The Wine & Whisky Thread

[rmcin626]

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 whisky

[Barry]

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.

[rmcin626]

New arrival


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[Barry]

Looks something I might like. Is 57% a high ABV for a whisk(e)y?

[hole46]

Looks something I might like. Is 57% a high ABV for a whisk(e)y?

I wish I could get it in Australia


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[rmcin626]

Looks something I might like. Is 57% a high ABV for a whisk(e)y?

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 .

[rmcin626]

A new addition which as you can see I have been enjoying.




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.

[Barry]

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.

[rmcin626]

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.

[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.