ralfy review 1097 – Ardnamurchan NAS Madeira cask @52%vol

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 578: Arran 8 Year Old 2015 SMWS 121.111 Tempura Tincture

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a Society bottling. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society certainly enjoys Arran, as evidenced by the fact that they have already bottled quite a few single casks. This is, for example, This is, for example, the 111^th cask (at the time of writing, they have even released 121.115!). This 111th edition was named Tempura Tincture. Mark received a substantial bottle residue from their Belgian ambassador Chris Lauriers with the task to definitely taste it. Mark has absolutely no objections to that, Chris!

https://youtu.be/gPR_CDwhjtk

ralfy review 1096 Extras – A good example of bad branding.

The Good Dram Show – Episode 608 ‘Tobermory’

This week’s episode of the show features both peated and unpeated releases from the Tobermory distillery. Given their promotion from the ‘Axis of Evil’ a tasting to explain why was long overdue. Episode 608 – Sunday Pontification About Tobermory! Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring

Tobermory 12 year old 46.3%
Ledaig 10 year old 46.3%
Ledaig 10 year old Hebridean Moon 58.8%
Ledaig 18 year old 46.3%
Ledaig Sinclair Series: Rioja Finish 46.3%

tobermorydistillery.com

ralfy review 1096 – KinGlassie 8yo ‘Raw’ @46.3%vol:

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 577: Ardnamurchan Madeira Cask Release 2025

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a special Ardnamurchan. Earlier this year, Mark attended an Ardnamurchan masterclass at Bar Terroir, his regular spot in Ghent for whisky tastings. One of the highlights for him during that tasting was this 6-year-old, finished in Madeira casks and, moreover, bottled at a higher ABV. Beautiful color, by the way.

https://youtu.be/e-TQY_01e9w

ralfy review 1095 – North Star 26yo Blended Scotch @ 44.2%vol:

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 576: The Lakes Infinity

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries an English malt! Situated against the backdrop of the majestic Lake District National Park (now a UNESCO World Heritage site), the surroundings offer the perfect setting for the creation of the Lakes Distillery. The company was founded in 2011, and after an investment of £9 million and three years of development, the distillery opened in December 2014 with the vision of producing world-class spirits that would be globally recognized and respected. In 2021, the Infinity appeared in the Whiskymaker’s Edition of this British distillery. With this name, they wanted to evoke the constant evolution of aroma and taste of this single malt. After all, it is a vatting of whisky matured in a variety of sherry casks: Oloroso, Palo Cortado, Fino, and Manzanilla.

https://youtu.be/tWi4JdRlYbs

North British 33 Years Old

This 33 year old single grain whisky from the North British Distillery in the Lowland region embodies decades of careful aging and expertise. Its refined, smooth profile offers delicate flavors that highlight the unique character of this distinguished distillery. A perfect choice for those seeking a mellow and well-rounded whisky experience.

Bottled by Thompson Bros. at 40.1% ABV, at natural colour and no chill filtration.

NOSE Demerara sugar and rich custart up front, backed by a playful sweetness reminiscent of fruit jellies. There’s a subtle rubbery note intertwined with a sawdust-line mustiness. Hints of stone fruit emerge with time, adding a ripe, juicy dimension.

PALATE A coating layer of honeycomb wax leads the way, followed by stewed plums and a touch of floral plum jam. The wood-driven character carries throught from the nose, adding drip and compexity. The texture is satisfyingly oily, allowing the flavours to linger.

FINISH Honey on toast fades dently into zesty citrus pith, providing a slightly bitter counterpoint to the earlier sweetness. The woody notes remain but soften considerably, leaving a warm, balanced impression that encourafes another sip.

£65.00

ralfy review 1095 Extras – Gaining ‘knowledge’ of whisky-hunting.