GAME OF THRONES SINGLE MALTS

Last Winter, Diageo teamed up with HBO to unleash 8 single malts, each representing a Major House of Westeros, plus the watchers on the wall.  Which whisky will sit the Iron Throne??

* FLIGHT ONE *

Expression 1
 The Singleton of Glendullan Select

HOUSE TULLY
 

Background: The Singleton is an unusual brand for 3 different distilleries: Glendullan, Glen Ord, and Dufftown.
It has been argued that the treachery and the poor decisions of House Tully make them the most important family in the entire series.  Hoster Tully's daughter, Lysa Arryn poisoned her husband which led to Ned Stark leaving the safety of the North.  Meanwhile, Lysa's sister, Catelyn Stark, imprisoned both of Tywin Lannister's sons, Tyrion and Jamie.  The former was falsely accused which led to war as well as the beheading of her husband, Ned.  The latter was justly captured, but Catelyn let him go which resulted in dissension and defeat of the Northern Army, as well as her death and her son's death.

Stats:   ABV = 40%. Unique Expression.

Tasting Notes: Light and malty.  This puts the 'Dull' in Glendullan.

Worth Drinking Again?	Worth Buying a Pour?	Worth Buying a Bottle?
NO	NO	NO

Expression 2
 Royal Lochnagar 12 Year
 HOUSE BARATHEON

Background:  
The Lochnagar Distillery became Royal following a visit from Queen Victoria in 1848. The distillate is primarily used for blending in Johnnie Walker.  A single malt release is a rarity outside the UK.
As of this writing, House Baratheon is a family of one, ex-bastard, Gendry Baratheon.  

Stats: ABV = 40%
 

Tasting Notes: One of two age statement expressions in the series and it shows.  Even at bare minimum ABV, this whisky is surprisingly complex.  Nice range of baking spices.  Definitely benefitted from tasting after the Glendullan.  The complexity may go unnoticed, however, if it followed after another offering.

Worth Drinking Again?	Worth Buying a Dram?	Worth Buying a Bottle?
YES	YES	YES

Expression 3
 Cardhu Gold Reserve
 HOUSE TARGARYEN

Background: Another distillery that sees most of its spirit go to Johnnie Walker blends, although a standard 12 Year single malt is regularly available worldwide from this Speysider.
Just like Baby Superman, the Targaryens fled their home just prior to its ultimate destruction. They permanently settled at their vacation island of Dragonstone and then conquered Westeros because Dragons.

Stats: ABV = 40%. Unique Expression. 
 

Tasting Notes: Starting to think that Diageo gave the least interesting whiskies to the most popular houses.  A soft malty nose, very smooth taste, and a little hint of spice on the finish.

Worth Drinking Again?	Worth Buying a Dram?	Worth Buying a Bottle?
NO	NO	NO

Expression 4
 Dalwhinnie Winter's Frost
HOUSE STARK 


 

Background: Similar to Glenfarclas and Macallan, Dalwhinnie labels their product was Highland Single Malt even though they fall within the Speyside region.  

Early on, the Starks were dying left and right. Winterfell fell into enemy's hands not once but twice.  But now there's actually more Starks these days than there are Baratheons and Targaryens and possibly Lannisters, plus their home is once again their own.  The North Remembers how to survive.

Stats: ABV = 43%. Unique Expression. 
 

Tasting Notes: There's a little more going on here, perhaps assisted by the slightly higher ABV.  Malty sweetness and spice present, but not the complexity of the Lochnagar.

Worth Drinking Again?	Worth Buying a Dram?	Worth Buying a Bottle?
YES	YES	NO

* FLIGHT TWO *

Expression 1
  Oban Bay Reserve
NIGHT'S WATCH

Background: Best known for their smooth and appealing 14 Year expression, Oban also produces a No Age Statement (NAS) Little Bay.  So, this release is most likely an offshoot of that.
The watchers on the wall protect the realms of men from the White Walkers.  But after hundreds of years and no White Walkers, they forgot their mission and hassled Wildlings instead.  Good thing Jon Snow came along to remind them of the true enemy. 

Stats: ABV  43%. Unique Expression. 
 

Tasting Notes: Big range on the nose - peppery and spicy.  Taste is sharper and more interesting to me than the 14 Year - nutty and meaty.  A youthful spirit that hasn't been tamed from too much time in the wood. 

Worth Drinking Again?	Worth Buying a Dram?	Worth Buying a Bottle?
YES	YES	NO

Expression 2
   Talisker Select Reserve
HOUSE GREYJOY

Background: Founded in 1830 on the Isle of Skye, the entire distillery had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1960. 
The Greyjoy's are the Viking Pirates of Westeros.  They don't really have any long term goals, but are fully committed to not sowing. Their home is a series of islands connected by suspect wooden bridges. Kinda like the Isle of Skye?

Stats:  45.8%. Unique Expression.
 

Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, salt, and peat on the nose.  Taste is briny and smokey, but not as full of flavor as comparable Islays, with a salty finish.  I'm not naturally drawn to peated whiskies, so I've had to pay the iron price in order to appreciate a few like this one with its classic Talisker profile.  

Worth Drinking Again?	Worth Buying a Dram?	Worth Buying a Bottle?
YES	YES	YES

Expression 3
Lagavulin 9 Year
HOUSE LANNISTER

Background: The distillery has long produced their classic 16 Year expression to the delight of many, especially Ron Swanson.  However, there are still folks out there who think the pronunciation of Lagavulin  rhymes with javelin.  It does not.  Nor is this whisky from IZ-Lay.

Lagavulin barely edged Clynelish
to win the Iron Throne!

Since the Lannisters live on the mainland, seems like Diageo should have switched the Houses for Cardhu and Lagavulin.  The golden hair of the Lannisters would have paired nicely with Cardhu's golden elixir.  Targaryens historically live on an island.  Oh well.  

Stats: ABV = 46%. Unique Expression. 

Tasting Notes: Classic Lag nose of salt, peat, and chocolate.  Palate is the anticipated seaside shrimp barbecue.  Well balanced and meaty!  Effervescent finish with a touch of spice.

Worth Drinking Again?	Worth Buying a Dram?	Worth Buying a Bottle?
YES	YES	YES

Expression 4
 Clynelish Reserve 
HOUSE TYRELL

Background: A tale of two distilleries. The original Clynelish that began operating in 1819 eventually became known as Brora and the new Clynelish was built across the street in 1968. Both operated concurrently for a short time before Brora was closed in 1983. However, Brora was never mothballed or demolished and has been warehousing casks.  And now, Brora is set to re-open in 2020!
The Tyrell Family is dead and that cutthroat Bronn may become Lord of Highgarden.  Lady Olenna is rolling in her grave.

Stats: ABV = 51.2%. Unique Expression.
 

Tasting Notes: A marshmallow spicy nose gives way to bold and malty taste with a hint of chocolate on the finish.  The second sip brings out oily bell pepper.  Finally a higher ABV with delicious complexities.

Worth Drinking Again?	Worth Buying a Dram?	Worth Buying a Bottle?
YES	YES	YES

[Tasting conducted with the Sneaky Trips Tasting Group which consists of Whisk(e)y Enthusiasts ranging from Beginner to Advanced.  Tastings are held monthly and are usually 8 Expressions based on a particular theme.]