Heavily Peated Yamazaki 1993

I love Japanese whisky - ok I love all whisky - within reason! So when I got the chance to try this I jumped at the chance. Was just a shame I had already had a few drams before this one!

Cask 3Q70041 62%

Nose: Smoke is like that of a smoked cheese - and also a slight fishy note. The white oak doesnt give much vanilla though.

Taste: The smoke comes through on the taste and it id quite dry and almost a little young tasting. - does not taste like it is 62% abv though.

Finish: Warming and dry lingering dry ash and maybe a touch of lemon.

Comment: Nae a bad dram at all but nothing overly memorable.

Score: 87/100

For a better review head to the best Japanese whisky site there is Nojatta so good he includes reviews of a similar cask by Serge off of Whiskyfun.

Caol Ila 1993 Distillers Edition

I have been curious to try this since I heard it was coming out so I was glad to see it in my local last night so gave it a bash. Must admit though that I had partaken in several pints of Guiness before sampling so perhaps taste buds were not at there best! Any way this 1993 Caol Ila has been finished for 6 months in Dark Moscatel casks.

Here is what I thought last night!

Nose: Almost smells pink! A bit bigger than a standard Caol Ila but has a nose of raspberry jam as well.

Taste: Taste is not so big. Touch of orange and peat. Quite oily would maybe mistake it for a soft lagavulin. A little metallic actually I like it though.

Finish: Quite a short finish for an Islay

Comment: I like it but maybe the Moscatel dominates a little to much and dulls the Caol Ila character a little.

Score 87/100

Will try again when not already three sheets to the wind and will re-evaluate. Could be interesting!