I wish everyone a happy 2011 full of interesting whisky releases!
Traditionally, I have a look at my Google Analytics data to reveal some trends. In general the number of visitors has more than doubled this year (around 23.000 a month now). A big thank you to all you loyal visitors.
Ardbeg and Laphroaig are still the most visited brands, but Port Ellen has overtaken Highland Park in third place. Port Ellen is less rare than bottlers want us to think, so expressions are seen more regularly on the shelves than a lot of active distilleries.
Although it has gone down a bit, Laphroaig Triple Wood was still the most popular release. Ardbeg Rollercoaster was the most visited 2010 release. The GlenDronach single casks are traditionally very popular as well.
I’ve had a lot of glorious whisky last year. Some of the best bottles were released before 2010, like the Karuizawa 1967 cask #6426 for LMdW & TWE or the Laphroaig 1964 by Berry Bros.
For the real newcomers, this would be my shortlist:
- Regardless of price:
Longmorn 1972 by The Whisky Agency
Glenfarclas 1968 (49,7%, OB 2010 for Thosop, cask #702 & 5240) - Price-conscious selection:
Amrut Double Cask
Clynelish 1982 (Malts of Scotland cask #5895)
Glen Keith 1990 (Malts of Scotland cask 13678)
Springbank Claret Wood
Big Peat - Most interesting bottlers:
The Whisky Agency
Malts of Scotland