By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ Uigeadail was launched by Ardbeg in 2003, back when the Iraq War was new. To many who have come lately to the wonders of world whisk(e)y, that is a long time ago indeed, so it’s worth mentioning that Uigeadail was Ardbeg’s first no age statement (NAS) release in what became a succession of them, so ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: B+ For those who obsess over age statements as the first (and perhaps only) statement of quality, Barrell Bourbon Batch 009 must be the most eagerly anticipated of that independent bottler’s releases. The reason is printed in two simple numerals on the label: 13, as in 13 years old. None of the Barrell Bourbon batches thus ...

By Debbie Shocair Rating: A- I have put in a lot of work on Amrut’s Indian single malts, and I’m happy to say that, taken as a whole, Amrut has far exceeded my expectations. This particular expression is one of their best. As there is no peated barley in India, Amrut sources it from Scotland, having it peated there to ...

By Kurt Maitland Rating: B Glenfarclas is a Speyside whisky distillery located in Ballindalloch, Scotland, owned and run by the Grant family (not the same Grant family that owns fellow Speysiders, Balvenie and Glenfiddich). I tell you from personal experience that it is a jewel of a distillery and an exemplar independent operation. Glenfarclas malts are well-made (the winner of ...

By Richard Thomas Rating: B The latest product from the Old Pogue Distillery in Maysville, Kentucky, Old Maysville Club is the evolution of their Five Fathers. These are both revivals of Pogue distillery brands, and both based on an old Pogue recipe calling for 100% malted rye. The two year old Five Fathers met with decidedly mixed reviews, but Old ...