Buying a single cask whisky by Scotland’s oldest independent bottler Cadenhead’s at Hanse Spirit has become somewhat of a tradition for me. Last year, I purchased a stellar Dalmore 24yo with a rum finish from their booth. This year, I went home with this outstanding Tobermory, (more…)
Though our second day at Hanse Spirit was really packed, I took the time to attend a one-hour tasting organised by Kammer-Kirsch. Our host on this beautiful afternoon was Stefan Bohn. He presented the five drams from Arran in a really outstanding way (more…)
From February 17 to 19, Northern Germany’s biggest whisk(e)y and spirits fair, Hanse Spirit, took place in Hamburg – for the seventh time in a row. Needless to say that the BarleyMania gang did not think twice about going there. (more…)
When you think of the isle of Islay on the West coast of Scotland, the first things that come to your mind will probably be the heavily peated whiskies for which this fabled region is held in high esteem by whisky lovers across the globe. (more…)
Wolfburn was originally founded in Thurso in the very North of Scotland in 1821. Soon after its foundation, it became one of the largest distilleries of its region. But not too many years later, Wolfburn had to close it doors again (more…)
The Balvenie distillery is located in Dufftown and was founded by William J. Grant in 1892; the same man who also founded Glenfiddich distillery, which is only a stone’s throw away. Today the distillery is still owned by William Grant & Sons Ltd. (more…)
The regular edition of the Spice Tree by London-based artisan blenders Compass Box is one mighty fine blended Scotch whisky with a wonderful flavor profile. Last year, the company headed by outside-the-box whisky maker John Glaser introduced a limited edition of said brand (more…)
When I went to Scotland for the first time in my life last year, I spent a few days in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Whenever I made a reservation for a restaurant or any kind of tour and was asked for my name, I saw people writing Arran instead of Aaron. (more…)
With an output of up to 7 million litres per year, Caol Ila is by far the most productive distillery on Islay. Yet, it sometimes seems to me as if these seasoned whisky makers from the isle’s Northeast coast get less recognition than their prominent neighbors. (more…)
On the 25th of January, all of Scotland celebrates the birth of their national poet Robert Burns (1759-1796). With good company by their sides and fine drams in their hands, they pay homage to the celebrated writer, whose ballads and poems are cherished all across the globe. (more…)
BarleyMania | Whisky & Whiskey 