you say, although not tasted it recently, in addition to the ones you mentioned there is also a Gold which is an 18 year old blend but like the Blue there are better whiskies for the price. I still have some Blue and Gold left which were presents.

I have bought a few Malts in the last few weeks but have not posted photos , didn’t seem to much interest in them but if I have time I will take a few photos mostly from Independent Bottlers.

Please do post about the Malts you have recently bought Robin. Although I'm not a big whisky drinker, I do like to read your whisky posts.
Cheers!

As requested Barry, a few that have been purchased in recent months.
https://i.ibb.co/1Jw2GQy5/IMG-3877.jpg

2 lovely drams from Living Souls, the 99+1. Is 18 year old peaty whisky from Tobermory plus 1% of something else, the other one is 19 year old Glen Garioch a lovely dram

Again from independent bottlers , Brave new Spirts, one is a blend of 19 year old from Islay ( a distillery you enjoy) and a 19 year old from Speyside again a very well known distillery beginning with M, a lovely blend of 2 great malts.
https://i.ibb.co/GQ0xh2Pz/IMG-3878.jpg

Last one for today from Infrequent Flyers always good drams, a 12 year old Glentauchers, also a 13 year old Speyside and a very nice dram from Aultmore , as you can see I have been enjoying a couple of those.
https://i.ibb.co/Fb1ZWpG3/IMG-3879.jpg

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Originally Posted by rmcin626

Last one for today from Infrequent Flyers always good drams, a 12 year old Glentauchers, also a 13 year old Speyside and a very nice dram from Aultmore , as you can see I have been enjoying a couple of those.
https://i.ibb.co/Fb1ZWpG3/IMG-3879.jpg

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Unfortunately, most of the good whiskys are unavailable in Australian bottleshops.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Stocked up on a few 'slurps':

Le Serret, Haut-Médoc, 2021

https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images...t/4555721b.png

A top find from Bordeaux’s prestigious Haut Médoc region, Le Serret is a classic Left Bank claret that’s drinking beautifully now. From a cooler vintage, it’s a modern, elegant Bordeaux with upfront fruit and lovely freshness.

The Haut Médoc is one of Bordeaux’s best-known appellations, situated on the Left Bank of the great Gironde river. With a drop in demand for its superb classic reds, its wines offer exceptional value. Le Serret is a lovely example from the classic 2021 vintage, a year praised by Decanter for its “charm, energy, and … ultimately drinking pleasure”. Already drinking beautifully, it shows supple red fruit with notes of cedar and tobacco leaf – the perfect bottle to open with a traditional roast or a rich mushroom and ale pie. Open early if you can to release even more of its pretty fruit flavours.

12.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2027. About £13 a bottle

Château La Clarière, Castillon, 2021

https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images...t/0533321b.png

With four Trophies and 80+ Golds, Château La Clarière is clear proof that Castillon wines can surpass those of next-door Grand Cru St-Émilion. From the classic 2021 vintage, this is a silky claret, with bright fruit intensity and freshness.

As Wine International wrote: “If it weren’t for the line dividing Castillon from Saint-Emilion, its wines would be twice the price. The hills are the same, the soil is the same, the exposure is the same.” Open early and decant, or lay down to age.

13.5% ABV, Drink by end of December 2032. £30 a bottle.

Vieux Château Guibeau, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, 2022

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Vieux Château Guibeau 2022 was lovingly crafted at a small, family-owned estate in the Saint-Émilion satellite village of Puisseguin. It’s silky and deeply concentrated, with ripe plum and toasty oak notes.

https://www.laithwaites.com/images/u...intemilion.jpg

80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

14% ABV, Drink by October 2027. About £20 a bottle

Are you a fan of Cotes du Rhone Barry?
I see you clearly enjoy the Bordeaux regions.

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Originally Posted by CageyH

Are you a fan of Cotes du Rhone Barry?
I see you clearly enjoy the Bordeaux regions.

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Yes, despite largely drinking Bordeaux, I do drink Côtes de Rhône and other wines from the Burgandy region. My favourite is Châteauneuf du Pape, but it is relatively expensive (at least £30 a bottle), so is reserved for special occasions. Another Burgandy wine I like is Plan de Dieu, which can be bought for around £15 a bottle or less.

Cheers!

I assume you have tried both Vacqueyras and Gigondas?

The prices of Chataeneuf is pretty scary in the UK.
When I spend Christmas with the family in the UK, I often bring back some nice bottles.
I spend about €25 to 30 a bottle. I assume that they would be much more expensive in the UK.

Yes, I have tried Vacqueyras, but not Gigondas.

I agree Châteauneuf du Pape is expensive here: at least £30 a bottle, so only drunk on special occasions. Vacqueyras can be bought for around £10 a bottle. :)

Château Maine D'Arman, Côtes de Bourg AOC, Bordeaux 2020

https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images...t/3885020b.png

Intense ripe black fruit, with hints of mocha and tobacco in this fine silky claret from the Right Bank's premium Côtes de Bourg. It's from the gorgeously ripe and richly layered 2020 vintage. Delicious drinking now and a few years to come.

Crafting rich and velvety claret is a family affair at Château Maine d’Arman. The estate has been in the hands of the Bassereau family since 1900 and every member of the clan gets involved to make their wines in the Right Bank style: predominantly Merlot, with Cabernet and a small amount of Malbec. The estate is situated at one of the highest points of Côtes de Bourg and benefits from the red gravel and clay soils perfect for ripening Merlot. This 2020 vintage is full of rich, deep, classic fruit flavour. Aged for a year in French oak barrels, the wine has elegant, rounded tannins supporting deep fruit with seductive notes of mocha, tobacco and vanilla. Rich and appealing, it's a great choice with Sunday roast, cheeses or a rich casserole.

14% ABV, Drink by May 2035. About £11 a bottle, reduced from £17.

Château Barreyres, Haut-Médoc, 2022

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A property close to Pierre Castel's heart, Château Barreyres is blessed with a superb terroir of fine Pyrenean gravel, allowing for superior drainage, heat retention and optimal ripeness. With its majestic 19th century residence, Château Barreyres is a jewel in the Médoc crown and a symbol of classic French lifestyle. As part of a long-standing commitment to sustainable winegrowing, Château Barreyres obtained the Terra Vitis certification in 2018.

Grape variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot

13.5% ABV. £16 from Sainsbury's.

https://i.ibb.co/WWJ2H6KL/IMG-3900.jpg

A very new whisky’s, lovely packaging , and a very nice dram

The tasting notes

Located in Perthshire on the Highland–Lowland border, Aberargie Distillery follows a true barley-to-bottle philosophy. Barley is grown on the family’s 300-acre farm and distilled, matured, and bottled entirely on-site. Their first whisky, Aberargie Inaugural Release, was distilled in 2017 and matured in first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, establishing a house style built on provenance, balance, and rich fruit character. 
Nose: Baked apple and golden pastry with honeyed sweetness and gentle dried fruit.
Palate: Rich sultanas and prunes layered over malty depth and soft oak.
Finish: Lingering, elegant and lightly herbal.

Le Serret, Haut-Médoc, 2021

https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images...t/4555721b.png

The Haut Médoc is one of Bordeaux’s best-known appellations, situated on the Left Bank of the great Gironde river. With a drop in demand for its superb classic reds, its wines offer exceptional value. Le Serret is a lovely example from the classic 2021 vintage, a year praised by Decanter for its “charm, energy, and … ultimately drinking pleasure”. Already drinking beautifully, it shows supple red fruit with notes of cedar and tobacco leaf – the perfect bottle to open with a traditional roast or a rich mushroom and ale pie. Open early if you can to release even more of its pretty fruit flavours.


Vibrant cassis and black cherry and subtle cedar and tobacco notes.

12.5% ABV. Drink by end 2027. About £15 a bottle.

Seashore Isla Negra, Sauvignon Blanc, Chilean White Wine

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/XKAAA...Z/s-l1600.webp

A bright white wine bursting with aromas of grapefruit, lime and gooseberries. Dry with a crisp and refreshing finish. Perfectly paired with seafoods and salads.


10.5% ABV. About £9 from Tesco.

Château Le Vieux Serestin, Médoc, 2020

https://www.wine-in-black.fr/cdn/sho...g?v=1774872294

A great find from Bordeaux! The 2020 Médoc Cru Bourgeois red wine from Château Le Vieux Serestin won the Gilbert & Gaillard Gold Medal in 2023.



45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc



13.5% ABV About £9 a bottle.

A couple of new arrivals
https://i.ibb.co/238QpqvF/IMG-3939.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/8WDZhyC/IMG-3938.jpg

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Originally Posted by rmcin626

A couple of new arrivals
https://i.ibb.co/238QpqvF/IMG-3939.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/8WDZhyC/IMG-3938.jpg

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New arrivals which have just flown in? :)

Château Barreyres, Haut-Médoc, 2022

https://images.vivino.com/thumbs/sMX...Sw_pb_x960.png

Château Barreyres is blessed with a superb terroir of fine Pyrenean gravel, allowing for superior drainage, heat retention and optimal ripeness, with its majestic 19th century residence, Château Barreyres is a jewel in the Medoc crown and a symbol of classic French lifestyle. As part of a long-standing commitment to sustainable winegrowing, Château Barreyres obtained the Terra Vitis certification in 2018.

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.R...=Api&P=0&h=180

13.5% ABV, About £28 a bottle.

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Originally Posted by Barry

New arrivals which have just flown in? :)

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Good spot Barry

2019 Chateau Ramage La Batisse. Haut Médoc

https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/cb4...faa6fa2efc.jpg

Ramage La Batisse sits on the border with Pauillac, home to Bordeaux's most famous and expensive addresses, and just a short distance from Chateau Lafite. This 2019 vintage is a winner of seven gold medals and a Best of Show trophy.

13.5% ABV. About £12 a bottle.

Nice one Barry.

I opened one of my favourite Campbeltown offerings last night - it's a bit lower now than the one below!

Kilkerran 12 Year Old
Scotland • 70cl • 46%

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When I first started buying this not too long ago it was less than 40 a bottle. It's now normally around 55.00 and sometimes hard to find.

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Originally Posted by Tim

Nice one Barry.

I opened one of my favourite Campbeltown offerings last night - it's a bit lower now than the one below!

Kilkerran 12 Year Old
Scotland • 70cl • 46%

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When I first started buying this not too long ago it was less than 40 a bottle. It's now normally around 55.00 and sometimes hard to find.

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I have a bottle of this myself, most whisky prices have gone up in the last couple of years, some of the overpriced ones are beginning to drop now.

A recent arrival, a very nice Bunna
https://i.ibb.co/pjZMrzMb/IMG-0029.jpg

I like a nice Bunna :)

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Originally Posted by Tim

I like a nice Bunna :)

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Me too. The tasting The bold combination of heavily peated Islay single malt and European red wine barriques have created a fragrant, rosé-hued dram with oak, summer berries and spice - this dram pulls no punches. This peated Bunnahabhain, often called Staoisha, is for whisky lovers who enjoy a big dram.
Nose: sweet peat, pavlova, powdered sugar, coastal air.
Palate: Big Peat, malt, pavlova, summer berries, salt
Finish: long and lingering, with sweet oak, smoke which mellows without disappearing, berries and meringue.

Ephesus Cabernet Sauvignon, 2024


Visited a good Turkish restaurant last night and along with an excellent meal drank this:

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/jccAA...l/s-l1600.webp

13% ABV, about £18 a bottle.

Château Maine D'Arman, Côtes de Bourg, 2020


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Côtes de Bourg is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for Bordeaux wine situated around the small town of Bourg-sur-Gironde near Bordeaux, France. The first vineyards in the area were founded by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, Bourg was a major port for wine and the vineyards developed at the same tempo as the estuary traffic. The Côtes de Bourg appellation, in the north of the patchwork of Bordeaux wines, took its first steps on the east bank of the Gironde.

Historians date the first vineyards from the 2nd century AD, when the Roman occupants planted the first “Vitis Biturica”. They understood that the combination of rich soil, climate and exposition of the east bank were ideal for cultivating the grape. Until the 9th century, the wine trade operated alongside the tin trade which in turn complemented quarrying. Nowadays, the area has many abandoned limestone quarries that provided stone for building the city of Bordeaux. All of this makes up the history of the growth of winemaking in the area since the appellation has a range of gravel, alluvium, clay and limestone soils.

Red Côtes de Bourg are garnet in colour and are predominantly based on the Merlot grape, blended with smaller quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Some Châteaux still use Malbec as part of the blend.

https://vignesetvins.com/images/blay...laye-bourg.jpg

14% ABV. About £16 a bottle.

As we are heading over to Arran for a couple of days, thought I better have a refresher dram or two.
https://i.ibb.co/5WcJKf4q/IMG-0046.jpg

Have a good trip Robin.

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Originally Posted by Barry

Have a good trip Robin.

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Cheers Barry, only going for a few days, not been over to Arran for a few years after spending a number of years working on the ferry to there.

I bought a cask strength Glengoyne today.
I have visited this distillery many years ago. It is "just up the road" from my friends in Bearsden.

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Originally Posted by CageyH

I bought a cask strength Glengoyne today.
I have visited this distillery many years ago. It is "just up the road" from my friends in Bearsden.

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That will be a nice dram Kevin

2020 Château Le Bonalguet, Bordeaux

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There are seven regional Appellations d’origine controlee (AOCs) that may be used throughout the Gironde department. The entry-level Bordeaux AOC reds are fruity and easy-to-drink, and meant for early consumption rather than cellaring. For red wines, the most planted grape varietals are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. As most regional Bordeaux AOC wines are produced on the Right Bank, Caber balanced, with silky smoothnet Franc is often found in the blend.

Château Le Bonalget is a deep ruby colour with vibrant cherry and blackcurrent aromas infused with delicatr floral hints, The palate is perfectly balanced, with silky smooth tannins and a complex, lingering finish.

https://images.ctfassets.net/759ah7s...9/Bordeaux.png

Winner of 6 gold medals 2022.

13.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2027. About £15 a bottle.

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Originally Posted by rmcin626

That will be a nice dram Kevin

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The place where I bought it from is in a small town in Aveyron.
This one was selected after tasting six different malts.
Loch Lomond 10 & 18.
Glengoyne 10 and the cask.
A cask strength Mac-Talla and a local whisky, the 12of some flavour, but this is still too young for me, but shows good promise when they have some older spirit available.

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Originally Posted by CageyH

The place where I bought it from is in a small town in Aveyron.
This one was selected after tasting six different malts.
Loch Lomond 10 & 18.
Glengoyne 10 and the cask.
A cask strength Mac-Talla and a local whisky, the 12of some flavour, but this is still too young for me, but shows good promise when they have some older spirit available.

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I have to be honest, I do struggle with some of the younger drams

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Originally Posted by rmcin626

I have to be honest, I do struggle with some of the younger drams

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That's a big problem as you progress up the whisky ladder, it's very hard to go back down.

Château La Croix Saint-Michel, Montagne Saint-Émilion, 2023

https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images...t/4596323b.png

A classic Montagne-Saint-Émilion at a price you'll rarely see for a claret of this quality. From within one of Bordeaux's most prized terroirs, this Merlot-led gem brims with bright plum and spice. A Merlot-based blend; silky ripe tannins, complexity, with a long red fruit finish.


Merlot-based blend

14% ABV, Drink by end of 2029 About £19 a bottle

Château Lamothe-Bergeron, Haut-Médoc, 2023

https://media-viniou.com/wine-info/5...edoc-aoc-1.jpg

The large, 67-hectare vineyard is planted to 52% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The Left Bank vineyard is well situated, as it is not that far from the southern tip of the St. Julien appellation and north of the Margaux appellation.

Chateau Lamothe Bergeron needs some time before it can be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for between 1-2 hours. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Chateau Lamothe Bergeron is usually better with at least 2-4 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Lamothe Bergeron offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 3-15 years of age after the vintage.


Chateau Lamothe Bergeron is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. The wine of Chateau Lamothe Bergeron is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Chateau Lamothe Bergeron is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

12.5% ABV About £20 a bottle.

Le Bourg Bordeaux, Bordeaux AOC

https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images...t/4359823b.png

Bordeaux winemaker Jean-Marc Sauboua likes to challenge the rules and here he's taken two cuvées of delicious Merlot from two vintages –warm, ripe 2022 and the younger, fresh notes of 2023. Dark, velvety black fruits, with a light touch of oak.

Gone are the days when all Bordeaux reds needed to be cellared for years (though you can still find them among the pricier echelons of classed growth clarets). Instead, Bordeaux can offer very appealing, velvety wines with generous fruit, structure and elegance. Winemaker, Jean-Marc Sauboua, trained at one of Bordeaux's smartest addresses – first growth Château Haut-Brion – but for Le Bourg he wanted to produce a red that is as easy to drink by the glass in the local village bar, as it is with a hearty supper. He chose two parcels of mostly Merlot – one Right Bank cuvée from the ripe 2022 vintage, the other from just across the river and the younger 2023 vintage. Fruity with a touch of oak, Le Bourg makes a great glass with a roast.

Medium Bodied, with a deep ruby colour

13.5% ABV. Drink by end of 2030. About £15 a bottle.

Reboul Salze 2023 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux AOC

https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/images...t/4135922b.png

This gorgeous, velvety claret is the result of Bordeaux's renowned Christophe Reboul Salze. Christophe blended a cuvée from each of his exceptional Blaye estates to create a wine so good he lent it his name.

Christophe Reboul Salze is a big name in Bordeaux. Born in central France, he fell in love with the region's wines in his youth. Arriving in Bordeaux in 1980, he decided to make his passion a career. He gained a decade's experience trading in Grand Cru Classé wines and became director at one of the leading houses. Then started his own négociant business, which remains today a leader in the field. However, he wanted to make wine too, so he purchased three estates in the Right Bank's Premières Côtes de Blaye and employed Stéphane Derenoncourt as consultant. The results have been exceptional. This superb, top-vintage claret uses a cuvée from each of his châteaux – Les Grands Marechaux, Gigault and Belle Coline. A fine exclusive Bordeaux red.

13.5% ABV Drink by end of 2030. About £18 a bottle.

Well if things go well in the a few hours time, one or both of these will be enjoyed in the early hours.
https://i.ibb.co/dwgQvgtq/IMG-0117.jpg

Good luck Robin, hopefully you’ll be having a celebratory dram or three but I don’t have the stamina to stay up with you!

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Originally Posted by Alex_UK

Good luck Robin, hopefully you’ll be having a celebratory dram or three but I don’t have the stamina to stay up with you!

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Thanks Alex, hanging in there, taking it easy at the moment.

Congratulations on Scotland's win over Haiti. Robin, you definitely deserve a dram or two in celebration. :)

I'd sup either of those drams with you Robin and great result.

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Originally Posted by Barry

Congratulations on Scotland's win over Haiti. Robin, you definitely deserve a dram or two in celebration. :)

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Thanks Barry, a game we needed to win and we did, managed a couple of drams.