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recent whisky articles

Burns Night: A Holiday Dedicated to Whisky?

Burns Night: A Holiday Dedicated to Whisky?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Whisky drinkers come from all cultures and religions, so there are a diverse range of holidays celebrated by this group. However, there is one holiday that every Scotch whisky lover should celebrate: Burns Night. What is Burns Night? As the name suggests, it is a festival dedicated to...

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Gifts for Whisky Lovers

Gifts for Whisky Lovers

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Does anyone really need another tie or holiday sweater? We didn’t think so! Whether you are building up your own holiday wish list or looking for the perfect gift for a whisky lover in your life, here are a few ideas that any connoisseur of fine spirits is sure to appreciate. The...

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The Scotch Whisky Distillation Process

The Scotch Whisky Distillation Process

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

You can certainly enjoy Scotch whisky without understanding how it is made. However, knowing the processes that create this globally adored product adds a lot to your tasting experience. You can begin to learn for yourself which parts of the process create the distinctive flavors that...

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The Malt Regions of Scotland

The Malt Regions of Scotland

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

While every whisky is unique, there are distinct flavors associated with different Scotch whisky regions. The best way to get to know each region is by tasting its products, but it helps to know some background information first. Although Scotland has a variety of microclimates and...

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Swedish Whiskies: A New and Different Terroir

Swedish Whiskies: A New and Different Terroir

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

If you ask a sample of whisky lovers about Swedish whisky, most will tell you that this industry began when Mackmyra burst onto the scene with immense acclaim in 2006. However, the country actually had another whisky distillery which was established in the fifties. Skeppets Distillery...

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Chill Out! What is Chill Filtering and How Does it Affect My Whisky?

Chill Out! What is Chill Filtering and How Does it Affect My Whisky?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

If you hang around people who love whisky, you have probably heard a lot about chill filtering. This process is used often in whisky production, but many distilleries have begun skipping this step and proudly proclaiming this on their labels. While many people have an opinion about chill...

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Independent Whisky Bottlers

Independent Whisky Bottlers

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

It can be difficult to keep up with which Scotches are made by which distillers; it seems like there are only a few Scottish distilleries and yet there are a huge number of Scotch brands! Part of this is because many whisky distilleries make whiskies under several brand names (and then...

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Tennessee Whiskey: Another Tradition

Tennessee Whiskey: Another Tradition

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

When we think of traditional whiskey, we tend to think of whisky, without the ‘e’. However, there are traditional American whiskeys (yes, notice that extra letter) as well. In fact, whiskey in the United States traditionally comes from one of two schools: Tennessee whiskey and...

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Scottish Whisky Tourism Boom

Scottish Whisky Tourism Boom

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Have you considered taking a trip to Scotland to visit historical distilleries and sample product? If so, you are not alone. Scotch is becoming big business in Scotland, and we aren’t talking merely about liquor sales. Whisky lovers are eager to visit the home of their favorite...

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The Best Single Malts in the US?

The Best Single Malts in the US?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

The United States is a country with a wide range of spirits, including whiskeys. However, most of the notable American spirits are actually blends. There are only a handful of well-known single malts that hail from the States, which should make the task of picking out the best an easy...

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Does Bottle Aging Count?

Does Bottle Aging Count?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

When we talk about a whisky’s maturity or age, we are talking almost exclusively about the amount of time that it spent in the wooden cask. However, many people believe that aging after bottling has a certain effect as well. Certainly there are processes that occur both in wood casks...

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Microdistilleries in the USA

Microdistilleries in the USA

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

While other nations have established protocols that are leaned upon in whisky making, the United States seems to be in a period of experimentation. While there are traditional American whiskies such as Tennessee whiskey and Kentucky bourbon, many of the distilleries in the US are...

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Whisky Live 2011 Glasgow Scotland

Whisky Live 2011 Glasgow Scotland

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Whisky Live is one of the largest whisky events in the world, frequented by industry people and the most hard-core whisky enthusiasts. Because I fall into the latter category, I cleared my schedule to find out the latest news in the world of malt, making my first and certainly not last...

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Is Whisky Scoring Effective?

Is Whisky Scoring Effective?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

When we read about whiskies, we often check out and give great weight to their scores. This implies that most whisky drinkers consider those scores to be very effective. However, many people believe just the opposite. Here are the pros and cons to whisky rating systems. The Pros: It...

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An Irish Whiskey Companion

An Irish Whiskey Companion

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Despite its proximity to Scotland, Ireland has very different whiskey traditions, very different products and even a different spelling. Irish whiskey is a unique experience that no fine spirits aficionado should ignore. Here is a short guide to this region and its famous whiskey. A...

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A Whisky Lover’s Library

A Whisky Lover’s Library

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Many people enjoy a dram of whisky with their favorite book. Why not, then, read about your favorite drink while actually consuming it? Whether you like to read while drinking or prefer to do it at another, more sober time, here are a few books that I consider an essential part of a true...

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Whisky Barrel 101

Whisky Barrel 101

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

When reading about whisky, you have probably noticed that the cask gets a lot of attention. Different flavors are attributed to the use of casks in different sizes and materials, as well as the amount of time spent maturing in these casks. To a newcomer to the whisky scene and even many...

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British Scotch Regulations

British Scotch Regulations

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

What makes Scotch different from other whiskies? We could write entire encyclopedias dedicated to the unique aspects of Scotch whisky and another set dedicated to discussing regional differences. However, a lot of the aspects of Scotch and the processes that create these aspects are set...

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Whisky with a Side of Caramel?

Whisky with a Side of Caramel?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

We often examine the color and legs of our whisky before tasting or smelling it; it is simply part of the routine enjoyment of fine liquor. However, the color may be a little deceptive. While most of us look for a dark amber color as a sign of maturation and appropriate aging, it indeed...

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India’s Whisky Becomes Global Competitor

India’s Whisky Becomes Global Competitor

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

It can be difficult to tell when a nation’s whiskies have really ‘made it’, but India has recently received one major indication: it is butting heads with the Scotch Whisky Association. India has a massive spirits market in the asian whisky industry and a large population that is...

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What Is Peat… and why does it matter?

What Is Peat… and why does it matter?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

When you are first exploring the whisky universe, you may notice that you hear a lot about peat. Many newbies wonder what it is and why it is so important. Indeed, while experienced whisky aficionados can pick out peat flavors without really understanding its historic role in whisky...

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What is Whisky Terroir Made Of?

What is Whisky Terroir Made Of?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Does whisky have a terroir? While many whisky lovers have a favorite distillery or region, many say no. In a recent survey of members of Whisky Magazine’s online forum, 62% said that terroir was not important in whisky’s taste and flavor. However, many experts disagree. Terroir is...

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Australian Whisky – A Beginner’s Guide

Australian Whisky – A Beginner’s Guide

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Although less than two decades old, the Australian whisky industry is quickly taking its place among the world’s great spirits. There are many notable brands coming out of Tasmania and the Australian mainland. This is even more astounding when you consider that the entire national...

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St. Magdalene: A Lost Era in Whisky Making

St. Magdalene: A Lost Era in Whisky Making

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

St. Magdalene is a Scottish distillery that closed in 2001. Because of their rarity, and the fact that their single malts were particularly good, the name is somewhat hallowed among Scotch whisky lovers. This makes many people wonder: what is the story with St. Magdalene? And if it is so...

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What Is Your Scotch Philosophy?

What Is Your Scotch Philosophy?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Everyone who loves scotch or other whiskies has a unique reason for doing so. What is yours? By understanding why you drink and what category you all into, you can make your drinking experience even more enjoyable. The Aesthete: Many people enjoy scotch for aesthetic reasons. The nose,...

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The History of Bourbon

The History of Bourbon

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Bourbon may seem like a strange name for a whiskey, especially when compared to other global whisky names. Whisky from Canada is called Canadian Whisky, and whiskey from Ireland is called Irish Whiskey. So where did bourbon get this unique name, and why is it different from other...

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Apps for Whisky Lovers

Apps for Whisky Lovers

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

If you are whisky lover, it is high time to get your smartphone involved. There is just too much information for one person to remember, and no one wants to carry around a whisky encyclopedia and a stack of industry magazines for reference. Here are a few apps that will greatly enhance...

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Belgian Whisky? Can It Be?

Belgian Whisky? Can It Be?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

If you buy whisky on a regular basis, you are probably used to seeing a handful of countries on the label. Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the United States are generally considered the ‘major league’ players while India, Japan and New Zealand (among others) are beginning to make a...

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Scotch Malt Whisky Society New Member Tasting Event

Scotch Malt Whisky Society New Member Tasting Event

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

After I got my Scotch Malt Whisky Society Membership, the first thing I did was to sign up for their new member tasting event conducted at their 19 Greville Street society club. It was for yesterday, 14th July and after a slightly arduous tube ride (there was some kind of underground...

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The Law of Malt

The Law of Malt

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Although you may think of your favorite single malt and the law as being two separate, unrelated subjects, the legal system has had a huge effect on the way whisky is produced, distilled, and marketed. Here are a few laws that have impacted whisky production and continue to do so to this...

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Japanese Whisky: A Beginner’s Guide

Japanese Whisky: A Beginner’s Guide

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

If you love whisky, especially Scotch, then you have good reason to be interested in Japanese Whisky. Japanese whisky has a unique history and its own set of traditions, but it remains very similar to scotch with a few notable differences. Japanese Whisky is the best asian whisky...

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Essential Elements of a Well-Rounded Whisky Collection

Essential Elements of a Well-Rounded Whisky Collection

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

As you begin to learn the fine qualities of good single malt whisky, you will want to build up your collection. It’s important that this collection have a variety of elements and tastes so that you can learn more about your favorite drink. However, many people wonder exactly what makes...

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Finding Aficionado Scotch on a Beginner’s Budget

Finding Aficionado Scotch on a Beginner’s Budget

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

We all love whisky. However, it can be difficult to support this love on an average (or below average) budget. Good whisky can be expensive, and after a while you will wish that you had chosen a cheaper luxury such as yachting or collecting European sports cars. If you subscribe to a...

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Blended whisky is not evil incarnate

Blended whisky is not evil incarnate

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Once you have experienced the wonders of a great single malt, you never go back to blends. That is what many whisky experts will have you think, that is. Do blends have a place in the alcohol cabinets and bars of true aficionados? This is a complicated and somewhat controversial topic in...

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A Beginner’s Guide to Finding a Great Whisky Shop

A Beginner’s Guide to Finding a Great Whisky Shop

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala inArray

Many people become whisky lovers by trying the spirits at a friend’s home or at an upscale bar. However, there comes a time in every aficionado’s life when one must build up one’s one collection. This can be difficult to accomplish if you don’t know where to shop. Here are a few...

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recent whisky reviews

Dalmore 15 Year Old Whisky 92/100

Dalmore 15 Year Old Whisky 92/100

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala in Dalmore, Whisky Reviews | 0 comments

Dalmore 15 year is one of those whiskies that should come with a warning label: if you aren’t careful, you may just...

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Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Whisky – 75/100

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Whisky – 75/100

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala in Chivas, Whisky Reviews | 0 comments

Chivas Regal 18 year is the politician and statesman of the blended malt whisky world. Like a politician, it is smooth...

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Springbank 15 Year Old Whisky – 89/100

Springbank 15 Year Old Whisky – 89/100

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala in Springbank, Whisky Reviews | 0 comments

The Springbank 15 Year was created to be reminiscent of old style whiskies, created with traditional methods and aged...

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Burns Night: A Holiday Dedicated to Whisky?

Burns Night: A Holiday Dedicated to Whisky?

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala in Featured | 0 comments

Whisky drinkers come from all cultures and religions, so there are a diverse range of holidays celebrated by this...

Full Review

Littlemill 12 Year Whisky – 74/100

Littlemill 12 Year Whisky – 74/100

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala in Littlemill, Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Whisky, Whisky Reviews | 0 comments

Littlemill is considered the oldest distillery in Scotland, with 1772 the official date of establishment. It used some...

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Benromach Traditional Whisky – 72/100

Benromach Traditional Whisky – 72/100

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala in Benromach, Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Whisky, Whisky Reviews | 0 comments

Benromach is the smallest working distillery in Speyside, which most of us would assume means that their whiskies have...

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Mackmyra The First Edition Whisky – 73/100

Mackmyra The First Edition Whisky – 73/100

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala in Mackmyra Svensk Whisky, Single Malt Whisky, Swedish Whisky, Whisky Reviews | 0 comments

Mackmyra is somewhat of a pioneer in the world of single malt whiskies, producing the first Swedish whisky in almost...

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The Isle of Jura Superstition Whisky – 75/100

The Isle of Jura Superstition Whisky – 75/100

Reviewed by Mash Bonigala in Isle of Jura, Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Whisky, Whisky Reviews | 0 comments

Isle of Jura is a distinctive Island whisky distillery that never disappoints. It has the smokiness and salt that I...

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