Batches : Aberlour A'Bunadh

Distilleries often release whisky in batches, the same name but subtly different recipes, ABVs, maturation periods etc. In this new, occasional series, I'm going to review a number of different Batches in my Side-by-side format to see if I can detect any differences, does each batch get better or are they to all intents and purposes the same?

This time I'll be reviewing batches #14, #59 and #61 of A'Bunadh from @AberlourVC distillery, what differences are there?

Cù Bòcan @TweetTastings

A new range for this @TweetTastings Tomatin's experimental peated Highland whisky Cù Bòcan.

Cù Bòcan is an experimental Highland Single Malt that explores innovative finishes to create whiskies full of intrigue and surprise.

Side by side : Ardbeg Committee

According to Ardbeg's website Islay, with a population of just 3000, has more than 140 Committees. And the biggest one of all? The Ardbeg Committee, with a worldwide membership of over 120,000 and counting.

The Committee release a dram for Ardbeg Day, part of Islay's Fèis Ìle - let see how two of the recent releases compare side by side!

JJ Corry @TweetTastings

@WhiskeyGate is an independent bonder and blender from Ireland, this was their second @TweetTastings

The box came with 3 lovely well packed bottles and a lovely @TuathGlass.

Newer Distilleries 9 : Daftmill

This is the ninth in an occasional series about newer distilleries, this entry is about the Daftmill Distillery.

The Sipping Shed @TweetTastings

There's a new Independent bottler on the scene and Steve introduced them at his latest @TweetTastings

A plain looking box revealed an interesting use of some biodegradable packaging and four single cask bottles.

#MiniTasting - Rye Night

The #MiniTasting gang have discovered some interesting Rye on their whisky adventure - New York Distilling's Ragtime Rye was amazing so we've decided to explore the category a little more. We clubbed together to buy a consortium bottle of New Riff's Rye and paired it with a Knob Creek which @ScotchB78 picked up last year in the USA. Let's see what they are like!

Side by side : Bimber Single Cask Releases

On the 20th February Bimber released its first distillery exclusive bottlings, available for visitors to purchase from the distillery.

"The team has selected three exceptional single casks which reflect our naturally fruit-forward style whilst also demonstrating the remarkable versatility of our single malt whisky. We look forward to welcoming you to the distillery over the coming weeks. Limited edition bottlings, one (of each type) per person."

Unfortunately they sold out very quickly but I was lucky enough to be sent a sample of each to review.

Swedish liquid gold with a little Spanish and Japanese influence.....

It's pretty much 'by the book' when it comes to whisky in Scotland or the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) will jump on you from a great height if you try to stray from the rule book as Glen Moray's Cider Casks and Compass Box's Spice Tree found to their cost. In Sweden, on the other hand, they have a rule book but no one's seen it for a quite a few years....

Swedish Distillery workers