I see that Amazon have the Lagavulin 8 for £38 today which seems a good price.
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I see that Amazon have the Lagavulin 8 for £38 today which seems a good price.
That's the Prime price, £58.00 if you aren't a Prime member - so if you have Amazon Prime that's a bargain, well worth £38 IMOQuote:
Originally Posted by spm
Hit that buy button :)
Since the last 51 posts have been about whisk(e)y, it is about time we oenophiles got a look in! ;)
So I shall soon be expecting delivery of a case of a 2012 Chateau Mauresin Barton, Moulis en Médoc:
Intense balance of red fruits with mild hints of vanilla and woody, toasty flavours on the finish. You can enjoy this wine now, and for at another 5 or more years.
48% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
13% ABV. Drink from 2026 - 2033. £23 a bottle.
Enjoy Barry, wine never lasts 5 years in this house.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
Nor here - five months at best. But I have a lot of wine in my 'cellar', and as my partner is not much of a wine drinker, we get through wine more slowly that we could. However, once a bottle has been opened it ought to be consumed within two days at most, even if you pump out the air.Quote:
Originally Posted by rmcin626
A wine cellar, very jealous, too be honest my palate is probably not good enough to stock a cellar.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
I did put "cellar" in quotes - it's actually four wine racks, so about 50 bottles. I wish I did have a genuine cellar: in this weather it would not only be the wine that was being kept cool, it would be me as well!Quote:
Originally Posted by rmcin626
Should have noticed the quotes , don’t feel too jealous now, we probably have around 30-40 bottles kicking about.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
2023 Château La Croix Saint Michel, Montagne Saint-Émilion
A classic Montagne-Saint-Émilion from within one of Bordeaux's most prized terroirs.
Just a small river apart from the famed Saint-Émilion, Montagne-Saint-Émilion is a little-known Right Bank satellite dedicated exclusively to red wine. Though it boasts a terroir that’s nearly identical to its famous neighbour, its bottles remain relatively well priced because of their low profile.
Though just 24 acres in size, its wines are substantial, powerful things that become graceful and downright revitalizing as they linger in your glass. The wine is aged partially in concrete and partially in stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrancy.
This wine opens with a fragrent nose of fresh red berries, evoking raspberry and cherry. Its garnet robe catches the eye with brilliance. The palette is subtle and aromatic from the first sip, revealing juicy fruit flavours and a smooth, balanced texture. The finish is refined, marked by fine, well-integrated tannins that lend structure without overpowering the wine's natural elegance.
Tasting notes: Silky ripe tannins, complexity, with a long red fruit finish.
85% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
14% ABV. Drink by end of 2029.
Morning all,
Quick update now I'm back home. While out and about in Dublin, I found myself on a bit of an impromptu whiskey history tour. If you're ever in the Liberties area, it's fascinating – the Golden Triangle where Roe, Jameson and Powers once ruled . Most of the old distilleries are gone now (the last drops of pot still whiskey were distilled at Bow Street back in 1970), but you can still feel the history in the air .
Anyway, I couldn't resist bringing a little piece of it home. I picked up a bottle of Teeling Small Batch from the distillery on Newmarket Square – the first new distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years . It's a blend of grain and malt whiskeys, aged in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Central American rum casks .
The taste? Vanilla and caramel up front, with a lovely dried fruit and tropical spice note on the finish – a little rum‑y sweetness that lingers just long enough. At 46% ABV, it's got enough character to sip neat, but it's smooth enough that I didn't feel the need to add water. My daughter‑in‑law, who's been my accidental whisky enabler, gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up.
I may not have bought a turntable to play that Joni Mitchell record, but I've found another way to enjoy the finer things in life.
Sláinte.
Alistair
Sounds like a good experience, enjoy the whiskyQuote:
Originally Posted by Maelstrom
2011 Château Lamoth-Bergeron, Haut-Médoc
This cuvée reveals remarkable depth and intensity, offering a rich aromatic palate dominated by dark ripe fruits and refined oak. The bouquet is expressive, with nuances of forest floor, blackberries and subtle toasty notes. On the palete, the wine is generous and well-structured, with polished tannins and a long, complex finish that reflects the elegance of its age.
Bordeaux insiders have long sought out the wines of Château Lamothe-Bergeron, as this Cru Bourgeois estate consistently offers unrivalled quality and value. That’s because the vineyards are nestled between the famous names of Saint-Julien and Margaux, and the winemaking is overseen by Hubert de Boüard of Saint-Émilion’s prestigious Château Angélus. The 2011 has been cellared in perfect conditions at the château and is now drinking at its absolute peak. The epitome of aged Médoc, it marries forest fruit, tobacco and spicy complexity with a savoury oak finish. “Prune, cigar-box and earthy flavours feature in an excellent example of mature Bordeaux”. Decanter Magazine.
Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 - “Well matured classic Bordeaux. Cassis with bell pepper, fig, tobacco leaves, soft plum and incense. Tender, giving and rewarding with good quality of fruit on the palate.” 92/100
60% Cabernet Sauvignon with 40% Merlot grape.
12.5% ABV. Drink by 10.01.2029. About £22 a bottle.
New arrival https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...aef12dd32a.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Looks something I might like. Is 57% a high ABV for a whisk(e)y?
I wish I could get it in AustraliaQuote:
Originally Posted by Barry
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Yes Barry, that’s batch strength, so quite high, personally I prefer an ABV between 45% & 55%, but have always enjoy this distillery’s expressions and really enjoy the taster this morning. There are quite a few over 60% which is not my preference .Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
A new addition which as you can see I have been enjoying.
https://i.ibb.co/pjzZC3f6/IMG-0185.jpg
Tasting notes
Orchard & Oak is a bright, fruit-forward single malt and a proud new addition to Lochlea’s core range. Matured in a combination of first-fill Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, and Calvado casks, it delivers vibrant notes of fresh apple, buttery caramel, and sweet oak, with a soft, grassy freshness and a smooth, spiced finish.
You certainly know your whiskys Robin. :)
I knew nothing about whisky until I was bought a measure of Laphroaig. Probably not the best choice for a novice, but I loved it and still do. Much later I attended a whisky tasting evening where I learnt about the likes of Lagavulin, Talisker, Oban, Dalwhinnie, Cragganmore; some of which are now my favourites.
It was the fact that the different whiskies could be described in much the same way as wines, caused me to buy a copy of 'Micheal Jackson's Malt Whisky Companion'. (6th edition, 2004) It lists and describes over 1,000 malts, with vintages from 1926 onwards. It makes for very interesting reading. :)
I am quite lucky as we have a small local whisky shop and the owner Allan will always offer a taste or two of what he has available. He also organises tastings from distilleries or Independent bottlers every few months, usually £30 for a tasting of 6 whiskies in a local venue. I also buy the Malt whisky year book which I find a good read.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
Château Le Bonalguet, Bordeaux 2020
Not many wines can boast 23 top Gold medals in six years, but that’s the triumphant haul for this claret, 2015 to 2020. It’s from a small estate in Saint-Germain du Puch, between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion. 13 of the 15ha estate grows Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet on clay and limestone soils typical of the greater Saint-Emilion region. 2020, with its long, warm summer, was certainly a good year for Bordeaux.
Château Le Bonalguet is a deep ruby red in colour, with vibrant cherry and blackcurrant aromas infused with delicate floral hints. The palate is perfectly balanced, with silky smooth tannins and a complex lingering finish. This is an expressive wine that can be enjoyed now or allowed to mature for a few more years more, but decant at least an hour before serving.
Winner of eight gold medals 2021 and 2022.
13.5% ABV. Drink up by end of 2027. About £15 a bottle.
2012 Château Mauvesin Barton, Moulis-en-Médoc, Bordeaux
Moulis is the smallest of the six Médoc communes but boasts a wide variety of soils and terroirs. One of the two communal appellations located on the Atlantic side of the Médoc, its hilly country is studded with a diversity of gravels, limestone and clay. These are sturdy wines, but the best are capable of considerable longevity and are often seductively perfumed, with more power than Margaux wines – albeit less finesse and elegance.
This limited parcel of Médoc comes courtesy of Bordeaux’s renowned Barton family – of Cru Classé Château Léoville Barton fame. At 14 years old, it’s beautifully mature with silky dark fruit (blackcurrant and black cherry) and hints of tobacco, cedar, violets and spice.
Merlot (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Cabernet Franc (14%), and Petit Verdot (3%)
13% ABV. Drink by end of 2032. About £25 a bottle.
Holiday purchases this year -
1st whisky bought to drink with someone who does not like whisky: https://www.aikanwhisky.com/en-intense-single-barrel/
Aikan intense single barrel- very good for the money. Heavy rum influence is easily notic3d.
2nd whisky- Celtic whisky distillery Kornog - https://www.celtic-whisky-distilleri...e-malt-whisky/ Not bad for a slightly peated whisky.
3rd whisky - Armorik Diez single cask 2026 (15 yo) - https://distillerie-warenghem.bzh/bo...rik-deiz-2026/ purchased after a distillery tour.
Only the Aikan has been opened for now.
I also bought 3 bottles of gin.
Blossom Costa Blanca - very nice with a fever tree premium Indian tonic and a slice of lime.
H2B - A breton gin, which I like much less, having heavy influences of it's maritime location, and use of seaweed.
Saint Maudez London dry gin by the Celtic whisky distillery. Also very good.
Some interesting whiskies there Kevin, personally not keen on any whisky that I have tasted so far that has been matured in rum casks.Quote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
Maybe you will update us further once you have opened the others.
I have tasted the others, both in the distilleries.
I went for the basic Kornog as I could not find the Roc'h Hir that was highly rated in the whisky bible.
From memory, it is a little on the young side, but flavour profile is like an Islay - peated around 40ppm. It was the best of the whiskies I tried in the shop, for my taste.
I also tried the Sauternes Bourbon cask reserve, the Oloroso single cask (which I really wanted to like) and the Saint Erwan 2026.
The winner for me on the day was the cheaper bottle, which after a "Gemini search" just performed is the bottle previously sold as Roc'h Hir.
The Armorik single cask 15 yo Diez was matured in ex-bourbon (4 years) and Armagnac casks (11 years). It is non peated. From a taste point of view, it was deeper and more complex than the other expressions I tasted that day (Double Maturation, classic, sherry cask and 10 yo). It is a nicely balanced whisky, which I quite enjoyed.
I already have a bottle of their Yeun Elez peated whisky and the small batch Yeun Elez, matured in sherry casks at home, so this single cask will be a nice addition.
Apart from the complex taste, I do remember it having a slightly smoky finish, with a touch of vanilla, which was nice. It was the 5th whisky I tried that day, so my memory was not great, but I do remember it being on another level compared to the non peated offerings I tried on the day.
Interestingly, they import the peated barley from Scotland, as they don't have the infrastructure to do it in France, and I am not sure they are allowed to touch the peat fromnthe local national park, which gives the whisky it's name.
I'll update my findings when I eventually open them at home.
Edited to add that Yeun Elez is similar to Coal Ila in taste profile and Kornog is more Port Charlotte.
Great tasting notes Kevin, much appreciatedQuote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
A wee birthday gift from the wife, Lochlea Fire without Smoke
https://i.ibb.co/wT45JqC/IMG-0191.jpg
Smoke Without Fire is a delicately smoky single malt and a proud addition to Lochlea’s core range. Evolving from their Ploughing Edition, this expression is matured in a combination of ex-peated refill Bourbon barrels and red wine casks, offering a beautifully balanced profile of soft red fruits, floral sweetness, and gentle bonfire smoke. This whisky captures the subtle complexity of peat influence without overpowering the spirit’s natural elegance.
I cracked open the Kornog tonight.
It is better than I remember, and although the tasting notes on various sites spout all sorts of flavours, it is very close to Caol Ila.
There is wood smoke and peat in abundance, and a hint of sea air innthe finish.
I am happy with this purchase.
Sounds very nice Kevin , enjoyQuote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
It appears that I have run out of storage space for whisky.
I need a new cabinet that can store a minimum of 60 bottles. Any suggestions?
I know I could drink more, and buy less, but I am where I am right now.
60 bottles! That amount would last me years!
I do of course understand your problem - I have difficulty storing 100 or so bottles of wine.
It took me ages to find a drinks cabinet, but the one I bought holds about 30/40 plus 3 wine racks from memory 15 bottles of wine.Quote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
I have a buffet that holds 50 bottles, but I need additional space.
I a mthinking about a vertical cabinet to hold the "nicer" bottles that I can keep innthe cornet, so no UV issues.
I have been thinking about my consumption of spirits. Assuming a double measure (70ml) for a nightcap, then a standard bottle would last 10 days. Thus 60 bottles would last me about two years - not as much as I initially thought.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
I like whisky, but I'm a wine man at heart, so only have a few bottles of decent whisky. My current wine collection runs to 350 bottles, as I like having wines from various regions of France, Spain and Italy (reds, whites and rosés) as well as new world stuff, and apéritifs, which Del and I are fond of before a meal:)
Marco.
Can you still get Blue Nun?
Or black tower and Thunderbird?
You can still get Blue Nun. Dunno about the rest.
Marco.
Black tower is still available.
Not sure about Thunderbird though.
Thunderbird used to come in two different strengths, red label or blue label iirc. Years ago we took a couple of bottles with us to Ayr, where it was so instantly popular our mates persuaded their local offy to stock it.Quote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
In Scotland, the 'wine' of choice was Buckfast... Guaranteed to get ye blootert' just in time for the magic mushies to arrive...
Marco.
The Buckfast tonic wine is still a popular choice with some.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Indeed, especially all the local jaikies:eyebrows:
Marco.
2022 L'Épiphany de Bordeaux
The name of the château behind L’Epiphanie de Bordeaux 2022, is secret, but it is the flagship cuvée of a top-performing Right Bank estate. It’s a wine lavished with care from start to finish – with low yields, hand-sorting at the château, and ageing in the finest new French oak barrels.
The 2022 reveals aromas of ripe plum, cassis and redcurrants with earthy spice and oak notes. Partner with roast beef, or quality cheddar.
14% ABV, Drink by end of 2034. £30 a bottle.
A bit above what I would usually pay for a bottle of wine, but I am sure was very nice.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
Another new dram, missed the official last weekend but the owner of my local whisky shop, gave a tasting yesterday of most of the drams and this was lovely.
Tasting Notes and details.
Brave New Spirits is an independent bottler and blender based in Glasgow, and owner of the Witchburn Distillery development in Campbeltown.
Brave New Spirits was founded in 2020 and has since launched bottlings which showcase the versatility of Scottish whisky: WhiskyHeroes (single-cask/small-batch releases), Whisky of Voodoo (small-batch single malt/single grain whiskies in an array of cask finishes), Cask Masters (single casks), and brands like The Highland Shepherd Single Malt and Blended Malts like Royal Cabinet and Lighthouse.
Brave New Spirits won 'Spirits Bottler of the Year’ at the The Spirits Business Awards in 2024, and has been shortlisted again in 2025.
The WhiskyHeroes collection features exceptional single cask whiskies and small-batch releases, matured in Bourbon, Sherry and Port wine casks. Bold designs reflect the character and adventure in each bottle. The whiskies are from declared and, occasionally, 'secret' distilleries, bottled at natural strength - mostly between 52 and 58% ABV.
Tasting Notes: stewed apples, walnuts, chalky, gently tannic
https://i.ibb.co/Q7DdQTCT/IMG-0251.jpg
Of course, after watching some sh**te football for a couple of years, nice to celebrate a decent display today.
Château La Fon du Berger, Haut-Médoc, 2018
Château La Fon du Berger Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois is from a family-owned estate in Saint-Sauveur, just five minutes from Pauillac.
This wine is a classic Médoc blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with some Petit Verdot, aged in French oak barrels for 12 months before bottling. The result is an elegantly structured Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois with plenty of ripe, juicy fruit, herbal freshness and fine tannins, with subtle hints of oak spice.
"Pleasant, precise and ripe nose showing jammy fruit notes with meaty and smoky hints. The palate is polished and mature with nice fruitiness and charming acidity."
13.5% ABV Drink by end of 2030. £20 a bottle.