I will have to begin by asking you to forgive me for the poor photo. I snapped it on the fly, thinking that I would find a better photo later on (I was incorrect). Still, I would rather give you something to go on, so this will have to suffice. Most of the bottlings from James MacArthur have about the same design and layout.
James MacArthur (much like Black Adder, but in that reference I have to point out that James MacArthur came 13 years before Black Adder) bottles whisky from different distilleries, some harder to find than others, before they have been chill filtered and without any added flavor or coloring. Offering a pretty decent variety of whiskies that vary in age between 10 and 35 years old, they desire (again, like Black Adder) to offer whisky in its unaltered state, straight from the cask. I did not see any sediment in the bottle but I will still take their word for it.
The bottling I came across and sampled was, as you can see in the photo, from Glendullan and aged 14 years. My bartender recommended I review this the last time I was in; who am I to turn down a dram? The following review is on this particular bottling, I cannot yet comment on the other whiskies that James MacArthur has to offer.
The whisky was cloudy and a very light gold color, a bit of a turn-off but I understand why; no color had been added to it. I have to say that it is an interesting experience trying whisky in this state, non-filtered etc., if for no other reason than to expand your own whisky horizons. In my glass the whisky continued to appear light, the legs were almost non-existent. The nose was floral with no burn and I could pick up on the scent of white wine. The mouth feel was extremely light as the legs (or lack thereof) had suggested. The taste was unremarkable, I was (sadly) reminded of a blend in how the aromas and aftertaste lacked any defining character that I could plant my flag on; I felt that there was a light peaty mask pulled over the other flavors.
Rating: 2.5 out of a possible 5 Casks
Reason: This whisky lost points for the very light, cloudy appearance and especially the weak legs. The nose was decent and I did appreciate that there was no burn to battle through to get to the aroma. The taste was, as I mentioned, unremarkable. The aftertaste had that hint of smoke but not enough to get me excited. This whisky gets a point boost for one very important reason: I would recommend this for the fairer sex. This seemed to me to be a very female-friendly whisky in the floral/white wine nose and light taste/aftertaste. In my opinion, there are two reasons to purchase this whisky: 1) For your female guests, and 2) For the experience of tasting pure, non-chill filtered whisky. Otherwise, you might want to put your money towards something different. This particular bottle will run you around $100, a glass cost me $13.
Cheers,
Charles
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