The Whisky Guy Blog

With no Internet access at my Islay cottage, I rely on the WiFi at the Lochside Inn in Bowmore or at the house of my friend Martine Nouet. Martine, as you may know, is a fantastic writer of all things whisky and food, and pioneered the cuisine of paring the two.

Recently, Martine asked me to join her to taste some new releases for Whisky Magazine’s French edition (http://www.whiskymag.fr/mag.php), which she edits, as well as writes for. The magazine recently came out and is on shelves throughout France. If you’ve ever wanted to read me in French, this is your chance. If you, like me, can’t read French, I’ll provide my tasting notes in the original English for your enjoyment:

Auchentoshan 1999; 46%

Score: 7.5

Nose: Lemon zest, apples and guava. Fresh bread. Faint flowers. Dash of water brings out light peppers.

Palate: Medium-dry and slightly chewy. Tropical fruit, pineapple, peach and faint lemon. Developing malt. Pepper with water.

Finish: Long and warming. Throaty.

Comments: Pleasant aperitif or daytime dram.

Glen Ar Mor; 46%

Score: 8.75

Nose: Feisty fun. Bubblegum. Spring wildflowers. Mouthwatering play-dough. Mistletoe.

Palate: Rich bubble gum that settles into berries and cream. Cranberries. Grassy. Ginger-cinnamon snaps.

Finish: Dashes away quickly before peeking out playfully one last time.

Comments: Looking forward to seeing this exciting youngster mature under the tutelage of its wooden headmaster.

Lambertus Single Grain 10 years; 40%

Nose: Fruitier than expected with bananas and strawberry mousse; budding saplings coming under oak; vanilla; toffee; cherry with water.

Palate: Medium body. Banana crème pie; strawberries; vanilla; overtones of fallen leaves; subtle chestnuts; milk chocolate; dark chocolate with water.

Finish: Gentle waves with a cherry chaser.

Comments: A simple and enjoyable grain whisky that grows on you.

After long last, I am comfortably at my new home for the foreseeable future: Islay, the Scottish island of the peated malts.  My arrival here brings my whisky experience full circle in some ways, as it was Fergus Hartley, formerly of Bowmore, who took the time to give me a personal tasting introduction to Scotch several years ago that drew me into this wonderful world.

Bowmore was the first distillery I stopped in after I arrived, and I enjoyed a fantastic distillery-only release that was reminiscent of holiday spices and aromas like pine, nutmeg and cinnamon.  I was there briefly, just stopping in to stay warm during a short visit to Bowmore for lunch and groceries.  I’ll get more details about the malt and post them after my next visit.

Currently, I am at the home of the renowned whisky writer/gourmet Martine Nouet.  Like several others who are passionate about whisky, Islay called to Martine for many visits and eventually a home.  With views of two distilleries and Ireland on a clear day, her place is a magnificent location for enjoying a dram, along with her wonderful cooking. 

I am finally settling into island life and over the course of the next couple of weeks look forward to visiting some of the distilleries, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends.  And, of course, tasting a wide range of malts to share with you.