THE WHISKY BAR · HANOI

Daily Review Archive

01 April 2026

Review calendar

6 Amber Room Reviews

Review 051

Ardbeg 1979/1980 2001 21 Years Old 56,3%

Ardbeg
92
Illustrative image · Illustrative bottle photo: Ardbeg Committee bottle. Representative of the reviewed product line; the exact reviewed release is not confirmed by this image. Source: William’s Whisky Database.
Illustrative image

Whisky facts

Region
Islay
Bottling type
Official Bottling
Age
21 years
ABV
56.3%

The smokiness & peat lingers like an endless shoreline - amazing old vintage Ardbeg

Nose

Very intense, meaty smokiness, tobacco & ash

Body

Briny, iodine, borderline bitterness but balanced by the intense smokiness & slight sherry sweet spices towards the end With water it becomes sweeter, slightly sour/bitter, orange citrus notes

Finish

Long, dry, coal peaty finish

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Review 049

Rare Malts Brora 1977 2001 24 Years Old 56,1%

Brora
92
Internet label photo: Rare Malts Brora 1977/2001, 24 years, 56.1%. Image credit: Whiskyfun. 2001 identified by the source review; original low-resolution frame.

Whisky facts

Region
Highland
Age
24 years
ABV
56.1%
Vintage
1977
Bottled
2001

One of those whiskies where the nose barely has any smoke but upon drinking it will hit you like a truck - excellent Brora

Nose

Farm, salty smoke, candlewax, warm, creamy, caramel, barely any smoke

Body

Very intense, sweet & spicy, grassy & hay, burnt caramel - with water the smoke comes out like burnt coal, industrial salty grassy smoke

Finish

Dry finish, coastal & salty with some slightly peppery spiciness

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Review 047

The Whisky Agency Glen Grant 1975 2011 36 Years Old 50,7%

Glen Grant
89
Client photo: The Whisky Agency Glen Grant 1975/2011; bottle view.
Client photo: The Whisky Agency Glen Grant 1975/2011; tasting sample and glass.
Client photo: The Whisky Agency Glen Grant 1975/2011; tasting sample and glass.
TWA Glen Grant 1975/2011, 36 years, 50.7%. Whole source frame. The Whisky Train
TWA Glen Grant 1975/2011, 36 years, 50.7%. Whole source frame. The Whisky Train

Whisky facts

Region
Speyside
Independent Bottler
The Whisky Agency
Age
36 years
ABV
50.7%
Vintage
1975
Bottled
2011

Nose

Very spicy and intense nose w/ hints of oranges

Body

Fresh fruits, slightly bitter, citrus & sweet, apples

Finish

Peppery, woody, long finish

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Review 046

Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Convalmore 1975 2020 45 Years Old 47,9% Cask 2563

Convalmore
90
Client photo: Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Convalmore 1975; bottle view.
Client photo: Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Convalmore 1975; tasting sample and glass.
Client photo: Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Convalmore 1975; tasting sample and glass.
Illustrative image · Illustrative bottle photo: Convalmore Private Collection. Representative of the reviewed product line; the exact reviewed release is not confirmed by this image. Source: The Whisky Vault.
Illustrative imageIllustrative bottle photo: Convalmore Private Collection. Representative of the reviewed product line; the exact reviewed release is not confirmed by this image. Source: The Whisky Vault.

Whisky facts

Independent Bottler
Gordon & Macphail
Age
45 years
ABV
47.9%
Vintage
1975
Bottled
2020
Cask number
2563

Good but nothing mind-blowing for a 45yo

Nose

Citrus, vanilla, coconut

Body

Honey, burnt sugar, sweet fruits, apples, peaches, slightly spicy Very nice sweet-spicy balance

Finish

Warm, zesty, medium long finish

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Review 004

Signatory Vintage Craigduff 1973 2018 45 Years Old 45,4% Cask 2518

Craigduff
91
Illustrative image · Illustrative tasting sample photo: Craigduff handwritten sample. Representative of the reviewed product line; the exact reviewed release is not confirmed by this image.
Illustrative image

Tasting sample photo

Whisky facts

Independent Bottler
Signatory Vintage
Age
45 years
ABV
45.4%
Vintage
1973
Bottled
2018
Cask type
refill sherry butt
Cask number
2518
Bottles in release
575

Nose

Very fruity & sweet, bananas, creamy - lovely nose

Body

Herbal, yuzu tea, zero smoke or peat, honey, eucalyptus

Finish

Slightly waxy & salty finish, hints of bitter/oakiness

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