By Dave Marsland, Drinks Enthusiast
To say it’s getting nippy outside would be an understatement. If you’re after something to warm yourself up with, then you can’t do much better than a wee dram.
It’s the start of a new year here at Manchester Whisky Club, and we kicked off with a trip out to the Manchester branch of The Whisky Shop.
January’s meeting involve some of The Whisky Shop’s own editions from brand names, so the evening came with some exclusivity.
Our host Joe cracked open five expressions and here’s how they all fared:
Cragganmore 12yr – 40%
Light on the nose with herbal aromas coming through. Smooth on the palate with honey, nuts and berry flavours blending well. A hint of spice to finish.
Glenfarclas 2003 – Whisky Club Exclusive – 46%
A 9-year-old. Very dry on the nose with sherry and wood notes dominating. Very sharp on the palate, with a dry, short offering of fruit.
Douglas of Drumlanrig – Glenrothes 9yr – 46%
Banana notes on the nose followed by dry ginger. A developing smoke that mellows as quickly as it came. Short.
BenRiach 1995 17yr – 53.5%
Fresh with sweet ripe red fruit on the nose. A good, long spice hit with flavours of clotted fudge. Slightly dry but probably due to the plentiful of oak on the finish.
Douglas of Drumlanrig – Laphroaig 8yr – 46%
Light peat on the nose, with hints of paprika flowing loosely. Hickery-smoked bacon flavours on the palate, with a good kick to begin before mellowing down for a dry finish. The Bacon Sandwich of Laphroaig.
A very good collection, with many of the expressions causing quite a discussion. Personally, the Laphroaig was my personal highlight of the night, a cracker of a dram which I will happily seek out again. It’s always great to try these lesser known varieties of brands, especially within such a highly rated store.
Pop-in, try then buy. I don’t think you can go wrong.
Read more Drinks Enthusiast here.
Picture courtesy of Greg Peverill-Conti, with thanks.
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