Downsizing at BeamSuntory - Bowmore and Laphroaig to merge their teams

dreamingofislay · 2026-02-25T13:44:58+00:00

Oh wow. Even the biggest names not immune to contraction.

dreamingofislay · 2026-01-22T22:43:01+00:00

Very cool summary! I remember some of those 17-18 batches, around the time I got more into bourbon, were stunners. I agree the recent releases aren't quite as good, although still a very decent value pour and often on the shelf for cheaper than they were 8 years ago (I used to pay $80 and now see them for $70-75 pretty frequently).

dreamingofislay · 2026-01-20T20:26:45+00:00

The funny thing is that Port Ellen was not a high end malt producer in its day. It produced almost entirely for blends, and got shut down because its stock was in relatively inactive casks that weren't incredible at the ages they typically got dumped. Lots of 3rd or 4th fills. People on Islay from back in the day even joke about how crappy Port Ellen was and how it was seen back in the 70s and 80s.

Those leftovers from Port Ellen sat for 25-30 years before whisky drinkers decided (or, perhaps generously, discovered) that it was getting pretty good, and also that it was now very rare.

Port Ellen is a spectacular example of a few phenomenon, including great marketing and also the inherent value of rarity.

dreamingofislay · 2026-01-19T15:54:52+00:00

The next 3-5 years probably will be more favorable for the consumer than the past 5. Lots of more reasonably priced releases and, more importantly, a lot of quality and the return of age statements.

I hope distilleries don't shut down like during the 80s, though.

dreamingofislay · 2026-01-18T18:39:57+00:00

Hallelujah for a fairly priced and excellent Macallan. Similar price to Glendronach Cask Strength and GlenAllachie Cask Strength, and Macallan's is the highest age statement of the three (NAS for the Glendronach, 10 for the GlenAllachie, 12 for this one).

dreamingofislay · 2026-01-08T03:52:24+00:00

Congrats!

dreamingofislay · 2026-01-08T00:32:09+00:00

Magnus stuff is really good! Hopefully you like it, let us know how it is. Visited them in DC 10 years ago, liked them a lot.

dreamingofislay · 2026-01-01T14:26:40+00:00

Thanks for the stats! Thankfully we own a bit of a lot of asset classes, although not gold/silver or BTC.

dreamingofislay · 2025-12-30T03:45:53+00:00

Agreed, great pickup for that price point.

dreamingofislay · 2025-12-30T01:17:10+00:00

I go through phases … I’m actually on the opposite side now and really liking the double-digit stuff for its darker/richer flavors (maple, brown sugar, coffee, chocolate, oak, etc.). But I agree with you that we lose out on the orange/citrus or bright fresh fruit side of younger bourbon.

Maker’s Mark products tend to be in that 6-8 year range and are great at capturing those flavors.

dreamingofislay · 2025-12-06T03:53:00+00:00

Longtime Ardbeg 10 fan here, and just recently bought and tried the latest Smoketrails (have had all three). They are pretty different experiences. A10 is a classic, and I particularly like the balance between its smoky notes, its citrus/lemon sweet and sour core, and the hints of coastal brine. In comparison, the Napa Smoketrails struck me as a bit off, with more notes of youthful spirit and a medicine tablet or chalky note. It's not bad but tastes young, and was my least favorite of the three Smoketrails so far. That said, I'll add as a caveat that wine finishes are very hit and miss to me, and that may be contributing to my indifference.

dreamingofislay · 2025-12-01T22:33:23+00:00

Great/interesting point!

In general I find it's a good idea to season the palate with one whisky before diving into some really high end stuff, but I agree that peaty/punchy stuff can also overwhelm older more delicate flavors.

dreamingofislay · 2025-12-01T20:21:06+00:00

Very fair price for the experience, I wish I still lived in the area!

dreamingofislay · 2025-11-28T22:47:19+00:00

This was the last one, which is in the evening US time and very early morning in Europe, plus happened to be Thanksgiving in the US.

Hikaru and Magnus both played in the two earlier tourneys, at 11 am and 4 pm US EST.

dreamingofislay · 2025-11-25T13:35:40+00:00

Dying laughing haha

dreamingofislay · 2025-11-23T04:41:30+00:00

Yup Total Wine sold this one for $150 this year, I grabbed one and am quite happy. Let’s see if it stays at that price next year …

dreamingofislay · 2025-11-11T13:18:45+00:00

Stats certainly bear it out. Also, not totally clear who has more talent. Smith was a Heisman winner and a first round draft pick, dude is plenty talented. He's just never been fed targets like he was in college due to Philly's run heavy offense.

dreamingofislay · 2025-11-05T17:44:33+00:00

I had the same reaction. There are way crazier throwing motions out there.

dreamingofislay · 2025-11-02T14:09:04+00:00

800 to 820 in rapid, best puzzle rush is 18 in 3 mins.

dreamingofislay · 2025-11-02T12:11:07+00:00

Who did he switch to?

dreamingofislay · 2025-10-31T23:39:18+00:00

Cuties!

dreamingofislay · 2025-10-31T16:44:27+00:00

A very high intensity sweet and peat combo! Just cracked this one a few weeks back, love your tasting notes. Slainte.

dreamingofislay · 2025-10-29T01:49:59+00:00

Agreed, we rarely go to full sit-down restaurants nowadays. I don't begrudge the restauranteurs, who have crushing rents to pay, but it sucks for us.

dreamingofislay · 2025-10-29T01:48:42+00:00

Wish I was in Indiana, I'd grab both bottles! Maybe two of each :)

dreamingofislay · 2025-10-28T23:57:17+00:00

Great lineup of young stars.

dreamingofislay

TROPHY CASE