tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post2306400029647235730..comments2024-02-28T07:23:12.706-04:00Comments on Jason's Scotch Whisky Reviews: Review: Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve & Springbank 10 yearsJason Deblyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-7911001752446950362015-04-10T20:03:33.745-03:002015-04-10T20:03:33.745-03:00I wish I knew what was really happening in those c...I wish I knew what was really happening in those casks over time. How does Springbank achieve its glory in 10years? vs Clynelish 4 years older, 10 bucks cheaper and just plainer. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00923093935691480218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-31010906216488835532014-05-05T19:41:36.284-03:002014-05-05T19:41:36.284-03:00That's the best news I have had all day!That's the best news I have had all day!Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-74021553007520018452014-05-05T13:55:26.676-03:002014-05-05T13:55:26.676-03:00Jason, Several folks of our tasting group just ret...Jason, Several folks of our tasting group just returned from a Spring vacation in Scotland, most notably including visits to Springbank and Kilchoman. Among news shared was that Winter had been generous with rainfall. Local water supplies and regional farms were blessed with much improved water tables. The expectation phrased by both distilleries was that year-round production would occur for the first time in five years, wholly from this effect. Similar news reported around Scotland, that malt and grain whisky production will rise significantly this year. More Springbank ahead, well, in a few more years anyway - yayyyy ! JKDJKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355557111713061160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-49461256517686820262014-03-11T13:28:42.016-03:002014-03-11T13:28:42.016-03:00Hello
As you can tell from my review, Gold Label ...Hello<br /><br />As you can tell from my review, Gold Label Reserve is a huge disappointment. The discontinued 18yr was a blended Scotch dream. No comparison.Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-49659466730049629322014-03-11T11:39:39.908-03:002014-03-11T11:39:39.908-03:00Hi Jason! Been an avid follower of your blog! What...Hi Jason! Been an avid follower of your blog! What's your take on gold reserve label and how does it compare to the old 18 yr aged statement gold reserve?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-47506176457728725282013-08-28T01:40:09.863-03:002013-08-28T01:40:09.863-03:00Aaargh. I just opened my bottle of Gold Reserve. ...Aaargh. I just opened my bottle of Gold Reserve. I had a wee dram left of my Black Label, so I decided to try them off against one another. Saddened that my very unsophisticated palette did not warm to the Gold Label. Now I see that a good number of reviewers agree. At least now I have some information to help me seek out that elusive 18. <br /><br />I also understand why both the humans and the replicant androids in "Blade Runner" prefer Black Label... Gold Reserve ain't in it. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-63019708430523474712013-08-18T21:58:14.883-03:002013-08-18T21:58:14.883-03:00Sell out? Who's buyin'?
Nah. I do have ...Sell out? Who's buyin'?<br /><br />Nah. I do have a friend that thinks one day a company will come along and cut me a big cheque in exchange for me shutting down this blog and shutting up entirely with any negative reviews.<br /><br />Anyhow, fiercely independent here and proud of it.Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-44333757887119329692013-08-18T01:32:59.419-03:002013-08-18T01:32:59.419-03:00Hey Jason, thanks for the heads up on this. Anothe...Hey Jason, thanks for the heads up on this. Another indication that you haven't sold out yet, at least to Diageo.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-61418434307349816632013-01-31T19:48:26.646-04:002013-01-31T19:48:26.646-04:00Brora . . . what a splendid giant of a single malt...Brora . . . what a splendid giant of a single malt! Anything that has some of the complexity of that malt is indeed worth hoarding. Speaking of hoarding, I think when you hit a good batch of Sprigbank 10 you should do some serious hoarding. Forgo eating for a month to pay for it if need be!Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-81946139885626840132013-01-31T18:05:03.786-04:002013-01-31T18:05:03.786-04:00Florin,
I forgot to add- you mentioned that you d...Florin,<br /><br />I forgot to add- you mentioned that you dislike sherry. Yet are you aware that all of the 12 year old cask strength Springbanks are 100% sherry matured, whereas the 10 is mostly bourbon with some sherry thrown in? <br /><br />-RobertAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-2373047283088161702013-01-31T17:56:23.495-04:002013-01-31T17:56:23.495-04:00Florin....
I think we have the same bottling. The...Florin....<br /><br />I think we have the same bottling. The white-on-black labels are a limited release to commemorate the switch to Pacific Edge Imports from Preiss in the US by Springbank. I think they picked some great casks for this batch (12/146 - look inside the front label on the bottle for the batch #). <br /><br />I think this batch is more heavily peated and less sherried than previous batches I've had. It also tastes as if they threw in a few casks older than 10 years. Bourbon casks IMHO allow Springbank to show its true character best. I find most Springbanks to be buried under excessive (sometimes sulphured) sherry. <br /><br />I am so in love with the complexity of this batch that I got a second bottle. It's sometimes a good idea to get more than one if you find that you like a particular batch, whichever it may be - especially given the large amount of variation in Springer bottlings.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />RobertAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-88333073207659793322013-01-31T17:28:33.152-04:002013-01-31T17:28:33.152-04:00Jason,
Interesting read, this. I too have to agr...Jason, <br /><br />Interesting read, this. I too have to agree with you about how great the Springbank 10 is. I've tasted just about all of their current expressions except for the 21. I find that I like the Ten year old best, over both the 15 and 18. Dare I say that I even prefer it ever so slightly over Longrow 18, which costs over 3x as much and was slightly disappointing. <br /><br />Batch variation is a concern however. I've had some batches of the 10 that were not so great. Here in the US, Springbank recently celebrated having a new importer by releasing a limited edition "white label" 10 year OB. Needless to say, it is fantastic... tons of complexity and old highlands character (think Clynelish/Brora). I like this particular batch (12/146 on inside of the front label) that I picked up 2 bottles. Sorry to hear it's so costly where you are! It's $59 US here. Great price, and definitely tastier than stuff costing twice as much (Glenlivet 21 anyone?)<br /><br />-RobertAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-16893971085366867352013-01-02T21:50:04.013-04:002013-01-02T21:50:04.013-04:00I would urge you to pick up any bottle of Johnnie ...I would urge you to pick up any bottle of Johnnie Walker Gold Label that has the "18" year old age statement on the label. With that statement you are assured to have the excellent 'old' Gold Label as opposed to its disappointing replacement.<br /><br />It is certainly possible that some shops still carry the older version.<br /><br />Cheers!Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-25444476666767480602013-01-02T19:49:00.466-04:002013-01-02T19:49:00.466-04:00Hi Jason - I am disappointed to hear the Gold Labe...Hi Jason - I am disappointed to hear the Gold Label Reserve doesn't live up to the original Gold label. I really enjoyed my bottle of the original a few years ago but have since been bouncing around other distiller's wears. <br /><br />There are a few bottle shops near me that seem to have very low turn-over in their Scotch cabinets. I wonder if I might be able find a bottle of the original still on shelf. Seasons greetings from Sydney Australia! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-63526985322126577762012-11-28T20:16:59.067-04:002012-11-28T20:16:59.067-04:00I think I would like your club.
Great theme for...I think I would like your club. <br /><br />Great theme for a meeting.<br /><br />Springbank is definitely for when one is pensive and plumbing the fathoms of the universe.Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-53985519018903943112012-11-28T19:44:24.722-04:002012-11-28T19:44:24.722-04:00Jason, Our whiskey group sat in on a "mood th...Jason, Our whiskey group sat in on a "mood theme" whiskey tasting event at our pub a couple weeks back. The event was arranged around offering selection of four drams from among twenty offerings, and then determining what personal mood was best satisfied with each one. I selected 'contemplative, reflective" for my portion of Springbank 10y, and "indulgent, celebratory" for Old Rip van Winkle 10y 107 Bourbon. I doubled up on each instead of choosing four. Not sure if I'm more aware of why I like these two, but it codified a little about my process of seeking them out. It was fun. JKD JKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355557111713061160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-50125732530527554882012-11-26T23:19:50.260-04:002012-11-26T23:19:50.260-04:00Hi Reid! Glad my recommendation on Springbank. I...Hi Reid! Glad my recommendation on Springbank. I was having it last night and I continue to be astounded at how good and damn unique it is.<br /><br />As for Longrow, it enjoys a very good reputation also, though I have never tried it. It is also not available where I live.<br /><br />Hopefully other readers may be able to advise about the others.<br /><br />Cheers!Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-74095776999102296532012-11-26T19:33:49.830-04:002012-11-26T19:33:49.830-04:00Hey everybody,
Long time listener, first time call...Hey everybody,<br />Long time listener, first time caller. I grabbed a bottle of SB10 because of this post, mind=blown (it can be had for around $44 tax inc in MN too!). I'm wondering if any of you guys have anything to say about the distillery's other varieties: Longrow, Hazelburn, also Killkerran?? These appear to be a bit more difficult to find around here and I'd love to hear about them from you guys before I start the search...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04744058072075314036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-20046024270492059602012-11-19T14:29:52.982-04:002012-11-19T14:29:52.982-04:00Sounds more like a nightmare and what a terrible w...Sounds more like a nightmare and what a terrible waste of apple juice!Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-86358885979112579262012-11-19T12:19:03.930-04:002012-11-19T12:19:03.930-04:00Not sure what this means, but after seeing this po...Not sure what this means, but after seeing this post of yours, I kid thee not, I had a dream where I was at a bar which was serving drams of Springbank 10 for three dollars. I recall looking up after taking a sip from a glass and everyone is looking at me laughing. It is revealed to me that it was a practical joke and the "Springbank" they were pouring into the tumblers was actually a mix between Johnnie Walker Red and...apple juice. I must have some awful whisky discernment in the dream realm.<br />-YochananAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-3871635081906358432012-11-17T16:28:51.924-04:002012-11-17T16:28:51.924-04:00Fantastic tasting notes once again.
Springbank i...Fantastic tasting notes once again. <br /><br />Springbank is around £35 or thereabouts here but isn't readily available. Clynelish do rely on rainfall for their water and last year was a dry one for them. I'm thinking that Diageo are realising the value and character of Clynelish (finally), helped no doubt by the presence of Brora across the road. I'm seeing it more now in mainstream stockists, which is great, as its overlooked. <br /><br />Good to read the whisky club is going strong!Raithroverhttp://raithrover.blogspot.co.uk/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-43614827485578656042012-11-17T15:48:18.575-04:002012-11-17T15:48:18.575-04:00Hello Florin,
Springbank 10 seems to be a bit unp...Hello Florin,<br /><br />Springbank 10 seems to be a bit unpredictable in terms of the flavor profile. Some years the taste of sherry is there and pronounced while other years are dominated by peat and smoke. The bottle I have exhibits tastes of the latter. <br /><br />There is indeed a lot going on in Springbank. Very complex weaving of flavors that are difficult to articulate, but leave you totally blissed out.Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-36083621283472710762012-11-17T11:55:28.946-04:002012-11-17T11:55:28.946-04:00Fun tasting, Jason! This reminds me to buy a coup...Fun tasting, Jason! This reminds me to buy a couple JW Gold 18yo while they are still around, I also love it and think it's a crying shame that they are discontinuing it and the Green! I think that back in the day I bought my JW Gold 18yo following your endorsement, and loved every sniff & drop of it!<br /><br />I've opened a Springbank 10yo recently and - was disappointed! I found it too sherried in fact, unlike their super delicious Springbank 12yo Cask Strength. But then again, I like sherried and finished whiskies a lot less than you do: I had recently a non-sulphury Glenmorangie Lasanta and a Quinta Ruban, and found them too sweet and simple. There is just so much going on in the Springbank, with its whiffs of coconut, rum, sea salt and truffles, that I find it best exposed at cask strength and unencumbered by sherry. My 10yo was a different recent bottling though, the label was all white on black, no orange, so there may be a batch variation there. Note that it's 46%, not 45%.Florinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14445344658258056628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-72156471826835999972012-11-17T09:02:35.561-04:002012-11-17T09:02:35.561-04:00Well....I AM an "excellent driver!"Well....I AM an "excellent driver!" VTBobnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8176940657289976265.post-11123628338021851832012-11-16T21:52:49.178-04:002012-11-16T21:52:49.178-04:00Springbank 10 years is probably one of the most ex...Springbank 10 years is probably one of the most expensive 10 year old malts available. But, I contend that it really tastes like a much older malt, say 15 to 18yrs quality, and so in my mind, I can handle the higher price.<br /><br />Jason Deblyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13305087714773608306noreply@blogger.com