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WHISKY JOURNAL
WHISKY JOURNAL
Top 5 whisky bottles for Halloween
Top 5 whisky bottles for Halloween
- October 24, 2022
It is getting darker these days and for some reason, this year’s Halloween feels spookier than ever. We definitely need something to keep us warm and cosy to survive the night. Luckily, we have selected five beautiful drams to keep you company so you won’t feel alone. But wait! There might be something off with some of these bottles! Grab your garlic, holy water and some silver bullets and let’s find out!
The Epicurean Glasgow Edition
Meet the Epicurean, traveling from town to town, storyteller at heart. Charming and a little bit cheeky. As the night settles he pours you a dram of his own blend of Lowland malts. It is said that he is able to suck the essence of every single distillery and use it for his own good. The dram is indeed powerful, and has lots of character. And then he starts telling. Every spoken word and every little sip is mesmerizing. But beware, don’t fall for his charm too much, or you will become part of his next project!
Nose
Slightly earthy and metallic as a base, a small hint of bbq sauce. Then there’s sweet aromas of buttered corn, vanilla, cookie dough, custard and ripe banana.
Palette
Crispy, fruity and sweet taste. Nicely integrated alcohol, resulting in a creamy mouthfeel. It has some interesting hints of minced meat.
Finish
The fruity character and freshly baked cookies continue, drying off in a meaty and lightly salted aftertaste, with something that resembles the taste of red pesto.
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|---|---|
COUNTRY | Scotland |
REGION | Lowlands |
TYPE | Blended malt |
AGE | NAS |
ABV | 56.8% |
Mortlach 13yo Special Release 2021
It is late at night when you are going for a walk with your dog, it is safe to say that the poor thing certainly isn’t a superhero and to be honest, you’re not that of a tough cookie yourself. You walk past a treeline and while this isn’t a problem during the day, the sight of the dark and tall trees under the flickering street lights give you shivers. Suddenly you hear a loud howl, your dog is doing the best he can and growls towards the trees. You are not so sure what is coming and you take a few steps back, something is crawling towards you and in the shimmering light of the full moon, you see large teeth and bright yellow eyes. It is too late to run, you have to stand your ground!
Nose
Orchard fruits, leather and a bit dusty. Some peat, horse manure, cigars, chilli and walnuts.
Palette
Fresh orchard fruits on the palate, grape skin, zesty and bitter.
Finish
Ashy, beer and a bit grassy as well. Grist and cotton in the end.
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|---|---|
COUNTRY | Scotland |
REGION | Speyside |
TYPE | Single malt |
AGE | 13yo |
ABV | 55.9% |
Laphroaig Lore
Let’s debate some folklore around the bonfire, shall we? As soon as the smoke arises, the stories will too. And as soon as you sip this Laphroaig, you will become part of a long history, dating back to 1815. Imagine what stories have been told in all these years; stories about witches, sea creatures and ghosts. Imagine being alone in the old, damp distillery, hearing nothing but your own breath. Brrrr. You have nothing to worry about though, because even the bravest of creatures are nothing compared to the smoky beast that this dram is:
Nose
Smoke arises from the glass, with typical notes of liquorice root, fresh sawn wood and sea salt. Pineapples and peaches offer some refreshment.
Palette
A continuation of the nose with some liquorice candies and damp oak.
Finish
Liquorice again, slightly peppery and a long wave of pineapple juice.
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|---|---|
COUNTRY | Scotland |
REGION | Islay |
TYPE | Single malt |
AGE | NAS |
ABV | 48% |
Old Pulteney 12yo
Do you know the story of the Flying Dutchman? It is said that as a punishment for throwing his helmsman overboard, the captain of the ship the Flying Dutchman has to sail the seas forever. Many brave sailors reported sightings of the the devilish ghost ship, which almost always brings doom to spectator. Only the luckiest survive. Once, in the late 1800s at the Noss Head lighthouse, a terrified crew came ashore who claimed to have seen a ghost ship with blood red sails, which was hovering above the waves. “We might just have what you need, sons!” said the keeper of the lighthouse. And he poured every single one of them a dram from Old Pulteney, which lies just around the corner. The comforting taste of the Old Pulteney 12yo was indeed everything they needed:
Nose
Salty to say the least, cinnamon is taking the upper hand. It smells like an apple cake fresh out the oven. A bit savoury with honey marinade, drupes and almonds.
Palette
Very juicy orchard fruits on the palate, cinnamon and vanilla. Sweet waffles or as the Dutch call it: Kniepertjes. A salty touch towards the finish.
Finish
An earthy and briny finish with a hint of peat somewhere. Cake and cookies with apple peel in the end. A very interesting and enchanting whisky, well done!
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|---|---|
COUNTRY | Scotland |
REGION | Highlands |
TYPE | Single malt |
AGE | 12yo |
ABV | 40% |
Smokehead Twisted Stout
It is a cold and dark night when you hear some stumbling and rumbling coming from your cellar. Armed with a flashlight and a good dose of courage you start descending the squeaky stairs. What could it be? Some rats? A lost raccoon maybe? Once downstairs your light falters and you hear a hissing sound. Smoke is filling up the room and you can’t see a thing! You feel someone or something is tapping your shoulder, when you turn around your flashlight draws its last breath. There he is, The Smokehead Twisted Stout which you just have put far away because it was feeling like this bottle is haunting you around the house. He now has the higher ground, the choice is up to you, pour a dram or try to escape? It is fight or flight!
Nose
Full nose of sweet peat, smokey spareribs, strawberries, chocolate mousse and tropical fruits.
Palette
Gentle on the tongue, with driving waves of sweet peated barley, licorice root, salt and wood, with some refreshing notes of apples and sugary marshmallows.
Finish
Salty and sweet, nicely balanced with an afterburn of toasted whole wheat bread.
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|---|---|
COUNTRY | Scotland |
REGION | Islay |
TYPE | Single malt |
AGE | NAS |
ABV | 43% |
