A step further than just searching for flavors. I want to be transported to another place and allowed to sample the culture, the land, the air, and everything else that goes into that bottle on the other side of the world. It is an opportunity to travel during a time when travel seems next to impossible. When I think of the Highlands, my palate leans towards the flavors of Macallan, Benromach, and Dalwhinnie, with their bright, spicy notes, of citrus, and caramel paired with balanced oak and leather and just a whisper of smoke. When I popped the top on this bottle, was I taken away to the rolling hills of Scotland? Or was I left sitting in my kitchen to sift through my memory banks in search of random flavors to connect with the bottle in front of me? Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate 2021 (image via John Dover) Tasting Notes: Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate 2021 Vital Stats: 15 years old, aged in American oak, 43% ABV about $90 Appearance: Light golden color, hangs in a single sheet vs a leggy decent. Nose: Delicate nose with citrus on the front. Buttery with a bit of saline similar to a salted caramel. Hint of white pepper. Palate: Buttery and spicy with a firm presence of oak. Fruitiness is accentuated by an orange peel with a bit of pith for bitterness and just a hint of banana to soften the bright citrus notes. There is malt on the center of the tongue and a peppery bite that prickles with heat that builds over time. It’s not overly sweet, but there is a hint of honey and vanilla. The only negative notes I experienced were a bit of a medicinal aftertaste. But it was not enough to sway me from further sips.
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.
John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.
Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.
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