Ardbeg 10 Year Old



It's a rainy night here in the Yukon. It's the perfect evening for some Blues and a smoky whisky. For the listening pleasure I have chosen Albert Kings Funky London. The other senses will be warmed by the Ardbeg 10 Year Old.

Funky London is not an album. It's a compilation that highlights Albert Kings funk spirit. These songs were recorded in the seventies during his time with Stax records. Right off the hop the cover of James Browns "Cold Sweat" gets you moving. This record above all is the perfect cure for any rainy day. The music is upbeat while Albert lets you know how much worse it can always be. Just listen to "Bad Luck" and you'll know what I mean.

In keeping with the rainy day theme The Ardbeg's smokiness is reminiscent of a wood fire. Just the thing to keep you warm on a night like this.


Nose: No surprise here smoke hits right at the front. There is also lemon, salt and a sugary sweetness.

Taste: Smoke and leather take the lead while a twist of lemon zest is nodding quietly in the back. The mouth feel is spectacular.

Finish: The smoke is there throughout. It is definitely the lead character in this play. It is however accompanied by a really fine supporting cast. Namely the sweet sugariness that keeps the smoke from overwhelming your palate. This finish is long and maintains a comfortable presence.   

On a side note I have to admit that when I first saw this pale coloured liquid I was a little disappointed. I have long been drawn to the darker coloured whiskies. This was a good lesson for me to know that good whisky doesn't have to be dark to be flavourful.

Thanks for reading and stay warm.

Bookers 7 years 1 month

Well on this day in Music History The Allman Brothers Band released Brothers and Sisters. It was their most commercially successful album, sitting at the top of the US charts for 5 weeks. That it is a fantastic album is undeniable. I however felt like listening to the Live at Fillmore 1971. One of the greatest live albums that I know of. The blues and rock jams are great for any occasion.

The Allmans being one of the quintessential southern rock bands I felt a bourbon would be fitting. I know, Bourbon is from Kentucky and The Allmans are originally from Jacksonville, Florida. Unfortunately this will have to do because I don't have any Floridian whisky in my collection. Come to think of it I don't know that any exist (if you do please let me know).

So without further ado... My Bookers True Barrel Bourbon tasting notes:

Nose: delicious. Actually I am surprised. It is better than the last time I tried it. and I was quite fond of it then if I do recall. For a whisky at almost 65%  it hardly has any burn. I get lots of caramelized sugar, cloves and a bit of citrus zest.

Palate: Wow. There is a lot of heat to this whisky. Through the burn I detected a lot of clove. The thickness of this whisky is almost syrupy. I was also able to detect a bit of wood and a slight hint of black licorice.

Finish: The finish is very long and dry. The cloves hang on strong while a woody smokiness is barely detectable in the background.

I found this whisky to be quite fierce and I though that it might benefit from some rocks. Please forgive me.

After Ice

Nose: There seems to be a slight floral tone added to the nose. I was also able to detect more fruit (can't tell what fruit specifically).         

Palate: With burn tamed I was able to detect a smokiness. Interesting, its like when you put the campfire out with water, a lot of smoke appears. Also added to the notes are herbal tones and some honey. This reminded me of Drambuie for some reason.

Finish; The finish is still long but the cloves are not over bearing any longer. They linger in the background while the smoke and wood take lead.


This is a very potent whisky. It is not for the faint of heart, nor is it easy to get to know. I do think that if one takes the time they may be pleasantly surprised.

 Have a great day.

Ballantine's 17 Year Old

Since this is a blended whisky I decided that some fusion music would be fitting. So Miles Davis Bitches Brew it is. A fantastic album that uses many styles and "blends" them into a whirlwind of sounds and rhythms.

I think that it is important for me to clarify here that I am not saying that my musical recommendations are specifically chosen to accentuate the whisky in any way. The whisky will always have to speak for itself. I just really enjoy music and like to include it in almost every thing I do.

Nose: Delicious. I could smell this for hours. Initially I got molasses and then creamy chocolate with vanilla. On second try I got honey sweetness with some mouth watering fruit.

Taste: Smooth creamy chocolate with honey and wood. There is also a slight smokiness.

Finish: The finish is very long. The tongue tingles with a spiciness for some time. I mostly get oak, but the smoke remains in the background. I also detected a slight licorice tang.

Overall this is a good whisky. I think the nose is perhaps one of the most beautiful I've encountered, and the taste is nothing to complain about either. I did find the spicy tingle on the tongue during the finish to be just a bit much. Other wise thoroughly enjoyable.    

 Happy Labour day, and may all of your labour dreams come true.

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old

For my first try at this I am going to taste the Glenfiddich 15 year old. Starting here makes perfect sense... I had to finish the bottle any ways. :)

So it is safe to say that I am familiar with this whisky, and truth be told I am sad to see it go. Making it my first Blog tasting gives me an opportunity to say goodbye properly. I hope to keep it as a regular in my collection.

I also try to pair my tastings with music. This tasting is being accompanied by the music of the String Cheese Incident. Specifically set 2 of the October 13th, 2003 show in Toronto, Ontario. The choice of this show was just as haphazard as the bottle, and just like the whisky it is sweet. Great jams that as is the way with the SCI move seamlessly between country and the psychedelic. Highlight has got to be the cover of Rush's "Tom Sawyer". I would like to think it's more than just a bit of Canadian bias.

Nose: The nose is warming and inviting. I detect a spiciness (maybe cinnamon) with vanilla and honey. I also detect a floral edge perhaps geraniums.

Taste: Smooth and sweet. There is a good portion of that spiciness (cinnamon?) that appeared in the nose mixed with raisins and a woodiness.

Finish: Clean and long. The spicy notes remain as a piney character mingles with notes of honey.  

Overall: If you are looking for something intense, complex and full of character then this may not be your bottle. This is however a delicious whisky that is easy to drink. It would make a great accompaniment to almost any night.      

Thanks for reading.

Mark