Aberfeldy | H | 17 | 40 | G | R | [√  ]:
Very like Highland Park to my palate; probably not enough better to justify the price differential, but certainly not to be scorned.

Aberlour | H | 20 | 51 | O | C4 | [√ (-)]:
Could have been a Braes in a sweeter sherry cask. (CWC bottling.)
------ | H | 10 | 43 | D | R | [√ -]:
("Very Old Highland Malt") Like Mortlach, but less sharp; decent flavor/"smoke," somewhat thin, but better than remembered.
------ | H | OTS | OTS | D | C1 | [ - ]:
Heavyish, but somehow thin.

Allt-a' Bhainne | H | 14 | 55.8 | D | S | [√ -]:
(Cask 108.2) Lightish, sharpish nose but not unpleasant. Same for taste, w/ good texture. Seemed largely unaffected by water. Some breathing helps.

Ardbeg | I | ? | ? | A | A | [ * ]:
This is the first one tasted at Adelphi and there's confusion about which cask it was but no doubt that it was magnificent. You can tell it's coming at arm's length, and it's about the only one I could go moonwalking over: I really did imagine myself on a pier with treated wooden pilings. (It's presumably the bourbon-casked 17 y.o. @ 52.8% I've got the factchit on, but...?) Its immensity, and its place of origin, prompted me to pick what I thought was it over the technically superior 28 y.o. Springbank [q.v.] to take home at the time.
------ | I | 29 | 52.8 | Sn | R | [√ ++ / * ]:
(Butt 574) The hit of C4, from the dark oloroso cask. "Tastes like the best Mac I ever tasted first crack out of the bottle." Might go to full * when I risk opening the bottle I brought home, since what I recall is the richness and smoothness of the 18 y.o. Mac plus enough peat to make it even more to my taste.
------ | I | 29 | 52.8 | Sn | C4 | [√ +]:
From the pale oloroso cask, "but you wouldn't believe it was the same distillery; no iodine, not much peat, but tastes divine -- or at least damn good" is the field note.
------ | I | 22 | 40 | G | C4 | [√ +]:
The best iodine I ever tasted. Amazingly smooth for the nose.
------ | I | 19 | 57 | A | R | [√ +]:
This is the Adelphi that I did get the bottle of, and have tasted a sample of another bottle of, so far. It's not quite the same thing as we had on Gloucester Lane: you have to bend your arm to know it's coming. (Might well score higher if it weren't for the disappointment that it doesn't appear to be the one I tasted Over There.)
------ | I | 18 | 40 | G | r | [√ (+)]:
This would probably score higher if it weren't for all the amazing cask strength competition.
------ | I | 10 | 40 | D | C1,C4 | [√  ]:
"Light peat." per C1; good peat per C4 and grade adjusted accordingly, esp. in light of how many other instantiations have become considerable favorites (and of the fact that the C4 taste might well be the last available of the old OTS). I did it an injustice in '83. (And there's an SMWS one in the Appendix that I also quite liked, so I think it's fair to say this is one of my favorite distilleries; pity I didn't know that when I was on hadj .)

Ardmore | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√ --]:
Slightly on the thin and sharp side, but reasonable flavor.

Auchentoshan | L | OTS | OTS | D | R | [ - ]:
More authoritative than, say, Littlemill; some flavor.

Aultmore | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√ (-)]:
Almost very light, but smooth and with good flavor; might be good introduction.

Balblair | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√  ]:
Very good flavor, though not really peaty; somewhat sharp, but not annoyingly so; doesn't linger.

Ballindalloch Castle | H | 19 | 58.3 | D | C4 | [√ +]:
A Cragganmore Private Stocked for the Castle by CWC (dist. '70, bot. '89). Lovely nose, lovely taste, even if Ron does like it. [Heh, heh.]
------ | H | 20 | 45.6 | D | C4 | [√ (+)]:
Not the other, but still damn good. (Dist. '73, bot. '93)

Balmenach | H | OTS | 80B | D | C1 | [√ -]:
Some fruit; proof came through when originally tasted.

Balvenie | H | 12 | 43 | D | R | [√  ]:
The "Doublewood", and rather good if not quite doublegood.
------ | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√ -]:
Lightish; less sharp than Glengoyne, say.
------ | H | 15 | 50.4 | D | C4 | [ - ]:
(Cask 94) Almost sour nose; not very tasty taste.

Benriach | H | "1969" | 40 | G | O | [√ -]:
Nice nose, sl. bite, fair flavor, but Cragganmore better and cheaper.

Benrinnes | H | 22 | 56.3 | A | O | [√ -]:
(Dist. '74) It was actually greenish to look at. At first blush, piney, but of the OK kind; since this was a "serious" tasting, I managed to get a hint of caramel (out of my right nostril), and even concurred that there might be some raspberry jam lurking; not a big nose, but not a bad nose. After dilution, a bit of a rubbery nose, which went away, then almost a mentholish aroma. The taste was light, in keeping with looking like a white wine of some sort. The cheap shot was "It would go well with fish." (Mein host almost  believed me.)
------ | H | 15 | 43 | D | C4 | [√ -]:
A hint of resin or even turpentine to the nose, but smooth and fairly flavorful with some peat to the palate.

Benromach | H | 17 | 62.3 | Gh | R | [ - ]:
Penetrating though not unpleasant nose, but really wants too much water to take the "fire" out. (Bought for too much money as birthday present, mainly because G&M had bought the distillery as their 100th b.d. pres. to themselves and it was by my count my 100th distillery tasted, not counting grainers.)
------ | H | 12 | 40 | D/G | R | [ - ]:
Well, it was "launched" while I was at the CRF, so I felt I had to shlep some home....

Bladnoch | L | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Sharpish, thinnish, not peaty.
------ | L | 11 | 59 | A | r | [ - ]:
I could be convinced there was a bit of banana oil to the undil. nose; proof swamps taste undil. but texture good. Dil.: nose almost softly acrid, taste still submerged. Re-dil.: rather delicate, sweet; OK as a teatime malt, but no perceptible peat and no mark (on a tough grading day).

Blair Athol | H | OTS | OTS | D | C1 | [X]:
Not recommended (per original scorecard; no specific notes).

Bowmore | I | OTS | 43 | D | R | [ - ]:
Sharp; not peaty enough for an Islay, if you believe in the Islay stereotype (or take it as a desideratum, as I do).

Braes of Glenlivet | H | 16- | 43 | Sn | C4 | [√ (-)]:
Light but pleasant. (Dist. 6/79, bot. 5/95.)

Brechin [See North Port ]

Brora | H | 22 | 61.1 | D | C4 | [√ (+)]:
Mild, sl. sweet nose at first, a wee bit of iodine later. Nice Islayish taste. Take that, stereotypists.
------ | H | | 40 | G | C4 | [√ (+)]:
(Dist. '72) Yeasty/iodiney nose at first. Airing seems to have lost the nose, or maybe it was drinking the cask strength first, but the taste is surprisingly smooth and the flavor nearly delicate in comparison but still quite nice. Good peat.

Bruichladdich | I | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Also not peaty enough; sharpish.

Bunnahabhain | I | OTS | OTS | D | C1 | [√ -]:
Mild; reasonable peat on roof of mouth; might be benefiting from C1 grade inflation though (was somewhat disappointing in restaurant later).

Caledonian | G | 21 | 46 | Cad | C4 | [√ --]:
For once, Cadenhead sprang for a good sherry cask, even if it was to put a grain whisky in. A sourish nose, but not unpleasant taste, though somehow strange; it was given to me "blind" and I certainly wouldn't have placed it as a grain whisky, though I was aware that it was atypical.

Cameron Brig | G | OTS | OTS | OTS | C1 | [ - ]:
Not worth digging up the original field notes for, and not included in previous editions because there was basically nothing to it; now, though, both for the contrast to the Caledonian and for the distillery headcount, it gets in.

Caol Ila | I | 20 | 56.8 | A | A | [√ +]:
(Cask 8078, dist. '76) When tasted on Gloucester Lane, this one struck me as being almost as immense as the Ardbeg I'd had there the previous August: granted, you couldn't tell it was coming at arm's length, but you certainly didn't need to bend the arm fully. Very enjoyable, but it helps to be passionately committed to the Islay stereotype....
------ | I | "1978" | 40 | O | R | [√ +]:
Ian got ripped off for this at Prestwick, but it turned out to taste better than 15 y.o. Laphroaig on first tasting at home. ("Spirit of Scotland" bottling.)
------ | I | 13 | OTS | G | r | [√  ]:
Not as outstanding a representative of the distillery as their (G&M's) Port Ellen is, to my taste, but a good instantiation, natheless.
------ | I | 16 | OTS | G | C1,C3 | [√ (-)]:
Good, but not particularly peaty; doesn't linger (C1). Mild but clearly Islay (C3).

Caperdonich | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√ -]:
Light, smooth.

Cardhu | H | 12 | 43 | D | R | [√ -]:
Marked light and pleasant during C1; probably lacks depth based on later acquisition on bargain sale (with rebate, even).

Clynelish | H | 11 | 61 | A | r | [√ (-)]:
(Dist. '84) A pronounced nose, rather nice. Some initial sense of peat, but rather sweet after watering; later almost acrid, and more like smoke than peat, so I guess they're not interchangeable terms to me after all. Decent texture.
------ | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√ -]:
Perhaps a touch heavier than medium; nice burst of flavor.

Coleburn | H | 18 | 66.3. | S | S | [√ -]:
(Cask 56.9) Sharpish nose, nice texture, fair flavor undiluted; almost lurking lavender taste after first dilution.

Cragganmore | H | OTS | OTS | D | R | [√  ]:
Pleasant, though rather light; might be more to it than apparent at first tasting. Retry during C3 suggested it was a bit better than graded before, and C4 CWC bottlings make it a Good Distillery Club member.

Craigellachie | H | 12 | OTS | G | C2 | [√ (-)]:
Might be the best of the light ones.
------ | H | 20 | OTS | Cad | C3 | [ - ]:
Slightly sharp, some flavor, almost worth a mark. Cadenhead apparently strikes again, since the younger version was better.

Dailuaine | H | 18 | 40 | D | R | [√  ]:
A particular favorite of Frank Clark, perhaps because of its very good nose; I find it a bit too sharp still but record a higher grade out of respect for the Precentor of the Central Research Facility. Again, it's in the Reference Collection more because of an attractive price than anything else.

Dallas Dhu | H | 13 | 40 | G | R | [√ -(-)]:
Light and not very amusing, but fairly smooth and not at all bad; a shot in the dark self-present.

Dalmore | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√ ?]:
"Smooth, somewhat rich" (but I wonder about grade inflation, especially when looking back at Dailuaine). [And wondered even more after tasting the next two for the 4th edn., so added the "?".]
------ | H | 24 | 43 | O | r | [ - ]:
("Cooper's Choice") Promising nose but 'way too much "heat to flavor". One wonders if one was told too low a proof.
------ | H | 12 | 43 | D | R | [ - ]:
I suspect Trader Joe's got a bargain because this was an off lot, perhaps a victim of the dreaded bourbon cask fudging. It's very like the Cooper's Choice one, with even higher h/f.

Dalwhinnie | H | 15 | 43 | D | R | [√  ]:
Actually good. [An X in earlier editions, because Frank Clark had warned me against the 8 y.o. during C1 but the current one is just fine.]

Deanston | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Thin; very slight bite; v. sl. smokiness.

Dewar's Pure Malt | V| OTS | OTS | D | O | [ - ]:
Inoffensive but undistinguished -- and it is  a vatted, as earlier conjectured.

Drumguish | H | 3/4? | 40 | D | C4 | [ - ]:
(No age given but known to be very young) "Grainy". Not much taste but harsher than the proof suggests; earthy. Gives a sense that it will probably age better than the Rhosdhu, but it, too, shouldn't have been sent out into the world before pubescence, much less maturity.

Dufftown | H | 10 | 40 | D | C4 | [ - ]:
Not much to it, but not the X the 8 y.o. was. (As with the Dalwhinnie 8, Frank Clark steered me off it during C1 simply because he didn't think either was worth the tasting in those instantiations.)
------ | H | 8 | OTS | D | C1? | [ X ]:
Not recommended (per old scorecard; no explicit notes).

Edradour | H | 10 | 40 | D | R | [√  /√ - ]:
C3 note was "smoother but lighter than remembered". The 13 y.o. is a particular favo[u]rite of Ron Smith, Frank Clark's assistant, but I remain somewhat dubious about the 10.
------ | H | 21 | 46 | Cad | r | [√ -]:
Much paler in color than the distillery issue and, with apologies to Chris Perry and John Henshall, rather harsher to my taste, although that might just reflect the somewhat higher proof; still, I can't account it one of Cadenhead's rare successes, even if they probably did spring for oak casks on this one.

Glen Albyn | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Sweet; "not whisky" but not bad for whatever it is.

Glenallachie | H | 12 | OTS | D? | C3 | [ - ]:
Light; not unpleasant.

Glenburgie | H | 15 | 40 | G | C4 | [ - ]:
Not bad, but not worth a mark.

Glen Deveron | H | 12 | 43 | D | R | [X?]:
This is supposed to be the younger sibling of MacDuff, and came out somewhat better than it during C3, but the bottle I got on sale in the States is so peppery that it's either flawed or I missed an X over there. [Did "cool off" after being opened for a year or so.]

Glendronach | H | 12 | 43 | D | R | [√ (+)]:
Given "good character, good flavor" during C1 and hasn't disappointed since; might warrant a slightly higher grade.
------ | H | 22 | 40 | G | R | [√ (+)]:
It's a close call, but I suspect the younger is actually slightly better.

Glendullan | H | OTS | OTS | D | R | [ - ]:
Somewhat sharp; not distinguished.

Glen Elgin | H | OTS | OTS | D | O | [ - ]:
Didn't leave a clear impression, so is presumably not memorable.

Glenesk | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Thin; not much flavor.

Glenfarclas | H | 15 | 46 | D | R | [√ +]:
Probably the Highland of choice if you don't like the Macallan style; good character, but not on the sweet side.
------ | H | 21 | 43 | D | C3 | [√ (+)]:
Mild for the breed, but quite good; would be interesting to do a direct comparison with the 15 y.o.
------ | H | 8 | 105B | D | R | [√  ]:
The grade might be slightly high out of regard to the pleasant surprise of being able to deal with the proof at last, but there is a nice, almost flowery flavor underneath according to the C3 notes.
------ | H | 17 | OTS | D | O | [√  ]:
The distillery 17 y.o. that has perversely replaced the 15 in the U.S. market until and unless I talk the importer into changing back (unless I was misled at the distillery during C4 and it's their idea not to export it to the States). It just doesn't strike me as being as good as the reference standard 15er. But it's still very good.
------ | H | 17 | 53.2 | Gh | r | [√ (-)]:
Slightly thin but penetrating nose; similar to the Adelphi Clynelish according to two out of three noses. Reasonable texture. A hint of marzipan on later sniffing, even after water, again to two out of three noses, mine of which does like marzipan. If it weren't for the variability of diluting a cask strength I'd probably rank it equal to the distillery 17er.
------ | H | 12 | 43 | D | R | [√  /√ (-)]:
Not quite so smooth as the age might suggest, but good flavor and a certain lightness to it, though perhaps a bit sharp.
------ | H | 8 | 40 | D | R | [√  /√ (-)]:
Very smooth for the age and light for the label, but maybe a bit shy on flavor compared to siblings.

Glenfiddich | H | 10 | 43 | D | R | [ - ]:
Rather sharp and harsh; not much flavor or peat, but drinkable in a wide-top glass. A triumph of adverti[z|s]ing (and it did get me started, if the truth be known).

Glenforres | V| 12 | 43 | D | R | [ - ]:
Rather sharp, almost soapy, but not really bad; could nearly be worth a mark. [Actually a vatted.]

Glen Garioch | H | OTS | OTS | D | R | [√ -]:
Reasonable nose and body, even though it lacks peat. (And is apparently pron. "geary".)

Glenglassaugh | H | 12 | 55.7 | S | S | [√  ]:
(Cask 21.8) Nice nose, with some peat underneath something sweet, maybe even the butterscotch the Panel burbled -- but none of the "dish of seafood". Good taste and texture, though the Port Ellen 43.10 was probably more satisfying.

Glengoyne | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√ -]:
Lightish, slightly sharp (and possibly graded too liberally, since it came early in C2).

Glen Grant | H | 14 | 43(?) | O | O | [ ** ]:
This is the "Magnificent Old Highland Malt" label. Transcendentally smooth: The Greatest. A private filling by the Army & Navy Stores, it's no longer available, but when it was there was nothing like it; richer than the 25 y.o. Macallan, perhaps a bit less sweet, but peatier, it's the ultimate fond memory. Anybody who finds a bottle should let me know immediately.
------ | H | 12 | OTS | D | C2 | [√  /√ +]:
Light but good.
------ | H | 15 | OTS | D | O | [√  ]:
One of the earliest attempts to replace the MOHM, it might actually have deserved a somewhat better grade but for the disappointment that it wasn't as good. I'd imagine that the distillery doesn't use sherry casks; A&N clearly did.
------ | H | 21 | 43 | D | R | [√ (-)]:
A self present that proved to be rather disappointing; sharper than one would expect for the age, but still reasonable smoothness and decent flavor; a bit better than Mortlach, perhaps.
------ | H | 15 | 43 | O | R | [√ -]: See next.
------ | H | 10 | 43 | O | R | [√ -]:
These two were courtesy of Marty (of Marty's Fine Wines etc.), in a very old packaging of nice decanters; both drinkable, though somewhat corky by now. (Found in father's basement by some other customer of his; sold to me for token price.)
------ | H | (8) | 40 | D | O | [ - ]:
This is what was on the shelf when the kindly gentleman at G.G.'s London office insisted on sending me a miniature by messenger after explaining that not only weren't A&N allowed to do private fillings anymore but even if they were G.G. was not selling distillate anymore. The gesture was more consoling than the contents, which were an undistinguished, unacknowledgedly young malt.

Glen Keith | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Sharpish, lightish.

Glenkinchie | L | 10 | 43 | D | R | [ - ]:
Austere nose but sharp taste. Needs watering ("high heat to flavor ratio" as Rob puts it), but not terrible thereafter.

Glenlivet, "The" | H | 12 | 43 | D | R | [ - ]:
Didn't seem all that bad during C1, but by C2 it came off quite poorly at the distillery; a bartender's mistake in San Antonio led to the discovery that an Old-fashioned (?; anyway wide-topped, squat) glass takes the curse off it and other overharsh ones. Another triumph of adverti[z|s]ing.
------ | H | 17 | 56.5 | Gh | r | [ - ]:
Hopeful nose, but prickly mouth. A bit of peat after dil., but Glenhaven surely didn't spring for the casks the distillery did for the Highland Lady [q.v.]. Another barely not worth a mark.

Glenlochy | H | 15 | 60.7 | S | S | [ - ]:
(Cask L62.4. Why L? Dudge said something about that's what the French want.) I could almost believe there was a smidgen of chocolate around. Semigood texture but somehow palish flavored. Stayed sharpish after dilution but still didn't have much flavor.

Glenlossie | H | 10 | 43 | D | C4 | [ - ]:
Not much to say for it, or against it.

Glen Mhor | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Some bite, but some flavor; Frank Clark likes it according to my notes.

Glenmorangie | H | 10 | 43 | D | R | [√  ]:
"Certainly the peatiest of the Highlanders and noteworthy because of being both quite good and widely available; possibly a good bridge to the Islays for newcomers." is what I said about the '70s version, but I swear they've changed their style since -- and I've lowered the grade accordingly.
------ | H | 12+5 | 43 | D | C4 | [√ (-)]:
("Tain L'Hermitage") I like this noticeably more than the "Port Wood Finish", but I'm told that the PWF has since been brought down to 43% and am pretty sure I had the 46%, which might well have contributed to its perceived prickliness.
------ | H | 12+? | 43 | D | C4 | [√ (-)]:
("Madeira Finish") More obvious than the Tain, which I did prefer by a narrow margin (which is why it's listed ahead of this one).
------ | H | 18 | 43 | D | R | [√ -(-?)]:
Certainly isn't worth the price, to my taste. The "new" style, not peaty and I'd almost wonder if not bourbon casked--or at least if so, from the bad years for bourbon casks. (Grade reflects disappointment of expectations.)
------ | H |12+? | 46 | D | r | [ - ]:
("Port Wood Finish") With due apologies to the kindly donor, I just didn't like this one. The prickliness dominated and the moonwalking in the accompanying booklet got even shorter shrift from me than usual. Butterscotch? Come on . (And no matter what my well-placed sources say, I don't believe it was a true  "experiment" to go to the wine finishes: if the bourbon casks hadn't gone bad I just doubt the experiment would have ... suggested itself. Granted, though, that could be motivated by the grudge I bear about the missing peat in the 10 y.o. ... and by distaste for the coyness of "at least 12 years in oak and the last few years in Port Pipes".)

Glen Moray | H | 10 | 40 | D | R | [√ -(-)]:
Fared better during C2 than after it joined the Collection; was light but flavorful, pleasant before, but I doubt I'd go that far today. (Perhaps another TJ's non-bargain?)

Glen Ord | H | 12 | 40 | D | O | [√ --]:
The latest renaming, and the one that comes closest to whisky.

Glenordie | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [?]:
Very different, almost cognacy; perfumey. Not clear how/whether to grade it. [Per C4, it's quite likely it was the 12 y.o. @ 40% that was on the shelf before, but I didn't feel like recalibrating it since I didn't want to be even more confused (being confused enough).]

Glenrothes | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√ (-)]:
Very light, quite smooth; might be a good introduction.
------ | H | 16 | 43 | D | C4 | [√ -]:
Somehow tasted more like a good bourbon than a good Scotch, but not a bad drink, whatever.

Glen Scotia | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Yeasty nose, not malty/peaty.

Glentauchers | H | OTS | 40 | G | C4 | [ - ]:
(Dist. '79) Yeasty nose? Slightly malty taste. (And a good place to take judicial notice that G&M really shouldn't have gotten coy with the distilled dates sans bottled dates bit.)

Glen Turret | H | 15 | OTS | D | C3 | [√  /√ -]:
One of the cases where it's clearly the older, the better. Compared all three siblings during C3 and age told.
------ | H | 12 | OTS | D | C3 | [ - ]:
Still rather light, but noticeably better than the 8 y.o.
------ | H | 8 | OTS | D | C3 | [ - ]:
Light, not unpleasant; C1 had it as "mild".

Glenugie | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√ -]:
Good nose, nice taste; light in a funny way.

Glenury-Royal | H | 23 | 61.3 | D | C4 | [√ (-)]:
Rather nice, almost musky taste, when watered. (Again and again, the caskstrengthers do seem to do better than the tablestrengthers, don't they.)
------ | H | 12 | OTS | D | C3 | [ - ]:
Sharp/slightly metallic; marginally acceptable.

Highland Lady | H | 21 | 56 | D | R | [√ +]:
This was the other hit of C4. At last I understand why Glenlivet used to have a good reputation: it's one of theirs, named after an ancestral Grant (Elizabeth), author of the 1820something Memoirs of a Highland Lady   that had a memorable line about the product, and is rather wonderful, despite that rather unprepossessing label. (So my new girlfriend bears a marked resemblance to her late gracious majesty the Queen Empress Victoria, so what?)

Highland Park | "H" | 12 | 43.4 | D | R | [√  /√ +]:
(So it's from an island; so what's its name?) Good "weight" and flavor, though perhaps a bit sharp; originally recommended as a best buy by Dennis Lambert, the grade was higher until after C3 made things much more persnickety.
------ | H | 8 | 40 | D | R | [√ (+)]:
Got "very slightly sweet, sharper but not offensively so" during C2, when all four of us did direct comparisons with the 12 y.o. and were uniformly surprised at how close they were; > V   might be a better grade if I'd used that notation (in which case the 12 might well be </= V +, which would be quite a bore to type).
------ | H | 9 | 43 | O | r | [√ -]:
(Whyte&Whyte; dist. '86) Struck me as thinner than the distillery issue and a tad harsh but had enough peat to get a mark even on a tough grading day.

Hillside [See Glenesk ]

Imperial | H | 18 | OTS | Cad? | C1 | [√ +]:
One of the big hits of C1, I expect it wouldn't hold up to further experience, especially since it was probably a Cadenhead; got "sl. sharp, good flavor" originally.

Inchgower | H | OTS | OTS | D | C3 | [-- (sic)]:
Almost nothing to it: the Miller Beer of malt whiskies.

Inchmurrin | H | - | 43 | D | R | [√  ]:
For a change, a birthday present to me not from me. The (oenophile) donors all thought they detected creme brule' .  I admitted to suspecting the hay had been mown that day.

Inverleven | L | OTS | 40 | G | C4 | [√ --]:
(Dist. '79) More taste than nose but not distinguished, though not bad. The grade might be high, actually, but it came right after Mannochmore and Drumguish....

Isle of Jura | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Slightly sharp, light; flavor OK.

Knockando | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [√ (-)]:
Light but good.

Knockdhu | H | 14 | 59.9 | A | A | [√  ]:
This was the "best of the rest" during my first visit to Gloucester Lane.
------ | H | 10 | OTS | G | C3 | [√ -]:
Much better flavor than nose.

Lachlan's | H | 8 | 43 | D | R | [√ (-)]:
This is believed by many, including yr obdt srvt, to be a young Macallan (I'm told the president (?) of Mac wouldn't confirm or deny but said "I can tell you this: it will never happen again" to a D.C. whisky lovers group); it certainly tastes like it, what with the same excellent flavor but somewhat less smoothness than the 12 y.o., and has to be accounted a Best Buy at the sort of prices it was going for. [Long gone now.]

Ladyburn | L | 12 | 43 | D | O | [ - ]:
Mucilage?? Maybe. Not detestable, but not easily characterizable. Hard to find, but if you never get any, you haven't missed much.

Lagavulin | I! | 12 | 43 | D | R | [ * ]:
The major discovery of C1; indeed, THE Islay. Rich, peaty, and smooth. Not only Top Five, but probably Top Malt (especially since the older Macallans are so much pricier), though of course that's one of those matters of taste and some days even I prefer to have the 18 or 25 y.o. Mac. [N.B.: Raves for original white & black packaging only.]
------ | I | 16 | OTS | D | O | [√ +]:
The current offering; NOT as good as the original to my palate, but still probably better than 15 y.o. Laphroaig, regardless of grade. (And Bahs! to United Distillers for switching to refill casks, no matter how well it sells.)
------ | I | 15 | 45 | D | R | [√  ]:
The one in the crock; a somewhat disappointing New Year's Eve self-present.
------ | I | 12 | 43 | D | R | [√  ]:
The buff packaging Trader Joe's once had; wish I'd bought more, at the price, but still not the real thing.

Laphroaig | I | 15 | 45 | D | R | [√ +(+)]:
A revelation compared to other bottlings of it; almost as smooth as Port Ellen, almost as peaty as Lagavulin! Very limited supply, though. [Ages badly.] {Added 4th Ed.: Supply has picked up since C2/3, but price has been obscenely jacked up; and the "(+)" isn't really deserved, except in historical context.}
------ | I | 28 | 50.6 | Sn | C4 | [√ (+)]:
V. nice nose, somewhat less to the taste than it would suggest, but as smooth a Laphroaig as I've ever tasted. Another good mark for Signatory.
------ | I | 13 | OTS | O | O | [√  ]:
Berry Bros. private filling; the best of the rest, as I recall.
------ | I | 16 | OTS | G | C3 | [√ -]:
Light; surprising.
------ | I | 14 | OTS | Cad | C2 | [√ -]:
Tastes like Laphroaig with a few more years on it; not worth as much as Talisker, though.
------ | I | 10 | 43 | D | R | [ - ]:
It really is way too harsh. One wonders how those who find it in bars or stores manage to develop a taste for the better Islays (but, then, one did, didn't one?).

Ledaig | O | OTS | OTS | D | C1 | [√  ]:
"Well, maybe this is the peatiest of the Highlanders, since the notes say 'like Lagavulin, less forceful.' Might well get a lower grade these days. [All gone.]" is what the Note used to be, until I got the bottle below and noticed it's from the Isle of Mull, in fact. But I decline to humo[u]r the stereotypists by marking it "I".
------ | O | 20 | 43 | D | R | [ - ]:
Sherryish nose. Somewhat bitey undil., a trace of peat w/ water, but nothing like the C1. Might well have been casked too long. Barely not worth a mark despite having cost too much (as the second bottle for the birthday I said I wouldn't get a  bottle for).

Linkwood | H | OTS | OTS | D | R | [√  ]:
Reasonable exemplar of the lighter Highland style. Got "like Knockando but less sharp" on C3 recalibration. [Was a Best Buy when at Trader Joe's.]

Littlemill | L | OTS | OTS | D | C3 | [ - ]:
Quite light, not peaty, but not too bad.

Lochnagar | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Rather thin but fairly smooth; possibly "vanilla" nose; not particularly interesting.

Lochside | H | 25 | 63.2 | S | S | [√ -]:
(Cask 92.5) Some peat to the nose, but not a lot, and perhaps again some chocolate. Sharpish taste. Nice texture after dilution and nose holds up but taste isn't great. Still a hint of chocolate, though.

Longmorn | H | 15 | 45 | D | R | [√  /√ -]:
"Dry," but good flavor; went down a notch on C3 from C1, but up enough in '95 to warrant a purchase at the Duty Free.

Longrow | H | '73 | OTS | D | C3 | [ - ]:
("Peated Springbank") Good, though not quite so rich as Knockdhu. [Honest, that was the field note and it's too hard to find to recalibrate.]
------ | C | 8 | 57.7 | Cad | O | [ - ]:
Tasted like "Liquid Smoke", the product. Given the scarcity value and interest in the "distillery", it might be interesting to see how it is at 12 or 15 or so y.o., though, if Cadenhead can be trusted not to try to cash in on all they've got of it too soon.

Lomond [See Inverleven ]

Macallan | H | 25 | 43 | D | R | [ * ]:
Ever so slightly smoother than the 17/18 y.o.; possibly fractionally less peaty; not really "worth" twice the price, except to a fanatic. Probably a bit more nose than the 17; at any rate, certainly Top Five. [96: And now it's three times the price....]
------ | H | 17/18 | 43 | D | R | [ * ]:
In '63/4/5, they were calling it 17 y.o., but now they seem to think it's 18; whatever, it's Top Five by me, being sweet and rich and better than the 12 y.o., though like all its siblings in not being particularly peaty. Vive le  sherry casks regardless.
------ | H | 18 | 46 | O | C4 | [√ +]:
(CWC bottling) Just about as good as the distillery issue, though perhaps I was picking up the extra 3%, or perhaps I've come off the dist. iss. as the years have gone by (and as it's changed a bit, too, I do suspect).
------ | H | 12 | 43 | D | R | [√ +]:
Good sweetness, with some bite but no harshness; peat might be a bit too faint, but it's their style and still one of the best.
------ | H | 6 | 104B | D | C3 | [√  /√ +]:
Almost astounding for the youth and proof.
------ | H | 20 | OTS | Cad | C2 | [ X ]:
To make Macallan taste bad after wasting so many years must have cost Cadenhead several P for the pine casks. Shameful.
------ | H | 10 | OTS | D | O | [√ -]:
What's fobbed off on the British public; be sure to get the 12 at the Duty Free if you're not springing for the 18 (or are building your own Reference Collection). [96: And be sure you're not at the Duty Free that charges more than it would cost OTS in the States, which one of them does.]

MacDuff | H | 16 | OTS | G | C3 | [ - ]:
Thinnish; not bad.

MacPhail's | H | 21 | OTS | G | C3 | [√  ]:
Good impact / flavor, slightly sweet; probably no longer available, though.
------ | H | 44! | 40 | G | r | [√ --]:
(Dist. '45) A friend speculated 'way too much money for this curiosity, which was far past its prime. The mark is a courtesy; nobody else should give them any money for it.
Mannochmore | H | 12 | 43 | D | C4 | [ - ]:
Except for the alcohol level, it could be a white wine.

"Old Meldrum" | H | 12 | 43 | D | O | [√  ]:
Has to be accounted a very drinkable Highland, but isn't really cost-effective unless on very good sale; nice, Macallanish sort of taste to it, though. [As of C4, I'm told it's actually a Glen Garioch.]

Millburn | H | 18 | 58.7 | D | C4 | [√ +]:
A chocolate nose! And a lovely taste. But for all I know we finished the last bottle extant (which I do believe was from the distillery, not an independent, but my field note could be in error).

Milton-Duff | H | OTS | OTS | D | C1/2 | [√ -]:
Went from "nice, some flavor" to "sharp, some flavor" C1 to C2, but is at least sometimes available in the Duty Free so might be worth it at some point.
------ | H | 20 | 95.5B | D | C3 | [ - ]:
Surprisingly good for the high proof.

Mortlach | H | 12 | 43.4 | D | R | [√  /√ -]:
Slightly sharp, slightly light, but decent flavor/"smoke"; remembered it as better than it seemed on retasting. [Possible open bottle damage.]
------ | H | 15 | 40 | G | C4 | [√ (-)]:
Nice nose, more fullness of flavor than the 12.
------ | H | 16 | 43 | D | C4 | [√ -]:
Sharper nose, taste than the 15 (probably the extra proof); sl. sourness to the nose.

Mosstowie | H | 12 | OTS | G | C3 | [√ -]:
Light but flavorsome.

North Port | H | 16 | 62.4 | S | S | [√ --]:
(Cask 74.2) Dryish, medium nose. Too sharp undiluted. Somewhat charred taste.

Oban | H | 12 | 43 | D | R | [√ -]:
Smooth, very slight bite, not long on flavor but barely worth a mark after entering the Reference Collection by virtue of being on sale at Trader Joe's for $8 and getting more exposure. [Upgraded after '91.]

Old Fettercairn | H | OTS | OTS | D | C3 | [ - ]:
Unassuming, but not really an X despite earlier indication.

Old Pulteney | H | 8 | 40 | G | R | [√ +]:
One of the revelations of C1, its sweetness is very appealing even though it really needs more age; the label says it's bottled by Gordon and MacPhail, and there are rumours of a Connoisseur's Choice version of it at 13 y.o. Macallanish; somebody calls it "the manzanilla of the North". Sadly, another one of the good ones that isn't known to be imported ['96: it might well be by now; haven't checked, having a spare in hoard].
------ | H | 8 | 100B | G? | C3 | [ - ]:
Very different from the lower proof, but again surprisingly drinkable at the proof.

Old Rhosdhu | H | 5 | 40 | D | r | [ X ]:
The sample I tasted was somewhere between fetid and foul; what a good thing it came out of Manny's research budget, not mine. Of course, even Dalwhinnie was an X when too young so we must admit the logical possibility that this one might grow up palatable, but as of now if it were a wine to consume it would be statutory grape.

Old Sheep Dip | V| OTS | OTS | D | O | [ - ]:
It does exist; I actually bought a bottle for a friend who insisted on bringing bottles to a birthday party. Not bad enough to rate an X but certainly not enough to it to rate a mark. (And certainly better than the yucky Old Rhosdhu stuff.)

Ord | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Like Glenordie (and they are from the same distillery) in being "different", only less so; could still be an X on a harsh-grading day.

Pittyvaich | H | 12 | 43 | D | C4 | [√ --]:
Sl. sharp, sl. sweet, sl. flavorful. Every other sniff the nose is different.

Poit Dubh | V| 12 | 40 | D | C1,C2 | [√ -]:
A good vatted, but not as good on recalibration as the first time, when I got a lot of Islay influence in it, perhaps because of what else I'd had. (Allegedly pron. pot-doo, but Port Dhubai has been used in my hearing as well.)

Port Ellen | I | 15 | 40% | G | R | [√ ++]:
Excellent peat, though lighter and less characterful than the nonpareil 12 y.o. Lagavulin; very similar to the 15 y.o. Laphroaig, but I like this better. A Top Fiver even if nobody's yet been clever enough to bring it across the Atlantic River commercially; its grade went up from first tasting during C2. ['96: It did get to the States; but beware, the distillery's closed, so....]

"Pride of Islay" ] | I | 20 | 40 | G | O | [√ -]:
Could have sworn Frank Clark introduced this to me as a vatted, but the label is the standard G&M single malt label, so unless they made a mistake I guess we count it as a rather light, perhaps a bit thin pseudonymous Islay (and if it were vatted, why would they age it so long?).

Prime Malt No. 1 | I | 12 | 45.7 | D | R | [ - ]:
This is supposed to be OTS Laphroaig with an extra two years; sharpish, reasonably peaty, not exceptional, but drinkable. ['96: Widely supposed to be a Laph. no longer.]

"Pulteney" | H | 13 | 46 | Cad | R | [ X! ]:
This is the original Cadenhead pine cask job; it's nothing like Old Pulteney, and if that's what you're expecting, as I was, it's terrible! (If that's not what you're expecting, then it's rather like overpriced, less good Springbank; but what's really needed is the G&M Connoisseur's Choice 13 y.o. of the real OP, if any still exists. Let me know if you find it.) [Fobbed off on Research Courier by Milroy's, whom I also haven't forgiven.]

Rosebank | L | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
A little floweriness to commend it, but basically just a Lowlander. (Or, perhaps better, just another item of support for the Lowland stylestereotype.)

Royal Brackla | H | OTS | OTS | D | C3 | [ - ]:
Something interesting if undefinable about it; not quite worth a mark, though.

Royal Lochnagar | H | 12 | 40 | D | R | [√ --]:
When Pete the Spy brought a bottle to a Billy Do, I actually thought I noticed a hint of butterscotch, which couldn't have been from the menu since they'd done one of their prize-winning gumbos that night. At home it proved to have a pleasant, slightly sweet nose; a bit bitey, but some peat on the roof of the mouth did gain it a mark.

Sainsbury's | H | OTS | OTS | D | O | [√ -]:
The famous "standing libation," and not bad whatever it is (Aberlour, maybe?).

Scapa | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Somewhat harsh; not really distinguished.
------ | H | 8 | 100B | D | C3 | [ - ]:
Surprisingly nice for the proof.

"The Singleton" ] | H | OTS | 40 | D | R | [√  ]:
("of Auchroisk ") Kindly brought over by Denis Yaro at Frank Clark's recommendation, this is certainly tasty, but might well not be worth the list price compared to Macallan, say; v. reminiscent of some other one, maybe Glen Moray. (I'm told it's pronounced aw-THRUSK, by the way; and instead of an age, it just shows bottling year, 1975 in this case.)

Geo.&J.G.Smith Glenlivet | H |15 | ? | D | O | [√ -]:
Not at all bad, whatever it is (presumably an aged "The Glenlivet," but who knows).

Speyburn | H | 10 | 40 | D | C4 | [ - ]:
"A nice breakfast malt."

Springbank | C | 28 | 53.8 | A | R! | [ * ]:
I bought this as my 60th birthday present to myself several years before my 60th birthday because I knew it wouldn't last very long. Technically superior to the immense Adelphi Ardbeg, I daresay, though I took the latter home with me out of respect for its size and origin and sent for the Springer later when it occurred to me that I'd hate to be without one of it.
------ | C | 32 | 50.8 | A | R | [√ +]:
There wasn't any more of the 28 y.o. the next time I was there, so I consoled myself with this one, which cost more and wasn't as good, but is still a marvelous dram in an understated way.
------ | C | 21 | 46 | D | R | [√ (+)]:
Blind-tasted (it was next to the haggis), I thought I'd missed a good Islay; still wonder if it doesn't turn out to have been constructed to the Longrow specs.
------ | C | 32/3 | OTS | ? | O | [√ (+)]:
This might actually be one of Cadenhead's; if so, the rare success for them. Two distinct flavors to it, one sweetish, one "ivyish," made it interesting, but not necessarily worth the very high price (probably was Cadenhead, at that).
------ | C | 15 | 43 | D | R | [√  ]:
This is noticeably a few years smoother than the 12 y.o., but probably too pricey to be worth it except on sale unless you really like the younger version.
------ | C | 12 | 43 | D | R | [√  ]:
Semi-sweet; good on roof of mouth; a C1 find.

St. Magdalene | L | 18 | OTS | G | C3 | [√  /√ -]:
At least as flavorful as Auchentoshan; wouldn't turn down either.
------ | L | 20 | 58.1 | A | C4 | [√ -]:
Very nice nose, but taste not up to it (and funny to be having an Adelphi in Aviemore -- but I'm told Jamie Walker did spend some time with Frank Clark in his youth, as it happens.)

Strathisla | H | OTS | OTS | D | C3 | [ - ]:
Too sharp; marginally acceptable.

Strathmill | H | 11 | 60.6 | Cad | C4 | [ - ]:
(Closed a long time.) Slight and/or delicate nose. "Light; nothing wrong with it."

Talisker | "I" | 12 | 43.4 | D | R | [√ (+)]:
Like a good Islay (though actually from Skye), but somewhat less peaty; perhaps a bit on the sharp side, though well worth having on hand and excellent value. [Formerly; still worth while though.]

Tamdhu | H | 10 | 40 | D | R | [√ (+)]:
Semi-clear, "clean," some peat; grade might be slightly inflated because it was tasted at the distillery. (Owned by the "The Famous Grouse" outfit, as I recall, and Charlie MacLean's book confirms.)
------ | H | 16 | 46 | Cad | O | [√ (-)]:
The rare Cadenhead success; rather nice, even if somehow thinner than the distillery issue.

Tamnavulin | H | 10 | OTS | D | C2,C3 | [ - ]:
Sharpish but somewhat pleasant; had gotten a mark during C2, so might be worth conscious recalibration.

Teaninich | H | 15 | 61.3 | S | S | [√  ]:
(Cask 59.1) One of the better noses, and nothing at all wrong w/ the taste.

Tobermory | V| OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Relatively smooth, slight bite, not much body/flavor, a little smokiness. (Actually a vatted, as I recall somewhat sneakily put out by <EMAM strikes again>.)

Tomatin | H | 12 | 43 | D | R | [√ -(-)]:
Marginally better than the 10 y.o., and a Trader Joe's bargain.
------ | H | 10 | 43 | D | R | [√ --]:
Somewhat sharp/thin; some "smoke;" like Glenforres, another that's "on the bubble" w/r/t being worth a mark.
------ | H | 3 | OTS | D | C3 | [ - ]:
Not so harsh as one might expect from the extreme youth.

Tomintoul | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Slightly malty nose; taste not up to it though.

Tormore | H | OTS | OTS | D | R | [ - ]:
Slightly sharp; light; somewhat fuller than Jura, which it resembles.

Tullibardine | H | OTS | OTS | D | C2 | [ - ]:
Sharp, though fair "feel"; some nose, but not memorable.

[(Withheld)] | V| OTS | 40 | D | O | [√ (-)]:
The name must be withheld because the tasting (at Charlie MacLean's) was pre-"launch" and I'm not going to waste the transatlantic phone call to find out if I'm at liberty to divulge it yet, but it was from a very well known blender and was a good enough vatted to rate a Note. "Mid-gold" color, nearly liquorice nose undil., nearly menthol-mint w/ water. Taste goes more foliagey, maybe even ivy. "Nose-feel" (hey, that's what the sheet asks about) light/delicate; "Mouth-feel" half a stone the right side of thin.

Aberfeldy | H | 58.2 | 18 | 60.2 (r) | [√ -]:
Better taste than nose neat; same nose but still reasonable taste watered.

Ardbeg | I | 60.8 | 12 | 33.9 (R)| [√  /√ +]:
Yes, it is  peaty; and was what I bought as the Member's Bottle. (33.11 still good in '91.) [But it lost a lot over not that many years of being open, as noted in '95, even.]

Ardmore | H | 59.6 | 11 | 66.3 | [√ -]:
Rather nice.

Balblair | H | 63.7 | 10 | 70.1 | [√ (+)]:
"I seem to recall quite liking it"; other sheet has "lovely taste".

Balmenach | H | 65.2 | 11 | 48.3 | [√ -]:
Too late in the night to have a sound opinion, but not at all bad.

Benrinnes | H | 60.3 | 13 | 36.6 | [√ -]:
Amazing color difference from/to/than the Adelphi: deep amber vs. greenish/winey. Sl. sharp nose, penetrating though no clear scent impression but again hints of chocolate, which suggests there might be something wrong with my nose tonight but an independent observer confirmed on this one, anyway.

Blair Athol | H | 59.4 | 10 | 68.1 | [√  ]:
Pleasant surprise.

Bowmore | I | 57.9 | 13 | 3.7 | [√ (-)]:
Clearly an overproof, but not at all bad; Islayish, anyway.

Bruichladdich | I | 57 | 14 | 23.2 | [√ -]:
All right if you like that sort of thing.

Dailuaine | H | OTS | OTS | 41.1 | [√  ]:
Everybody tells me I quite liked it.
------ | H | 60.4 | 10- | 41.6 (R) | [?]:
(Dist. 6/86, bot. 5/96) The (assigned, not chosen, this time 'round) Member Bottle on rejoining in '96; unopened at time of writing, but Dudge says it's crap (and might even have meant it since he did offer to swap it for a North Port, which I didn't have the time/strength to take him up on).

Dalmore | H | 66 | 9 | 13.3 | [ - ]:
'89: "Perhaps too challenging for what's left of my palate."

Deanston | H | 55,56.2 | 12,11 | 79.2/.3 | [ - ]:
.2: Light nose, sharp but interesting flavor; .3: Very overwritten in SMWS Quarterly.

Glen Albyn | H | 61.3 | 10 | 69.1 | [√  ]:
Another pleasant surprise w/r/t OTS I seem to recall. I got vanilla out of it in the nose, no matter what They say.

Glenburgie | H | 60.7,61 | 9 | 71.1/.2 | [√ (-),√ (+)]:
.1: Sweet sherry cask but v. surprisingly not the more to my taste of the two. .2: Lighter sherry -- and I thought I like sherry. Must be the influence of the man I met on the street who turned out to have owned the maltings that did Glenfarclas.

Glen Deveron | H | 58.8 | 12 | 6.10 | [√ -]:
OK, but not "redolent".

Glenfarclas | H | 58.2 | 12 | 1.22 | [√ -]:
A bit sharp, even allowing for the proof, and not so flavorful as the 3.7 Bowmore, say, but clearly a reasonable dram. (1.26: Not so memorable as anticipated.)

Glenlossie | H | 59.5 | 14 | 46.2 | [√  ]:
Again, I think I like it. (Too much Joy of Club for serious research.) And did like the 46.3 better than the 23.14 Macallan at Interop90.

Highland Park | "I" | 59.5 | 11 | 4.8/.10 | [√ (+)]:
Color was surprisingly light but taste was surprisingly fine. (.10 less esteemed Over There in '91, but thought better of at Interop91, so go know.)

Imperial | H | 70.2(!) | 11 | 65.2 | [ - ]:
Disappointingly sharp.

Laphroaig | I | 58.9 | 13 |29.1 | [√  ]:
Very good for the age and proof; would be worth having on hand.

Linkwood | H | 57 | 14 | 39.7 (R) | [√ +]:
For some reason, they aged this one 12 years in a fino cask then 2 in an oloroso cask; for that reason, and the taste, I brought it home in '91.

Macallan | H | 64.7 | 9 | 24.13 | [ - ]:
I got good nose but not enough flavor. (Probably too proofy.)

Pittyvaich | H | 58.3 | 10 | 90.2 | [ - ]:
Better nose than taste; bit thin; bit bitey.

Port Ellen | I | 60.1 | 18 | 43.10 | [√  ]:
More sweet than peat in the nose, but a very nice nose nonetheless. Ditto, ditto the taste, neat. (And the peat comes out after watering & airing.)

Pultney | H | 56.3 | 15 | 52.2 | [√  /√ -]:
OK, but not the sherry cask taste of the G&M.

St. Magdalene | L | OTS | OTS | 49.1 | [ - ]:
About what you'd expect from a Lowland, but it does grow on one.

Scapa | "I" | 62.4 | 10 | 17.3 | [√  /√ +]:
They say "a rich, full taste"; I say Amen.

Tomatin | H | 57.4 | 12 | 11.4 | [ - ]:
Not bad, but unexceptional. [Or even Unexceptionable, but....]