Independent

5 Whiskies by Claxton’s: Tobermory, Caol Ila & more (Review Flight)

5x Single Cask Whisky from Claxton's (Scotch Malt Dram Longmorn Miltonduff Tobermory Loch Lomond Caol Ila Speyside Islay Notes)

Earlier this month, I was pleasantly surprised to find this sample set in my mailbox. It includes Claxton’s entire Spring 2019 outturn. Again, the English indie bottler picked a wide-spread selection of drams, ranging from an almost shy Speysider (Longmorn 10yo) (more…)

Kiel Whisky Fair 2019 (Fair)

Kieler Whiskymesse 2019 (German Single Malt Scotch Whisky Cask Fair Event Tasting BarleyMania)

With round about a dozen exhibitors, Kiel Whisky Fair is one of the smallest dramming events I visit each year. But it is also one of the best. The quality of the exhibiting companies is very high, the atmosphere is pretty relaxed and the location, though well filled, is never over-crowded. (more…)

“SMWS X Buddelship” Whisky & Craft Beer Tasting at Bar Oorlam (Tasting)

The SMWS X Buddelship Whisky Craft Beer Tasting at Bar Oorlam in Hamburg (Single Malt Scotch Boilermaker Event)

When you are looking for a whisky tasting with a twist in Hamburg, Gearoid O’Callaghan, also known as The Whisky Jack, is the man to talk to.  In addition to Scottish and Irish whisk(e)y, he is also well-versed in coffee, craft beer and trend food. (more…)

3 new Whiskies by Whic: Mackmyra, Ben Nevis & Glen Moray (Review Flight)

3x Single Cask Scotch Whisky by Which (Mackmyra Ben Nevis Glen Moray Speyside Malt Dram Tasting Notes)

Munich-based whisky company Whic.de is a lot more than just a mailorder. Besides selling bottles and samples through their website, they also moderate a vivid community page on Facebook and operate as an independent bottler. (more…)

Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey 7yo by Svenska Eldvatten (Review)

Tennessee Bourbon 7yo by Svenska Eldvatten (Independent Cask Strength American Whiskey Tasting Notes)

The booth of Svenska Eldvatten – the biggest indie bottler in the Nordics – was one of my favorite target places at last years’s Bottle Market. Repeatedly, I returned there to sip a dram and have a chat with the company’s owners Peter and Tommy. (more…)

“Twins & Twins” – Hansemalt’s Whisky Wednesday with The SMWS (Tasting)

Hansemalt The SMWS Tasting in Hamburg (Single Malt Scotch Whisky Speyside Islay Event)

For nearly two years, Chris Rickert (owner of Hansemalt and organizer of Hanse Spirit) was the official brand ambassador for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in my hometown of Hamburg. Sadly, the two parties went separate ways at the end of 2018. (more…)

4 Whisky Stars from the Millennial Range by North Star (Review Flight)

The Millenial Range by North Star Whisky (Highlands Speyside Islands Islay Single Malt Scotch Bottlings BarleyMania)

With The Millennial Range, accomplished indie bottler North Star Spirits added a new series of single cask bottlings to its portfolio. Unlike the company’s other products, these whiskies are released with a unified ABV of 50 per cent and no distillery mentioned on the label. (more…)

Caol Ila 14yo by Gordon & MacPhail (Review)

Caol Ila 14yo Connosoir's Choice by Gordon & MacPhail (Peated Single Malt Islay Scotch Whisky Cask)

As a marketer by profession, I am quite susceptible to good storytelling and well-conceived ad campaigns. Still, I am also always happy when a whisky manages to catch my attention without supplementary hoo-ha. This 14-year-old Caol Ila from Gordon & MacPhail’s (more…)

3 Single Cask Whiskies by Douglas Laing (Review Flight)

3 Single Cask Scotch Whisky Bottlings by Douglas Laing (Isle of Jura Bunnahabhain Tullibardine Islay Highlands Tasting Notes)

Sitting on an incredible wealth of casks, Glaswegian indie bottlers Douglas Laing & Co. have the right whisky for pretty much every preference, occasion and wallet in their portfolio. While their Provenance range usually consists of affordable pours, the Old Particular line (more…)