01/12/2018 G & B Whiskyfest Afterparty

It is almost 23:00. JS, stf92, Forrest, ManoCornuta and I gather up for a final hurrah after a day of fun and games.
It is more about spending a bit of time together than it is about taking long notes, but here are a few impressions.

Benriach 12yo d.1969 (40%, Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice): ManoCornuta bought this on the back of my review, a few years ago, he says. I am flattered and excited to try it again. It is still the fruit bomb I remembered. 10/10

Strathmill 37yo 1974/2011 (44.4%, The Nectar of the Daily Drams & The Whisky Agency): very fruity and noble, with a gentle sawdust feel in the mouth, and an acidic finish -- perhaps a little astringent, here. This reminds me of the recent 26yo Cadenhead bottling, though that one was not as astringent as this one. 9/10

Ireland 27yo 1990/2017 (48%, Maltbarn No. 74 for the Malt Clan, Bourbon Cask, 206b): metallic nose, with sage and unripe mandarin, growing into satsuma. Strong mouth, drying, with hot citrus juice and a fruity finish. Very nice. 9/10

Ledaig 31yo 1973/2004 (47.8%, Ian McLeod Chieftain's Choice, Sherry Hogsheads, C#1711--1712, 120b): a superb mix of earth and roasted pineapple. The mouth is coherent with the nose, and so is the finish. It is hotter than expected and has a note of... Jupiler! Lovely. 9/10

Lagavulin b.2017 (54.1%, OB Distillery Exclusive, 7500b): dry kelp, earth, ink and black cumin on the nose. The mouth is spicy, with more black cumin and drying ink, while the finish is dark (whatever that means). 8/10

We talk about exotic and unusual spices, namely black cardamom and black cumin.

The GlenDronach 37yo 1972/2009 (53.3%, OB Single Cask for La Maison du Whisky, Oloroso Butt, C#705, 275b): elegant combination of earth and juicy fruit in the nose, exotic wood and quince. The mouth is very dry, but it remains elegant. Unfortunately, the finish is the weak point, too woody for me, with lacquer and splinters. 7/10

JS disappears, triggering the boys to get up to do the same. But no, we have more things to try.

Linlithgow 25yo 1982/2007 (51.4%, Murray McDavid Mission Gold, Bourbon Casks + Cognac Finish, 1800b, b#0553): I will make notes tomorrow, since I brought it for the tasting on Sunday.

The boys try that opposite St Magdalene 26yo 1982/200 9(59.1%, Douglas Laing for The Whisky Shop Glen Keir Treasures Cask Strength Selection, 144b)

That would be a good ending, but no, still not. I pour two sister casks of Port Ellen 1967/2017 (unknown ABV, private cask samples from Mayfair stash), for which I will take notes tomorrow too.

It is past 2:00. Time for bed.