Macallan Lumina

“You’re No Good”

Whisky Review # 1059

Country: Scotland
Region: Highland/Speyside

Brand: Macallan Lumina - The Quest Collection

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: NAS

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 41.3%
Maturation: Mix of Sherry-Seasoned European/American Oak casks & Hogsheads 
Chill Filtration: Yes

Price Range: US$ 120-180 (March 2025)
Price/Quality Ratio: 👎 Way too expensive for what it offers
Buying Advice: 👎 Better stick to the standard distillery bottlings

Colour:

Golden (Natural Color)

Nose:

Young and on the Thin side. Not the best casks for sure. Probably 2nd and/or 3rd Refill. Some Oloroso influence. Sweet Candy, Orchard Fruit & Vanilla are the main drivers. Not good enough for a Macallan at this price level.

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Buttered Toast, Vanilla, Sugar, Sweet Apples & Pears, Sweet Candy (Strawberry, Raspberry, Orange, Grape), Lemon, Dusty Oak, Pepper and Ginger.

Supportive Aroma Accents:

Caramel, Toffee, Honey, Glue, Treacle, Slivovitz, Nuts, Milk Chocolate, Floral Soap, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Cloves.  

Palate:

Young and Thin. Light Sherry influence. There's something Artificial/Industrial to this Lumina. It's not giving me a lot of pleasure that's for sure.

Main Flavours:

Sweet Barley, Vanilla, Apples & Pears, Mixed Red Berries, Lemon and Grapefruit, Milk Chocolate, Dusty Oak, Pepper, Cinnamon and Ginger.    

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Honey, Toffee, Caramel, Buttered Toast, Wax, Floral Soap, Hazelnuts, Cloves and Nutmeg.  

Finish:

On the Short Side. Sugary Sweet at first but with a light Bitterness towards the Medium-Dry end. A slightl Metallic off-note. I also find Sweet Barley, Vanilla and Toffee, Sugar, Tart Apple Pie with Raisins and sprinkled with Cinnamon & Powder Sugar, Pear, Milk Chocolate, Lemon, Grapefruit, Dairy, Dusty Oak, Pepper, Clove, Nutmeg, Ginger and Licorice.  

Drinking Advice:

Added Water kills this Lumina.

Rating: 6.5 (******1/2)

Nose: 7 - Taste: 6.5 - Finish: 6 

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is above 8 you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience Neat: Below average

Conclusion:

The Macallan distillery was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid and is located in the village of Craigellachie (Morayshire). The majority of the shares is owned by the Edrington Group. The current production amounts to around 15 million litres per year. The core range includes a/o Sherry Oak, 12, 18, 25, 30 and the 12, 15, 18 and 30 Double Cask. We have visited both the old & the new distillery and liked the old one better. For some reason I don't like the combination of Modern infra-structure and Whisky. I'm more the Springbank kinda guy!

The Lumina was part of the Travel Retail Quest Collection, together with Quest, Terra and Enigma. This collection was replaced in 2023 by the 12,15,18,21 and 30 Years Colour Collection. I will try to find samples of this new collection.

Lumina is the Goddess of Wisdom and Illumination. Both not applicable to this Single Malt unfortunately. It's such a pity that most of the Travel Retail Malts are simply lacking quality casks & sufficient maturation. This Macallan is no exception to the rule I'm afraid. Good thing it has been discontinued in the meantime!

Cheers! 🥃

Jan van den Ende                                                                      March 19, 2025

Macaloney's The Peat Project (European Moscatel Barrique)

“Maple Leaf Syrup” 

Whisky Review # 1058

Country: Canada 🇨🇦

Region: Vancouver Island

Brand: Macaloney's The Peat Project - Single Cask Series - Double Distilled

Type: Canadian Island Peated Single Malt Whisky - 54PPM
Age: NAS

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 46%
Maturation: European Moscatel Barrique 

Sample provided by: Graeme from Canada. Many Thanks!
Chill Filtration: No
Price Average: US$ 100 (March 2025)

Price/Quality Ratio: 😐 A bit expensive for such a Young Single Malt

Buying Advice: 😃 A nice way to start your Macaloney's journey

Colour:

Yellow Gold (Natural Colour)

Nose:

Please do not Nose in the middle of your glass as the Alcohol is present. I also get a new European Wood note at first. It softens up after a while however. The Peat smoke note is pleasant and certainly not overpowering. Fruit, Honey and Cereals are the main drivers. Young and Light but not unpleasant.

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Slightly Burnt Buttered Toast, Vanilla, Honey, Dough, Granola with Nuts & Dried Fruit like Banana, Apricot, Coconut & Raisins, Bonfire Smoke, Earthy Peat, Dusty Oak, Cantaloupe and Ginger.   

Supportive Aroma Accents:

Syrup, Straw, Tangerine, Lemon, Mandarin, Pine, Cigar Box, Green Veggies and Herbs, White Wine, Smoked Meat, Tobacco, White Chocolate, Cinnamon, Pepper and Nutmeg.   

Dr. Graeme Macaloney

Palate:

Young and a little bit on the Thin side but not unpleasant. The Alcohol is there I'm afraid. It's Sweet in a nice way & the Peat and Smoke remain in a supporting role.

Main Flavours:

Sweet Toasted Barley, Slightly Burnt Buttered Toast, Vanilla, Breakfast Cereals with Nuts and Dried Fruit like Banana, Apple, Apricot, Raisins, Sultanas, Coconut & Mango, Bonfire Smoke, Earthy Peat, Cigar Ash, Dusty Charred Oak, Pepper, Clove and Ginger. 

 

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Salted Toffee, Honey, Wax, Syrup, Marzipan, Orange, Mandarin, Lemon, Hazelnut-Milk Chocolate, Herbs, Sweet White Wine, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Licorice.       

Finish: 

Middle-Long. Mainly Bitter-Sweet with a few Sour & Salty notes. Quite Dry in the end. The Alcohol is quite noticeable at this point and shows the Youth of this Malt. I find Toasted Cereals, Homemade Salted Butterscotch, Vanilla, Bonfire Smoke & Earthy Peat, Cigar Ashes, Dusty Charred Oak, Dried Fruit like Raisins, Apricots & Plums, Milk-Hazelnut Chocolate, slightly Sour White Wine, Cinnamon, Pepper, Nutmeg, Ginger and Licorice. A hint of Varnish. The slightly Burnt Buttered Toast from the Nose reappears after a while. 

Drinking Advice:

I prefer it neat but you can carefully add a few drops of Water to control some of the Alcohol.

Rating: 7.5 (*******1/2)

Nose: 7.5 - Taste: 7.5 - Finish: 7 

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is above 8 you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience:

Good although I would prefer a longer maturation.

Conclusion:

This Island Distillery is equipped with a one ton semilauter Mash Tun, 7 stainless steel wash-backs, a 5500 litre wash still and a 3600 litre spirit still. The first Single Malt was released in December 2020. Part of the Barley is malted on site and the complex also includes a craft beer brewery called TWA Dogs.

The Potstill whiskies are traditional Irish-Style triple distilled whiskies. Dr. Macaloney, the founder, is a Scot of Irish Heritage who attended the Midleton Irish Whiskey Academy and learned traditional Irish methods a.o. with ex Master Distiller Brian Nation. Back in Canada he then learned to optimize the traditional whisky process following Dr. Jim Swan's methods. The resulting New Make Spirit won several global awards. 

The Peated Series was launched in 2023. The Canadian Barley is smoked using the Washington peat and follows the process of distilleries like Laphroaig, Bowmore & Kilchoman. Canadian and Islay Peat will be used in the future.

This is one of my favorite Macaloney's so far. Yes, it's Young and yes it's a bit on the Thin side but it also combines a very pleasant Sweetness with a supporting note of Peat smoke. It would score higher if not for the constant strong presence of the Alcohol. I would really love to taste a fully matured version of this Moscatel impression. In any case this is a great place to start your Journey to Macaloney's Treasure Island.

Cheers, Jan 🥃                                                                            March 6, 2025

 

John Walker & Sons King George V

“Wishful Thin King”

Whisky Review # 1057

Country: Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Brand: John Walker & Sons King George V
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky

Age: NAS

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 43%
Maturation: Mix of Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry Casks 

Chill Filtration: Yes

Price Range: US$ 450-500 (February 2025)
Price/Quality Ratio: 👎 Way too expensive for what it offers
Buying Advice: 😃 It's a nice but not exceptional Blend if you can afford it

Colour: Golden Amber (Artificially Colored)

Nose:

Sweet and a little Shy. It may be a luxury Blend but it is a Blend and the Grain Alcohol is noticeable in the background. The Nose is quite inoffensive and you can clearly smell the Ex-Sherry casks. There's a little Smoke as well & that enhances the Aroma profile. It's quite pleasant all in all but at this price level I expected a bit more depth and complexity.

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Buttered Toast, Caramel, Vanilla, X-Mas Cake, Dried Fruits (Apricot, Plums, Figs, Raisins, Banana), Cooked Orchard Fruit, Toasted Almonds, Orange, Dusty Oak, Leather, Dark Chocolate, Pepper, Menthol/Mint, Ginger, Cinnamon and a hint of Smoked Pork.  
    
Supportive Aroma Accents:

Toffee, Honey, Wax, Smoke, Ash, Cigar Box, slightly Sour Grapefruit and Lemon, Floral Perfume, Herbal Tea, Tobacco, Blackberry Jam, Nutmeg and Cloves, Peanut Butter, Wood Polish and Tropical Fruit Cocktail.     

Cardhu Distillery

Palate:

Sweet & Smooth but also on the Thin side. The Grain Alchol remains noticeable. On the Palate King George V is mainly Sweet but also presents a very nice Salty accent. Again slightly underwhelming. Just a faint hint of Peat Smoke. 

Main Flavours:

Sweet Barley, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, Dried Fruit like Raisins, Plums, Apricots and Figs, Cooked Apples, Orange, Espresso, Leather, Licorice, Menthol/Mint, Toasted Almonds, Dusty Oak, Pepper, Ginger and Cinnamon.      

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Honey, Syrup, Straw, Canned Peach and Mandarins, Smoke, Earth, Ash, Slightly Sour Lemon and Cranberries, Blackberry Jam, Herbal Tea, Cloves, Nutmeg and Salted Pork.     

 

Royal Lochnagar

Finish:

Medium-Long and a little on the Thin side. This should have been bottled at 46%. It's Mainly Sweet with a nice Salty notch towards the Medium-Dry end. The Grain Alcohol remains noticeable. I find Sweet Malted Barley, Toasted Grain, Caramel,  Toffee, Syrup, Honey, Straw, Canned Peach, Orange-Flavored Dark Chocolate, Dried Fruit like Apricots, Raisins and Figs, Toasted Almonds, Smoke, Ash, Earth, Dusty Oak, Herbal Tea, Blackberry Jam, Menthol/Mint, Pepper, Ginger & Nutmeg. As always the Finish is the weaker part of the JW blends.

Drinking Advice:

King George V does not improve with added Water.

Rating: 8 (********)

Nose: 8 - Taste: 8 - Finish: 7 

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is above 8 you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good but underwhelming

Conclusion:

John Walker & Sons released this Special Edition in 2007 to celebrate the Royal Warrant that King George V awarded the company in 1934. It is made with Single Malts from distilleries that were operating during the reign of King George V from 1910 to 1936. It includes a.o. Cardhu, Royal Lochnagar, Port Ellen and very old Grain Whisky to try & replicate the Johnnie Walker style of that period. Packaging and Bottle are really luxurious.

If only the contents were just as luxurious! Don't get me wrong, the King George V is a nice blend but at this price level anything else would be ridiculous. I was expecting a lot more though despite my concerns about the low ABV. The 43% is not good enough for a project like this. As a result it's rather on the Thin side on the Nose and on the Palate. It is said that very old Grain Whisky was used in the blend but even very old Grain Whisky remains noticeable. As does the very Malty Cardhu. I could drink this Blend on a daily basis as it's quite nice but it's way too expensive for that. And for a special occasion you can buy a very good Single Malt at this price level. The British new wave band China Crisis remained in my head during this Tasting session. And indeed I consider this John Walker & Sons King George V blend to be a Wishful Thin King!   

Cheers! 🥃

Jan van den Ende                                                                February 20, 2025

Dalmore The Quintet

“Dalmore Than I Can Bear” 

Whisky Review # 1056

Country: Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Region: Northern Highlands

Brand: Dalmore The Quintet

Type: Single Malt Whisky
Age: NAS

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 44.5%
Maturation: Ex-Bourbon casks with a finish in a very interesting mix of Moscatel, Madeira, Sherry, Port and Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) casks 
Chill Filtration: No
Average Price: US$ 100 (February 2025)

Price/Quality Ratio: 😏 A bit too expensive for what it offers

Buying Advice: 👎 Better stay with the regular 12 Years or 15 Years

Colour:

Chestnut with shades of Orange (Artificially Coloured)

Nose:

Thinner than expected. The Red Wine & Port casks seem to have gained the upper hand although I get some old Sherry as well. The Nose is a mix of Sweet & Sour notes with lots of Dark Red Fruit. I get a little Sulfur but it's harmless. The Alcohol is noticeable. I do suggest to give this Dalmore sufficient time in the glass before Nosing as it opens up slowly. It's a bit Acidic as well.

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Buttered Toast, Vanilla, Yeast, Dark Red Berries & Cherries, Dried Fruit like Raisins, Sultanas, Plums, Prunes, Apricots and Figs, Mixed Nuts, Seville-Orange, Red Grapes/Wine, Dusty Earth, Casks in a Dunnage Warehouse, Tobacco, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Cloves. A bit of Chocolate after a while. 

Supportive Aroma Accents:

Toffee, Honey, Brown Sugar, Dough, Straw, Blueberry Muffins, Banana, Pineapple, Cranberry, Dried Herbs, Wet Leaves & Paper, Polished Leather Upholstery, Pepper and Mint.        

Palate:

A slightly Young, Thin and Hot mix of Bitter, Sweet and Sour notes. Nevertheless the Palate is my favorite part of this Dalmore for a change. Quite Dry and Tannic.

Main Flavours:

Toasted Grain, Vanilla, Dark Red Berries and Cherries, Dried Fruit like Sultanas, Raisins, Plums, Prunes, Figs & Apples, Mixed Nuts, Seville-Orange, Licorice, Dark Chocolate, Dusty Oak, Pepper, Nutmeg, Cloves and Menthol/Mint.  

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Toffee, Honey, Syrup, Straw, Nectarine, Lemon, Grapefruit, Dusty Earth, Polished Leather Upholstery, Espresso, Wet Leaves, Coconut, Cinnamon, Cardamom and  Ginger.

Finish:

Middle-Long, Tannic and a little Hot and on the Thin side. Sweet at first but with increasing Bitterness towards the Dry end. Some Sour notes as well. I find Sweet Toasted Barley, Caramel, Toffee, Vanilla, Dark Red Berries & Cherries, Dried Fruit like Sultanas, Prunes, Plums & Figs, Mixed Nuts, Honey, Straw, Dried Herbs, Red Grapes/Wine, Dark Chocolate, Dusty Oak, Dusty Track, Wet Leaves, Polished old Leather Upholstery, Cigar Box, Seville-Orange, Espresso, Pepper, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Licorice and Menthol/Mint.

Drinking Advice:

Added Water does not improve The Quintet.

Rating: 7 (*******)

Nose: 7 - Taste: 7.5 - Finish: 6.5 

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is above 8 you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience:

It's not really bad but I expected a lot more! 

Conclusion:

The Dalmore distillery is located close to Alness and was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson. It is owned by Whyte & Mackay Ltd, part of Emperador Inc. During the last 15 years or so, Master Blender Richard Patterson did a lot to reposition Dalmore as a worldwide Single Malt. The distillery currently produces around 5.3 million litres but will increase the capacity to 9 million litres. in 2025. Everything should be ready by August this year. The core range exists of the 12, 12 Sherry Cask Select, 15, 18, 21, 25, King Alexander III, Cigar Malt Reserve and Port Wood Reserve. The current Travel Retail range introduced in 2019 includes The Trio, The Quartet and The Quintet.

In the majority of cases Single Malts that are part of the Travel Retail series tend to disappoint. The Quintet is no exception to the rule unfortunately. Exotic casks like the Moscatel and Madeira barrels, the 30 Year-old Matusalem Sherry barrels, the 10 year-old Port barrels and the Cabernet Sauvignon barrels can only partially hide the Youth of this Dalmore. And despite the adequate ABV there's a Thin feeling to this Quintet. I would love to see distilleries concentrating on good casks and their core range. And while I understand the commercial strategy behind Special Editions & Travel Retail Exclusives, you should probably stay with the core range as well. Despite the nice presentation and the stories!

Cheers! Jan. 🥃

Jan van den Ende                                                                    February 2, 2025

Singleton of Glendullan 19 Years

“You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone”

Whisky Review # 1055

Country: Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Region: Speyside

Brand: The Singleton of Glendullan - 2021 Special Edition - Distilled: 2001

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Age: 19 Years - Bottled: 2021

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 54.6% (At or around Cask Strength)
Maturation: Refill Ex-Bourbon Casks with Cognac-Seasoned Cask Finish
Chill Filtration: No

Average Price: US$ 160 (January 2025)
Price/Quality Ratio: 👎 Too expensive for what it offers

Buying Advice: 😑 It doesn't really work for me. Try a sample first! 

Color:

Light Golden (Natural Colour)

Nose:

The Alcohol is quite strong so avoid Nosing in the middle of your glass. I also get the European Oak of the Cognac cask finish at once. The Nose feels Light and on the Thin side and you wouldn't give it 19 years at first glance. It opens slowly so you will need some patience here. The Nose presents a mix of Sweet & Sour notes with lots of Yellow Fruit around. I had expected more to be honest.

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Butter Biscuits, Vanilla, Green Apple, Lemon, Mixed Dried Fruits and Nuts (Studentenhaver), Wine Cellar, Grass, Coconut, Wet Stones & Sand, Wet Leaves and Earth, Dusty Oak, Pepper, Ginger and Mint.        

Supportive Aroma Accents:

Honey, Caramel, Toffee, Blueberry Muffins, Nectarine, Grapefruit, Seville Orange, Pear, Yogurt with Tropical Fruit mixture, Wax, Floral Perfume, Tobacco & Cocoa. A hint of Polished Leather. 

 

Palate:

A slightly Hot and Unbalanced mix of Bitter, Sweet and Sour notes. The Alcohol is really present. Quite Dry as well.

Main Flavours:

Malted Barley, Vanilla, Green Apple, Pear, Lemon, Grapefruit, Grass, Wine Cellar, Charred Oak, Wet Rocks, Floral Soap, Chili, Ginger, Aniseed and Mint.           

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Honey, Caramel, Wax, Seville-Orange, Nectarine, Slivovitz, Bounty Bars, Polished Leather, Tobacco, Cinnamon, Cloves and Oriental Spice mix.    

Finish:

Middle-Long with Bitter, Sweet & Sour elements. The Bitterness increases towards the Dry end. Quite Tannic. The Cognac Finish is noticeable. I find Malted Barley, Vanilla, Caramel, Toffee, Honey, Demerara Sugar, Yeast, Mixed Dried Fruits and Nuts, Pear, Green Apple, Grapefruit, Seville-Orange, Floral Soap, Bitter Chocolate, Artificial Sweetener, Aspirin, Dusty Charred Oak, Espresso, Slivovitz, Leather and Tobacco, Wine Cellar, Wet Rocks, Metal, Chilli, Cinnamon, Ginger, Oriental Spice Mix and Mint. The Alcohol is slightly aggressive after swallowing.   

Drinking Advice:

Added Water helps to ease the Heat somewhat but does not improve the package as a whole although I get more Fruity notes (Peach/Nectarine) on the Palate. I still prefer it neat though. 

Rating: 7 (*******)

Nose: 7 - Taste: 7 - Finish: 6.5  

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is 8 or higher you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience Neat: Okay

Conclusion:

The first Glendullan Distillery was founded in Dufftown by William Williams & Sons in 1896. In 1972, a second Glendullan Distillery was constructed next to the old one. They operated together until the old distillery was closed in 1985. The current owner is Diageo. Most of the Spirit of Glendullan was and is -used in Diageo Blends. Since 2007, the Single Malts produced at Glendullan, Glen Ord and Dufftown are marketed under the name "The Singleton". The Glendullan core range includes the  12, 15 and 18 Years as well as the Reserve Collection. Annual output amounts to around 5 million litres of alcohol.

Once in a while you encounter a whisky that is neither fish nor fowl as the British say. This Glendullan is one of them in my opinion. It's not really bad but neither is it well-structured. It's a Bitter, Sweet, Sour, Spicy & Hot mix of Flavors & Aromas that somehow are at war with each other. The very high ABV does not help here as well. It does not work for me and my advise to you would be to try a sample first before deciding to buy a full bottle.

Cheers 🥃 

Jan                                                                                        January 26, 2025