Caol Ila 2013 Signatory Vintage La Maison du Whisky Exclusive Bottling 12 yo

 

 

 

54,5°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

1st Fill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

The second representative of Chapter X of the Plume Collection, this Caol Ila spent 12 years, two months and one day in a first-fill sherry butt, resulting in an astonishing number of 666 bottles. It was included in the Itinéraires series for priority sale on the French market by La Maison du Whisky. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry is perfect, mellow, complex, deep, balanced, dark chocolate, elegant woodiness, quince tart, apple jam sprinkled with cinnamon, candied red berries, roasted nuts, which blend beautifully with fireplace ashes, heather earth, soot and tar, charcoal and caramel, a few notes of iodine in the background, rich peat, wisps of black smoke. On the palate, chocolate fondant, fig jam, ripe apricots, blood oranges, fried bacon and, of course, thick peat, dotted with truffle and morel mushrooms. The finish is once again perfect, warm chestnuts, coffee grounds, hot asphalt, prunes, sandalwood, grated nutmeg. 

 

In Short, 

In my opinion, this is the best you can get from a relatively young Caol Ila aged in a sherry cask. It's very intense, yet not too strong, there's a certain balance, with woodiness, smoothness and a variety of fruits. What's more, the price is very reasonable. It's definitely worth buying if you're a fan of this profile, but you'll have to hurry. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           BBO - Pull Me Under

Port Askaig 2008 Collection Itinéraires 16 yo

 

 

 

54,2°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

The Port Askaig range was launched by Elixir Distillers, then known as Speciality Drinks, in 2009. The aim was to pay tribute to Islay whisky, and more specifically to Caol Ila, as most Port Askaig whiskies actually come from this distillery. I'm not entirely sure if this is the case here, but the profile matches, and La Maison du Whisky website is quite explicit on this point. This bottling was selected to be part of the Collection Itinéraires launched at Whisky Live Paris 2025. 280 bottles were put on sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

There are fruits in there, pear, quince, and even almond, but there is also everything that makes Islay what it is: fuel oil, diesel and coal, sea foam, coarse sea salt and sea spray, grassy peat, mineral notes, chalk, quartz, limestone, powerful and captivating smoke. There is also a good dose of lemon and vanilla. On the palate, it's more like clafoutis, fruit cooked with eggs, a thick layer of peat and dry herbs, a slight medicinal touch, powerful spices, pepper and cumin. Long and violent finish, digging deep into the earth, shortbread biscuits, candied fruit, seaweed and kelp, cold ashes, thyme and rosemary. 

 

In Short, 

For me, it's a classic Islay, certainly a Caol Ila, with everything you need to enjoy it, and some pleasant fruity notes. Perhaps there were a few staves from a sherry cask in the Refill Hogshead. That said, it's also possible that it's a Lagavulin, I could be wrong. In any case, if you like this profile, you'll have a good time tasting this stuff. Only the price is a little off-putting. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sun Descends Alone - Once

Ledaig 2007 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength Collection Itinéraires 18 yo

 

 

 

54,9°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 37 ppm 

 

 

 

No one can say no to an 18-year-old Ledaig, especially one Single Cask and released by Gordon & MacPhail. What's more, this one has been aged in a first-fill sherry hogshead, giving it a fruity flavour. 316 bottles have been brought out of nowhere.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Redcurrant jelly, assorted fruit pastes, forest honey, soaked leather, and behind, the brand's typical dirtiness, charcoal, damp earth, fuel oil and soot, slate, a slight medicinal and camphor touch, dust, iodine full of seaweed, sea spray. On the palate, the same dichotomy: on one side, the roundness of sherry, candied fruit, quince jam, dried apricots, dates, apple crumble; on the other, thick peat, dry earth, reeds and bamboo, tar, a drop of ether. Spices are relatively restrained. Powerful, long and deep finish, with dried fruit becoming tropical, banana and pineapple, honey becoming floral, lavender and lilac, and spices more present. Salicornia, the tide, seafood, scallops. 

 

In Short, 

There are some real qualities here, particularly in the finish, where the sherry and the brand's profile finally come together. But before that, on the palate, I found them separate, which disrupts the balance of the profile. So it's not entirely successful, but it's still very good. In a word, it's Ledaig, very reputable. The price seems fair to me, and I think it will sell out soon, so those who are interested should act quickly. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Coloma - Inside the Night

Macallan 2004 Speymalt 20 yo c. 22606601

 

 

 

58,9°

Distillery : The Macallan - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

It is rare to have a range dedicated solely to one distillery, but this is the case with the Speymalt range, created in 1998, which brings together bottlings from the Macallan distillery alone. This shows just how unique this distillery is, and how close the ties are between it and Gordon & MacPhail. This 20-year-old gem yielded 330 bottles and was selected to be part of the Collection Itinéraires launched by La Maison du Whisky on the occasion of Whisky Live Paris 2025.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It: 

Fruit soup, redcurrants, tomato, raspberry, but also dried fruit, dates, bananas, grapes, figs. Very elegant woodiness and a variety of spices, artisanal chocolate, candied ginger and creamy vanilla. Waffle and filled biscuits, pine resin. On the palate, it is very balanced, orchard fruits, exotic fruits, a touch of iodine, spring freshness, morning dew, liquorice stick, calisson d'Aix, apple crumble and egg flan. Very long and explosive finish, with a wide variety of fruits, from citrus to peanuts, candied lemon, mirabelle plums, dark chocolate and cashews. Acacia honey, coffee beans, elastic leather. A sage leaf. 

 

In Short, 

A particularly vibrant Macallan, with a wide variety of fruit flavours and the elegant woody profile that is the hallmark of this distillery. It is very sherry-like at first, then becomes increasingly balanced. It is obviously a must-have for any fan of this distillery or this type of profile, but unfortunately the excessive price is a deterrent to purchase. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Katarina Pejak - Slow Explosion

Aultmore 2011 Signatory Vintage La Maison du Whisky Exclusive Bottling 14 yo

 

 

 

61,7°

Distillery : Aultmore - Speyside

1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Hogshead Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

The Collection Plume is the result of a collaboration between Signatory Vintage and La Maison du Whisky. It presents cask strength bottlings aged in first-fill sherry casks. This is now the tenth batch in the collection (Chapter X, as written on the label), and we have an Aultmore, a little-known distillery owned by Bacardi. Here, the time spent in a 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Hogshead is only a finish, and we have no details about the initial maturation. 344 bottles are sold as part of the Itinéraires series.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sticky sherry, very fruity, full of caramel and treacle, fig jam, blood orange purée, a ladleful of cinnamon, dark chocolate, raisins and dried apricots, candied cherries, acacia honey, cloves, Aosta ham. On the palate, apple compote, cocoa powder, dates and prunes, light earthy notes, intense spices. Damson crumble. Rather long and woody finish, quite powerful, fruit paste, liquorice, chestnut cream, butternut tart, saffron. Fine vegetal touches, lichen, ivy. Traces of limestone. 

 

 

In Short, 

This is a fairly intense sherry, which is the hallmark of the collection. However, although the nose is very fruity and jammy, it lacks a little body, and the palate, while certainly rich, is a little dry. I like it, but it's certainly not the best in the collection. The price is reasonable, but I still think it's a little expensive for what it is. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Aynsley Lister - Need Her So Bad

Balmenach 2008 The Art of Maturation Benchmark Collection Itinéraires 17 yo

 

 

 

54,5°

Distillery : Balmenach - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Murray McDavid  

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Balmenach was founded in 1824, and after being owned by Diageo between 1922 and 1997, it is now owned by Inver House Distillers, which also owns Balblair, Knockdhu, Pulteney and Speyburn. It is a renowned old school whisky, with long fermentation and worm tubs for steam. Original bottlings are extremely rare, with the last one dating back to 2002. Almost all of the production goes into blends, but some independent bottlings are highly regarded. This one has the merit of being rather old, and maturation in a first-fill bourbon barrel will allow the distillate to be fully appreciated. Only 150 bottles have been released for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Leavened cereals, barley, wheat, millet, sweet butter, evanescent vanilla, acacia honey, egg custard, rustic woodiness, sweet potatoes. Slices of lime, large country bread, cut hay, liquorice stick, and a light pinch of fine salt. On the palate, it is more indulgent, Williams pear and Granny Smith apple, beeswax, more cereals, rice cake, runny caramel, ginger and cinnamon. The finish is rather pleasant, long and powerful, blond tobacco, dried fruit, resin, biscuits dipped in milk and a gentle saltiness. 

 

In Short, 

It is indeed a distinctive style, old-fashioned, light but with a certain character, and delicious fruit. I think that something interesting could be done with this distillate, we should be able to taste it more often. Now is a good opportunity, but unfortunately I find the price a bit steep. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Courtney Barnett - Depreston

Ardmore 2008 Distillery Labels 15 yo

 

 

 

46° 

The Ardmore - Highlands

Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Part of the Distillery Labels range, which brings together Gordon & MacPhail's reduced but vintage bottlings, this Ardmore is announced as being 15 years old, although this is not written on the bottle. It is a blend of several Bourbon casks, and the peat level is the usual one for Ardmore. 

 

Let's Taste It :  

On the nose, light peat, slightly dusty, slightly stony, ointment, dried and earthy cereals, hints of vegetation and caramel, mirabelle and greengage plums, green apples. A zest of lemon. Fragrances of iodine, seaweed, ash. On the palate, it is pastry-like, egg custard, vanilla cream, nougatine, fresh walnuts, toasted wheat, various spices, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper. Fairly long, powerful finish, traces of tar, gently charred wood, almonds and cashews. Dry biscuits, mustard seeds.

 

In Short, 

A remarkable Ardmore, a bit austere, with a slightly more pronounced peatiness than usual. It's pleasant to drink and full of character, complex but not overly so, with measured strength. It's the kind of thing that makes you knock back glass after glass without thinking. The price is really good, it's worth spending some time on. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Dead Astropilots - You Should Know

Glentauchers 2008 Distillery Labels 14 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Glentauchers - Speyside

Sherry Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Gordon & MacPhail has all kinds of sub-ranges and original series, including this Distillery Labels, which brings together vintage bottlings, but also reduced and non-single cask ones. This one is a Glentauchers, aged as it should be in Sherry Hogsheads. It is advertised on two websites as being 14 years old, but this seems surprising to me as it was bottled on 13 December 2023. Further more, the Hogsheads are announced as being first fill on one website and refill on another. It is therefore difficult to be certain of anything, but in any case, the age is more than acceptable, and the hogsheads are indeed sherry casks.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, creamy vanilla, baked apples, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts, woody cereals, but also some iodine notes, sea breeze, lemon zest, two drops of blood orange, milk chocolate, a pinch of cinnamon, brioche. On the palate, yellow peach, caramel éclair, mixed fruit compote. Woody notes, melted butter, fairly prominent spices, a hint of bitterness. Fairly long, powerful, woody and mineral finish, thick honey, bay leaf, biscuits, macaroons, fresh walnuts and a touch of clove.

 

In Short, 

It's very pleasant, typical of Speyside, with subtle sherry notes, light and pulpy fruit, wood and petals. I'm starting to find character in this distillery, thanks to this unassuming bottling. It's a reasonable purchase, you just have to be careful to choose the right retailer, as prices vary quite significantly. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ina Forsman - Bubbly Kisses