These are the notes on a twice yearly gathering of the clans – wine
fanciers that are also single malt aficionados. We pull a couple of
bottle of whisky from our stash and taste against others, using
various themes. This one was 15 year and older malts. We taste
straight and then again with a small amount (a few drops, given that
we are tasting in about ½ oz. aliquots) of water added.

Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15 – a slightly sharp peaty nose, hot and
alty in the mouth. Water lifted this malt and brought out the flavours
while abating the heat a bit.

Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve 18 – smoother sweet Cognac nose, velvety
smooth in the mouth – fills mouth and nose. Water neither helps nor
harms this one.

Dalwhinnie 15 – light floral sort of nose with some poached pear and
iodine. It seemed lighter weight at first, but then as it settled in
it was clear that it wasn't. Clean and spicy in the mouth, it expanded
nicely on palate with the addition of water.

Glentromie 17 – a malt unknown to us, picked up by a member on
holidays in the Caribbean. Very reticent nose, maybe a little toffee.
Light and creamy in the mouth, a good aperitif weight malt to fill the
flask with when going out on a long walk.,

Glen Garioch 15 – ripe Highland oily nose, warm and peaty. Water
improved and smoothed it. Very nice dram.

Glen Garioch 18 (1978) – all sweetness and spice in the nose with
kirsch and cocoa, and a slight medicinal element. This cask strength
(59.4%) malt was predictably hot , but with water settled down to do a
creamy toffee thing on palate. Another winner.

2002 Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha – the obligatory wine
interlude with some food. Enjoyable berry nose, refreshing and smooth
on palate, with good length. This has to be one of the best bargains
out there right now!

Glenmorangie 18 – seemed like a sherry cask malt in the nose, despite
the fact that only a small proportion sees sherry and the rest is
bourbon wood. Lighter, elegant, not oily at all, with spice and oak at
the end. A tad hot Water neutral.

Glenfarclas 15 – paler colour, toffee/crème brulee nose, hot in the
mouth. Water worked well here, and this malt just coated the inside of
the mouth and became smooth and tasty.

Ardbeg 17 – the expected smoke and seaweed nose, big, medicinal and
lovely. Water opens it a bit, but it really doesn't need it. You
either love or hate this style (I love it).

Talisker 18 – darker, not as smoky, and not hot. Very smooth, long
dram, doesn't need water. Wish I could find some of this!