You probably already noticed on Facebook or Twitter that the 2011 Malt Maniacs Awards have been released. At first glance I noticed that many Karuizawas from 1981 are very popular, and of course, that is a great year!
I don’t think I’ve seen too many surprises in the list this year. Some big names are scoring top notches with GlenDronach, Glen Grant (from 1952…), Strathisla and Lochside in the highest echelon.
What does stand out a bit is that, apparently, I’m doing it wrong. The first bottlings I’ve tasted that are in the list are in the silver medals area, so no award winning stuff or even gold medals for me this year. I might have to do something about that in 2012!
Malt Fascination 
But why? Isn’t it more important to taste whiskies that are very good or great too (4/5 stars). I love to read about stunning whiskies that are actually available and ‘affordable’ for us mortals.
Like last years 10yo MacDuff (c3525) or the trustworthy Lagavulin 16 (although I don’t need a jury to tell me that those ones are good)
[ or maybe your last comment was tongue in cheek? 😉 ]
A bit of both (tongue in and out of cheek). Apparently, I am missing some stunning releases (most of them I never heard of), but on the other hand, I can’t say I’ve had a bad year… Many great things! See you the 11th!