Whisk Live New York 2011 happened last night at Chelsea Piers. I have to say it was extremely fun and I had a chance to taste a lot (I mean a lot) of whiskies. Among all the distilleries and independent bottlers participated the event I prepared a wish list for myself from different expressions I tasted for the first time and liked the most. Even though I wrote down only the expressions I can afford in my life time I hope this list won't cause a lot of financial trouble to me this summer. Anyway here are top five of my favorite affordable expressions I tasted for the first time last night:
Blackadder Raw Cask "Peat Reek" 11yo Islay Malt Whisky (58.1%): It's not printed on the label but I have been told that it is a Caol Ila. What can I say? I love their raw cask series, I love Caol Ila and this bottle is absolutely delicious. A salty tasty peat pie...
Tomatin 18 OB 18yo (46.0%): Ever since I found that amazing 16yo Cadenhead's Authentic Collection bottling of Tomatin last summer in Edinburgh I started to pay closer attention to the distillery. Their 18yo expression is a wonderful dram matured in sherry casks and also pretty affordable for it's age.
Springbank 14yo Astor Select Single Barrel (57.0%): This cask strength gem is bottled for Astor Wines & Spirits specially by the distillery from individual casks selected by Astor's staff. After spending it's entire life in ex-bourbon casks this Springbank was definitely one of my favorites of the night.
Ancnoc 12 OB (40.0%): I think I found my everyday dram for this coming summer. As floral and light and also as cheap as a single malt whisky can possibly get.
Scotts Selection Bunnahabhain 1988 16yo (54.0%): I don't remember any expression I didn't like from Scotts this year and this is not an exception. Butterscotch, brine, sea breeze, moist soil... I have a soft spot for Bunnahabhain for sure.
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