Jean Boyer Glentauchers Whisky
Mars Komagatake Single Malt Edition
Few Straight Rye Whiskey
Whisky Advocate Award: Craft Whiskey of the Year. Another new batch to FEWs line up is a majority-rye married with the sweetness of corn for a 'softer' interpretation. First encountered back in 2015, this is now pretty seamless as far as ryes go: All the signatures of the grain are clearly expressed, from the wisps of apple and mint through the nose, to the juicy mouthfeel and pepper streak through the finish. The texture is fabulous, the length sustained by oily rye and peppermint chocolate. It's an impressive new batch, and a seriously solid rye by any measure. 46.5% Alc./Vol. First tasted 2015: Pale gold colour is slightly turbid. Offers up scents of beeswax over stewed apple and cinnamon. Time in the glass yields hints of white pepper and cut grass however the focus remains on the mouth watering, apple strudel like qualities. Light, supple entry develops into a concentrated, juicy, beeswax profile framed by firm rye spices accentuating towards the finish which is momentarily rye bread-like, trailing off beeswaxy, dry and closing a little short. Quite compelling. 91 points
Jura 18 Year Old Single Malt
At the peak of the Jura distillery's core range (relaunched in mid-2018) sits the Isle of Jura 18 Year Old. This expression aged in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before enjoying a finishing period in Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux barrels, imparting a rich fruitiness. Top stuff for late evening dramming.