Cinnamon

Arran Amarone Cask

It should be no surprise to our frequent readers that we’ve tried our fair share of whiskies with different finishes. Finishing allows distilleries to impart a different set of flavors through aging the spirit in casks other than the usual ex-bourbon barrels. We’ve tried finishes with Sherry, Port, Rum, along with Shiraz, Madeira and Burgundy wines so far. We have a scotch with Cote du Rhone and Clos de Tart on the docket. Heck, the last Arran we reviewed had a Sauternes finish. Therefore, it may not surprise anyone greatly for us to be interested by this Arran aged in Amarone casks. We came by it honestly, though, through a tasting at Ace Spirit’s. The fact that the Arran Amarone stood out over several other whiskies should be enough to pique your interest, as it did ours.

By Adam | December 21, 2015 | Island | No Comments |

America has always had a certain fascination with whiskey and it has long been a source of curiosity to the right kind of craftsman. Rogue did not start life as a distillery but as a brewery and pub, producing beers of high quality since 1987. There was a focus on using local resources to craft their drinks and to put a high focus on community and a unique offering. Eventually, this love of producing beer branched out to spirits and Rogue now makes vodka, two kinds of rum, two kinds of gin, and a single malt whiskey. Clearly, they have an alcohol problem. Lucky cads. What Scotchology is exploring is a whiskey made using the same malts as their renowned Dead Guy Ale. Will this unholy melding of beer and whiskey turn monstrous or end up becoming something, like all good whiskeys, that is greater than a sum of its parts?

By Adam | December 30, 2014 | Foreign | No Comments |

This site may have an Ardbeg problem. And let us tell you, that’s the kind of problem you want to have. Ardbeg has made a regular habit of releasing limited offerings every year or so over the past decade. Some are bigger hits than others, but they’re all No Age Statement (NAS) bottlings that each have a unique character. Some get brought into the regular line up, like the Uigeadail, while others remain hallowed and elusive (hello, Ardbog). This year’s name is a tip of the hat to the 2014 World Cup, held in Brazil. Auriverdes means “gold” and “green,” which are the colors of Brazil. Ardbeg claims that the whisky is gold and the bottle is green – also very true. Will this Ardbeg Auriverdes be able to stand tall on the Ardbeg team?

By Adam | November 19, 2014 | Islay | No Comments |