Nestled in the heart of Speyside, Scotland, The Balvenie Distillery is more than just a whisky producer; it’s a place where tradition, craftsmanship, and time converge to create some of the world’s finest single malts. For the discerning gentleman, a visit to The Balvenie offers not only a taste of exquisite whisky but a deep dive into the artistry behind its creation. From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in an atmosphere rich with history and dedication to the art of whisky-making.

Tradition and Craftsmanship at Its Finest

Founded in 1892, The Balvenie remains one of the few distilleries that still handles every aspect of production in-house. It’s this commitment to craftsmanship that sets the distillery apart from many of its peers. From growing their own barley to handcrafting oak casks and employing a resident coppersmith to maintain their copper stills, The Balvenie keeps alive the traditional methods that are slowly disappearing from the world of whisky-making.

The tour starts at the distillery’s malting floors, where the sight of barley being turned by hand feels like a glimpse into the past. Very few distilleries still malt their own barley, but The Balvenie holds onto this time-honored tradition as an essential part of their process. You’ll also learn about the fermentation process and see the gleaming copper stills, whose unique shape helps create the signature smoothness that The Balvenie is known for. The cooperage, where skilled craftsmen build and repair barrels, is another reminder of the immense skill and patience required to produce whisky of this caliber.

The Ultimate Whisky Tasting Experience

The highlight of any visit to The Balvenie is undoubtedly the tasting session. In a cozy, wood-paneled room overlooking the stunning Speyside hills, you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the distillery’s most celebrated expressions. Each dram tells its own story, from the delicate sweetness of the Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old, matured in two types of wood, to the luxurious depth of the Balvenie PortWood 21 Year Old, finished in port casks for an extra layer of complexity. The flavors are as rich as the history behind them, and the tasting experience is elevated by the knowledge and passion of the distillery guides.

For any gentleman who appreciates not only fine whisky but the dedication and heritage that go into making it, a visit to The Balvenie is an unforgettable experience. It’s a journey into the heart of Scottish distilling, where tradition and innovation meet. Long after the last dram has been savored, the memories of craftsmanship, scenic beauty, and timeless flavor will linger, making it more than just a whisky tour—it’s an experience of a lifetime.

Each year, whisky enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipate the final Saturday of The Islay Festival (Fèis Ìle), for it heralds the arrival of Ardbeg Day—a global celebration of all things Ardbeg. This year on June 1st, the Ardbeg circus rolled into town to unveil the Distillery’s latest Limited Edition – Ardbeg Spectacular.

The Grand Reveal: Ardbeg Spectacular

Ardbeg Spectacular is inspired by a deep and peculiar extravaganza of flavours, encouraging fans to embrace the whimsical world of dark circus. Whether you're celebrating on Islay or at a local event, don your finest circus attire and prepare for an extraordinary experience.

For the first time, Ardbeg has matured this whisky in highly sought-after port wine casks, which are then married with classic bourbon barrels. The result? An extraordinarily smoky and balanced dram that tantalizes the senses with its devilish sweet meets smoky peat profile.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Sunset orange

Aroma: The initial aroma is curiously perfumed and aromatic, with a prominent note of fragrant lavender. Mid-palate, vetiver and incense candles emerge, followed by deeper notes of leather and wax mingling with rich almond nuttiness. Adding a splash of water unveils gentle wisps of woodsmoke and damp peat moss, along with hints of menthol that blend seamlessly with rich antique leather.

Taste: A viscous texture bursts forth, introducing a sparkling array of salty, sweet, and savoury flavours. Peat smoke, eucalyptus oil, minty chocolate, and toffee dominate, with smoked pecans, creosote, and tar adding complexity. Subtle notes of sweet pear crumble and fudge provide a delightful background.

Finish: A long and lingering finish of salted caramel and cooling menthol rounds off this showstopping spectacle of flavour, leaving a lasting impression.

Join the Celebration

Whether you're a seasoned Ardbeggian or a newcomer to the world of Ardbeg, Ardbeg Day is always the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique character of this iconic whisky. This year, we celebrated the launch of Ardbeg Spectacular at Globus in Bern. It was an event filled with vibrant festivities, remarkable flavours, and a community of whisky lovers coming together in appreciation of one of the finest drams in the world.

So, ladies, gentlemen, and Ardbeggians, step right up and join the celebration. Prepare to be amazed by the marvel of maturation that is Ardbeg Spectacular. Here's to another unforgettable Ardbeg Day—slàinte!

In the mystical realm of whisky, where legends are born and flavors are crafted, something extraordinary has occurred at the Ardbeg Distillery. A peculiar absence has disrupted the delicate balance that has defined Ardbeg whiskies for years. The renowned purifier on the still, responsible for the distillery's exalted harmony, has vanished without a trace. The consequence? Ardbeg Heavy Vapours, a whisky that defies convention and embraces the untamed. Let's delve into the enigmatic tale of Ardbeg Heavy Vapours, a Committee Exclusive, and explore the dark and aromatic journey it offers to those lucky enough to savor its unique character.

Unleashing the Heavy Vapours

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours emerges as an ominous dram, challenging the senses with its dramatic and aromatic pungency. The initial observations begin with its pale straw color. The nose reveals a captivating interplay of aromas. Smoke rises, entwined with a delicate sweetness. A distinct farmyard scent drifts, accompanied by the crunchy aroma of charcoal. A splash of water disturbs the vapors, giving rise to billows of dark chocolate cream infused with a ribbon of smoked artichoke. The fragrance is both intense and pungent, intriguing the adventurous whisky enthusiast.

Upon tasting Ardbeg Heavy Vapours, the untamed flavors and notes that have risen come to life. A burst of bittersweetness surges forward, evoking the sensation of ashy coal dust. A haze of cardamom, peppermint, and coffee grits envelops the palate, captivating and challenging the taste buds. Clouds of dark chocolate and mentholic eucalyptus roll in, obscuring the usually prominent fruit and floral notes that Ardbeg whiskies are known for.

The finish of Ardbeg Heavy Vapours leaves a lasting impression. The aftertaste lingers long and bold, with an almost anaesthetizing sensation, as if the whisky has woven a spell of captivating flavors that refuse to fade away.

A Privilege for Ardbeg Committee Members

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Committee Exclusive is a whisky that embraces exclusivity. As a tribute to its unique character, it is reserved solely for Ardbeg Committee Members. By becoming an Ardbeg Committee Member, you gain access to limited editions like Ardbeg Heavy Vapours or Ardbeg 8 Years Old For Discussion, ensuring you never miss out on the distillery's most intriguing releases.

Our Conclusion

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours is a whisky that defies expectations and embraces the allure of the untamed. The disappearance of the legendary purifier on the still has paved the way for this exceptional dram, filled with dark and aromatic flavors that push the boundaries of traditional whisky craftsmanship. From its captivating nose to its bold finish, Ardbeg Heavy Vapours offers a sensory journey like no other, challenging the palate and leaving an indelible impression. If you are fortunate enough to be an Ardbeg Committee Member, we recommend seizing the opportunity to savor this exclusive release, for it is a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and innovation that Ardbeg distills into every drop.

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Originally from Wales, the brothers Grant and Craig Maunder have set out to bring a piece of Britain to Adelboden. With The Cambrian, named after a mountain range in Wales, they built a luxurious design hotel that cleverly combines British elements with the pristine views and charm of the Swiss Alps. Are you ready to explore this gem and its awe-inspiring surroundings?

Experience Alpine Goodness

To get to Adelboden, one has to drive around 1 hour from Bern, the Swiss capital. Winding roads take us through a scenic landscape up to the picturesque mountain village. Adelboden is situated amid the pristine scenery of the Swiss Alps. Although The Cambrian is situated in a central location, guests can still enjoy unspoiled and stunning mountain views.

Upon arrival, we get a warm welcome by the amazing staff of The Cambrian. They manage to underline the feeling of intimacy and warmth we already get from the interior design. The hotel combines contemporary design with innovative uses of natural, local materials. A combination that just feels right. Especially when paired with the breathtaking views from the terrace and winter garden.

Providing the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, The Cambrian has an open fireplace in the lobby. We love to settle down hear to read more about the exciting history of Adelboden and the British explorers and tourists who came here decades ago. Why not enjoy a glass of Single Malt Scotch Whisky while doing so?

Explore the Bernese Oberland

Adelboden’s alpine, sporting and cultural attractions combine ever-changing views with exciting activities, whether in the countryside or in the heart of the village. To explore the area, we join Experience Manager Joel Maunder on a trip in the hotel's bespoke Land Rover Defender.

The vehicle has been customized by Outlander, a small, family business concerned with restoring and upgrading existing Land Rover vehicles. Based in Scotland, the company offers a level of individuality, originality, quality and style which can not be found anywhere else. In fact, Outlander has come to define the custom Defender through designing and establishing a congruent and timeless aesthetic over the past decade.

We drive up to the Bonderalp. From here, we enjoy magnificent views that only the Bernese Oberland can offer. High above us is the rocky face of the Gross Loner mountain. Even for us as Swiss, this is a very spectacular sight.

Unwind in the Spa

After an eventful day, the spa is the perfect place to unwind. With heated indoor and outdoor pools, a Finnish sauna, steam bath, and a nice relaxing area, The Cambrian has an award-winning spa. Especially the the big outdoor pool offers the ultimate relaxation space.

We also had the pleasure to enjoy a treatment by the talented therapists at The Cambrian. Guests can choose from bespoke treatments including many different outstanding massages.

Enjoy Culinary Delights

No matter if you're out exploring or relaxing in the spa, at one point you will have worked up an appetite. At The Cambrian, a member of Design Hotels, you certainly won't go hungry. Here, the motto is: "There's no reason that good, honest and healthy food shouldn't taste fantastic." And we couldn't agree more!

Bryn Williams at the Cambrian Restaurant

Their main restaurant is called "Bryn Williams at the Cambrian". Here, only the very best local products are used and cooked with care and imagination. Guests can graze through the seasonal menu and savour a taste of the Alps. Although there are also some influences of the team's culinary journeys in London and Wales. Bryn Williams, 'Chef Patron' at The Cambrian grew up in Wales and has worked at some of London's most prestigious kitchens. He worked alongside Marco Pierre White at 'The Criterion' and Michel Roux at 'Le Gavroche'.

Quality and provenance of ingredient is an essential layer in the philosophy at "Bryn Williams at The Cambrian". Most ingredients are sourced from mountains, lakes, rivers and farms exclusively within the surrounding area and Canton of Bern. The Chefs will regularly hike up the mountain before work to forage for mushrooms, herbs, berries and more. Combine the resulting dishes with the amazing wines offered on the menu and the stage is set for an unforgettable evening.

The Axe Bar

If you're looking for a more casual and urban experience, then The Axe Bar will be for you. It offers wholesome food, a well-stocked bar and a place to read and reflect, from midday to midnight each day. Guests can have a lazy lunch or settle in for a long evening and brag about their daytime adventures.

We recommend you to sample one of the local beers, a pale ale was specifically made for The Cambrian by a local brewery, or enjoy a glass of wine. The bar team will also be happy to serve you a creative or classic cocktail. You probably deserve it!

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Great watches have stories that never end, they just get better with time. The same is true for high-quality whisky and vintage champagne. That's why decided to host an evening at Bucherer CPO in Zurich for like-minded ladies and gentlemen to discover the fascinating world of certified pre-owned (CPO) watches. Read on if you want to get a glimpse too!

Artworth at Bucherer CPO Zürich

As soon as we announced our event at the wonderful CPO boutique on the 5th floor of Bucherer in Zurich on Instagram, many like-minded people reached out to us and asked to participate. The guest list filled up quickly and preparations began for the first-ever Artworth event open to the public.

Finally the much awaited day is here and people start to arrive at the newly renovated building of Bucherer on the well-known Bahnhofstrasse in downtown Zurich. They get welcomed with a glass of Veuve Clicquot and quickly get captivated by the many iconic timepieces that are on display. A watch that fascinates many is the Rolex GMT-Master from 1996.

While the watches get great attention, we also have Tim from Glen Fahrn with us who invites the guests to taste some rare whiskys from Scotland, Ireland and beyond. We love the connection between pre-owened watches and a good bottle of whisky. Both get more interesting, more unique over time. A whisky we particularly enjoy is Balblair. Crafted in a small distillery in Scotland, it matured in double-fired American oak casks and offers a deep concentration of fruit notes with a hint of dark chocolate. A delight!

A bubbly surprise

As a first highlight of the evening, we surprise our guests with the reveal of five La Grande Dame 2008 bottles. This winemaking prowess with 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Chardonnay, really brings the Veuve Clicquot style to its quintessence, balancing strength, and elegance. Known in her lifetime as "the Grande Dame of Champagne", Madame Clicquot was a woman ahead of her time. When her husband died in 1805, she took over the reins at just 27 years of age, at a time when women had no place in the world of business. A free and ambitious woman, her signature is recognized the world over as the seal of Veuve Clicquot. This is the story of a Grande Dame, the story of a Grand Champagne.

Created in 1962 and launched in 1972 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the House, La Grande Dame is a tribute to the inspiring Madame Clicquot. To the eye, it presents a color with bright, golden glints. The initial nose reveals a strong, aerial and delicate attack. Once opened, the wine has notes of dried fruits, ripe white fruits and finishes on subtle toasted notes of hazelnut and praline. These notes create a perfect balance with the freshness and clarity of the blend. La Grande Dame 2008 has a silky texture on young fruits, supported by citrus. These characteristics make it the perfect champagne to spoil our guests with. Santé!

Ending the night overlooking Zurich

Another exciting part of the event is to talk with Keren from Amarcord. She runs a small boutique, offering made-to-measure tailor services and brought the latest winter fabrics for suits that will both keep one warm and look incredibly sharp. Keren has been tailoring some suits for us lately and we are impressed with the rare fabrics she offers. Moreover, she has set up her own supply chain, working with artisans based in Sicily.

As the sun sets, we head up to the rooftop of the Bucherer building to take in the magnificent views over the wonderful city of Zurich. It has been the perfect location for the first-ever Artworth at Bucherer event. In the heart of Zurich and surrounded by iconic timepieces, we talked about watches and suits while enjoying a glass of champagne or whisky. Who knows which city in Europe will be next!

Do you want to learn more about the Bucherer CPO offering? Read this blogpost about their Gallery in Geneva.

Seldom will you find a Scottish distillery in more scenic and unspoiled surroundings. The distillery we talk about is located near the banks of the beautiful Dornoch Firth in the rugged shadow of Struie Hill. Are you eager to learn more about Balblair?

Experience true Highland spirit

We find ourselves in the ancient heart of the Scottish Highlands. Here, Balblair Distillery was established as early as 1790 by local man John Ross. The Balblair whiky perfecly reflects both the place and people who have been here for generations: a perfect mix of nature and nurture with the sole purpose of crafting exceptional whisky!

As we step on the property of Balblair we quickly realize that this is a place where true craftsmanship, tradition and passion build the foundation for something special.

Our distillery tour starts with the first step in crafting malt whisky: mashing! The ‚grist‘ (miller malted barley) is mixed with hot water in the ‚mash tun‘ which creates a sugary liquid known as ‚wort‘. It is then drained off and the remaining solids at the bottom of the ‚mash tun‘ - called ‚draff‘ - are collected to be used as cattle feed.

When crafting whiky, there is one key ingredient one shouldn't forget: water! Luckily, the Balblair distillery sits at the foot of the Struie Hills near the Allt Dearg burn, their source of natural water. This soft, untreated water source flows through an open ditch to the distillery and totally lives up to its essential role in the production of Balblair whisky.

In the ‚wash back‘, yeast is added to the sugary ‚wort‘ to begin the process of fermentation which in turn creates alcohol. This part of the process takes approximately two and a half days and the alcoholic liquid produced is known as the ‚wash‘. This liquid wash is then heated to a point where the alcohol becomes vapor, which rises up to the top of the ‚wash still‘ and is condensed back into liquid. This produces a stronger alcoholic liquid known as ‚low wines‘.

Later, the ‚low wines‘ from the first distillation are passed into a second still - called the ‚spirit still‘ - for a second distillation. Here, the spirit still gives birth a very strong Highland spirit.

But first, the Balblair whisky needs to age in oak casks. This takes place in traditional ‚dunnage‘ warehouses. The legal minimum for maturation is 3 years, however Balblair is aged for much longer!

The majority of casks used to mature Balblair are ex-bourbon but they also use a small percentage of sherry casks. Over time, these casks give the whisky a distinct color and enhance its flavor. Also, up to 2% of the maturing spirit can evaporate every year. This phenomenon has become known as the ‘angle’s share’.

Tasting a product of time and place

As we leave the distillery building we can't help ourselves but grab a bottle of Balblair 12 Year Old for the quick tour through the warehouses. Here, in the middle of the maturing whisky we do a pairing with finest dark Swiss chocolate by Läderach. There is no better place to do experience the contrasting flavors of fruit, spice and sweetness than in Balblair's dunnage warehouses.

During our tasting we hear about the Distillery Manager, John MacDonald, who is an exceptionally talented, driven and, above all, patient man. Patience is especially important for a Distillery Manager since fine single malts won't be rushed!

We also get to learn that the Norwegian Army occupied those warehouses during the Second World War while the buildings were commandeered by the British Army. Truly a place of history!

To finish off our wonderful tour at Balblair we get to taste something special: a 1999 vintage that was exclusively crafted for the Single Malt Club China. A true delight!

Tasting: Balblair 12y & 15y

On the nose we got two very round and soft whiskies matured on the site of the Balbair distillery. Both are matured in double-fired American oak casks. The 15-years-old Balblair is then moved over to first-fill Spanish oak butts.

This second maturation is providing a great spicy flavor on the palate of the 15-years-old malt. A deeper concentration of fruit notes compared to the 12-years-old on the finish, and joined by some dark chocolate elements too.

Conclusion

The Balblair whiskies are crafted with a lot of care and respect to the tradition of whisky-making. You won't get these bottles in every supermarket as they are very exclusive. In our opinion the Balblair whiskies get a very nice and smooth taste due to the careful maturation in perfect and stable conditions. With their modern and stylish packaging these whiskies belong in every collection. In addition you can probably show your friends a new malt they never tasted before.

Therefore, we award 7.5 Artworth Whisky Points to the 15-years-old Balblair and 7 Artworth Whisky Points to the 12-years-old Balblair.

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Recently we have started to blog about whisky to share our experience with our fellow whisky enthusiasts. As a consequence, we had to book a flight to Scotland because we couldn't wait any longer to see a full working distillery! However, the many outstanding brands made it really hard to decide on what distillery to visit. Eventually we settled for the one with the tallest stills in Scotland. Can you guess which one it is?

Exploring the Highlands

We find ourselves in the peaceful surroundings on the banks of the Dornoch Firth. After an exhausting journey by plane and Jaguar F-Pace SVR on adventurous Scottish roads, we arrive at the Tarrel Farmhouse just as the sun is setting. After a warm welcome by lovely host Jennie, we are soon ready for bed because an exciting day is awaiting us soon!

In the morning, we start early with a mouth-watering breakfast at the Farmhouse. Then, we take a short 15 minute drive to the nearby Glenmorangie House in the nearby Cadboll area. The charming 17th century house was built next to the ruins of an old castle and hosts guests from all over the world in a very intimate setting. Also, the barley for the Glenmorangie single malt whisky is harvested from the fields surrounding the property!

Glenmorangie distillery tour

By now you might have guessed it: we will be visiting the iconic Glenmorangie distillery! The distillery itself is only a short drive away from the House. Here, the Men of Tain are distilling one of the smoothest single malt whisky found on the planet - and that since 1843!

As we start our tour we learn that most ingredients needed to craft Glenmorangie whisky are sourced very locally. Besides the barley from their own fields, they also get the water from the local Tarlogie Springs. It is the house's own water source and most prized asset. Layers of limestone and sandstone give it its 'hard water' qualities and provide Glenmorangie with a raw ingredient unique among Highland distilleries.

Inside the distillery we learn that Glenmorangie practices three washes in the mash tun. The product of the two first ones is called ‘worts’. It is later mixed with yeast to start the fermentation process. During a period of 52 hours, the worts is converted into an alcoholic liquid called ‘wash’ with a strength of 8% ABV.

Now we enter the halls where the magic happens. We are amazed by the extremely tall stills with their long copper necks. In fact, Glenmorangie's stills are the tallest in Scotland. They are 8 meters high, the same height as a fully grown adult giraffe! The 5 meter high copper necks make sure that only the very lightest and purest vapors make it to the top. This creates a smoother, more elegant whisky.

The art of maturing

Next, we learn about the art of maturation. The freshly distilled whisky spends 10 years in first and second fill American white oak casks. The ex-bourbon casks give The Original its perfect balance between sweetness and complexity, a mature spirit that is soft, mellow and creamy.

In order to get the best quality oak casks possible, Glenmorangie has acquired their own forest in Missouri, USA. They lease their proper casks to bourbon makers for 10 years before shipping them over to Scotland to mature their fine whisky.

Slow growth trees with a more open wood structure are selected for their unique porous nature. The trees are felled into staves and gently air-seasoned for at least two years. The wood breathes and softens, imparting the first elements of flavors: vanilla, crème brulée and eucalyptus. Expert coopers in America shape the staves into barrels. Those casks are then heavily toasted and lightly charred. This process is giving its pale golden hue to Glenmorangie spirits.

The second step in the maturation process is only for a selected number of casks. Glenmorangie pioneered extra maturation in 1994 and remains an expert in the field. Their very own Dr Bill Lumsden has spent over 20 years experimenting in order to perfect the different finishes that make up the Glenmorangie extra-matured range. He had the genius idea to put their whiksy for 2 years in Oloroso Sherry Butts, Ruby Port Pipes or Sauternes Barriques to add unique finishing notes to the spirit.

As we stand in one of the many warehouses, our tour comes to an end. We are happy to round it up with a dram: a glass of Quinta Ruban 14 Years Old. Luckily they offered us a takeaway for the driver. Sláinte!

Tasting: Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Years

When it comes to the value for money you will hardly find a better malt than the Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Years. The 18 year old has always been one of the best of Glenmorangie's core range and has even won a World Whisky Award. Time for us to taste this wonderful dram!

You may know different whiskies which were matured in bourbon oak casks and then transferred to sherry-, rum-, port- or sauternes casks. This 18 year old malt spent its first 15 years in American white oak bourbon casks. After this time, 30% was transferred to Oloroso sherry casks where it spent its final days, as the rest remained in bourbon casks. After 18 years has passed in total, the whisky was reunited and bottled. This is what makes this whisky unique. The Extremely Rare 18 Years is a round and sweet whisky with crisp toffee sweetness of crème brulée in the nose. Hints of vibrant oranges & lemons are found. Then sparkling floral tones emerge, taking the edge off any cloying sweetness, with the green, almost herbal bouquet of geranium.

The palate is tropical and creamy with nectarines and honey, after butterscotch is rounding the tastes off. Flavors of rich, sticky date and fig are appearing on the finish as they are heightened by the unexpected caress of wood smoke.

In our opinion the box of this wonderful whisky is a highlight as well and underlines the elegant and exclusive style of the Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Years. These small and careful details are leading us to the conclusion of 8 Artworth Whisky Points out of 10!

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Lagavulin is probably one of the most legendary whiskies out there. Especially when it comes to the smoky ones. Actually, it is the reason why we fell in love with smoky and peaty whiskies. You probably got in touch with the 16-year-old edition of this Islay single malt. By the way, this very popular island is pronounced as "eye-la" in Scottish. You absolutely need to know this as whisky enthusiast! Learn more about this famous whisky and get a comparison with the new and rare 10-year-old edition. With the 10-year-old single malt, Lagavulin extended their core range with a special edition. It is a traveler exclusive version which is sold at duty free stores.

The Lagavulin distillery

The Lagavulin distillery is located on the rough south shore of Islay next to the famous city of Port Ellen. They are in good company on the south coast of the island with the famous distilleries of Ardbeg and Laphroaig next to it. The distillery of Lagavulin officially dates back to 1816, when John Johnston and Archibald Campbell Brooks constructed two distilleries on the site.

Tasting: Lagavulin 10y & 16y

Both whiskies are very similar to be honest. The mix of casks used at the 10-years-old brings out more of the character of the malt and introduces a little bit sweetness and heat. It has been matured in ex-Bourbon, refill and rejuvenated, newly charred casks. Dr. Craig Wilson, Malt Master for Diageo said: “The different wood types used have helped create a whisky with a fiery yet light, and smoky yet smooth character – one that is filled with surprising contrasts.”

On the nose, both malts open with lots of heat. The aroma is full of earthy peat with cinnamon and pepper spice and sea salt notes. You get more of the spiciness on the 10-years-old version. The flavor and spices are distinct and warming. They tie in perfectly with the earthy richness of the peat.

To taste, the flavor is sweeter but still spicy. On the palate you get caramel and cinnamon, a smooth and warming mouth feel. A very enjoyable interaction of sweet and salty! Peat smoke continues here and is backed by the spices. It is dense and aromatic. Did you know barley grain are dried with peat-smoke and therefore creates these heavily peated notes? Whiskies from Islay are especially known for their intense smoky flavors because of the peat which is used on the island to dry the malt.

The finish wraps up well with a lasting note of peat and smoke. The different notes are lasting for a long time and turn into the taste of figs and dates.

The packaging of the Lagavulin malts is very classy. While holding a bottle of this fine Scotch single malt in your hand, you can literally feel 200 years of distilling tradition. The 10-years-old version comes in a very beautiful white box while the 16-years-old edition comes in a dark green.

Conclusion

Probably one of the smokiest whiskies with a heavily peated nose and palate. Yet it is still quite fruity with very interesting sweet notes. This is exactly what we need to combine with a intense and strong espresso or some dark Swiss chocolate. However, we wouldn't recommend it for a cigar pairing as you would probably get a smoke intoxication. But the rounded sweet notes with a punch of smoke and peat are letting us come to the result of 8 Artworth Whisky Points out of 10!

Do you prefer the very fruity and smooth whiskies? Here is the tasting of the Hibiki - Japanese Harmony.

We would like to start our newly established whisky guide with a rather fruity and very smooth whisky. Therefore, it is not a big surprise that we are geographically looking towards Japan. Ladies and Gentleman, let's try the Hibiki Japanese Harmony.

Artworth Whisky Guide

First of all, we would like to explain the reason why we found it necessary to launch this guide. Well, there are two very simple reasons. First one: we really love whisky. We don't just like whisky or drink whisky, we really love this delicious and oak-colored liquid gold. Second one: how can a gentleman wearing a three-piece suit, sitting on a dark brown chesterfield couch right in front of an open fire not drink a whisky?
And before you ask yourself if you should write whisky or whiskey, it doesn't really matter. As the Scottish guys are writing whisky without the "e" we prefer to do the same. We really love Scotch whisky. For that reason you will find us writing whisky.

Now, let's leave the history lesson and the theoretical stuff and try this wonderful and fine dram.

Tasting: Hibiki Japanese Harmony

The Japanese Harmony is inspired by the Japanese division of the year into 24 seasons. He also got his name from the selected blend which led to this well-balanced whisky. It is made with malt whiskies from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries as well as grain whisky from the Chita distillery. The master blender, Shingo Torii, at Suntory takes 5 different types of casks, including American white oak casks, Sherry casks and Mizunara oak casks, to create the Japanese Harmony.

The first notes in the nose are very smooth but rich. Layers of sweet honey combined with aromas of apricots. The oak and sherry casks are giving this beautiful golden color which you see in the glass.

Luckily, the generous fruit continues on to the palate. Orange zests are joining the apricot flavors and subtle spiciness. There’s a little peppery spice but the soft, succulent fruit takes hold. If you like the smooth and fruity Scotch whiskies with a Sherry-, Rum-, Portwood, or Oloroso-Cask finish this Japanese wonder is exactly the whisky you are looking for.

On the harmonious finish the spiciness takes over from the fruit and changes into a wooden and oaky note. You get kind of a sandalwood aroma with a sweet and fruity note.

The packaging is very classy and we really like the Japanese touch of the bottle and wrapping. The bottle has a sophisticated and simple design. Let's be honest, a whisky is there to be displayed in a special rack next to your bookshelf and cigar humidor. Therefore we include this parameter into our whisky guide and rating.

Conclusion

The Hibiki Japanese Harmony is admirably versatile through its manufacturing process and it is not surprising that it is the most awarded Japanese blend. We love to combine the Hibiki with some white or milk chocolate from Läderach after a nice diner. And as this whisky is not smoky at all you can combine it very well with a cigar from Ahora Cigars.

This Japanese Harmony gets 7 Artworth Whisky Points out of 10!

Looking for a Scottish Whisky instead? Read our thoughts about the Laphroaig Brodir here.