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Spirit caramel: Friend or foe?

Spirit caramel test samples

From an article on spirit caramel by Tom Bruce Gardyne.

Spirit caramel, or E-150a as it’s known in the industry

What I find odd about this article is that I’m pretty sure that Adam Hannett and Nick Morgan are actually in agreement with each other, they just happen to be talking about the pros and cons of E150a on two completely different levels.
Mr. Hannet at Bruichladdich is referring to the single malts produced there, which I am sure we are all in agreement that they certainly do not need the addition of spirit caramel.
Mr. Morgan is referring to blended whiskies, not single malts, that require the E150a for consumers that require consistency in their regular blends.
I wonder why Tom Bruce-Gardyne didn’t realise this when he wrote the article?

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Tomatin – Icons of Whisky Distillery of the Year 2016

Icons of Whisky has announced Tomatin as Distiller of the Year for 2016.

With the first formal distillery occupying the site since 1897, and with as many as 80 per cent of employees currently living in the distillery houses, whisky production is certainly an important part of life in the Tomatin area. This is reflected in the quality of products and the development of the brand as the company continually strengthens its national and international identity. With bottles marketed under the Tomatin and Cù Bòcan names, the single malt range is growing in popularity and reputation and is currently sold in over 50 export markets.

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Ardbeg Day preview of Auriverdes….another brilliant, astonishing Ardbeg….

On the evening of April the 30th, Steve, Eve and I took part in a live Skype tasting with Mickey Heads, Ardbeg’s distillery manager. Of the three whiskies on show, it was the pre release of Auriverdes, the new 2014 Ardbeg Feis Ile bottling, that so excited us , as we had just received a bottle…

This is my take on it….

Ardbeg Auriverdes Single Malt 49.9%
Richly sweet ‘n peat, honey ‘n seaweed, another classic Ardbeg appears on the nose, briny, salty toffee, tarry ropes, creosote in the depths, so complex and alluring. Seductively opens with toasted marshmallows and smoked gammon.
The palate is astonishingly viscous, creamy, buttery, thickly sweet, honey drizzled onto hot dark salted toast, Fisherman’s Friend lozenge, toffee and tarry.
Water opens the dram with iced coffee, richening and sweetening the warm golden honey pot, offering on the finish, hints of Earl Grey tea. Another masterpiece! 95