Whisky Whiskey

172: Caol Ila 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Whilst I'd discess Caol Ila in the past it was in the context of speculation of their contract distilling Smokehead Whiskies, and as a key part of many Johnnie Walker blends, including the Black Label. Today I'm going to review their 12 Year Single Malt to see how it stands...on it's own two feet...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$143.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Caol Ila

Support Whisky Whiskey on Patreon

Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle, Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto and Steve Branam.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring, Ian Gallagher and Jamie Russell.

171: Talisker 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Quite liking the Talisker 10 inspired me to track down a sample of their 18 year offering. We discuss the early years of the distillery, when it rebuilt and its late 20th century expansion. Older age statement Peated Whiskies have been impressing me of late...does this one stack up? Let's find out...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$132.99+ AUD (Kent Street Cellars)
45.8% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: The Islands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Talisker

170: Talisker 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1000

One of the first Peated Scotches I ever tried was the 10 Year Old from Talisker. At the time I hadn't really come to appreciate Peated Whiskies, but well over a year later I decided it was time to have another crack at it. After a brief side-track into the unofficial SWA (but not SWA approved) region of 'The Islands' I also look at their unusual U-bend and purifier, then I also review the dram. I also try their Alexa integration...with interesting results...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$124.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
45.8% ABV
10 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: The Islands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Talisker

169: Milk & Honey Apex Dead Sea Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1000

The Milk & Honey Distillery in Israel has multiple warehouses for storing its Whisky casks during maturation and as part of the Apex series they explore different maturation locations to obtain vastly different flavour profiles from their offerings. In this particular offering, it spent a year next to the Dead Sea, and the effect it has on the Whisky is quite dramatic...dramatic good or bad? Let's find out...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$199.99+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
56.2% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇮🇱 Israel
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Milk & Honey

168: Lagavulin 8 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1000

I first tried the Lagavulin 8 Year at a Whisky Club night, and I really wanted to review it properly on the show. I do a deep dive into Distillation cuts, where the Peat lives and how aging Peated Whiskies change over time in a barrel. Finally I review the dram and see how well it stacks up against it's older sibling.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$128.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
48% ABV
8 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Lagavulin

167: Springbank 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1000

For the final Springbank I'm reviewing in this series, I thought it would good to dive into all the little things people don't think about, that Springbank ALSO do on their physical site...like making their own barrels and bottling, to name a few. They really are control freaks...anyway, the 18 Year is much loved by Whisky nerds, but just having been blown away by the 12 and 15 years, does the extra 3 years and considerable expense, pay off for me? There's only one way to know...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$799.00+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
46% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Springbank

166: Springbank 15 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Some reviewers call the 15 Year from Springbank the runt of the litter, which seems rather harsh. This episode I set about to test that theory, but I also cover the interesting history of the Sprinkbank Distillery, the various closures and reopenings, and then finally I review the 15 Year. Is this the best one yet?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$399.00+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
46% ABV
15 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Springbank

165: Springbank 12 Year Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Having just reviewed the 10 Year, I tackle the Cask Strength 12 Year offering from Springbank and also discuss the unusual three-still system they use at Springbank and how it differs for their Longrow and Hazelburn offerings. There's no denying that this particular offering, was not what I expected...in a good way...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$499.00+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
57.2% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Springbank

164: Springbank 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Many Whisky nuts rant and rave about a small-ish distillery in Campbeltown, called Springbank. Having gathered several samples we kick off a series of Sprinkbank reviews with their entry level 10 Year offering. I talk about the distillery and its principles to be predominantly human powered and how they control pretty much everything from the grain to the final product, all on site. I also review the dram.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$250.00+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
46% ABV
10 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Springbank

163: Dailuaine 16 Year Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Having been a workhorse distillery for Diageo for many years, when Dailuaine released a Single Malt to the market as part of the Diageo Flora and Fauna series, many saw it as an opportunity for the Distillery to shine. When my manager at work nabbed a bottle for a great deal, he was kind enough to share, and now for me to also review. Mainly used for blending, does their Single Malt stack up?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$139.99+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
43% ABV
16 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Dailuaine

162: High West Rendezvous Rye Whiskey

The Engineered Network — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

After being encouraged to try Rye Whiskies in the past, and was yet to find a Rye that I actually liked...I was nervous about trying this particular offering from High West, when I found it in my samples I got as a Christmas present from my oldest Sister and her family. Sometimes you have to try something new and oh, my goodness...did I just find the first Rye Whiskey I actually love? Let's see...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$132.99+ AUD (Barrel and Batch)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇺🇸 USA
Region: Utah
Type: Single Malt
Producer: High West Distillery

161: Scapegrace Chorus Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Whilst this offering from Scapegrace did not come from their new Distillery, I talk about their new location almost on the 45th parallel in the Otago Highlands of the South Island of New Zealand as well as review this interesting dram...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$129.00+ AUD (Just Wines)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: ScapeGrace

160: Arran 23 Year Old Drumadoon Point Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

When I got this sample for Christmas as a present from my siter and her family, I have to admit I was drawn to this one. Arran have proven to be a popular, relative newcomer, to the Scotch Whisky scene and set up on the Isle of Arran, this particular offering is the fourth and final in their Explorer series. It's a delightful dram, that's for sure.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$279.99+ AUD (Kent Street Cellars)
49.5% ABV
23 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: The Islands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Arran

159: Penderyn Madeira Finish Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Having previously reviewed the Penderyn Celt and also tried the Myth at a Whisky Club night in mid-2025, I was thrilled that a sample of this was in the tasting set I got from the sister and her family as a Christmas Present! I'd heard good things about this one, and it's quite different to the Bushmills 21 Year Madeira Finish I'd tried in the past.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$130.99+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Penderyn

158: Cardhu 18 Year Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

The first ever Distillery purchased by John Walker & Sons was Cardhu, though originally written Cardow. I'd always wanted to try a single malt release of this stuff, and thankfully my oldest sister and her family had given me a sample box as a Christmas present with this in it for me to try. I look at the history of Cardhu, starting with the original owner being busted multiple times for illegal Whisky distillation...as well as review their 18 year offering. It's not what I expected...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$170.00+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
40% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Cardhu

157: BenRiach Classic 21 Year Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Upon receiving a Christmas gift of six Whisky samples to review on the show, I was delighted when I found this one in the pack... I'd heard a lot about BenRiach and it's connection with Billy Walker, of more recent GlenAllachie fame. For the first BenRiach I've reviewed...this one is a cracker!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$249.00+ AUD (Skull & Barrel)
46% ABV
21 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: BenRiach

156: Amber Lane Fire Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

The final of the Alchemical Series is the Fire, so named in part due to its colour and also in part due to its being finished in an ex-Islay Peated Cask. Being a growing fan of strongly Peated Whiskies at the moment, how does a Peaty-Amber-Lane Whisky taste? Finally I wrap up my thoughts on the Alchemical Series and rank them.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$195.00+ AUD (Amber Lane Distillery Website)
57.3% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Amber Lane

155: Amber Lane Earth Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

The Earth offering is matured in ex-Apera and finished in ex-Oloroso Sherry casks and the result is, well, an Earthy, Rich Sherry bomb. Just my kinda dram but how does it stack up against the others in the series...then again, how does it stand up against some of my favourite Sherry Bomb Scotch Whiskies? I have to admit, this one, blew, me, away...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$195.00+ AUD (Amber Lane Distillery Website)
53.8% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Amber Lane

154: Amber Lane Air Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

At the half-way mark through the Alchemical Series we've reached the Air, which was so described becuase of how it tastes...which is quite light. This one caught me by surprise about how dangerously easy it was to drink, but how does it compare to the others so far?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$195.00+ AUD (Amber Lane Distillery Website)
53.5% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Amber Lane

153: Amber Lane Quintessence Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1000

Having just reviewed the Amber Lane Water, we move on to the unusually named Quintessence that is an alternative word for the more often-used word Aether. Whatever you call it, this was rapid-proofed rather than slow-proofed and the differences between this and the Water are striking. We also discuss how Amber Lane as a Distillery manage their water supply and of course, review the Whisky.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$195.00+ AUD (Amber Lane Distillery Website)
49.3% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Amber Lane

152: Amber Lane Water Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Alchemical Series was released by Amber Lane in October 2024 with five offerings, each named after an element of ancient Science. Each has a different twist on cask finishing and fast or slow proofing and the results vary considerably. We start this off with the Water and see for ourselves how slow-proofing has impacted this dram. It's not what you'd expect...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$195.00+ AUD (Amber Lane Distillery Website)
47.5% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Amber Lane

151: Amber Lane Liquid Amber Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The last of the Amber Lane Core Range is the Liquid Amber, and being partly matured in ex-Pedro Ximénez casks it might just be the kinds of Sherry bomb that I have a soft-spot for...but how well can it compete with similarly matured Scotches? I don't want to spoil the ending, but this dram...actually blew my mind.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$169.00+ AUD (Amber Lane Distillery Website)
48% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Amber Lane

150: Amber Lane Silk Lane Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Now on to the second dram in the Core Range set of three from Amber Lane, this recently released offering is called the younger sibling of the acclaimed Silk Road, but at a more drinkable ABV the Silk Lane has been winning its own awards too. Does it stand up to the hype? Let's find out...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$149.00+ AUD (Amber Lane Distillery Website)
48% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Amber Lane

149: Amber Lane Equinox Single Malt Whisky Re-review

The Engineered Network — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having heard so many more good things about the Australian Amber Lane Distillery, I got my hands on some of their New Make called 'Pure Amber' as well as a sample pack of their new Core Range, which included their original Equinox Single Malt. I'd already reviewed it way back but nearly one year later, it's time to revisit it and re-review and see if it's the same dram that I remember.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$139.00+ AUD (Amber Lane Distillery Website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Amber Lane

148: The Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak 2017 vs 2024

The Engineered Network — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having just reviewed the 2024 release of the Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak, I discovered what was left of my sample from many months ago of the 2017 release...so what's a good Whisky-reviewer to do...? Why, side-by-side compare them of course...and pick a winner. This turned out very differently to what I'd expected...
With John Chidgey.

Support Whisky Whiskey on Patreon

Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle, Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto and Steve Branam.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring, Ian Gallagher and Jamie Russell.

147: The Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak 2024 Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Many episodes ago I reviewed the 18 Year Sherry Oak but it was the 2017 release. When some very special people bought me a bottle of the 2024 release for my birthday, I was over the moon...that was many months ago and being slightly apprehensive about drinking it, it's time to review the 2024 release to see if it's the great Scotch that I remember...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$1299.99+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
43% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The Macallan

146: 2025 Whisky Year in Review

The Engineered Network — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Unlike my last year in review, this has genuinely been a full 12 months of Whisk(e)y tastings, reviews and learnings and I feel far better positioned to provide recommendations this time around. There's some old favourites and some new discoveries to share! I pick my favourite recommendations for Easy-sipping, Sherried and Peated Whiskies that are reasonably priced...as well as throw in two of my absolute favourites of all time (so far). Strap yourself in...this is a good one!
With John Chidgey.

Support Whisky Whiskey on Patreon

Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle, Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto and Steve Branam.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring, Ian Gallagher and Jamie Russell.

145: Glen Scotia Victoriana Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Victoriana is a favourite of many Whisky enthusiasts so I just had to get my hands on a sample and give it a shot! I cover some more about the dark history of Glen Scotia and I also review the dram and contrast it with it's 15 Year brother. Is it worth the extra money?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$159.99+ AUD (Skull and Barrel)
54.2% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glen Scotia

144: Glen Scotia 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

My exploration of Campbeltown continues as I shift from Glengyle to Glen Scotia. This particular dram I tried at a Whisky Club evening and I subsequently grabbed a bottle when it was on special. Perhaps that's spoiling the ending about how much I liked it...but let's review this properly shall we?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$145.00 AUD (First Choice Liqour)
46% ABV
15 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glen Scotia

143: Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 11 Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

On my trip to New Zealand in July this year, my son and I stayed near Christchurch and while there I stopped by at the lovely Whisky Galore store. They had so many I would have liked to have grabbed however this bottle caught my eye. I grabbed it, had some of it while I was there but couldn't bring it home to Australia with me, so just brought back a sample. I'd tried and enjoyed the Batch 6 at a Whisky Club night last year...how does the Batch 11 compare?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$149.99+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
57.9% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glengyle

142: Ardbeg Corryvreckan Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

After a brief coverage of where Ardbeg source their Peated Malted Barley from I tackle a review of the strongest ABV Ardbeg in their core range. Up there in intensity against the Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength...can it beat it...or does it fall short? Time to find out!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$200.00+ AUD (Kent Street Cellars)
57.4% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Ardbeg

141: Ardbeg Uigeadail Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1000

This time I talk a bit about the Distillery itself, where this dram gets its name from and then I try to figure out for myself, why the Ardbeg Committee members voted the Uigeadail as being Ardbeg's best core range Whisky. Is it that good? Let's see.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$169.99+ AUD (Kent Street Cellars)
54.2% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Ardbeg

140: Ardbeg 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Ardbeg's 10 Year offering has long been considered the benchmark Islay peated Whisky and set the standard for both quality and value. It's odd that I hadn't tried this until today and given my recent interest in Peated Whisky, it's one I've been looking forward to. I talk about the Ardbeg Committee, Dr Bill Lumsden and of course I review the Whisky...plus there's a special note towards the end...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$121.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
46% ABV
10 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Ardbeg

139: Ardbeg 5 Year Old 'Wee Beastie' Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The 'Wee Beastie' was initially released to the market in 2020 making it Ardbeg's most recent mainline entry into their Core Range. Some look at it's price point and smile, whilst others turn up their nose at being less than 10 years in age. The real question is...is it any good? Let's see shall we?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$105.00 AUD (LiqourLand)
47.4% ABV
5 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Ardbeg

138: Laphroaig 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +1000

For Scotch, many consider 18 Year Age Statement offerings to be the point at which the real 'magic' happens in Whisky aging. There are many 18 year offerings from Scotland that I love, although you generally pay for the privilege. The real question for me though, is what does the extra time in the cask do to a Laphroaig, and will be live up to expectations?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$495.00+ AUD (Cigar and Whisky Cellar)
48% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Laphroaig

137: Laphroaig Lore Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Laphroaig Lore is also referred to as 'The Cask Lore' and is said to represent over 200 years of the company's knowledge and traditions... Well that's all very delightful and lovely, but is it any good? Let's see...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$191.99 AUD (Sense of Taste)
48% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Laphroaig

136: Laphroaig PX Cask Triple Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +1000

I'd noticed the PX Cask in Travel Retail as I wandered through the Sydney International Airport a few months ago, but I didn't pick one up because I was out of Duty Free Allowance. I was also hesitant because I'd never tried it before...that changes now! When I next go through a Travel Retail location, will I insta-buy one, or will I keep on walking?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$125.99*+ AUD (Kent Street Cellars)
48% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Laphroaig

135: Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +1000

I first tried this on the first Whisky Club Peat Night I ever attended. I was pretty impressed and finally got around to finding a sample for me to review it properly. Whilst it's getting harder to find at the moment in the Australian market recently...if I could track one down, would it be worth the trouble? Let's see...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$175.00+ AUD (Old Richmond Cellars)
48% ABV
10 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Laphroaig

134: Laphroaig 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Laphroaig 10 Year is the most easily accessible Laphroaig in my local area if I'm looking for a strong Peated Whisky, so I had actually tried this twice in the past but when I was out and about. At long last I got my own sample to try and review in my safe space...is it as good as I remember? There's only one way to know...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$128.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
10 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Laphroaig

133: Laphroaig Oak Select Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The 'Select' is Laphroaigs entry level Whisky and whilst it can be found out and about, I'd yet to try it! That changes now. Does this Laphroiag still pack a peaty-punch, or is it's 40% ABV just a bit too low to deliver the flavour and mouthfeel I've come to associate with Laphroaigs? Let's find out...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$112.00 AUD (LiqourLand)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Laphroaig

132: Hakushu Distillers Reserve Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1000

I first tried this Dram at the first ever Whisky Club night I ever attended and that was a year ago. It was my second favourite Whisky of the evening and when I saw an amazing price for a bottle, I grabbed one. It remains the only Japanese Whisky I've ever bought...let me review it and I'll explain why.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$199.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Hakushu

131: Tamdhu Batch Strength 007 Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Way back in Episode 43 I reviewed Batch 006 of this exact Whisky...and I lamented the fact that I couldn't buy a bottle of it in Australia. Dan Murphy's website showed no stock of any Batch of it, anywhere in Australia so imagine my surprise when I was wandering through a Store I spotted a Batch 007 on the shelf! It was even cheaper than the website list price so I grabbed it...and today I'm going to review the 007 with 006 and see how it stacks up.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$148.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
57.5% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Tamdhu

130: Oamaruvian Double Wood Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The final sample I grabbed from the New Zealand Whisky Collection's Cellar door in July this year is also the strongest. It's a strong and bold presence in this Whisky, but of all the ones I've reviewed, is it actually the best?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$149.00+ NZD (The New Zealand Whisky Collection)
55.8% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The New Zealand Whisky Collection

129: Oamaruvian Revolution Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Oamaruvian Revolution is considered to be the truest expression of the New Zealand Whisky Collection's new Dunedin distillery character. How well does it stack up against the more traditional offerings in the Collection? There's only one way to find out...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$119.00+ NZD (The New Zealand Whisky Collection)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The New Zealand Whisky Collection

128: Dunedin Double Wood 16 Year Old Single Blended Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Double Wood 16 Year Old comes from original Willowbank stocks and there are only a hundred or so bottles remaining. I grabbed myself a full sized bottle of this after I tried it in the tasting at the Cellar Door. Let me explain how this Whisky has a bizzare and amazing split personality.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$249.00+ NZD (The New Zealand Whisky Collection)
40% ABV
16 Years
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The New Zealand Whisky Collection

127: Dunedin Double Cask Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1000

One of the first new Whiskies from the New Zealand Whisky Collections new Dunedin Distillery is the Double Cask Single Malt. Can this new offering make it's own mark in their line-up? There's only one way to know for sure...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$122.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The New Zealand Whisky Collection

126: Wilson's 21 Year Old Blended Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Our journey through the New Zealand Whisky Collection continues with a 21 Year Old Blended Whisky bearing the original Wilson's name and branding. Fully matured in its original cask from when Willowbank was operating, does its age statement do this spirit justice?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$499.00+ NZD (The New Zealand Whisky Collection)
42.7% ABV
21 Years
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The New Zealand Whisky Collection

125: Cyril's 50th Anniversary Solera Blended Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1000

This is first of several Whiskies I brought back from New Zealand, from the New Zealand Whisky Collection in Oamaru. Cyril Yates has been involved with the original Willowbank through to the modern NZ Whisky Collection Distillery at Speights, both in Dunedin. I dive into how Cyril has been the thread that ties the generations together and I also review his Solera Blended Malt...it's unique and it's just lovely.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$199.00+ NZD (The New Zealand Whisky Collection)
50% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The New Zealand Whisky Collection

124: Kaiapoi 18 Year Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1000

On my skiing trip to New Zealand with my son I stopped in Christchurch at the Kaiapoi Distillery just North of the city. I tried several of their offerings but came home with a bottle of their 18 Year Single Malt. I love a good Sherry Bomb for sure, but is this a perfect execution of a Sherry Bomb, and how does it compare to others in the genre. Let's find out...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$180.00 NZD (The Kaiapoi Distillery)
40% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The Kaiapoi Distillery

123: Divergence Otago Pinot Barrel Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The final sample from the pack I grabbed when I was at the Distillery in July, is the Otago Pinot Barrel Whisky. Matured in ex-Red Wine Barrels from Maude Wines in Otago, I'm expecting something similar to the Starward Nova...but there's only one way to find out.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$95.00+ NZD (The Spirits Workshop)
42% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The Spirits Workshop

122: Divergence Virgin Oak Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The second of the three sample pack I brought back with me is on the cards today. The Virgin Oak is matured for 7 years in European Oak casks...but is it balanced and lovely, or did they push it too far? Let's find out...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$110.00+ NZD (The Spirits Workshop)
46% ABV
7 Years
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The Spirits Workshop

121: Divergence Port Wood Single Malt Whisky Re-Review

The Engineered Network — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having returned to New Zealand for a Skiing Holiday with my oldest son in mid-July, I took the opportunity to visit the Divergence Distillery in Christchurch and do a tasting and a tour. It was awesome! I brought back a three pack of 200mL samples including my old favourite, the Port Wood that I reviewed in Episode 63. Does it still match up with my recollection? Let's see...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$130.00+ NZD (The Spirits Workshop)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The Spirits Workshop

120: AOB and Highwayman Diemens Rising 001 Blended Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1000

AOB are located in Mullumbimby in Northern New South Wales, only 20k from Byron Bay, where the Highwayman Distillery is located. When AOB and Highwayman get together to create a Whisky, it's worth paying attention. I'm thrilled to review their first collaboration, the Diemens Rising 001 to see what the joining of spirit made in the same still, on two different islands, in two different times can come together to create something truly special.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$249.00+ AUD (AOB)
57.9% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Blended Malt
Producer: AOB

119: AOB Reality Is Not What It Seems Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1000

AOB have two Whiskies available on their website and this offering is finished in ex-Peated Casks sourced from the Highwayman Distillery. I go into more detail about AOB themselves, their still and review this offering to determine if it's the next step up from the Walking Along The Shore...just how big a step up that is.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$195.00+ AUD (AOB)
47.2% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: AOB

118: AOB Walking Along The Shore Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1000

In episode 40 I reviewed the AOB Pinot Noir Cask, as part of my Liqour Loot subscription that I had at that time. I couldn't find a bottle for sale anywhere other than Liqour Loot themselves, but they were out of stock. Upon coming upon the episode, Pete Jaffe from AOB reached out and said...we have bottles of this...it's actually called Walking Along The Shore, and would I like one? With a bottle now in hand, I re-review this offering. Is it as good as I remember? Or is it even better? Not only that, I go in-depth with economies of scale and how I'm now going to rank Craft Distilleries differently on cost. Let me explain how and why...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$135.00+ AUD (AOB)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: AOB

117: GlenDronach Ode To The Embers Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1000

With the Odes to the Valley and the Dark now reviewed, the final release in the series, the Ode to the Embers, harkens back to the days when GlenDronach peated their malts. For me, it's the first modern Peated GlenDronach I've ever tried. It's also the most expensive, but is it actually the best one of the series? Or did we peak with the Dark?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$156.99 AUD (Skull & Barrel)
48.4% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: GlenDronach

116: GlenDronach Ode To The Dark Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having just bought the Ode's without trying them, I was relieved when the Valley was quite alright. The second most expensive and the hottest offering, their Ode to the Dark, is the next on my list to try. Maturation in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks certainly sounds like my kind of Whisky...there's only one way to know...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$146.99 AUD (Skull & Barrel)
50.8% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: GlenDronach

115: GlenDronach Ode To The Valley Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1000

I've become a bit of a GlenDronach fanboy...so when they released a set of three as a special release, I just bought them all without trying them first. I know, I know, I broke my own rule. They call them the Ode's and this one is their Ode to the Valley. Did I make a mistake buying them without trying them first? Let's start with their Ode to the Valley...and find out...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$129.99 AUD (Skull & Barrel)
46.2% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: GlenDronach

114: Most Favourite Whiskies First 100 Reviews Edition

The Engineered Network — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1000

With over a hundred Whisky reviews now in the books, I thought it might be fun to review and clip together the highlights of my Ten most favourite Whiskies from the first one hundred I've reviewed on the show. Remember that taste is subjective and this is just my opinion, but these are some truly amazing drams. Enjoy!
With John Chidgey.

Support Whisky Whiskey on Patreon

Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring and Ian Gallagher.

113: Least Favourite Whiskies First 100 Reviews Edition

The Engineered Network — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1000

With over a hundred Whisky reviews now in the books, I thought it might be fun to review and clip together the highlights of my 8 least favourite Whiskies from the first one hundred I've reviewed on the show. Remember that taste is subjective and this is just my opinion, and if you really like the 1495 Blended Scotch by Woolworths...power to ya...but it's not for me. Enjoy!
With John Chidgey.

Support Whisky Whiskey on Patreon

Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring and Ian Gallagher.

112: Spending Time With vs Single Review

The Engineered Network — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1000

With over a hundred Whisky reviews now in the books, I take a long hard look back at whether or not it's possible to really, accurately judge a Whisky based on a single glass, a single sample. The result might surprise you...I tend to be rather self-critical...and the next steps I'm going to take should help.
With John Chidgey.

Support Whisky Whiskey on Patreon

Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring and Ian Gallagher.

111: Understanding Australian Alcohol Prices

The Engineered Network — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1000

I recently looked at importing a special bottle of Whiskey from the USA to Australia and the final number was so high, I didn't do it. Also, with multiple listeners asking why Whisky is so expensive in Australia, I decided to do a deep dive and explain why Alcohol costs so much here...and it's not because the exchange rate.
With John Chidgey.

Support Whisky Whiskey on Patreon

Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring and Ian Gallagher.

110: GlenGoyne 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The last of the GlenGoynes in the tasting pack is the 18 Year Single Malt. I look at the unusual map line the Distillery straddles to decide if it's schizophrenic or not...the distillery history and rate the Scotch. Is it worth that amount of money? Let's find out!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$266.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: GlenGoyne

Support Whisky Whiskey on Patreon

Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring and Ian Gallagher.

109: GlenGoyne 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Continuing my exploration of the GlenGoyne offerings this time with the 12 Year Single Malt. I also look at how they prepare their barrels and blend different New Make in different casks to create their Distillery profile. Ultimately though how does it taste and is it better than the Chapter Three?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$103.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: GlenGoyne

108: GlenGoyne Legacy Chapter Three Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The GlenGoyne Distillery motto is 'Unhurried since 1833' and we dig into the history of the Distillery and why they say that. The Chapter Three is the...I know...Third Chapter of special releases and we dive into what this one is in honour of and why...oh and review the Scotch too!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$98.00+ AUD (Whisky Galore)
48% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: GlenGoyne

107: 101 Wild Turkey Kentucky Bourbon Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having tried a LOT of Whiskies now, I return to my previously self-proclaimed 'favourite' Bourbon...the 101 Wild Turkey. I also look at how is compares now, today, against others I've tried including the Australian Corn Whisky, Neds Grand Reward. Will it still hold up as my favourite Bourbon...or has it lost it's top spot?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$69.96 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
50.5% ABV
6 Years
Country: 🇺🇸 USA
Region: Kentucky
Type: Bourbon
Producer: Wild Turkey

106: Cape Byron Tawny Cask Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The sixth and final Cape Byron offering in this week of Byron culminates in a truly outstanding Single Cask offering...the Tawny Cask Single Malt. I also look at some of the requirements for becoming a B-Corp Certified company that Cape Byron worked very hard to achieve. In the end though, what can I say about this Whisky? I love a good Port finish, but is next-level yummy.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$200.00+ AUD (Cape Byron Distillery Website)
53.8% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Cape Byron

105: Cape Byron Serendipity Heavily Peated Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Serendipity is Cape Byron's Heavily Peated offering and whilst I debate what Heavily Peated really means in practical terms, I also touch on whether the principled arguement of Terroir makes sense if the Whisky tastes good or not. Oh, and I also review the Whisky!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$180.00+ AUD (Cape Byron Distillery Website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Cape Byron

104: Cape Byron Stone Beer Cask Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Cape Byron week continues today as I review their Stone Beer Cask offering. It's a collaboration with the nearby Stone & Wood Distillery as they have a barrel-swap arrangement whereby Cape Byron Casks are used to mature a Stone Beer, then when they're done, they give it back to Cape Byron to mature their whisky. The result is...well...pretty impressive!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$149.99 AUD (Cape Byron Distillery Website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Cape Byron

103: Cape Byron Chardonnay Cask Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

With two down, the Chardonnay Cask is next and it doesn't disappoint. After covering the pros and cons of aging your barrels near the ocean and looking at where they source their barrels from in the first place, I review the Chardonnay Cask, and whilst it was technically their second release...it's my favourite Cape Byron Whisky of the three I've reviewed to date.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$149.99+ AUD (Cape Byron Distillery Website)
48% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Cape Byron

102: Cape Byron Viognier Cask Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The second of the Cape Byron Single Malts, the Viognier Cask was their third ever offering. After discussing the details about the Distillery production, including Fermentation, their still and warehousing for their barrels, I dive into the Viognier Cask and see how it stacks up.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$149.99+ AUD (Cape Byron Distillery Website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Cape Byron

101: Cape Byron The Original Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Cape Byron Distillery is located within a 2-1/2hr drive from my home in Brisbane, Australia. I'm not accustomed to being so close to a Distillery and in my Whisky journey, this turned out to be the first one I've ever visited! I managed to obtain six samples of their offerings...today I talk about the history of how the Distillery came to be, how Eddie Brook and Jim McEwan met and how they collaborated to create the distillery and, obviously, I review their entry-level offering simply called The Original.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$122.99 AUD (Sense of Taste)
47% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Cape Byron

100: The Naked Malt Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The artist formerly known at The Famous Grouse, came highly recommended to me by the Scotch 4 Dummies. I look into the constituent components of this dram, the SWAs ruling on Pure Malt vs Vatted Malt vs Blended Malts, as well as the impending sale of the brand to William Grant & Sons. Whilst I was somewhat skeptical at first, I review the Naked Malt and finally truly nail how all-Malts are so distinctively different than grain Whiskies. Is this my new best value Scotch?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$73.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended Malt
Producer: William Grant & Sons

99: Smokehead High Voltage Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The last of the Smokeheads from the Gift Pack I acquired is now up for try. The High Voltage is a 58% ABV offering and it lives up to its name. I look at some of the history of Ian Macleod, the distilleries they own, and that they don't as well as mention some other Smokehead offerings. In the end though, as I review this Scotch...I can't say that they didn't warn me.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$120.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
58% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Ian MacLeod

98: Smokehead Rum Rebel Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Smokehead Trifecta continues with their Rum Rebel offering. It's the first Rum-finished cask I've ever tried and it is, well, different for sure... I also shake my head a bit at the 'trendy' website description and tasting notes but ultimately is this dram any good? Let's find out.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$113.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Ian MacLeod

97: Smokehead Original Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Smokehead is a brand, not a Distillery, owned by Ian Macleod whose primary focus is to produce an affordable, heavily peated Scotch Whisky. Their original offering is relatively affordable and their range comes from an unnamed Islay Distillery. I look into the speculation and most likely what it ACTUALLY is, and then see if this is as Smokey as they claim...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$87.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Ian MacLeod

96: TIB Peated Vatted Malt No. 2 Blended Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The first review I've ever done of an Independently Bottled Whisky, today I look at the TIB Peated Vatted Malt...Number 2! Having tried this at a Whisky Club night, I dive into what IBs are, how they work, and about who Tim Duckett is and the overlap with the famous Australian Lark Distillery. They only made 184 bottles of this stuff...and I grabbed the last one in Australia. So what's so good about this? Let me explain...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$185+ AUD (No Longer Available, previously Carwyn Cellars)
50.4% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Tasmania
Type: Blended Malt
Producer: Tasmanian Independent Bottlers

95: Lagavulin 16 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The first nice Scotch I ever tried was a bottle of this, however I didn't initially like it at all... In an apology of sorts to the Lag 16, after taking time to understand why everyone raves about it, I finally nabbed a bottle of it. I talk about the history of the Lagavulin Distillery, it's place on Islay, and what it is about this dram that makes it so special.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$226.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
16 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Lagavulin

94: Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Laphroaig are a very polarising distillery. They say you'll either fall in love with their Scotches, or you'll hate them with a passion. At a Whisky Club night I tried the 10 Year Cask Strength for the first time and I was blown away. I dig into the history of the distillery, their unusual pairing of wash and spirit stills, and finally I review the 10 Year Cask Strength.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$201.99 AUD (Sense of Taste)
58.5% ABV
10 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Laphroaig

93: Loch Lomond Signature Single Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Loch Lomond Signature Single Blend is about $10 more than their Reserve offering, so it misses out on being Ultra-Affordable. I dive into the Solera method of Whisky maturation that the Signature uses, and try to answer the question...is this worth the extra $10 over the Reserve...or not?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$58 AUD (First Choice Liquor)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highland
Type: Single Blend
Producer: Loch Lomond

92: Grant's Triple Wood Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

This is the final installment of the first ever Cheap Week series! With a strict budget of $50 or less for a 700mL Bottle in the Australian Market, I set out to prove whether it's possible to find a good Scotch you can drink neat and enjoy...or whether you're wasting your time. Today I tackle the Grant's Triple Wood, which is a brand of William Grant & Sons. I look at their distillery, its history and the truly staggering scale of their Grain Whisky volume production...and I also rate this Scotch.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$49.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Lowlands
Type: Blended
Producer: Grant's

91: McAllister Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Welcome once again to another installment of Cheap Week! With a strict budget of $50 or less for a 700mL Bottle in the Australian Market, I set out to prove whether it's possible to find a good Scotch you can drink neat and enjoy...or whether you're wasting your time. This time I tackle the McAllister Reserve and look at how to identify Own-Brands with a simple Internet Search, and why I'm not a big fan of the practice of slotting and side-stepping it with own-brands. Oh, and I also decide if this is the best own-brand scotch I've tried...or if it isn't.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$46.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Woolworths

90: Label 5 Classic Black Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Day Three of Cheap Week, where I have a strict budget of $50 or less for a 700mL Bottle in the Australian Market, I set out to prove whether it's possible to find a good Scotch you can drink neat and enjoy...or whether you're wasting your time. The Label 5 Classic Black Scotch is another own-brand of Woolworths/Dan Murphy's...but is it better than the 1495?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$47.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Woolworths

89: 1495 Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Cheap Week continues and with a strict budget of $50 or less for a 700mL Bottle in the Australian Market, I set out to prove whether it's possible to find a good Scotch you can drink neat and enjoy...or whether you're wasting your time. The cheapest Scotch at Dan Murphy's is the 1495 which turns out, is an own-brand. I dig into what that means, who Pinnacle Drinks are and realise that the 1495 has no real story behind it, no history and no...hmmm...quite possibly my harshest review to date.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$40.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Woolworths

88: Loch Lomond Reserve Single Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Welcome to Cheap Week! With a strict budget of $50 or less for a 700mL Bottle in the Australian Market, I set out to prove whether it's possible to find a good Scotch you can drink neat and enjoy...or whether you're wasting your time. I start with one of the brands I've been really enjoying...Loch Lomond and their Reserve Single Blend Scotch. I also complain about the SWA regulations that don't allow them to call it that, even though that's exactly what it is.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$48 AUD (First Choice Liquor)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Loch Lomond

87: Ned's Corn Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having reviewed the Ned's Grand Reward in the Advent Calender from 2024, today I review their entry-level offering...an Australian Corn Whisky they simply call 'Ned.' Since it's made in Australia it can't be called a Bourbon but as an Ausskey, how does it stack up against the big names from the USA?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$62 AUD (LiquorLand)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Victoria
Type: Bourbon
Producer: Ned

86: Liquor Loot 2024 Global Whisky Advent Calendar Summary Review

The Engineered Network — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having reviewed all of the Whiskies in the 2024 Global Whisky Advent Calendar from Liquor Loot, it's time to highlight my favourite five Whiskies from the calendar, and to provide an assessment in summary...was it worth it?
With John Chidgey.

Favourite Bottles and Review Links:

85: Glendalough Double Barrel Single Grain Irish Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Only the second Glendalough Irish Whisky I've tried, today I review their Double Barrel offering. It's cheaper than my other favourite Glendalough, the Pot Still, but this one is a Single Grain. How does it compare?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$75 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
42% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇮🇪 Ireland
Type: Single Grain
Producer: Glendalough

84: Aberfeldy 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Dewars family built the Aberfeldy Distillery and began producing Whisky in 1898 and it has been a component of Dewars blends ever since. When Bacardi-Martini bought Aberfeldy in 1998 they shifted part of the focus to producing Single Malts. Today I review their 12 Year Single Malt offering. Can I pick the Dewars lineage, and on it's own...how does it stack up?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$96 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Aberfeldy

83: Jura 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Scottish branch of my wife's family are from the small Island of Jura. It's less populated than adjacent Islay. It has one town. It has one Distillery. But what an interesting Distillery it is. Between arguments with the Laird of Jura, being stripped apart and rebuilt, it's back up and running and making some truly fascinating drams. I review the Jura 12 Year Single Malt, and it's quite something.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$100 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: The Islands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Jura

82: Archie Rose Double Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Archie Rose Distillery is located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and in just over a decade has begun producing excellent Whiskies including the very interesting and competitively priced, Double Malt. Their publicly stated goal is to provide the Australian Public with an option for a sub-$85 local Whisky rather than an import. A choice it is...but does it beat the imported competition? Let's see.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$85 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Blended Malt
Producer: Archie Rose

81: Akashi White Oak Toji Single Malt Japanese Whisky

The Engineered Network — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Once I discovered what a Toji was, that's a Master of Sake by the way, I learned about the Eigashima or White Oak Distillery in Akashi. It's primarily built for and produces Sake which is Japanese Rice Wine, however for two months of the year their Toji produces Whisky. With a Sake Master at the helm, just how good is it? Let's find out.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$115 AUD (Vintage Cellars)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Eigashima Distillery

80: Fuji Gotemba Single Malt Japanese Whisky

The Engineered Network — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery in Japan is located on the foothills of Mount Fuji, and the make Grain, Malt and Blends at their own Single Distillery. Today I review their Single Malt...it is particularly interesting.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$166 AUD (Sense of Taste)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Kirin Fuji

79: Koval Millet Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Koval is Yiddish for someone who 'forges ahead' and was founded by Husband and Wife Team in Chicago, Illinois in the United States specialising in the production of both Organic and Kosher Whiskies. They've released a Millet Whisky which is something unusual in the world and as I review it, frankly, I've never tasted anything quite like it.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$100 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
47% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇺🇸 USA
Type: Bourbon
Producer: Koval

78: Westward Pinot Noir Cask Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Westward Distillery is part of Portlands growing Distillery Row in downtown Portland. With a strong focus on their fermentation and leveraging their founders experience in Brewing Beer, Westward uses locally sourced Barley from Oregon as well as Wine Casks from a local winery and are turning heads the world over. I review their Pinot Noir Cask offering...and it's rather good...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$155 AUD (Sense of Taste)
45% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇺🇸 USA
Region: Oregon
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Westward

77: Pōkeno Origin Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Just South of the largest city in New Zealand, the Pōkeno Distillery has rapidly grown to become the largest Single Malt Distillery in New Zealand in a very short time. Hosting their own cooperage and employing a true Scot Cooper to lead the way they've established a name for themselves in less than a decade of operation. Their Origin Single Malt is one of their first releases, and it's rather interesting.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$99 AUD (First Choice Liqour)
43% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Pōkeno

76: Penderyn Celt Single Malt Welsh Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Penderyn broke the 110 year drought of Whisky production in Wales in 2004 when they released their first Whisky. This time I review their Celt offering, which is part of their cooly-themed Dragon Range of Whiskies. Their still design is considered to be unique and designed by a relative of Michael Faraday. It's interesting that's for sure, but how does it rate?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$115+ AUD (Nick's Website)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Penderyn

75: Lochlea Our Barley Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Our Barley Scotch from Lochlea is only the second Lowlands Whisky that I've tried. The distillery is a true farm to bottle distillery and I look at how it rapidly changed from being a cattle property to become a Distillery in the first place, given it's youth, and also how it stacks up overall.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$120+ AUD (Nick's Website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Lowlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Lochlea

74: Bladnoch Vinaya Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The first Lowlands Scotch Whisky I've tried is this, the Bladnoch Vinaya. I look at the history of the Distillery and how it got its nickname 'The Queen of the Lowlands' as well as how an Australian Entrepreneur helped to rescue the Distillery from liquidation about 8 years ago. Importantly, I also reviewed the Scotch.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$100 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
46.7% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Lowlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Bladnoch

73: Glen Moray 15 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 18 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The final Glen Moray in this series of reviews has the oldest Age Statement. At 15 Years as a Single Malt I compare it to other offerings beyond the 15 Year in terms of cost in the local market. Glen Moray are consistently affordable but can the 15 Year Old stand up against other similar offerings with this age statement and price range?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$93 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
15 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glen Moray

72: Glen Moray 10 Year Fire Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Fire Oak offering from Glen Moray is the third I'd tried and it's not as widely available anymore. I review this unusual offering from Glen Moray as well as how La Martiniquaise have accelerated the Glen Moray brand into the International Marketplace.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$100 AUD (No longer available, was Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
10 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glen Moray

71: Glen Moray 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Continuing my exploration of Glen Moray now with the 12 Year Single Malt offering, I also look into the history of Malting at Glen Moray, their introduction of more Peated offerings in recent years and to determine if the 12 Year is better than the Classic, and if so, how much so.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$74 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glen Moray

70: Glen Moray Classic Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

This is the first Glen Moray I've ever tried and they have a reputation of being affordable, good quality Scotches. I dive into the history of the Distillery, it's production and such, and try to determine if the push for affordability has sacrificed anything along the way.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$67 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glen Moray

69: Bushmills 16 Year Single Malt Irish Whisky Re-Review

The Engineered Network — Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

With more time and experience I revisit the Bushmills 16 Year Irish Single Malt to confirm whether or not it's as good as I remember, though this time I'm rating it properly against the rating system introduced a few weeks after the first review was done. Does it still stack up?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$179.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
16 Years
Country: 🇮🇪 Ireland
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Bushmills

68: Lark Tasmanian Peated Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The last Lark in the trio is the Tasmanian Peated Single Malt and in addition to reviewing it I also look at how Lark introduced a post-malt smoking method out of necessity and also into how and where they source their Peat from the Tasmanian Highlands. Ultimately though, can you smell and taste the Peaty difference? Aussie peat...in my Whisky...how does it rate?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$205 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Tasmania
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Lark

67: Lark Chinotto Citrus Cask Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

This Ausskey from Lark is best described as a mad-scientist experiment. In addition to reviewing the Chinotto Citrus Cask, once I figured out what Chinotto drinks are, I dive into the second half of my deep dive into the Modern History of Lark and I try to figure out if this science experiment was or was not, a success.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$209 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
44% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Tasmania
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Lark

66: Lark Classic Cask Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Lark Classic Cask is an Ausskey from the Lark Distillery core range. I grabbed this from a gift pack on clearance from last Christmas and so begins the first of three Lark's I've reviewed since the Symphony No. 1. I also dive deep into the Modern History of Whisky in Australia and Larks role in it, as well as the casks they use and their curious choice of bottle. They say it's a Classic...but is it really?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$203 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Tasmania
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Lark

65: McLaren Vale Penny's Hill Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

This Ausskey comes from South Australia, and despite a bumpy ownership early on, they've produced several very interesting Whiskies including this one...named after the Winery whose barrels it was matured in...the Penny's Hill Winery. It snagged a Gold Medal at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards, but does it live up that? Let's see...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$175+ AUD (McLaren Vale Distillery Website)
55% ABV
7 Years
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: South Australia
Type: Single Malt
Producer: McLaren Vale

64: Waitui 8 Year Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 04 May 2025 00:00:00 +1000

At a Whisky Flight tasting in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand on the South Island, I asked for their best New Zealand Whisky they had, and was offered a sample of this. It's a Whisky aged for 8 Years in ex-Honey Mead Casks from a small town in the North-West Corner of the South Island, and it...is...amazing.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$205+ NZD (Kiwi Spirit Distillery Website)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Kiwi Spirit

63: Divergence Port Wood Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

A small Distillery in Christchurch in New Zealand called The Spirits Workshop created a range of whiskies they call Divergence. Knowing that this was only available in New Zealand, when I was on holidays there in late 2024 I tried some at a Whisky tasting and bought myself a bottle. Let me explain...why...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$130+ NZD (The Spirits Workshop)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The Spirits Workshop

62: Glen Grant 18 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

This was the most expensive and oldest Whisky in the Advent Calendar I've been working my way through. I look into some of the history of the Glen Grant Distillery, it's capacity and then try to decide if the most expensive and oldest offering in the Advent Calendar, was actually the best...or not.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$211 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glen Grant

61: Slyrs Pedro Ximénez Finish Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

When one of the family that owned the Lantenhammer Distillery set out to build his own and named it Slyrs, many in Germany weren't paying too much attention. When they started producing world-class Whisky they quickly made a name for themselves. This offering was finished in ex-Pedro Ximénez Casks and the resulting Whisky is quite special.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$199+ AUD (LiquorLoot Website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇩🇪 Germany
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Slyrs

60: Kinglake Double Wood Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Kinglake Distillery is off-the-grid in rural Victoria and is surrounded by Australian Bushland. This Ausskey has an interesting mash bill, and is predominantly aged in American Oak but also some French Oak ex-Tawny Port barrels, which is unusual for Australian Whiskies and leads to quite an interesting and complex dram.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$110+ AUD (Kinglake Website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Victoria
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Kinglake

59: Corowa Mad Dog Morgan Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The disused Corowa Flour Mill was sold for a dollar, transformed into a small craft Distillery with no plans for much expansion, but when their First Drop sold out inside 24 hours their plans were changed. Situated on the banks of the mighty Murray River in New South Wales, the Mad Dog Morgan is matured in Muscat Barrels from the nearby Rutherglen Winery to create something, that's pretty special.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$165+ AUD (Corowa Website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Corowa

58: Chief's Son Forge Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Another Ausskey with the distillery named after the founders family names' Gaelic translation, I cover the history of the Distillery, and how the Forge offering is made. Will this be a hail to the Chief kinda Whisky? Let's find out...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$96+ AUD (Chief's Son Website)
43% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Victoria
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Chief's Son

57: Amrut Peated Indian Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Amrut are a moderate-sized Distillery located in Bangalore in the middle of India. Whilst they import their Peated Malt, they use a blend of that with local malted barley and the result...it quite something. I dive into this interesting Whisky and how Amrut are making waves in the Whisky World.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$109+ AUD (Paul's Liquor Website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇮🇳 India
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Amrut

56: Bushmills 10 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey

The Engineered Network — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Bushmills 10 Year is competitively priced and it's only a dollar more than the Black Bush I've previously reviewed. Beyond reviewing the 10 Year, I also look into some more of Bushmills history, including when their licence was first granted through to their own Steamship and finally I compare the 10 Year with the Black Bush...if I could only buy one, which would I get?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$69.95 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
10 Years
Country: 🇮🇪 Ireland
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Bushmills

55: Ned's Grand Reward Australian Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Since this Corn Whisky is made in Australia, we can't call it a Bourbon. It's an Ausskey that's taking on the global Corn Whisky market, or at least that's what the Ned's Distillery founders wanted to achieve. I look at the history of the Distillery, their bushranger mascot and ultimately I weigh up the ultimate question...is this as good as a Bourbon? Or perhaps, is it even better?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$119.95+ AUD (Ned's Distillery Website)
50% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Victoria
Type: Bourbon
Producer: Neds

54: Wild Turkey Longbranch Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

The Engineered Network — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Longbranch offering from Wild Turkey was the result of a collaboration with actor Matthew McConaughey who was their creative director at the time. It's filtered through Mesquite Charcoal and aged for about 8 years...is that enough for it to stand out from the crowd?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$76 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇺🇸 USA
Region: Kentucky
Type: Bourbon
Producer: Wild Turkey

53: 23rd Street Hybrid Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The 23rd Street Distillery located on 23rd Street in Renmark, South Australia opened on the 23rd of September, 2016. Since then they've started making waves in the local industry and I grabbed a sample of their entry-level offering that they call a Hybrid Whisky. What the heck does that mean? It's different that's for sure...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$85+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
42.3% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: South Australian
Type: Blended
Producer: 23rd Street

52: Can You Taste E150A Colouring In Your Whisky?

The Engineered Network — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having watched many, many videos of people debating the pros and cons of the popular Whisky colouring agent E150A, I managed to snag myself a bottle to put myself to a blind taste test in two rounds. The first round with coloured tap water and the second with Glenmorangie 10 Year Single Malt with E150A added. Out of the six possible combinations...how many did I pick correctly? Let's settle this once and for all...can you actually taste this stuff in your Whisky?
With John Chidgey.

Support Whisky Whiskey on Patreon

Episode Gold Producers: 'r', Steven Bridle and Kellen Frodelius-Fujimoto.
Episode Silver Producers: Mitch Biegler, Shane O'Neill, Jared Roman, Katharina Will, Chad Juehring and Ian Gallagher.

51: Macallan 18 vs Glendronach 18 Year Single Malt Scotches

The Engineered Network — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

My biggest head to head yet, I pit the mighty Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak Single Malt against the Glendronach 18 Year Allardice Single Malt. I love them both dearly, but with the Macallan more than double the price, is it truly worth the extra money? This is one for the books and one I'll never forget.
With John Chidgey.

Bottle Statistics: Macallan 18 Year

$700 AUD (Kent Street Cellars) 2023 Release
43% ABV
18 Years Old

Bottle Statistics: Glendronach 18 Year

$250 AUD (Sense of Taste)
46% ABV
18 Year

50: Tamdhu 15 vs Glendronach 15 vs GlenAllachie 15 Year Single Malt Scotches

The Engineered Network — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1000

This episode I do a side-by-side-by-side review of three incredible 15 Year Single Malt Scotches...the Tamdhu, the Glendronach and the GlenAllachie. This review is perhaps the toughest I've ever attempted since they are all so very, very close in terms of balance, palete, mouthfeel, nose and finish. It was extremely difficult to pick a winner, but pick one...I did. I also answered the bonus question...if you could only afford to buy two of them, which one wouldn't you buy? My conclusion may surprise you.
With John Chidgey.

Bottle Statistics: Tamdhu 15 Year

$196 AUD (Dan Murphy’s)
46% ABV
15 Years Old

Bottle Statistics: Glendronach 15 Year

$151 AUD (Sense of Taste)
46% ABV
15 Year

Bottle Statistics: GlenAllachie 15 Year

$170 AUD (Sense of Taste)
46% ABV
15 Years Old

49: Macallan 12 Year vs GlenAllachie 12 Year Single Malt Scotches

The Engineered Network — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Today I pit the mighty Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak against the upstart of sorts, the GlenAllachie 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky. In the short time they've been running, in relative Scotch terms of course, the GlenAllachie have made a name for themselves in making great, Sherried Whiskies. They don't colour or Chill-filter their Whiskies either and with Billy Walker taking over several years ago have been going from strength to strength. Is it enough to knock the Macallan 12 off it's perch? Let's find out...and brace yourself for this one.
With John Chidgey.

Review: GlenAllachie 12 Year

Bottle Statistics:

$142 AUD (Dan Murphy’s)
46% ABV
12 Years Old

Review: Macallan 12 Year

Bottle Statistics:

$170 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
12 Years

48: Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky Re-Review

The Engineered Network — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

With the benefit of many months of tasting experience and a broadened palate, I look again my first Scotch love...the Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak. Is it as good as I remember? And now that I have a rating system...where does it actually sit, as I see it today?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$170 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The Macallan

47: Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2017)

The Engineered Network — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having got my hands on a sample of the famous Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak to try (the 2017 release) I dive into and review this monumental Scotch Whisky. There's so much hype surrounding this dram...surely it can't possibly be that good? Well, perhaps it is...and if it is that amazing, will it get a 5 out of 5 and make me question my life choices? Let's find out...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$700+ AUD (Nicks Wine Merchants)
43% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The Macallan

46: Macallan Classic Cut 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The strongest Macallan offering in terms of ABV the Classic Cut defies Macallans own self-classification, not falling in their Classic Collection and a confusing use of the word CUT in its name. So the naming and positioning is a bit strange, but how's the dram? I experiment with a precisely watered down version of my 2023 sample and review the same Scotch, at 40% ABV and then at 50% ABV as bottled side-by-side and the results might just surprise you.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$220+ AUD (Kent Street Cellars)
50.3% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The Macallan

45: GlenAllachie 15 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

My exploration of GlenAllachie continues with a review of their 15 Year Single Malt. I look at how GlenAllachie differs from other distilleries and then I try to discern if Billy Walker has once again Blended a masterpiece.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$170 AUD (Sense of Taste)
46% ABV
15 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: GlenAllachie

44: GlenAllachie 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

GlenAllachie are renowned for their Sherry Bomb scotches so I just had to try some of their offerings, starting with their 12 Year Single Malt. I also breifly touch on the modern history of GlenAllachie and how Billy Walker used the proceeds from his BenRiach departure and sale of Glendronach to buy into this fledgling Distillery, and then transform it into a formidable Distiller of Single Malts in only a very short period of time.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$142 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
46% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: GlenAllachie

43: Tamdhu Cask Strength Batch 6 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

My exploration of Tamdhu concludes with a review of their 15 Year Single Malt. Renowned as a Sherry Bomb to rival Glendronach and Macallan, I test that reputation. I also dive into Saladin Boxes for malting, and the reinvention of Tamdhu as a Single Malt brand, tracing the history of the 15 Year offering. Does this make me smile? Hell yes it does...and then some.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$160 AUD (No Longer Available in Australia, previously Dan Murphy's)
56.8% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Tamdhu

42: Tamdhu 15 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

My exploration of Tamdhu continues with a review of their 15 Year Single Malt. Renowned as a Sherry Bomb to rival Glendronach and Macallan, I test that reputation. I also dive into Saladin Boxes for malting, and the reinvention of Tamdhu as a Single Malt brand, tracing the history of the 15 Year offering. Does this make me smile? Hell yes it does...and then some.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$196 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
46% ABV
15 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Tamdhu

41: Tamdhu 12 Year Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having heard that Tamdhu were known for their Sherried Scotches and being a fan of this type of Whisky, I had to grab a three pack of samples to try. The first one to review is their 12 Year Single Malt offering, but without anything definitive on whether it was Chill-Filtered I set up my own, rather rudimentary experiment to try and determine if it was Chill-Filtered before I opened the sample bottle. What did I learn? It might surprise you...but more than likely not...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$119 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Tamdhu

40: AOB Pinot Noir Cask Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

AOB are a small Distillery in Mullumbimby in Northern NSW, only a 2.5 hour drive from where I live. I'd never heard of them before until I tried this sample from an Advent Calendar I picked up last year. Their Single Malt Ausskey was matured in a Pinot Noir cask and the result left me wanting more.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$150+ AUD (Not Available Online)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: AOB

39: Amber Lane Equinox Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Amber Lane are an Australian Distillery a hour North of Sydney and they make some unusual Ausskey's, including the Equinox. It's fair to say that this Ausskey shocked me at just how good it was. I look at their still design, the Mary Rose, as well as their brief history and their insistence on longer aging and how it's paying off for them. This one, is a cracker!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$139+ AUD (Amber Lane Distillery Website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: New South Wales
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Amber Lane

38: Dalmore 12 Year Sherry Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Some online, self-proclaimed aficianados aren't fans of Dalmore for their use of colouring and filtering in their offerings, so when I had the chance to try the 12 Year Sherry Cask offering, I went in with modest expectations. It's an interesting dram and I look a little bit into the naming and branding of Dalmore, their production and yes, whether the haters were right...or if they were wrong...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$139 AUD (Sense of Taste)
43% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Dalmore

37: Glenmorangie 10 Year Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Glenmo-10 is well known as the foundation of most of Glenmorangie's offerings and what a base it is! I review the popular dram whilst the 10 Year offering is still available, as they are moving to a 12 year base in coming years. I also talk about the popular Dr Bill Lumsden as well as Dan Crowells commentary on Wood management and their investment in Oak plantations, their lease arrangement with Jack Daniels and how air-seasoning works.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$100 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
10 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glenmorangie

36: Johnnie Walker Scotch Whiskies Ranked

The Engineered Network — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The summary episode of the Johnnie Walker Core Range series is my ranking of all seven offerings listed in two dimensions. The first, if money is no object and the second, which is the best value overall? Which will take the crown? The Red, Black, Double Black, Gold Reserve, Green, 18 Year or the Blue?
With John Chidgey.

Bottle Statistics: (Red)

$45 AUD (Dan Murphy’s)
40% ABV
NAS

Bottle Statistics: (Black)

$54 AUD (Dan Murphy’s)
40% ABV
12 Years Old

Bottle Statistics: (Double Black)

$69 AUD (LiquorLand)
40% ABV
NAS

Bottle Statistics: (Gold Reserve)

$120 AUD (Dan Murphy’s)
40% ABV
NAS

Bottle Statistics: (Green)

$116 AUD (Dan Murphy’s)
40% ABV
NAS

Bottle Statistics: (18 Year)

$181 AUD (Dan Murphy’s)
40% ABV
18 Years Old

Bottle Statistics: (Blue)

$300 AUD (Dan Murphy’s)
40% ABV
NAS

35: Johnnie Walker Black Label vs Double Black Label

The Engineered Network — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The naming of the Double Black Label leads to the direct comparison with the Black Label, and despite Jim Beveridge's intention with the Double Black to simply add more of the smokey dimension, I look at how they ended up creating something that was quite different and quite good. I look at the ways it's different and which you may personally prefer.
With John Chidgey.

Bottle Statistics: (Black)

$54 AUD (Dan Murphy’s)
40% ABV
12 Years Old

Bottle Statistics:

$69 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Johnnie Walker

34: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The top of the line Core Range from Johnnie Walker is the infamous Blue Label and at $300 AUD a bottle, it had want to blow my damned socks off. I speculate about why it's likely a Non-age Statement Scotch, what it's core components are, and try to decide whether or not you should buy into the hype. Is it as good as they say?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$300 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Johnnie Walker

33: Johnnie Walker 18 Year Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The penultimate Johnnie Walker in the Core Range, the 18 Year, is the target today. I cover it's similarly confusing name changes over the years since its introduction, which are its primary constituant Whiskies and try to decide whether having a Scotch that's so damn easy to drink...is that a good thing...or a bad thing?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$181 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Johnnie Walker

32: Johnnie Walker Green Label Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The only Johnnie Walker that's a Blended Malt, the Green Label, is the next in the review chain of the core range. I look at how it was on and off the market, it's history since being called the Pure Malt in 1997 and how it's truly unique in the Johnnie Walker line up...it's very different...and it's very, good.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$116 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
15 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended Malt
Producer: Johnnie Walker

31: Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Three down in the Johnnie Walker core range exploration and today we're looking at the Gold Label Reserve, a dram I first tried at my wife's 50th Birthday party. I look at what can best be described as a marketing SNAFU with the mutating name changes to this dram, as well as where it sits with the benefit of more time to review it. This one surprised me, I have to be honest.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$120 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Johnnie Walker

30: Johnnie Walker Double Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The next step in the Johnnie Walker core range exploration brings me to try the Double Black, a non-age statement version that is supposedly similar to the Black, just smokier. Spoiler alert, yes it's smokey, no it is nothing like the Black Label. Months ago I named it as my favourite Blended Scotch under $100 AUD for 2024...with more time to review it properly, has my opinion changed?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$69 AUD (LiquorLand)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Johnnie Walker

29: Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

My exploration of the Johnnie Walker core range continues as I review the Black Label, a 12 Year Blended Scotch that has been around for over a hundred years. I also go a bit off the rails and look at how much Australia and the United States differ in terms of recommended alcohol intake guidelines, weighing your Whisky bottles to measure how much is left and whether or not more expensive bottles are intentionally made heavier to make them feel more classy.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$54 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Johnnie Walker

28: Johnnie Walker Red Label Blended Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

So begins my deep dive into all of the Johnnie Walker Core Range of Scotch Whiskies starting with their entry-level Red Label. I look at the history of the ownership of Johnnie Walker since the beginning, as well as what goes into this Blend...so far as we know. I also answer the question of...can you, or should you, drink this neat?
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$45 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Johnnie Walker

27: Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky

The Engineered Network — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The Nova is the entry-level Single Malt Ausskey from the Australian Whisky institution that is Starward. It's a red berry explosion of sorts, and not only do I review this amazing Single Malt, I also review four of the most common cork types. If you like ASMR of opening Whisky bottles, this is your episode to watch!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$100 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
41% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Victoria
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Starward

26: Starward Two-Fold Blended Whisky

The Engineered Network — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Starward are a rapidly growing Australian Distillery based in Melbourne and their entry-level Blended Whiskey they call the Two-Fold. In addition to reviewing the Two-Fold, I look at some of Starwards history, how they age their Whisky in so-called Wet Barrels that are ex-Red Wine, predominantly, and I also coin a new expression to rival the slang word, Scotch. Australian Whisky = Ausskey. It's gonna stick people!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$62 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Victoria
Type: Blended
Producer: Starward

25: Milk and Honey Classic

The Engineered Network — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Describing themselves as a true Urban Distillery, the Milk & Honey Distillery is located in the heart of Tel Aviv in Israel. With warehouses in extreme locations including adjacent to the Dead Sea, and their use of STR, Shaved-Toasted-Recharred Casks for maturation, leads to some very interesting Whiskies. Only ten years young this distillery has been punching well above its weight and I'm excited to review their Classic Single Malt to see just how good it really is.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$110+ AUD (No Longer Available in Bricks & Mortar Stores)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇮🇱 Israel
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Milk & Honey

24: Kavalan Select No 1

The Engineered Network — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

About 20 years ago Kavalan began making Whisky in Taiwan. Since then they're garnered a cult-like following around the world for their unique take on Whisky. I look at the brief history of the Distillery, and try to figure out what a 'qualitative cask' means... Today I'm reviewing the Select No. 1 to see what all the hype is about.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$145 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇹🇼 Taiwan
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Kavalan

23: Armorik Classic

The Engineered Network — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The French are known for their Cheeses and Fine Wines, but for Whisky? I dive into the history behind France's first Whisky Distillery, Distilleries Warenghem, and review their Armorik Classic Single Malt Whisky to see how it stacks up. It might just surprise you...
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$119+ AUD (Nick's website)
46% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇫🇷 France
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Warenghem Distillery

22: Glendronach 21 Year

The Engineered Network — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Today I review the last in my flight of Glendronachs, the 21 Year Parliament offering. I also cover what on Earth its name means, as well as more details about the inner workings of the Glendronach Distillery. People that know me, know that I never stop talking...and for the first time in a Whisky review, I was genuinely...lost for words. Is this good enough to get a 5 out of 5? Let's find out!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$333 AUD (Sense of Taste)
48% ABV
21 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glendronach

21: Glendronach 18 Year

The Engineered Network — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Named after the Distillery's founder, James Allardice, the 18 Year expression is very highly regarded, but can we trust the reviews from 5 years ago? I dig into the extended mothballing controversy at Glendronach that led to an over-selling of over-aged Whisky at younger age statements and how this impacted peoples perceptions of the brand. Ultimately though, it's all about how it tastes and this one is rather good.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$250 AUD (Sense of Taste)
46% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glendronach

20: Glendronach 15 Year

The Engineered Network — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The 15 Year Single Malt from Glendronach is called The Revival to reflect the resurrection of the Glendronach Distillery to being fully functional again. I also cover the controversy surrounding Glendronach's version of filtering their Whiskies...is it different from Chill-Filtering with intent? We'll see... The Revival is considered by some fans to be the starting point in the line up. I set about to find out why.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$151 AUD (Sense of Taste)
46% ABV
15 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glendronach

19: Glendronach 12 Year

The Engineered Network — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Today I embark on a four-scotch tasting flight starting with the entry level Single Malt from Glendronach, the 12 Year. I also cover some of the Distillery's history and who owns it at the moment. The 12 is the only one of their line up without a fancy name so I try to figure out if there's a reason for that, or not.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$128 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glendronach

18: Chivas Regal Extra

The Engineered Network — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Somewhere between 2014 and 2020 Chivas Regal started releasing the 'Extra' which is now no longer available in this bottling. Since then they're released 13 Year age statement blends with multiple different finishes as well. I touch on Casks vs Barrels and Barrel Volume vs Surface area and how that impacts Whisky maturation and finally, I review the original Extra to see if it brings anything...extra...to their 12 Year Blended Scotch.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$89 AUD (No Longer Available in Bricks & Mortar Stores)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Chivas Regal

17: Loch Lomond 18 Year Single Malt

The Engineered Network — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +1000

The final sample from the Loch Lomond pack comes out to play as I review the Loch Lomond 18 year. I also do a deep dive into Barrel Influence on maturing a Whisky relative to first fills, second fills and more, as well as how the ABV of the prior liquid impacts the wood over time and where the flavours from the Barrel are coming from. The 18 year...does NOT disappoint.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$142 AUD (First Choice Liquor)
46% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Loch Lomond

16: Loch Lomond 12 Year Single Malt

The Engineered Network — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +1000

One down from my Loch Lomond sample pack, we move to the 12 Year. I also touch on Mit Farbstoff, and do a deep dive into why Oak is so popular for making Barrels, the different types, how it's prepared, plantations of Oak trees and more. Oh, and I also review the Scotch!
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$92 AUD (First Choice Liquor)
46% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Loch Lomond

15: Loch Lomond Original

The Engineered Network — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +1000

Having picked up a sample pack of Loch Lomond a few months ago, it's time to try them starting with the Original. I discuss Chill Filtering, what it is and why Distillers do it, as well as some background on the Loch Lomond Distillery.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$60 AUD (Vintage Cellars)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Highlands
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Loch Lomond

14: 2024 Whisky In Review

The Engineered Network — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1000

It's been quite the journey for me over the past year...okay really mostly the past six months but we're going to do this anyway! I go over everything I've learned about my own palette and preferences covering types of Whisky I like through to glasses I use. Most importantly I list off my favourite Whiskies for under $100 AUD across the four types of Whisky I've sampled the most in 2024.
With John Chidgey.

Favourites for <$100 AUD:

Single Malt Scotch: Glenfiddich 12 year
Blended Scotch: Johnnie Walker Double Black
Irish Whisky: Glendalough Pot Still
Australian Whisky: Starward Nova

13: Bushmills Red and Black

The Engineered Network — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1000

Having reviewed the 16 year Single Malt on Episode 2, I was curious what the entry level Bushmills blended Whiskies were like. When visiting the USA in September 2024, I nabbed a gift pack of the Original, Red Bush and Black Bush samplers that I brought back home. I start with a post-review of the Original then try both the Red and Black Bush to see which, if any, are worth your time.
With John Chidgey.

Original Bottle Statistics:

$52 AUD (Dan Murphys, No Longer Available)
40% ABV
NAS

Original Drink Score:

Cost: 1 (Very Affordable)
Quality: 1 (Would buy it as a mixer, never drinking it neat)
Overall: Yellow (A few bottles in this category perhaps for something different)

Red Bush Bottle Statistics:

$80 AUD (Local Whisky Auction Website)
40% ABV
NAS

Red Bush Drink Score:

Cost: 1 (Very Affordable)
Quality: 1 (Would buy it as a mixer, never drinking it neat)
Overall: Yellow (A few bottles in this category perhaps for something different)

Bottle Statistics:

$69 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇮🇪 Ireland
Type: Blended
Producer: Bushmills

12: Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Bourbon

The Engineered Network — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +1000

The Kentucky Spirit is an 8 year aged, apparently, Bourbon from my favourite Bourbon Distiller...Wild Turkey. It was this Whisky ironically, that kicked off my recent journey into Whiskies. I review the Spirit and also touch on what makes a Bourbon, a Bourbon.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$155 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
50.5% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇺🇸 USA
Region: Kentucky
Type: Bourbon
Producer: Wild Turkey

11: Tomintoul 16 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1000

Having tried the 10 year last episode, I dive in and check out the 16 year to see if it's worth the extra money. Additionally I look at all of the Scotch regions, why they exist and whether or not you should pay any attention to Scotch Region definitions at all.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$175 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
16 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Tomintoul

10: Tomintoul 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Engineered Network — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +1000

The Tomintoul Distillery on the Glenlivet Estate tout themselves as being The Gentle Dram. I test this statement and also cover some of the history behind The Glenlivet Estate and its various distilleries over the decades.
With John Chidgey.
Bottle Statistics:

$80 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
10 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Tomintoul

9: Glendalough Pot Still Irish Whisky

The Engineered Network — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +1000

The relatively new Glendalough Irish Distillery has produced a series of interesting Whiskies, including their Pot Still release. Will the surprising sweetness win me over and make me smile? Let's dive in and check it out.
With John Chidgey.

I’ve been using trying a Liquor Loot Subscription and here’s a referral code for Liquor Loot if you’re interested.

Bottle Statistics:

$95 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
43% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇮🇪 Ireland
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glendalough

8: Nikka Yoichi Single Malt

The Engineered Network — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +1000

I try a lightly Peated Japanese Whisky that was the first Japanese Whisky I'd tried at the time. Despite my misgivings about Peated Whisky, I give it a good go and the score might just surprise you.
With John Chidgey.

I’ve been using trying a Liquor Loot Subscription and here’s a referral code for Liquor Loot if you’re interested.

Bottle Statistics:

$150 AUD (Dan Murphys)
45% ABV
NAS

Bottle Statistics:

$150 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
45% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Nikka

7: Glenfiddich 12yr

The Engineered Network — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +1000

I try the famous Glenfiddich 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky, talk a little about the distillery and I also walk through my Whisky rating system.
With John Chidgey.

I’ve been using trying a Liquor Loot Subscription and here’s a referral code for Liquor Loot if you’re interested.

Bottle Statistics:

$77 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Glenfiddich

6: Jameson Original

The Engineered Network — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:30:00 +1000

I try the entry level Jameson Original Irish Whiskey after finding a 200mL bottle on a throw out bin. Was it there for a reason? I begin to wonder, but let's try it anyway. Also discuss the phenomenon of a Neck Pour and bottle headspace.
With John Chidgey.

I’ve been using trying a Liquor Loot Subscription and here’s a referral code for Liquor Loot if you’re interested.

Bottle Statistics:

$53.95 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇮🇪 Ireland
Type: Blended
Producer: Jameson

5: Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie

The Engineered Network — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:00:00 +1000

I look at The Classic Laddie, try my best Scottish accent and enjoy the higher ABV of this Dram. I also discuss what Dram actually means, as well as two and three finger pours.
With John Chidgey.

I’ve been using trying a Liquor Loot Subscription and here’s a referral code for Liquor Loot if you’re interested.

Bottle Statistics:

$127.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
50% ABV
NAS
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Islay
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Bruichladdich

4: Chivas Regal 12yr vs 18yr

The Engineered Network — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +1000

Revisiting the 12yr Chivas Regal and comparing it with my beloved Chivas 18yr to see how it compares. I also go through Age Statements and the differences between Single Malts, Grains and all combinations of Blended Scotches.
With John Chidgey.

I’ve been using trying a Liquor Loot Subscription and here’s a referral code for Liquor Loot if you’re interested.

12yr Bottle Statistics:

$51.85 AUD (Dan Murphys)
40% ABV
12 year old

Drink Score:

Cost: 1 (Very Affordable)
Quality: 2 (Nice drink for some occasional variety)
Overall: Green (Should generally keep stock of these on hand)

Bottle Statistics:

$132.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
18 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Type: Blended
Producer: Chivas Regal

3: Lark Symphony No.1 and Liquor Loot

The Engineered Network — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +1000

My Liquor Loot subscription helped open my eyes to the different Whiskies the world over. I delve into how the subscription works, as well as one of the provided samples at the time of recording, the Lark Symphony No.1 and Australian Blended Malt Whisky. Can it compare to other Blended Whiskies from other parts of the world?
With John Chidgey.

I’ve been using trying a Liquor Loot Subscription and here’s a referral code for Liquor Loot if you’re interested.

Bottle Statistics:

$150 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
NAS
Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Region: Tasmania
Type: Blended
Producer: Lark

2: Bushmills 16yr

The Engineered Network — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:15:00 +1000

I look at the Bushmills 16yr Single Malt Irish Whisky and discuss cleansing the palette, different ways of saying Cheers and a very brief touch on the oldest distillery in the world.
With John Chidgey.

I’ve been using trying a Liquor Loot Subscription and here’s a referral code for Liquor Loot if you’re interested.

Bottle Statistics:

$148.95 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
16 Years
Country: 🇮🇪 Ireland
Type: Single Malt
Producer: Bushmills

1: The Macallan 12yr Sherry Oak

The Engineered Network — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +1000

Introduction to the Whisky Whiskey project as well as a tasting of The Macallan 12 year matured and finished in all Sherry Oak casks. I'll also cover some of the history of Macallan, why they're so expensive in relative terms and how this dram was my introduction into the world of Scotch Whiskies.
With John Chidgey.

I’ve been using trying a Liquor Loot Subscription and here’s a referral code for Liquor Loot if you’re interested.

Bottle Statistics:

$169.99 AUD (Dan Murphy's)
40% ABV
12 Years
Country: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland
Region: Speyside
Type: Single Malt
Producer: The Macallan