Road to Dram
@roadtodram.bsky.social
Born again whisky geek and blogger, exploring the water of life in its many variations
Check my blog at
http://www.roadtodram.com
Check my blog at
http://www.roadtodram.com
This week I am rounding up my mini series dedicated to Rye whisk(e)y with a peek at European Not Rye whisky… those trade agreements with Canada make calling a spade a spade a bit difficult. In any case, time to head to Denmark and try Stauning’s Rye Whisky
roadtodram.com/stauning-rye...
roadtodram.com/stauning-rye...
The Drinker in the Rye: Stauning Rye Review
To conclude my little Rye exploration I’ll hop back to old Europe. Today’s review is going to cover Denmark’s Stauning Rye Whisky.
roadtodram.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:27 AM
This week I am rounding up my mini series dedicated to Rye whisk(e)y with a peek at European Not Rye whisky… those trade agreements with Canada make calling a spade a spade a bit difficult. In any case, time to head to Denmark and try Stauning’s Rye Whisky
roadtodram.com/stauning-rye...
roadtodram.com/stauning-rye...
Another week, another Rye review, Heaven Hill’s Pikesville Rye this time. It is a chance to try a bottle often suggested as a great affordable rye (in the US), and it allows me to have a peek at the story of a brand that traces its origins before prohibition.
roadtodram.com/the-drinker-...
roadtodram.com/the-drinker-...
The Drinker in the Rye: Pikesville Straight Rye Review
After looking at the Sagamore Spirit Rye as a first example of Maryland Rye, today I review Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey and its history
roadtodram.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Another week, another Rye review, Heaven Hill’s Pikesville Rye this time. It is a chance to try a bottle often suggested as a great affordable rye (in the US), and it allows me to have a peek at the story of a brand that traces its origins before prohibition.
roadtodram.com/the-drinker-...
roadtodram.com/the-drinker-...
Reviewing the New Riff Malted Rye 6-year-old Bottled in Bond gives me a chance to explore a different style from your standard North American Rye bottlings. Is it more Rye or more malted grain whisky, and maybe, is it just the perfect Rye for Single Malt lovers?
roadtodram.com/new-riff-mal...
roadtodram.com/new-riff-mal...
The Drinker in the Rye: New Riff Malted Rye Review
Time to continue my exploration of Rye Whiskey and time to review an unusual Rye, the New Riff 100% Malted Rye.
roadtodram.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Reviewing the New Riff Malted Rye 6-year-old Bottled in Bond gives me a chance to explore a different style from your standard North American Rye bottlings. Is it more Rye or more malted grain whisky, and maybe, is it just the perfect Rye for Single Malt lovers?
roadtodram.com/new-riff-mal...
roadtodram.com/new-riff-mal...
Today I am looking at another entry-level Rye, the Sagamore Spirit Rye and taking the opportunity to learn about Maryland-style rye whiskeys, what they are today, and what they (possibly) were before prohibition.
For the full review: roadtodram.com/sagamore-spi...
For the full review: roadtodram.com/sagamore-spi...
The Drinker in the Rye: Sagamore Spirit Rye Review
For the second instalment of this series on Rye Whiskey, I am going to review the Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey another entry level option.
roadtodram.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Today I am looking at another entry-level Rye, the Sagamore Spirit Rye and taking the opportunity to learn about Maryland-style rye whiskeys, what they are today, and what they (possibly) were before prohibition.
For the full review: roadtodram.com/sagamore-spi...
For the full review: roadtodram.com/sagamore-spi...
With the weather turning cooler, I am in the mood to explore some Rye whiskey. To kick things off, I am tasting Redwood Empire’s Emerald Giant. As much as I love the artwork on the label, this is one of those times where the artworks beats the liquid.
roadtodram.com/redwood-empi...
roadtodram.com/redwood-empi...
The Drinker in the Rye: Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Review
After a small interruption it is time to look at Rye Whisky with today’s review of the Redwood Empire Emerald Giant.
roadtodram.com
October 5, 2025 at 2:59 PM
With the weather turning cooler, I am in the mood to explore some Rye whiskey. To kick things off, I am tasting Redwood Empire’s Emerald Giant. As much as I love the artwork on the label, this is one of those times where the artworks beats the liquid.
roadtodram.com/redwood-empi...
roadtodram.com/redwood-empi...
New core range releases from Scottish distilleries are not a common thing. So when Glen Scotia released a new 12 year old, all naturally presented at that, I knew I had to take a pause from the planned posting schedule and have a taste.
For the full review: roadtodram.com/glen-scotia-...
For the full review: roadtodram.com/glen-scotia-...
Glen Scotia 12 year old review: a new core range staple?
Glen Scotia recently released a new core release, the 12 year old which I review today. Is this a new addition a new single malt staple?
roadtodram.com
September 23, 2025 at 8:27 AM
New core range releases from Scottish distilleries are not a common thing. So when Glen Scotia released a new 12 year old, all naturally presented at that, I knew I had to take a pause from the planned posting schedule and have a taste.
For the full review: roadtodram.com/glen-scotia-...
For the full review: roadtodram.com/glen-scotia-...
Wrapping up my look at alternatives to popular entry-level whiskies, with peat. Specifically alternatives to one of the most popular reviews on my site, Ledaig 10. When it comes to peat, drinkers seem to be looking for a more intensity and integrity- great news!
roadtodram.com/five-alterna...
roadtodram.com/five-alterna...
Five Alternatives to: Ledaig 10
Today, I wrap up my series on whisky alternatives taking a look at bottles to try if you like the Ledaig 10-year-old
roadtodram.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Wrapping up my look at alternatives to popular entry-level whiskies, with peat. Specifically alternatives to one of the most popular reviews on my site, Ledaig 10. When it comes to peat, drinkers seem to be looking for a more intensity and integrity- great news!
roadtodram.com/five-alterna...
roadtodram.com/five-alterna...
In part three of my series on alternatives to popular entry level whiskies, I dive into alternatives to Tamdhu 12.
It’s a bit ironic to suggest alternatives to a whisky which itself is often suggested as an alternative but I am easily amused.
roadtodram.com/alternatives...
It’s a bit ironic to suggest alternatives to a whisky which itself is often suggested as an alternative but I am easily amused.
roadtodram.com/alternatives...
Five Alternatives to Tamdhu 12
In my next episode of alternatives to popular entry level whiskies I am looking at Tamdhu 12 and five greta options to explore.
roadtodram.com
September 10, 2025 at 8:46 AM
In part three of my series on alternatives to popular entry level whiskies, I dive into alternatives to Tamdhu 12.
It’s a bit ironic to suggest alternatives to a whisky which itself is often suggested as an alternative but I am easily amused.
roadtodram.com/alternatives...
It’s a bit ironic to suggest alternatives to a whisky which itself is often suggested as an alternative but I am easily amused.
roadtodram.com/alternatives...
For my next look at alternatives to popular entry level single malts, I put together five suggestions to explore for those who enjoy Aberlour’s 12 double cask.
roadtodram.com/aberlour-12-...
roadtodram.com/aberlour-12-...
Five Alternatives to Aberlour 12 Double Cask
Continuing in my series about alternatives to popular entry-level whiskies, today I look at five alternatives to the Aberlour 12 Double Cask.
roadtodram.com
September 2, 2025 at 8:21 AM
For my next look at alternatives to popular entry level single malts, I put together five suggestions to explore for those who enjoy Aberlour’s 12 double cask.
roadtodram.com/aberlour-12-...
roadtodram.com/aberlour-12-...
I am going back to the early days of my blog, started to help other whisky-curious drinkers explore the wonderful world of whisky. Offering some help with the early steps seems only fair. Starting today with my five alternatives to Glenfiddich 12.
roadtodram.com/glenfiddich-...
roadtodram.com/glenfiddich-...
Five Alternatives to Glenfiddich 12
Time to go back to beginner's whiskies and look at options to explore further, starting today with my five alternatives to Glenfiddich 12.
roadtodram.com
August 26, 2025 at 7:04 AM
I am going back to the early days of my blog, started to help other whisky-curious drinkers explore the wonderful world of whisky. Offering some help with the early steps seems only fair. Starting today with my five alternatives to Glenfiddich 12.
roadtodram.com/glenfiddich-...
roadtodram.com/glenfiddich-...
Last stop in my series on teen age statement whiskies and time to look at a brand which I have become a fan of but I am also concerned for seeing the direction their parent company is taking. Time to look at anCnoc/Knockdhu and their 18!year old release.
roadtodram.com/ancnoc-18-ye...
roadtodram.com/ancnoc-18-ye...
Teenage Whisky Kicks: anCnoc 18 year old review
All good things must come to an end, and so does this series dedicated to teenage whiskies with today’s review of the anCnoc 18-year-old.
roadtodram.com
August 19, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Last stop in my series on teen age statement whiskies and time to look at a brand which I have become a fan of but I am also concerned for seeing the direction their parent company is taking. Time to look at anCnoc/Knockdhu and their 18!year old release.
roadtodram.com/ancnoc-18-ye...
roadtodram.com/ancnoc-18-ye...
There are few single malts in the 18-year-old category that match the quality-to-price ratio of the Loch Lomond 18. Considering we still haven’t seen bottling fully produced under master distiller Michael Henry, I think the best is still to come for Loch Lomond.
roadtodram.com/loch-lomond-...
roadtodram.com/loch-lomond-...
Teenage Whisky Kicks: Loch Lomond 18 year old Review
Time to jump to the last stop of this teenage whisky exporation with today's review of the Loch Lomond 18 year old
roadtodram.com
August 12, 2025 at 11:33 AM
There are few single malts in the 18-year-old category that match the quality-to-price ratio of the Loch Lomond 18. Considering we still haven’t seen bottling fully produced under master distiller Michael Henry, I think the best is still to come for Loch Lomond.
roadtodram.com/loch-lomond-...
roadtodram.com/loch-lomond-...
A surprising blind tasting result made me doubt my own Craigellachie 17 hype - was I a victim of the echo chamber effect? Patience and time brought me back to my initial excitement, a good lesson on not judging a whisky via an isolated dram.
roadtodram.com/craigellachi...
roadtodram.com/craigellachi...
Teenage Whisky Kicks: Craigellachie 17 year old review
Time to slowly take another step up the ladder of teenage whiskies with this review of the Craigellachie 17 years old.
roadtodram.com
August 5, 2025 at 2:43 PM
A surprising blind tasting result made me doubt my own Craigellachie 17 hype - was I a victim of the echo chamber effect? Patience and time brought me back to my initial excitement, a good lesson on not judging a whisky via an isolated dram.
roadtodram.com/craigellachi...
roadtodram.com/craigellachi...
Today’s review of the Kilkeran 16 brings a reflection on scoring scales and why I decided to stick to Dramface’s 10-point scale from day 1, rather than the more ubiquitous, but flawed, 100 point scale. That this is also my highest rated review, is the cherry on top.
roadtodram.com/kilkerran-16...
roadtodram.com/kilkerran-16...
Teenage Whisky Kicks: Kilkerran 16 Year Old Review
Time to move upwards in this teenage whiskies series, after a row of 15 yo. Just a little step up, to review the Kilkerran 16.
roadtodram.com
July 29, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Today’s review of the Kilkeran 16 brings a reflection on scoring scales and why I decided to stick to Dramface’s 10-point scale from day 1, rather than the more ubiquitous, but flawed, 100 point scale. That this is also my highest rated review, is the cherry on top.
roadtodram.com/kilkerran-16...
roadtodram.com/kilkerran-16...
Benromach has a special place in my whisky affections. The 10 year old is the ideal dram for budding enthusiasts, and the 2014 Cask Strength remains my highest scoring review.
So I couldn’t waste the chance to add another Benromach review, the 15 year old this time.
roadtodram.com/benromach-15...
So I couldn’t waste the chance to add another Benromach review, the 15 year old this time.
roadtodram.com/benromach-15...
Teenage Whisky Kicks: Benromach 15 Review & Insider Rumours
I couldn’t waste the chance to add another Benromach review, this time the 15 year old, which fits perfectly in this series on teen whiskies.
roadtodram.com
July 23, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Benromach has a special place in my whisky affections. The 10 year old is the ideal dram for budding enthusiasts, and the 2014 Cask Strength remains my highest scoring review.
So I couldn’t waste the chance to add another Benromach review, the 15 year old this time.
roadtodram.com/benromach-15...
So I couldn’t waste the chance to add another Benromach review, the 15 year old this time.
roadtodram.com/benromach-15...
Today’s review of the Old Pulteney 15 gives me a chance to revisit a distillery which I enjoyed during my early days but pretty much ignored since then. And the reason for that is a mixture of peer pressure and evolving tastes. Was it the right choice?
roadtodram.com/old-pulteney...
roadtodram.com/old-pulteney...
Teenage Whisky Kicks: Old Pulteney 15 Review
Today’s review of the Old Pulteney 15 gives me a chance to revisit a distillery I enjoyed during my early days but rapidly moved beyond.
roadtodram.com
July 15, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Today’s review of the Old Pulteney 15 gives me a chance to revisit a distillery which I enjoyed during my early days but pretty much ignored since then. And the reason for that is a mixture of peer pressure and evolving tastes. Was it the right choice?
roadtodram.com/old-pulteney...
roadtodram.com/old-pulteney...
The l heatwave in Europe doesn’t make for whisky-dinking weather. So the temptation to take a small break has been strong. Instead, it is time to kick off a series of reviews dedicated to teen malts - I had to start with a summery whisky: the Glencadam 15-year-old.
roadtodram.com/glencadam-15...
roadtodram.com/glencadam-15...
Teenage Whisky Kicks: Glencadam 15 year old Review
Given the current heatwave,I had to start this new seres on teen whiskies with this review of the Glencadam 15, a great summer dram
roadtodram.com
July 2, 2025 at 1:38 PM
The l heatwave in Europe doesn’t make for whisky-dinking weather. So the temptation to take a small break has been strong. Instead, it is time to kick off a series of reviews dedicated to teen malts - I had to start with a summery whisky: the Glencadam 15-year-old.
roadtodram.com/glencadam-15...
roadtodram.com/glencadam-15...
And so, I get to the (temporary) end of this Global Intermission. Temporary because I have only touched a tiny part of the whisky scene outside of the British Isles.
I am wrapping things up with this review of the Westland American Single Malt Sherry Wood.
roadtodram.com/westland-she...
I am wrapping things up with this review of the Westland American Single Malt Sherry Wood.
roadtodram.com/westland-she...
A Global Intermisison: Westland Sherry Wood Review
Time to wrap up my Global Intermissions, for now, with American Single Malt and this review of the Westland Sherry Wood.
roadtodram.com
June 25, 2025 at 7:19 AM
And so, I get to the (temporary) end of this Global Intermission. Temporary because I have only touched a tiny part of the whisky scene outside of the British Isles.
I am wrapping things up with this review of the Westland American Single Malt Sherry Wood.
roadtodram.com/westland-she...
I am wrapping things up with this review of the Westland American Single Malt Sherry Wood.
roadtodram.com/westland-she...
My little tour of world whisky brings me to Sweden and Mackmyra. After last year’s bankruptcy, the new ownership is trying to right the ship. I’ll wait and see, meanwhile i am reviewing their core range Svensk Ek.
roadtodram.com/mackmyra-sve...
roadtodram.com/mackmyra-sve...
A Global Intermission: Mackmyra Svensk Ek Review
Time to move on to old Europe outside of the British Isles in this short Global break with this review of the Mackmyra Svensk Ek
roadtodram.com
June 18, 2025 at 7:49 AM
My little tour of world whisky brings me to Sweden and Mackmyra. After last year’s bankruptcy, the new ownership is trying to right the ship. I’ll wait and see, meanwhile i am reviewing their core range Svensk Ek.
roadtodram.com/mackmyra-sve...
roadtodram.com/mackmyra-sve...
I am using my short break from Scottish whisky to dip my toes into Japanese whisky, a category I have actively avoided for a few years. I am starting today with the Nikka Miyagikyo. Maybe I should reconsider my stance….but those prices still remain a pain point.
roadtodram.com/nikka-miyagi...
roadtodram.com/nikka-miyagi...
A Global Intermission: Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt Review
For the next post I am off to Japan. Today, I review Nikka’s Miyagikyo Single Malt, the flagship non-age stated expression.
roadtodram.com
June 2, 2025 at 9:49 AM
I am using my short break from Scottish whisky to dip my toes into Japanese whisky, a category I have actively avoided for a few years. I am starting today with the Nikka Miyagikyo. Maybe I should reconsider my stance….but those prices still remain a pain point.
roadtodram.com/nikka-miyagi...
roadtodram.com/nikka-miyagi...
Over the next month, I’ll take a little break from Scotland and try a few World Whiskies. For once, availibiity rather than intention is deciding what I will review. I am starting with the Indri Trini, late to the party but keen to find out what the fuss is about.
roadtodram.com/indri-trini-...
roadtodram.com/indri-trini-...
A Global Intermission: Indri Trini Review
I am taking a break from Scottland exploring a couple of world whiskies. Starting from India with this review of the Indri Trini.
roadtodram.com
May 25, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Over the next month, I’ll take a little break from Scotland and try a few World Whiskies. For once, availibiity rather than intention is deciding what I will review. I am starting with the Indri Trini, late to the party but keen to find out what the fuss is about.
roadtodram.com/indri-trini-...
roadtodram.com/indri-trini-...
Final sample from Cadenhead’s February 2025 releases, a maritime Lediag 14 yo with gentle smoke and just an edge of that typical lactic funk.
And with that this little 100th review celebration is over. Thank you for following and visiting the blog and to a 100 more!
roadtodram.com/review-100-c...
And with that this little 100th review celebration is over. Thank you for following and visiting the blog and to a 100 more!
roadtodram.com/review-100-c...
May 18, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Final sample from Cadenhead’s February 2025 releases, a maritime Lediag 14 yo with gentle smoke and just an edge of that typical lactic funk.
And with that this little 100th review celebration is over. Thank you for following and visiting the blog and to a 100 more!
roadtodram.com/review-100-c...
And with that this little 100th review celebration is over. Thank you for following and visiting the blog and to a 100 more!
roadtodram.com/review-100-c...
Two Cadenhead’s Enigma’s bottlings from the February releases. The Irish single malt is unusual, tropical but very reminiscent of corn spirit. The Speyside, finished in Pineau des Charentes cask is a rich and elegant Speysider, one of my favourites from this bunch of releases
May 17, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Two Cadenhead’s Enigma’s bottlings from the February releases. The Irish single malt is unusual, tropical but very reminiscent of corn spirit. The Speyside, finished in Pineau des Charentes cask is a rich and elegant Speysider, one of my favourites from this bunch of releases
It is always refreshing to get a chance to try an ex-Boubon take from a distillery like GlenAllachie, which I always associate with Sherry and cask finishes. Fruity, spicy and, intriguingly, still nutty even with no Sherry in sight.
May 14, 2025 at 11:17 PM
It is always refreshing to get a chance to try an ex-Boubon take from a distillery like GlenAllachie, which I always associate with Sherry and cask finishes. Fruity, spicy and, intriguingly, still nutty even with no Sherry in sight.
Cadenhead’s Original Collection 13 years old: as fruity and sweet as it gets.
May 13, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Cadenhead’s Original Collection 13 years old: as fruity and sweet as it gets.