This year’s iteration, Laphroaig Cairdeas Quarter Cask, is another animal entirely. This unadulterated and pure cask-strength scotch is not for those new to the whisky game, it is for those that have are well traveled scotch lovers looking for the next mountain to climb. First off Cairdeas Quarter Cask is a whopping 114.4 proof (57.2 ABV) behemoth which is the very essence of undiluted and raw power. The nose does not quite tip you off to the experience you are about to have; it starts with hints of fresh vanilla and sweet malt overtones with an underlying base of bonfire style burnt wood. The palate is extremely deep and complex where the hints of vanilla noted in the nose comes to life amid a base of smoky fury. The mouthfeel has an oily essence that melds perfectly with wisps of licorice bitterness. Laphroaig Cairdeas Quarter Cask finishes surprisingly smooth with cream and smoke notes dominating for a long while on the palate.

If you are a true scotch lover and aficionado take the dive off the deep end in to this superb cask strength whisky. Be sure to enjoy Laphroaig Cairdeas Quarter Cask with a bit of water, up to 15% the total volume, in order to open up both the nose and palate and to settle this monster of a Islay scotch down a bit. This scotch is not for beginners, it is for those looking to experience cast-strength scotch in its rawest form. While it may be a bit daunting, trying Laphroaig Cairdeas Quarter Cask is extremely rewarding in every way imaginable.

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Laphoraig Select’s nose punches you hard and early with a pure alcohol lead, but then opens up a bit on closer whiffs, revealing a distinct peat and earthy tones with just a hint of sweetness and oaky tinges. The palate is what truly separates Laphoraig Select from other Islay malts, and it’s older and more mature sibling Laphoraig 10. Smokey notes initiate the palate first with a refined and constrained peaty taste that’s not overwhelming, and the palate finishes with a bit of vanilla sweetness and woody aspects. It finishes clean with a bit of lingering alcohol taste and oak notes from the barrels.

If scotch cocktails are more your thing, I’d highly recommend the Laphroaig Dad’s Smoky Dram created by Chicago mixologist Patrick Natola. In an ice-filled shaker add 1 1/2 parts Laphroaig Select, 1 part sweet vermouth and 1/2 part Campari, stirring lightly. Strain over a cocktail glass with a single spherical ice cube and enjoy. The result is a great cocktail that is still pure Laphoraig Select, yet still calm and accessible. The sweet vermouth opens up the palate a bit and calms the Islay malt with its slight sweetness, while the Campari adds a distinct rooty and herb-like flavor. This makes a truly unbeatable cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer evening.

Laphoraig Select is a a great representation of what Islay malts have to offer, but it’s accessible to newbie scotch drinkers, or even those who are a bit peat adverse. Pick one up and start begin your journey through all the complexities and beauty the scotch world has to offer.

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Every year Laphroaig distillers craft a new version of Cairdeas (meaning ‘friendship’ in Gaelic) to celebrate friendship, and 2016’s version is one to behold and savor. Cairdeas Madeira starts with fully matured Laphroaig aged in bourbon barrels and then ages it even further in a second maturation via Madeira seasoned casks. The result is an earthy Scotch that has orange on the nose and a bit of licorice spice that melds perfectly with a traditional peaty smokiness. Cairdeas Madeira is an top-notch sipping Scotch that will find a place in my home bar year after year with each new release as I explore the ever evolving Laphroaig scotch landscape.

Laphroaig Lore is a truly astonishing scotch that is now among the best I have ever tried. On the nose you are greeted with a deep smoky front with notes of vanilla and bitter chocolate. The palate is dominated by unmistakable Islay peat with spice notes that add depth and character. It finishes a bit dry with a subtle sweetness that invites more drinks to come. Laphroaig Lore is among the best I have ever had the pleasure of trying and I recommend you grab it immediately if you are lucky enough to find it on store shelves.  

As summer comes to a close and fall nights become longer and cooler be sure to reach for a Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira and experience this year’s unique and exceptional release, or if you want a truly transcendental experience opt for the amazing and earth-shattering Laphroaig Lore; the best scotch I have had in recent memory.  

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One aspect of the scotch world that I am totally new to is that of the scotch-based cocktail. Ordinarily I would never subject a superb scotch like Laphroaig Select to a sugar filled bar cocktail, but when I was introduced to the Tartan Collins I saw that the perfect high end recipe with superb ingredients can bring out and accent all the best aspects of the scotch at its center. To make the Tartan Collins take 1½ parts Laphroaig Select, ¼ part simple syrup, two dashes orange bitters and pour over an iced collins glass topping with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge. The resulting cocktail is amazing; the simple syrup tames the scotch a bit while the effervescence and spiciness of the ginger beer really opens up the refreshing citrus notes of the scotch.

On its own Laphroaig Select is quickly becoming one of my favorite scotches for sipping. The color is a natural golden yellow with no artificial or added caramel, something that is a non-negotiable for me and the scotch I drink. The nose is a classic peat forward smell with hints of citrus and a bit of barley sweetness. On the palate the peat is surprisingly not the central profile, allowing for more subtle notes to flourish such as the citrus and subtle sweetness of the American oak. Overall Laphroaig Select is a great and accessible scotch that is unlike any other.

Laphroaig Select is a blend that brings the best aspects of its multiple oaked varieties together in a way that is unique, surprising, and incredibly tasty. As part of the Tartan Collins, Laphroaig Select shines as s cocktail base in creating a amazing drink that is spicy, full of depth, and surprisingly refreshing. If you are looking for a solid scotch at an accessible price look no further than Laphroaig Select.

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I’m as guilty as the next person of seeing someone get a tequila rocks or vodka neat and passing judgment, but that all changed when I had the pleasure of sampling Mount Gay Black Barrel rum. I was in the camp that rum should be used for Tiki style drinks, but then again I’d only had garbage rum that required copious amounts of sugary mixers to hide the taste. Needless to say I was skeptical when I was told this rum could replace whiskey in classic drinks like a Manhattan, but sure enough it did and it was better than an original (disclaimer: I don’t like whiskey based mixed drinks, just a couple cubes). Then came the moment of truth, rum neat. Swallowing my initial gag reflex, as all my prior mistakes were trying to escape, I took a sip, held it in my mouth and reluctantly took it down, but for the first time in my life this reluctance stemmed from enjoyment. A door was opened and there was Gene Wilder singing to me, “come with me / and you’ll be / in a world of pure imagination.”

I suddenly had a lot of living to do and next up was to take on my arch-nemesis, tequila. My tequila experience is different from rum in that I’ve had ones I’ve regarded as nice, such as Patron, but I was left speechless by the tequila a friend chose for me to sip. It was as though it was a new type of liquor altogether and my biggest regret of the night was that I can’t recall the name on the bottle in that dark basement bar.

And while my life was forever changed during this week span and my palate awakened to flavors never before experienced my love of scotch persevered. It’s not just the taste, but also the accompanying historical aspect. It’s like reading old literature where the historical context is equally as important to the words on the page. A glass of Syndicate 58/6 over a single cube tells a story of slightly fruity notes on the tongue. While the story of re-discovered casks in Edinburgh and a recipe dating back to the early 1800s stimulate my mind.

Experiment with different liquors and don’t be scared to spend a little more money. No matter what you’re drinking at the end of the night you‘re only going to be left with the memories of the evening. So you might as well go outside your comfort zone and try new spirits and learn about their rich history along the way.

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The Glenmorangie 10 Year Old that’s sitting in front of me is a reminder of her. For me at least, this Glenmo right out of the bottle didn’t have the complexity I was looking for; or maybe the adult in me was looking for feelings, while the young adult with her was looking for something quicker. Anyway, I removed the amber liquid from the original bottling and put it in my favorite decanter (yes, I have a preferred decanter) to sit for the night. Try holding back on drinking scotch when you know it’s sitting on the liquor cabinet.

I wanted to find if this relationship would be worth the wait, but unlike my personal life, my alcohol relations have a longer shelf life.

Things to know: Though this is the least expensive and youngest single malt in the family’s lineup, it’s aged beyond its years. Maturing for 10 years in bourbon casks from good ole Missouri, “The Original” is anything but too young for its own good. It’s a symbiotic relationship with the scotch from the Highlands and the American cask.

Nose: Strong alcohol, and fumy pungency hit first immediately after the pour. Once that initial release settles, there is a faint wine aroma. Then I got a hint of honey graham crackers. Maybe it was the alcohol talking but the Glenmo opened up quite easily.

Taste: Vanilla with a sour splash of flavor and complexity. My tongue isn’t as matured as it should be to decipher the complete profile. But there is no wincing or overwhelming flavors, which could—with some scotches—make for a forceful drinking experience, instead of a pleasurable one.

Finish: This is as smooth as you’ll get with a single malt. Once you develop the taste on your tongue, the rest is history. Either neat or with a cube, it’s a pleasant drinking experience that only makes the next glass that much more worth the wait.

Total value: For a bottle with this much taste and enjoyment for roughly $45 on average, the Glenmorangie Original can either be a quick pickup for a weekend or an esteemed bottle which can sit on your shelf for months to come.

P.S.: If you’re looking for a killer gift for the important people in your lives, Glenmorangie and Thomas Pink have joined forces for the ‘perfect pairings’ sets of Glenmorangie scotch and Thomas Pink shirting. Three options are available at http://www.reservebar.com//Glenmorangie-Thomas-Pink and you can purchase your choice of pairing. And just think, no one will know that you didn’t choose the exceptionally crafted gifts separately and on your own.

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Let’s get things straight; Flaviar sells you an experience as much as it does spirits. It’s a tasting service which allows you to sample from the basics: scotches, gins, rums to more unique experiences such as Japanese whiskeys and the top 5 spirits of 2013. I kept it classy with the Five Flavours of Scotch pack and within a week had a Lagavulin 16 YO, Singleton of Dufftown 15 YO, Auchentoshan 12 YO, The Glenlivet 18 YO and Laphroaig Quarter Cask. Given each tube is only about a shot (1.5 oz)  it serves anywhere from 1-3 people depending on how generous you’re feeling, but I’d recommend you and two others. After all, you’re not looking to get hammered and you’ll want to discuss what you taste with friends.

Don’t worry, Flaviar won’t leave you high and dry (certainly not dry) when it comes to your tasting. Each pack comes with instructions on how to serve each spirit, how to taste and a professional detailing of each of the specific spirits in your pack.

Flaviar packs range from $33-$49 depending on your spirit choice. My scotch pack was $42, though not cheap at first glance I was able to taste five great scotches with two great friends in the comfort of my living room for just $14 a person.  And like I said, they’re selling an experience as much as spirits and it’s an experience I’ll certainly be buying into time and time again.

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Eighty years, three months and twenty-three days ago, the 21st Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified. This amendment repealed the 18th Amendment and marked the end of Prohibition, a 14 year period where the manufacture, transport, and sale of liquor was outlawed in the United States.

To commemorate this important moment in our booze loving country’s history, Cutty Sark recently released a new blended Scotch whisky which they call the “Prohibition Edition”. Here is a bit more information about this new expression which was taken directly from their website:

Released 90 years after the end of the era which it celebrates, Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition has been crafted as a salute to the notorious Captain William McCoy, who smuggled Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky into America during the Prohibition era of the 1920s.  Captain McCoy’s impeccable reputation for fairness and dealing only in the finest, genuine and unadulterated liquor gave rise to Cutty Sark being referred to as “The Real McCoy”. Prohibition Edition is bottled at 50% ABV (100 Proof – USA Measure), whilst our regular Cutty Sark blend is 40% ABV. This is a “small batch” blend of the finest single malts and top-quality grain whiskies.  Hand-selected American oak casks give subtle signature flavours of vanilla and citrus fruits, whilst the overall flavours and finish are extremely smooth and thrillingly complex. The black glass bottle has a cork seal – reflecting the traditions of the time.

And now for our thoughts on this whisky…

• Appearance: Golden yellow with a slight amber tint.
• Aroma
  • Limpd: Astringent and buttered toffee. Hints of butterscotch, mint and cough drops.
  • G-LO: Lightly sweet and fruity when I first stick my nose in the glass. Vanilla, almond paste, orange zest, coconut, some light brown sugar, and a touch of dried fruit. If you give it a bit more time, a hint of tobacco and menthol comes through.
• Taste
  • Limpd: Not overly sweet with a bit of citrus tartness (orange zest) and some pepper. A bit like a scotch-soaked Red Hot. Mid-palate, the flavors cascade more than blend to form an interesting procession of sugars, cinnamon and heat. This ends with a long, warm, caramel finish.
  • G-LO: Medium bodied with a touch of oiliness. All of the flavors are concentrated on the front third of my tongue. A touch of sweet smokiness at the start with a warming spiciness of the cinnamon variety that builds slowly as you approach mid-palate. Definitely getting a Sherry vibe on this one with lots of dried fruit coming through. It all comes together at the finish with some sweet tobacco, dried fruit, and cinnamon flavors.
• ABV: 50%

The Verdict

Limpd: In a bit of a panic purchase, my mom had grabbed a bottle of Cutty on her way to my house one Christmas. While this might not have been my preferred blend, suffice it to say the contents were thoroughly enjoyed and the bottle properly recycled. That said, the Prohibition edition is leaps and bounds beyond Cutty. Maybe it was the higher ABV; maybe it was the healthy pour, but this was a surprisingly good blend. Not overly sweet or peaty or briny, just a nice blend of flavors and a really nice finish.

G-LO: I gotta admit, my expectations weren’t very high for this whisky. While there’s nothing really wrong with standard issue Cutty Sark, it’s a bit too light for my taste. Thankfully, the Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition is a completely different animal. Given it’s suggested retail price of around $30/bottle, I’d say that this is one hell of a Scotch whisky bargain. And when you factor in the relatively high octane and smooth, rich flavors, this is an absolute steal! I really like this whisky and would definitely buy a bottle.

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At the beginning, there’s a quick, seriously it’s a quick taste of vanilla followed by mesquite mixed with pork. It’s a flashbang of flavor that slowly trickles down your throat eventually coating your stomach, bringing warmth in layers and smooth satisfaction. There’s eloquence to the process from glass to gut. This is not for the novice scotch drinker. Your palette needs to adapt to the complexity of this peaty and intense blast of flavor. Besides, with its 57.1% alc/vol (which means that like your author) it will only take one glass to feel the warmth in your head as well as your stomach.

Established as a commercial distillery in 1815, Ardbeg was a product of the distillery boom of Islay during the first quarter century in the 1800s. Known for some of the peatiest scotch in the world, Corryvreckan doesn’t disappoint. Even the name, Corryvreckan, sounds like it should be either yelled from the top of a hill in defiance to some English dandies or charted on a map as a destination in Braveheart. In fact, it’s actually named after a famous whirlpool north of Islay. I had never heard of Ardbeg until about a month before receiving the bottle. Being a Lagavulin, Talisker and Laphroaig supporter, I was astonished I had never been exposed to such a fine liquid until a visit to Los Angeles unearthed a bottle during a Photoshop lecture-turned-scotch-experience with friends.

After a glorious (yes, glorious) day of Ferrari seat time, nude models and a dry lakebed in the Mojave Desert combining all three into a blender of sexual frustration and red-blooded Italian passion, I was introduced into the world of Ardbeg hours later in the LA loft I would thankfully visit. Fast forward until that first twist of the cork which brought forth that smell and eventually the taste that really made me thankful for the slow process of how scotch whiskey is made. I’m not a religious man, but God bless this black magic.

In summary, this scotch, its name, the experience, should be an event. Celebrate something, or find a reason to enjoy what you have in your hands. I repeat; Johnny Walker Red or Black doesn’t hold a candle to this fine libation. Hide this from your acquaintances and keep it for your best man because the Ardbeg Corryvreckan deserves recognition and not some late night foray into the liquor cabinet. Get it from Masters Of Malt for $99.

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