Speyside (M) 2009 Exceptional Cask 100 Proof Edition #13 16 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery Officialy Unknown - Speyside

Olroso Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

We are already at the 13th Exceptional Cask in the 100 Proof range, launched in January 2024. There's no point in hiding it, this is a Macallan, aged in Oloroso Sherry Butts for 16 years. So this is a real rarity we have here.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A pulpy and mellow sherry, intense and dark. Soaked wood, red fruit salad, redcurrants, watermelon, blueberries, chocolate coulis, balsamic vinegar, walnuts and dates, coq au vin, orange peel, melted caramel, blackberry jelly, damson plums. Very slight hint of sulphur. On the palate, thick honey, raspberries and red peppers, dark chocolate squares and stretto coffee, grilled hazelnuts, roasted almonds, Agen prunes, cinnamon galore, nutmeg, cloves and a good pinch of pepper. Fairly long, powerful finish with notes of charcoal, terracotta, goji berries, coppery reflections, intense and varied spices, black and damp earth with small mushrooms. Forest undergrowth.

 

In Short, 

This Macallan is truly superb. The sherry is intense and deep, giving rise to extreme and varied flavours. At the same time, it is not overpowering, on the contrary, it releases the aromas. Given the rarity of the product and the incredibly low price, if you are even slightly fond of this profile, don't hesitate. My opinion is that it won't stay on the market for long.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Telenova - The Deep

Ben Nevis 2015 Whisky Live Paris 2025 10 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Signatory Vintage was responsible for the special bottling in honour of Whisky Live Paris 2025, and for the occasion we were provided with this Ben Nevis finished in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt. We don't know how long the second maturation lasted, nor where the first one took place, but at least it's a Single Cask. 856 bottles were on sale, exclusively at the exhibition shop. I assume it's non-chill filtered and non-coloured, because it's Signatory Vintage, but there's no mention of this anywhere.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It starts off airy, then develops into thick sherry, crushed cherries, redcurrant jam, raspberry coulis. Traces of charcoal, floral notes, light iridescent smoke, a pinch of salt and a few malted cereals. Smooth and sparkling woodiness reminiscent of the distillery's profile. On the palate, there are fewer red fruits, but it is sweeter, juicy pears and orange peel, raisins, dates, various spices, pepper, nutmeg, cumin. The finish is quite long and punchy, charcoal, coastal notes, soft sand, iodine, caramel and liquorice, dark tobacco, marzipan.

 

In Short, 

It's very pleasant to drink, the sherry does its job well, but you lose a little of the distillery's profile. For me, it's a good whisky with a strong sherry presence. It's well made and complex, but it lacks originality, I've drunk plenty of big sherries like this. What's more, it's reduced. On the plus side, the price is really low for a single cask. That's why it's sold out everywhere at the moment.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Fleurie - White Lace

Caol Ila 1984 Artist #15 Something in the Water 40 yo

 

 

 

51,3°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Sometimes you get lucky and come across genuine antiques, such as this Caol Ila, undoubtedly the pinnacle of this year's Artist range, having spent 40 years in a previously used hogshead, allowing the distillate to shine. Only 99 bottles have been produced, making it a true rarity. The artwork chosen to illustrate it is Meandering Through Relationships I, by Radhika Surana.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very fresh nose, concentrated coastal character, lacey iodine, abundant sea spray, seaweed and sea breeze. Very light but present peat, which adds depth. Oysters, razor clams, fresh sardines, scallops. Coarse sea salt, sprinkled with lemon, grapefruit and a dash of vanilla. A few herbaceous and mineral notes in the background, slate, reeds, peppermint. Very subtle floral fragrances, wispy smoke. On the palate, it is oily, full of mineral salts, very balanced. On a layer of peat, bottarga, bulgur wheat, salicornia, sweet cereals, almond paste, lard. Very discreet spices, nutmeg, white pepper. The spices become stronger on the finish, which is endless, explosive, the salt leaning slightly towards mint, acacia honey, lemon zest, liquorice. Then, soot and charcoal bring back all the peat and smoke.

 

In Short, 

It's truly magnificent, we really have all the essence of Caol Ila, incredible depth and complexity, and it goes in all directions. It is one of those wonderful whiskies whose tasting is more of a journey than an appreciation. The price, on the other hand, is as high as the International Space Station, it's really reserved for an elite.

Score : 92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Michelle Gurevich - Feel More

Laphroaig 2005 Artist #15 Something in the Water 20 yo

 

 

 

49,6°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

This Laphroaig underwent a completely straightforward maturation in a Bourbon Barrel. How will the distillate assert itself after this? Only 155 bottles were released for sale, the angel's share is significant. The label features Radhika Surana's artwork Meandering through Relationships III.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Typical Laphroaigish nose, crystalline peat and powerful iodine, sea spray, medicinal notes, some pulpy white fruits, even exotic ones, vanilla and mirabelle plum, a generous dose of citrus, captivating smoke, tar and cold ashes, seductive mineral notes, slate, chalk, but this time it's also a bit herbaceous, dry grass, cut hay, and the wood is quite present, roasted nuts, mahogany. On the palate, it's honeyed, with almond milk and green olive. Rich citrus, milk chocolate, then thick, dry and earthy peat takes over. Spices are not very expressive, but give it personality. The finish is not quite explosive, but rather long nonetheless, a large pinch of salt, cloves, coffee, some dried fruit, dates and figs. Crushed chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

It's very good, but not quite what I was hoping for. Although it has all the perfect characteristics of this distillery that I love, I feel it lacks punch and aggression. Perhaps the alcohol content is a little low, but I felt something was missing, despite a very successful nose. However, the price is extremely high, so it will be difficult to convince us that it's worth it.

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Katatonia - For My Demons

Ardbeg 2000 Artist #15 Something in the Water 25 yo

 

 

 

55,4°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

Oloroso Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

Old Ardbegs are becoming increasingly rare, which is why this one is such a blessing. Distilled at the turn of the century and placed in an Oloroso Sherry Butt, it sat untouched for 25 years before being transferred into 224 bottles. The label features Radhika Surana's artwork Relationships Through Lichens III.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sherry marries peat, and this becomes floral, honeyed, caramelised. A coastal character that imposes itself, limestone, iodine, sea spray, smoke that is powerful despite the age, thick, suffocating. Soot and apricots, charcoal and Williams pear, roasted nuts, candied dates, lilies, irises. Velvety, silky palate, tarte Tatin dusted with icing sugar, liquid honey, lychees, almonds, vanilla cream, then the peat rises, thick, oily, herbal, even medicinal, mossy, smoked bacon, hot asphalt, almost sweet spices alongside. Endless finish, explosive throughout, ginger, a drop of tar, roots still full of earth, fried onions, dark chocolate.

 

In Short, 

A very fine Ardbeg, truly superb at times, a total success I would say, with no flaws whatsoever. The peat is intense, but it does not mask a whole subtle world that mingles, between coastal character and lusciousness, some floral fragrances and dried fruit. The sherry is not at all powerful, it enhances the distillate rather than hiding it, perhaps it was a refill cask. Unfortunately, the price is astronomical, but I can consider myself very lucky to have dipped my lips into it once.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Kauan - Leave/Let Go

Bunnahabhain 2011 Artist #15 Someting in the Water Over 10 yo

 

 

 

56,2°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Refill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 40 ppm

 

 

 

Selected from among the gems stored in the warehouses of Elixir Distillers, this peated Bunnhabhain was aged for 10 years in refill bourbon barrels before being bottled in 272 bottles. It is at least 13 years old, although the label only specifies ‘Over 10 Years’. The artwork chosen to decorate it is Meandering Through Relationships II, by Radhika Surana.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Airy nose, delicate coastal notes, iodine, limestone, sea breeze, sea spray, a hint of fish. Citrus and mirabelle plums to complement this, sliced lemon, juicy pears, and finally the peat rises, full of coal and fuel oil, cold ashes, slightly herbaceous. On the palate, it is greasier, even oily, with crème fraîche and candied fruit coated in smoke, dried herbs, salicornia, earthy notes, lively spices, cumin and cloves. The finish is fairly long, not quite explosive, cooked mushrooms, dark chocolate, milky vanilla, wet rock, a pinch of salt and wisps of smoke.

 

In Short, 

A very good peaty Bunnahabhain, but I didn't find it particularly original. I think Bunnahabhain lags a little behind the other Islay distilleries when it comes to peat. They don't manage to add that touch of genius found elsewhere, and it's clear here. That said, it's a very pleasant whisky for fans of this profile, although too expensive in my opinion.

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :  

 

                                           Cold Union - Drown Me

Symbiosis 2018 Artist #15 Something in the Water

 

 

 

50,6°

Distilleries : Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain - Islay

Puncheon and Toasted New American Oak Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated from 35 to 40 ppm 

 

 

 

It is quite rare to find a blended malt in the Artist range. This one is therefore an exception, and the nice thing is that we have almost all the details. Three casks of Caol Ila distilled in 2014, 2015 and 2018, as well as two casks of Bunnahabhain distilled in 2013 and 2014, have been combined for a year in a Puncheon Cask, then six months in a Toasted New American Oak Barrel. This means that the liquid is aged between 6 and 12 years old and has been aged in a single cask for a total of one and a half years. 282 bottles have been counted, each adorned with a work by Radhika Surana entitled Symbiosis, how fitting. This blend, created by Elixir Distillers, is intended to illustrate the profile of their future distillery, Portintruan, which is due to open soon. Let's say in 2026, if all goes well (they were originally due to open in 2024).

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's a surprise, because the peat is rather light, or maybe it's just me. It's fresh, minty, a little woodsy, austere, with hints of sea spray, dark tobacco, delicate herbal and mineral notes, limestone, chalk, cold ashes, swirls of caramelised soot and almost solid tar. Some fruit in the background, creamy vanilla, white grapes. On the palate, it is oily, almost silky, with earthy peat and sea salt, before drifting towards citrus, grapefruit, lime, and perhaps apricot. Very controlled spices. Long and explosive finish, where the salt is accompanied by creamy notes, lemon coulis, Williams pears, roasted nuts, stalactites, gypsum.

 

In Short, 

It's really very well done, and will delight all Islay whisky lovers. I find that it's mainly the Bunnahabhain profile that dominates, even though there are only two casks, compared to three from Caol Ila. It's a little austere, but above all harmonious and subtle, with a peatiness that I found relatively discreet. The price is very reasonable, which is rare in the Artist range, and as a result it sold out completely in a matter of weeks. It's a shame, as I would certainly have bought one. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Violent Vickie - Circle Square

Bowmore 1995 Artist #15 Something in the Water 30 yo

 

 

 

45,5°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

This year, La Maison du Whisky has gone all out with its Artist range. It is divided into two series, the first of which is dedicated to Islay and is entitled Something in the Water. And we get straight to the heart of the matter with this 30-year-old Bowmore, which has been matured in a simple Refill Hogshead. Only 220 bottles have been unleashed into the wild. The label features a work by Radhika Surana entitled Transformation.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Fine peat softened by floral notes, lily, jasmine, volcanic dust, bitumen, bursting with tropical fruits, mango and pineapple. Soft white peaches, juice-dripping pears. Velvety woodiness, blond tobacco leaf, coarse sea salt and limestone, seaweed and sea urchins. On the palate, it is honeyed and rocky, set with various fruits, papaya, apple compote, treacle, with traces of vegetation and a hint of spice. Almond milk, well-salted cashews. Long and intense finish, lychees and citrus, dried banana, chewing tobacco, iodine and sea spray, forest undergrowth, greasy earth, subtle liquorice.

 

In Short, 

A superb Bowmore, one of the best I have ever tasted. The distillate appears in all its purity, not in the least disturbed by the cask. At the same time, it is perfectly balanced, endless smoothness, a deeply memorable finish despite the low alcohol content. The price is extravagantly high, but that did not prevent it from selling out in a matter of weeks. A fine performance. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lisa O'Neill - The Wind doesn't Blow This Far Right