This year I was invited again to join the Bottoms Up tasting in Den Bosch. Yesterday was the date and after a nicely long train journey I walked through my old home town to get to the shop just in time. The table was nicely set again.

There was no opening speech or anything and we just tucked in. Of course, there was quite a bit of mystery whisky on the table to which it is always a risk stating you like it. Some of the mysteries are epic whiskies, others are crap stuff he can’t get rid of otherwise, but you might just have an off day and expect the Islay cask matured Jenever he had lying around to be a Port Ellen and proclaim it’s the best of the afternoon…

Here’s a short overview of what was had (sorry for the shitty photos, I should learn to take my time):

This turned out to be leftovers from tastings, so a blended malt.

Really old St. Magdalene. Gorgeous stuff!

Glenlossie 24, from the Cadenhead’s Millennium Bottlings

Craigellachie 37, from the Cadenhead’s Millennium Bottlings

Ardbog

Glenburgie 37, from the Cadenhead’s Millennium Bottlings

Nice, but not something to make me love Australian Malt

Big and typically Ben Nevis with some lovely strange flavors

Oh Yes! A very, very good Caol Ila

Very surprising and very good. Some iodine flavors without much smoke.

Maybe just a tad over oaked, but very drinkable for something that states ‘Ancient Old’ and ‘Deluxe’ on the label

Meh

Way too heavy and rich. Just too much of a good thing

On of my favorites. Big and rich Mortlach, massive flavor.

Of course, I missed out on some other jewels since there was just so much to choose from. It’s an epic afternoon, as it is every year! Now, how to get myself invited next year…