I went to a whisky-tasting at Vinopolis about three weeks ago, and it occurred to me people might be interested in my tasting notes. So here they are, as written on my phone (but edited for ridiculous typos).
Glenmorangie tasting notes Vinopolis 26 Jan 2010
1- 10yr old
The "original" but has evolved. Fruity to start, slightly nutty on the way. With water it smells a bit like a sweet cigar/pipe. Becomes a bit more coconutty but still seems a little fiery. Had some left over at the end of the tasting – it's much better when left to mellow for a while and not necked in a hurry to get onto the next one. (think this is the one in pubs?)
2- Astar ("journey") 57% proof. About 8 yrs old.
60% of flavour comes from the wood of "designer casks"
"it does sound a bit like marketing bullshit" she said.
They copied the wine industry by air drying wood. American White oak toasted and charred.
She called it "the Friday night dram"
Sweet nose almost perfumy. Not a fan without water, the alcohol taste is too overpowering/too fiery so it loses the subtle flavour. Water makes it more caramel in scent with green notes, but the taste is quite masculine and almost meaty. [I think this is the one Billy described in his notes as "meat and cakes"]
"we haven't got lochs of the stuff kicking around… Because the Russians have drunk it"
[We are drinking these much too quickly - I still have some of them left over by the time we're on the next]
3- La Santa 12yr
Smells crisp young and green – not caramel as she suggests. It's very smooth on the mouth but tastes older than it smells. With water it smells of burnt matches (suggested by presenter but noticeable) Slight flavour of them but still sweet and easier to drink.
4- Sonnalta "generous"
Smells like old fashioned perfume – old Chanel no.5
"whiskies are a bit like lovers; sometimes you have to leave them behind and remember all their good points"
Smooth, sweet, slightly butterscotch aftertaste, but alcohol fire is still there. Quite grand and classy. Really nice aftertaste
Watered it's sweet and very sippable. Favourite so far!
5- unknown, aged 10yrs in a bourbon cask, 10yrs in a sherrycask
smells green to me but should be chocolatey
Really nice after swirling for a while, it sticks to the glass. People actually talked to each other about it. A "marmite whisky" but not in flavour – just you either love it or hate it. I liked it a lot – the couple next to us liked the 3rd one best.
Water gives it a slight matchy smell, but smooth and sweet and good.
6- Quarter Century 25yrs £250 a bottle
"whisky to contemplate with"
smells smooth and classy without alcohol – dark berries (first time I've noticed the same things as "official" tasting notes )
Left to sit it smells like rich sweet tobacco
Very smooth and velvety – exactly what I want. I got an extra bit from a member of staff who left early.
Liked the last two the best, but not 100% sure if that's personal taste, or being mellow and perhaps tipsy from booze + no food. Typically my favourites of the night the were the two I'm never likely to have again – the mystery one and the very expensive one. Sighs.
Good chum and whisky-pusher Billy has posted better notes over on his booze blog.
