The February meeting tasted three whiskies, two being whiskeys.

We started with a Bushmills 16 y/o triple distilled three wood matured being Olaroso sherry, bourban casks and finished in port casks.  Filip pressed caution as the capping was moist and the cork stopper easily removed and I believe the tasting was swayed by this to a certain extent.  The nose was good with honey and a hint of charcoal. There was a lack of middle mouth feel however the whiskey lingered but did not show the promised fruitness on the palate.  A drop of water released some fruit flavours. If left in the glass the flavours developed to the promised rich fruitness and malty nuttiness.  I would not condemn this whiskey on the tasting we had due to the pre-conceived corkage problem.  (40% approx $100)

Second up was a Jameson Limited Reserve 18 y/o triple distilled created from three very old whiskeys and matured for at least 18 years in oak casks.  We had bottle number 362,854 or thereabouts so it appears the limit is around 500,000 bottles.  Nosed well wit fruitness and then spicyness on the front palate moving to the middle palate.  Smooth lingering taste that fills the mouth, a classy Irish.  (40% approx $125)

We then moved to Glenmorangie (the old orangie) and this one was the Quinte Ruban (Port) flavour.  This is a non chill filtered single malt finished in port for the last two years of its 12 y/o age.  The heightened alcohol could be picked up on the nose but did not detract from the berry peachyness.  Very smooth on the palate with a lingering port aftertaste.  A fine example of the work perfected by the 16 men of Tain.  (46% no price)

On the tasting the Jamesons averaged 8.56 with the Glenmorangie 8.13 and the Bushmills at 5.94, all out of 10.  Again I believe the Bushmills was at a disadvantage and we will have to obtain a second bottle to confirm.

Gregory
Exciser/Scribe