August 2020

Now in it’s third month, the NNW ‘Whisky of the Month’ is my written word review of the whiskies covered in any given month. So far, the accolade has been dominated by Bruichladdich bottles, but the crown must be passed over this month as I didn’t cover anything from them!

In fact, this month will be last month in a while with only FOUR whiskies battling it out over the top spot. Now that summer is over, I plan to back to full strength on the channel so will be covering up to 9-10 whiskies every month.

August was still a good month for whisky on NNW. Although I only covered four drams, I still managed to drink some Scotch, Irish and Welsh whisky.
Let’s get into the runners up.

First up I covered the Teeling Small Batch. Actually, this is the 2nd time I have covered this bottle. I first reviewed it back in early 2019 as part of a sample set I picked up while in Ireland. When a full bottle found it’s way to me, I knew I had to take a second look at it. It’s a very good whisky, and one I enjoy greatly, but it didn’t win out this month as the top is a much nicer drop in my opinion.

The second video this month is the Clynelish Reserve. This one is part of the infamous Game of Thrones Whisky release from Diageo. I picked this up as the price became too good to avoid, and I am glad I did as it’s a decent drop. You also get a tidy abv for your money too. Although I enjoyed it, and will gladly drain the bottle, the cynic in me can’t allow a tie-in whisky to win the top spot. Thankfully, I prefer the winner anyway so it all worked out.

Thirdly is another re-review in the Glenmorangie Original. It’s a tidy and consistent dram that continues to be good addition to my cabinet and is one the whiskies I pour for people who are looking to start their whisky journeys. Is that enough to win an accolade? Sadly not in this case. While it’s very accessible, it lacks the wow factor I am typically looking for these day.

So finally then, the winner this month. The Penderyn Rich Oak. Before I get into it, I have to acknowledge that the unique flavour profile of Penderyn makes them a divisive choice for top spot. So apologies if you’re not a fan. I, however, have been a fan of their profile for a long time, and I particularly like the Rich Oak in the ‘Gold’ series. Like all drams in the series, this liquid started out in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in a different cask. In this case it ex-wine european oak casks. I think it makes for a well rounded and tasty whisky that is worth a shot.