Chivas Regal has taken a bold step with CrystalGold — a clear spirit created through charcoal filtration. In this blind comparison with Chivas 12, I explore whether clarity enhances smoothness or strips away the soul of Scotch.
Category: Whisky Review
Fin de Partie – French Whisky with a Funky Twist
French whisky isn’t something you stumble across every day, but Fin de Partie by Maison Benjamin Kuentz is one that demands attention. Distilled in Lorraine and aged in a mix of bourbon, Cognac, Oloroso, PX, and virgin oak casks, it’s a whisky that’s light in colour yet brimming with character. With an oily texture, savoury depth, and a distinct cheese-like funk, this dram challenges expectations of what whisky can be — and proves that France has its own unique story to tell in the world of single malts.
Jura Distillery Cask 1708 – A Dram for World Mental Health Day
Released in 2020 to raise funds for Scottish mental health services, the Jura Distillery Cask 1708 is more than just a 19-year-old single malt — it’s a whisky with heart. Matured in a single sherry butt and bottled at 55% cask strength, it delivers rich toffee sweetness, oak spice and depth in every sip, reminding us that sometimes, a dram can do real good.
Glenlivet 12 vs Founder’s Reserve: Similar Whiskies, One Clear Winner
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old and the Founder’s Reserve look almost identical on paper: same distillery, similar price, and nearly the same specs. But when tasted side by side, one clearly stood out. Discover which Glenlivet delivers more body, texture, and flavour in this head-to-head comparison.
Ardbeg 17 Review – The Return of a Classic
The legendary Ardbeg 17 Year Old has returned after two decades. First launched in 1997 and discontinued in 2004, this lighter, more delicate expression was revived in 2024 thanks to the passion of the Ardbeg Committee. In this review, I explore its history, flavour profile, and why it remains an unmistakably Ardbeg dram.
Kujira Japanese Rice Whisky | 5, 10 & 15 Year Old
Kujira Japanese rice whisky offers a taste of Okinawa unlike any other. In this review, I sit down with importer Nikki Knights to explore the 5, 10 and 15 year old expressions – whiskies that show how rice, oak and climate combine to create something uniquely Japanese.
Strathmill 1994 Càrn Mòr “Celebration of the Cask” 24 Year Old Review
A rarely seen single malt from Strathmill, this 1994 Càrn Mòr “Celebration of the Cask” 24 Year Old shows just how grain-driven and delicate a Scotch can be when given time in the right cask. Only 217 bottles were ever released, making this a true hidden gem of Speyside.
Laizhou Distillery: Chinese Single Malt Whisky
Laizhou Chinese single malt is redefining expectations — explore the distillery’s story and my reviews of three whiskies that showcase its surprising quality and character.
Ki One – South Korean Single Malt Review – Eagle, Tiger and Unicorn
Ki One marks the beginning of South Korea’s single malt journey. Produced at Three Societies Distillery in the Namyangju mountains, these Eagle, Tiger, and Unicorn expressions offer a glimpse into the exciting future of Korean whisky.
E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon Review
After a year and a half of waiting, I finally opened my bottle of E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon—and it was worth every second. From old oak and honey to creamy vanilla and cherry syrup, this Bottled-in-Bond classic delivered a beautifully balanced pour.