LCBO Vintages Release for January 2012

Happy New Year to all my loyal readers! With a new year comes new whisky, new friends and new events.  So what does this mean for you?  More blogging and work on my end will mean more rewards for you the reader.  That being said, lets begin with the LCBO vintages line up for January and the special imports for Robbie Burns Day.

For the January 07/2012 release we have a few peaty selections brought in specifically for the great Scot himself - Robbie Burns.  In honor of Robbie Burns Day (January 25), a feast is held in which Haggis is a central item and an Address to A Haggis is traditionally read before dinner.  Check out Robert Burns World Federation for further information on the beloved Scottish poet and for ideas to plan a Burn's night of your own.

First up a not so classic, but very becoming Bowmore.  Bowmore Laimrig (Gaelic for pier, dock, or wharf or something along those lines I'm told); is a 15 year old, heavy sherryied, cask strength, unchillfiltered Islay monster.  With notes of robust sherry, almonds, rich figs, coca and cherries are balanced with the typical wet peat, campfire smoke, sulphur, brine and burnt rubber notes of a true Bowmore.  From what I understand, the majority of this will end up in the hands of  Bowmore collectors (think of them as Coca-Cola collectors but for alcohol).  Either way this be a dragon that require slaying with some water.  By some, I mean quite a bit!  It can handle a good dollop (at 54.5% ABV), and with it reveals more rich red fruits, floral notes and quells some of the smoke and flames.  The nose softens and it becomes quite palatable.  This is a thick and heavy dram, but sold at a respectable $98.95, it's not a bad investment into a CS Bowmore.  Check your local LCBO for Sku #263681.

Also released in this round Hazelburn CV from Springbank Distillers.  This is a triple distilled Scotch from the Campbeltown region, and is made with non-peated barley.  The CV is new to the LCBO, and very similar to the Hazelburn 8 year old (with the exception being this is created from 6-10 year old casks vatted together).  For 12 dollars cheaper than the 8 year old, you'll get the lots of citrus and herbal notes on the nose.  Fresh spice cake (orange peel, ginger cloves), and vanilla on the palate.  There are some interesting and slightly unpleasant notes though like acetone, and warm blood (that metallic fruity note).  It's a medium body but short finish make for a refreshing whisky.   I don't want to come off as an ageist, but the 8 year old has much more going on and seems to have worked out the few kinks experienced here.  Check your local LCBO for Sku #262709 for the CV bottling, and Sku #180380 for the 8 year old.

Also released in this round is the Laphroaig 10.  Intricate smoke and sweet barley come through in this dram.  Jim Murray gave it a 91, and for only 10 bucks more than the quarter cask ($69.95), I think the 10 year old is a seriously good buy.  I am still working my way into the heavy peats, and I found this to be a very good representation of what a good peat is.  That being said, I'm somewhat new to peated whisky and you can take that how you will.  The nose shows immense smoke and sour peat notes.  Layers of brine, seaweed and sweet barley grains feather through the whisky.  In the mouth, the grain sweetness cuts through to take centre stage, and the olive brine follows.  There is an earthiness that accents the peat and brine making the mouth feel longer, and the finish linger. Check your local LCBO for Sku #248997, and grab yourself a bottle.

Last but not least for Robbie Burns day is another peat form the Isle of Mull.  The non peated Tobermory (brother to the peated Ledaig) arrives in a 10 year old form for $61.95. Arriving in at 46.3% ABV and 'un chillfiltered' written right on the box; this make me a pretty happy guy!  In fact, stopping by their website, they have an excellent video demonstration that shows what chillfilteration works, and what it strips out of the Whisky.  All that aside, the nose shows wonderful grassy notes with sweet cereal grains and citrus notes.  In the mouth it shows the gingerbread and fruit notes with a slight hint of brine and oak. Medium body, short finish, but an excellent whisky.   Check your local LCBO for Sku #37259 for availability.

There is one more bottle that got a special page to itself, and I'll admit I'm a huge fan of this distillery, Mortlach 15 year old.  They don't have a web page, or much information about themselves or their product.  They don't put out an original bottling, in fact the only bottle of recent memeory is the Flora & Fauna which failed to capture much of the distillery's majesty.  This whisky is another one of the core components of the Johnnie Walker blends.  Though Diageo doesn't bottle their own, some can still be found in the hands of the independent bottlers.  It's really a shame that so much gets blended down as I am in love with the complex noses and heavy, chewy flavors of Mortlach. I really believe that if they bottled their own product once in a while, they might gain their own following.  This bottling comes from Gordon & MacPhail's Distillery Labels lineup and totes an age of 15 years.  With warm sweet malt on the nose to open, flowers, fruits, maple sugar, wood smoke, and orange peel are present.  There is a sulphury note from the heavy sherry influence that somewhat dissipates, and doesn't deter from the nose.  In the mouth, rich dried fruits, with hints of sherry, chocolate, roasted almonds,  gentle dried floral notes and oranges.  This is a very well-rounded whisky with a medium finish.  An excellent addition to any collection or cabinet.  Check your local LCBO for Sku #262873, and grab a bottle for $99.95.

For the January 021/2012 release there are a few more stragglers for the Robbie Burns celebration and a few welcome additions.  Let's delve into the release and see what's worth your buck!

Let's start with the big guns this time!  Laphroaig 18 makes a reappearance at the LCBO, but at a massive cost!  $180 per bottle is a hefty fine for the golden spirit, especially when a 2 minute Google search nets me prices in the 30-40% less range.  All bitching aside, this is a wonderful dram!  Deep rich barley cream blend softly and subtly with the peaty fires of a typical Laphroiag.  This is a far deeper dram that the 10 year old, with an incredible richness that the extra few years provide. Check you local LCBO [Sku #183368] for locations.  If you happen to have an overtime cheque or 2, go for it, otherwise find it at a tasting bar or go in with a group of friends on it.

Next up, is another return for Robbie burns day, the Isle of Arran Robbie Burns single malt (see above for their connection to the World Burns Society).  This is a no age statement, 40% single malt whisky.  This is an interesting sort of dram, Arran spirit, with a younger maturation. With plenty of fresh apples and green fruits on the nose, and hints of cinnamon and ginger snap cookies.  This is a pleasing well-rounded dram, albeit simple, that will put a smile on your face and won't break your bank at only $40.  I grabbed a bottle last year around this time when they showed up, and have been pleasingly rewarded with the Arran malt.  Check your local LCBO [Sku #981084], for a bottle.

Also released is another Highland monster!  Dalmore 12 year old single malt arrives again in all it's stag head emblazoned glory.  This is a really rich dram with heavy sherry overtones, and the colour to match!  Dark amber in colour (most likely assisted via e150), and only 40% ABV.  This is possibly one of the prettiest bottles I've seen at the LCBO for an entry level whisky.  A golden stag's head is emblazoned on the front of the bottle and the black embossed labels all feature shiny gold writing.  Presentation aside, the nose shows deep rich plums, roasted almonds, orange marmalade and dark chocolate.  The palate is intense, with citrus notes dominating the palate, notes of cocoa powder, spiced coffee cake and hints of sherry pepper throughout.  The finish is excellent, starting smooth and ending up dry.  At only $65/bottle this is a definite buy for someone who wants to experience a classically styled Scotch whisky!  Check your local LCBO [Sku #38901], for locations near you.

Last up, but certainly not the least is the Dailuaine arriving via Gordon & MacPhail's Connoisseurs Choice line.  That's pronounced Dal-you-ayn for us non-Scottish folks.  This is a core component to the Johnny Walker lineup, and is a not often seen distillery.  This is another bottling from the independent Gordon & MacPhail's group, bottled at 13 years old and 43% ABV, it's not a bad deal at $65.  The nose features fresh notes of vanilla and raisins with Sherry playing the lead.  The palate is a bit harsh, with a hot notes of fruit and toffee.
  This settles down a bit with water allowing more green fruit/grassy notes and citrus to present themselves.  Not a bad dram.  Check your local LCBO for Sku #263301.

So that's quite a bit to digest for all of you, but there are quite a few good releases this month.  Check out your local LCBO and seek out a tasting bar if you can too.  This is still the best method for trying before buying, and your best chance to evaluate a bottle to see if it's worth a place within your collection. So until next time, keep your stick on the ice and the ice out of your glass!

LCBO Vintages Release for November 2011

Well I was called out on my lack of updates.  Good to hear that people are really reading something that I produce, it really brings me a warm fuzzy feeling.  Like that first dram on a cold winter day, warmed to the cockles.

So what came out in November that looks delicious and is worth your hard-earned pennies?  Let's take a look!  Due to the mass releases in October, there are only 2 for November.  The first being November 12th:

The first item we see is Auchentoshan Three Wood [LCBO Sku #70532 / $76.95] -  The last time I tasted it, it was woody, sherry, and spicy hot (as in my mouth and lower extremities of my brain are on fire).  I don't know how old this is (there isn't an age statement), but it definitely needs some water to loosen it up.  There is a lot of wood at play in this bottle, and I'm honestly not a big fan.  It seems a little too busy, with a reliance on over sherry-ing to cover up a rough young spirit.  I do love sherry finishes however, but my money goes to the Auchentoshan 12-year-old [LCBO Sku #107359] at $54.  It has a much better balance with a much more subtle sherry finish that I find doesn't overwhelm the palette.  There is a ton of caramel in the bottles, giving that weird electric marmalade colour, but they do redeem themselves by serving the spirit at 43%.  Being heavily chill-filtered the bottle is immaculately clear though, and I believe that this takes some serious body away from the spirit.  I am a huge lowland fan, and really believe that if Diageo took the time and created something without all the gubbins, they would have a real prize.  On a side note, there are some excellent bottles from independent distillers out there for Auchentoshan; but they are few and far between.  Lowlands have a rich, refined, soft and smooth palette that suits drinking at any time, I only wish there were more of them left!

Next up is Bruichladdich 7-year-old Port Cask finish.  If you know me, then you'll know I'm a sucker for a good glass of port and this is no exception!  Rich marmalade and copper tones throughout the scotch (no colour added), this gives way to rich dark fruits, oats, and gentle smoke and brine.  This is an excellent foray into the Islay subculture and a great showcase of quality finished scotch.  At only 7 years this tastes like a much older whisky, and the port notes back up the smoke and peat with a rich and vibrant fruitiness all their own.  Served at a healthy 46%, this is produced by an indie distiller for real drinkers like us.  Check your local LCBO [Sku #220905], bottles are $95 (a bit steep, but worth the investment come the first heavy snowfall; you know the one where you'll be sitting indoors watching those fat flakes fall to the ground).

Last, but certainly not least is one of my favorite distilleries, Isle of Arran.  Their entry into the peat saturated world began in 2004 and continues today with Machrie Moor (said Mach-ree More).  This is absolutely one of my favorite peated scotches currently.  I'm not a huge smoke and peat fan as yet, and am still developing a nose for what lays beyond the smoke and brine, but the sweet, punchy and tropical fruitiness of Arran malt characteristics blends so well with the gentle peat and smoke.  If you're not sure about testing the waters of Islay, go for Machrie Moor!  Named after a the peat bog, the Machrie area of the Firth of Clyde area is one of few areas to have Megaliths (standing stones like Stonehenge).  Once said to even been home to Robert the Bruce, and legendary characters such as Fingal.  Fingal's hound, Bran, is represented on the tin/bottle anchored to one of the stones.  As usual with all Arran malts, no colour, no chill-filtration, and served at 46% gets the grades.  Apples and iodine, pears and smoke, vanilla and smokey bergamot on the nose.  This became a favorite at the WhiskeyLive show in Toronto with our tasting group.  Check your local LCBO [Sku #254920], bottles are $72.

I'm going to mention two other spirits that caught my eye on this release:

Moniack Mead - a traditional mead from Scotland.  It has a wonderful rich amber colour.  Nose shows clover and spices.  It's marked as a sweet, so I'd expect it to be around the same sweetness as a port, and at only $16 it would make a great cellar companion.  Check you local LCBO for Sku #987263.

Quinta do Noval Black Port - A dark and serious entry into the competitive world of ports.  Stewed prunes and black fruits on the nose with an intensity that lasts into the finish.  This sounds like something tasty, and something that you could sip with friends after dinner.  At $25 it would be worth a try, or drop it into the cellar for a year or two.  LCBO Sku #235689.

The second November release for the 26th was a little bit lacking. Featuring only 2 malts and a couple of honorable mentions.

First up is Bowmore with the 15-year-old Darkest.  This is a heavy sherry finished Bowmore, produced by a big box distiller.  It's a good one, but it's not my sort of Bowmore.  Dark auburn colour (yeah that's pretty real AKA a big gob of caramel e150a),  and so clear you can see the third or fourth bottle behind it (that's some seriously heavy filtration).  This is the most popular Islay in the world, and this is reflected as they colour and filter out all the best parts to make it super attractive to shoppers in the ever competitive world of Scotch.  It is a heavily sherried Islay, with notes of dark chocolate, raisin and nutmeg on the nose.  I found it a bit lively on the palette; and with a bit of water citrus and worked oak come out, with peat and smoke to follow.  There is a dark rum note in the background that seems sort of alienated, but not out of place.  Check your local LCBO [Sku #503649] for a bottle, be forewarned though at $90/bottle there are many better choices for a peaty sherry treat.  In fact, I'd highly recommend looking for the beefier Laimrig instead, no filtration, no colour and served at cask strength... That's a real sherried Bowmore.

Second is the Balvenie Port Wood 21-year-old.  Great, a second port wood finish... I'm gonna go broke!  Especially on this one!  This is a monster and possibly my favorite Balvenie (in fact until the Caribbean Cask, the only Balvenie I really enjoyed).  This is a monster and exhibits all the right notes in all the right places.  Rich warm mahogany colour gives way to a butter cream richness.  Honey, red fruits, over ripened pears, salty caramels and a wonderful drying finish round out one of the best Balvenie expressions I've ever had.  Now the real problem is the price; $225!  For a bottle of great whisky - yeah I can cough that up.  The problem comes from the lack of distiller's information, there is no mention of colouring, or filtration, and it has been diluted to 40% ABV.  If you've got the cash for a seriously good bottle, check your LCBO fro Sku #500090, or take my advice and skip it for it's cousin The Balvenie Caribbean Cask.

The second release of the Balvenie Caribbean cask has arrived!  This is an excellent 14-year-old Balvenie!  The nose seems a little muted at first, but then as it opens it really seems to take off.  Sweet notes abound, lots of rum sweetness mingle witht he typically sweet Balvenie spirit.  Rich notes of  banana bread, roasted pecans, soft oats and grains in the mouth .  Demerara sugar and spice cake on the finish makes this a real keeper.  Sure, it might not be the ultimate Balvenie expression, but at only $100/bottle this is a lot more affordable than the $800/bottle 30 year old.   The flavors are just as pronounced as the finish is as long as the coveted older range, which is to be expected in a well crafted Balvenie.  Check your local LCBO for SKU #221200.

There are a couple of honorable mentions that I believe are far better than some of the released vintages.  A little bird on my should from the distillery mentioned that there would be a shipment of Old Rip Van Winkle lot 12 'B' to hit our shelves.  Sure enough it did (LCBO Sku #976852).    This is the 'Lot B' Special reserve of the Old Rip Van Winkle, and wow is it good.  At 45.2% ABV (standard range for a bourbon ~90 Proof), and no colour added by law in the US (way to go USA for that choice), this is a rich and deep bourbon that can rival any fine Cognac.  Excellent and smooth, this is a definite purchase.  I did get to try this at the tasting bar, and went back a couple of days later only to find it gone!  Grab yourself a bottle of this before it's gone from the shelves, as there seems to be a lot of eager people waiting for a Van Winkle to grace our shelves, and the moment is nigh!  Well worth the $72 they're asking.

Also released was an Armagnac that caught my eye.  Castadère 20 ans d'âge X.O. Bas Armagnac was quietly placed onto the shelves.  I had to search this one out, and I won't lie, it was the price that grabbed my attention.  $100 for a 20 year old Armagnac is sort of like stumbling across a Ferrari in the auto trader for under $10,000.  It's not uncommon, but when you do see it, you need to seize that moment and check it out.  I still have no Ferrari to my name, but I do have a fantastilicious (yeah that's my own word), Armagnac sitting on my shelf.  Incredibly rich; with the wine flavors of Brandy, the fruity notes of port, and the oak of a well aged spirit, this is a great buy.  There is a wonderful smokey/earthiness in the background of an Armagnac that isn't present in the buttery finish of Cognacs.  Check your local LCBO for SKU #260190 for a bottle.

So that sums up November in a nutshell.  I am also simultaneously working on a recent mega update for what's been happening over the last month, and will post that in good time.  Until the next update, Keep your Stick on the ice and the ice out of your glass. Happy Dramming!