Summing up 2012 – My whisky year top 5

Yes, i am not very unique and I guess you will see a lot of those “best of  2012” , so here is mine. You did not have to suffer through “my Xmas shopping list or 12 drams of Xmas” so, this is acceptable, right?

OK, this year was a year full of amazing drams, and it’s really hard to choose the BEST, so here are 5 i really enjoyed for various reasons.

Glenfarclas Norse Cask 1964 “Rechlerich”

It may not be the oldest Farclas I’ve tasted this year, but hell it is the best Glenfarclas i have EVER tasted (only a wee better than the next one on my list). A wonderful sherried Indie bottling, that’s worth its price in gold. I am eternally indebted to my good whisky friend Jorn for this sample. Pure heaven.

Glenfarclas 1953, 58 yo – EPIC

The oldest whisky I’ve EVER tasted, and what a stunner. It’s not the first choice only because of that amazing Rechlerich. I was in total awe when i received this very very limited and gorgoues dram, in a wooden box (thank you so much again, Ben & Co.) It’s so fresh despite its age, not a wooden bomb as can be expected, refined, complex, and totally awesome. I am lucky to have had the privilege of sampling it.

Old Pulteney 40 yo OB

Another amazing dram released only recently and tasted just in time before the ear ends : the oldest ever OP to have been released by the distillery from Wick. It’s also brilliant, complex and the wood influence is wonderful. A collect’s item i am sure due to it’s price.

Springbank 21 year old–1990s edition

Springbanks can be amazing, and this one is a good example. A wee sample from another great whisky friend (J.Feldman). Outstanding.

Glendronach 1972 Oloroso Sherry Cask #705,53.3%

I tasted this one at Maltstock, side by side with the amazing Benriach 1971, and they were to outstanding, stuff that dreams are made of, but as a sherry head, i have to go with this one. it’s thick, it’s lovely and it’s every sherryhead’s wet dream.

2013 is upon us, and I sure hope that it will be a dramtastic year, though hard to match those 5 astonishing drams, i am there are great drams ahead.

Happy 2013!