Ben Nevis 1984 Single Cask Exclusively for La Maison du Whisky 28 yo

 

 

 

55°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill American Oak Bourbon Barrel and Refill Sherry Hogshead Finish 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2013

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

When the distillery was acquired by the Nikka Group in 1989, they explored the warehouses and came across a whole batch of casks distilled in 1984, the contents of which they decided to transfer into Sherry Puncheons, which they considered to be of a higher quality. However, there was a limited supply of sherry puncheons, and eventually they transferred the last cask, this one, to a refill sherry hogshead in October 1998. As a result, this whisky spent 13 years and ten months in a bourbon barrel, and just 15 years in a refill sherry hogshead. The finishing period was longer than the initial maturation. The Sherry cask number is 98/35/14, which initially led me to believe it was three casks rather than just one. But it is indeed a Single Cask, it’s just that the cask number is a bit odd. This cask was subsequently selected by La Maison du Whisky to be divided into 247 bottles and reserved primarily for the French market. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A walk in the forest: thick bark, acorns, ferns, dark, damp earth. Chocolate fondant, sticky caramel, dates and dried bananas. Enchanting woody notes, with hints of lacquer and varnish, acacia honey, peach stones and walnuts. On the palate, it’s more restrained, the oak has been glazed, the fruit is stewed and cooked, vanilla pudding. The spices are subtle yet intense. A fairly long finish, where the oak comes to the fore, resin cream, pine cones, chickpeas, light herbaceous notes. Raisins, a few sweet and syrupy notes. Bread fresh from the oven.

 

In Short, 

The nose is quite wonderful, with a distinct character, it’s a recognisable Ben Nevis, but it has something extra, I can’t quite put my finger on it, a waxy quality, notes of red fruit jam. The palate and finish are less distinctive, but very pleasant. So this is a top-quality Ben Nevis, yet another one, which you can still find on the La Maison du Whisky website, though at a completely ridiculous price. 

Score : 90 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Elanor Moss - Fixer

Talisker 1999 Friends of The Classic Malts 10 yo

 

 

 

59,3°

Distillery : Talisker - Islands

American Oak Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 1999

Unchillfiltered, Cask Strength

Peated around 22 ppm

 

 

 

Founded in 1997, Friends of The Classic Malts was a group of enthusiasts in partnership with Diageo who were offered a number of exclusive bottlings from the various distilleries featured in The Classic Malts of Scotland. This one is a fine example of that, just 10 years’ maturation in American oak casks, allowing the spirit’s character to shine through. 7,000 bottles were released at the time. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The coastal character comes to the fore, the tide, seaweed, the sea air. But above all, it is mineral, limestone, granite, slate. Cathedrals of salt. Then a hint of fruit creeps in, juicy pears, peaches that aren’t quite ripe. A medicinal note, a light zest of citrus. On the palate, it’s somewhat greasy, seafood, shellfish, oysters, but also lychees, dragon fruit. Woodiness emerges, young, untreated wood, spices very much present. A very long, beautifully crafted finish, though not overly powerful, sea foam, breadsticks, a pinch of pepper, sea urchins, silica.

 

In Short, 

An old-school whisky that showcases the full character of this magnificent distillery, it’s incredible just how coastal it is. Don’t expect anything particularly subtle or original here, it’s simply pure, concentrated Talisker. And that’s perfect. It’s very well made too, everything is just right, there really is nothing to complain about. Apparently, it’s fairly easy to find at auction, I’ll have to have a look.  

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                    Benjamin Clementine - Can't Always Be The Winner, Argentina

Clynelish 1971 Mission Cask Strength Series 36 yo

 

 

 

51,5°

Distillery : Clynelish - Highlands

Bourbon Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Murray McDavid

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2007

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

I got my hands on a drop of this nectar the other day, and although it’s tricky with such a small amount, I’ve written a tasting note that aims to do it justice. It’s a Clynelish from the very early days – let’s not forget that this distillery began production in 1968. I’m not, of course, referring to the old Clynelish, the one that was renamed Brora after its name was stolen from it, and which closed in 1983, only to be miraculously revived 38 years later, but that’s another story. I’m talking about this distillery which is only 58 years old, that replaced another and took its name, because the latter was deemed too small and it would have been too expensive to renovate. It is therefore one of the earliest Clynelish whiskies, and one of the oldest, because a 36-year-old whisky isn’t something you find on every street corner. The maturation process is very simple, which puts the distillate centre stage, and only 265 bottles exist. And that’s when collectors go wild. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A powerful and luscious fruitiness, dates, grapes, soft bananas, Reine-Claude plums, and an exotic touch of mango and papaya, which clashes with a mineral hardness, flint, even granite. Baked apples, buttered and toasted bread, runny honey, warm wax, melted chocolate, liquorice, elegant oak, gunpowder. On the palate, the fruit blends with herbs, chives, black pepper, dried bananas, figs and candied lemon, juicy oranges and mandarins. Chocolate cake, sweet almonds. A very long, seemingly endless finish, oaky, peach stones, braised walnuts, earthy, tinder, black berries, and of course fruity, dried apricots, apple slices, candied plums. Tobacco crumbs on the retro-olfaction.

 

In Short, 

It’s quite fashionable to criticise Murray McDavid for his sometimes bizarre finishes, but they should be awarded a medal for services to humanity in recognition of bottlings such as this one. The nose is a fruity and honeyed explosion, with a distinctive touch of wax and flint. On the palate, it’s like velvety oil, and the finish is absolutely magnificent. This is a Clynelish very different from those we drink today, far less waxy and more fruity, with a more pronounced minerality. A piece of history, then, as well as a whisky of the very highest quality. If you decide to acquire this one, you’ll need a great deal of luck, and a banker with a sense of empathy, which is as rare as a flying hedgehog. 

Score : 92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                  Steve Rothery Band - White Pass

Lagavulin 18 yo Feis Ile 2018

 

 

 

53,9°

Distillery : Lagavulin - Islay

Refill and Rejuvenated American Oak Hogsheads, Ex-Bodega European Oak Butts

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 38 ppm

 

 

 

It had been a long time since I’d had a good Lagavulin, and I needed to make up for lost time. This distillery, which first introduced me to whisky, sometimes strikes me as a bit too smooth for my taste, and I’ve gradually been moving away from it. Here, we have one of those bottlings specially produced for the Feis Ile, the music and whisky festival held every year on the island of Islay. The maturation is complex, blending refill and rejuvenated American oak hogsheads as well as ex-bodega European oak butts. It’s of a respectable age, so this should make for a fine dram. 6,000 bottles have been released for sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Tall pine trees with their needles, wood resin, melodious smoke, a square of dark chocolate. With a little time, the fruit notes develop, particularly citrus, grapefruit and lime, but also candied mirabelles and Reine-Claudes. Country bread crusts, grainy cereals. Freshly cut hay, green apples. On the palate, it is smoother, more balanced, slightly oily. A dash of vanilla, dried banana, dark tobacco, elegant oak, a few drops of runny honey. Deep and medicinal spices. A very long finish, explosive at first, then seeming to blow away. Liquorice, pine cones, lumps of charcoal, fatty leaves, melting toffee, braised hazelnuts, toasted bread, melted butter.

 

In Short, 

Perhaps this is what was missing from the other bottlings I’ve tasted, an elegant, delicate oakiness that lends a certain patina to the overall flavour profile, and there’s plenty of it here. It’s a very well-crafted whisky, subtle and classy, with that little ‘dirty’ touch in the background, just to remind you where it comes from. All of this is extremely satisfying, what a shame the price isn’t quite right, but is that really surprising? It was released eight years ago, and the few remaining bottles are being snapped up by enthusiasts. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                    To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                    Deaf Radio - No Place Like Home

Ardnamurchan 2018 AD/Heritage Barley Release

 

 

 

59,2°

Distillery : Ardnamurchan - Highlands

Ex-American Oak Bourbon Barrels 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The small distillery in Ardnamurchan is constantly experimenting. This time, it’s a limited edition of 10,290 bottles, crafted from unpeated Golden Promise barley. This type of barley piques the interest of any self-respecting whisky enthusiast, as it was the barley used to make whisky right up until the 1990s. It was subsequently phased out as it was not profitable enough. Reviving this barley is a commendable initiative, and I simply had to give it a try. The whisky was matured for at least six years in perfectly traditional ex-American oak bourbon casks. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

An abundance of dried cereals, barley, maize, wheat and millet, enveloped in a veil of vanilla and honey. Mineral and briny notes to give a touch of depth. Orchard fruits, apples and pears, freshly tedded hay, limestone, ointment. Lovely oak. After a while, a fine balance emerges. Peanut butter. On the palate, it is oily, honeyed, lemony, hazelnut milk, very ripe yellow plums, royal jelly, spices that gradually become very powerful. A long finish, not too violent, crisp biscuits, milky vanilla. Shortcrust pastry, waffles drizzled with maple syrup, cinnamon and cloves, nutmeg. Walnut shells. Coconut pearls.

 

In Short, 

It’s very interesting, you can really tell that the Golden Promise barley brings a cereal-like intensity that you don’t usually find in whisky. What’s more, it pairs beautifully with the honey and citrus notes of the Bourbon, resulting in this well-crafted whisky. The only flaw – but it’s a significant one – is that it’s still too young to be truly good, you can sense a certain roughness, a lack of subtlety, which is a bit of a shame. With a few more years’ ageing, it would be much better. But as the price is quite low, it’s worth buying a bottle all the same, if only to satisfy your curiosity. I think it’s best to add a few drops of water to it. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           Slomosa - Dune

Glen Garioch 1990 Artist #7 Over 25 yo

 

 

 

52,3°

Distillery : Glen Garioch - Highlands

American Oak Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

A friend generously introduced me to this one, it was a bottle he’d been saving for a special occasion, and that occasion finally arrived in the form of a promotion. As this distillery uses the majority of its production for blends, even independent bottlings are not that common, and this one, which has been aged for at least 26 years in a single Hogshead, promises to reveal the very essence of the spirit. Only 180 bottles were drawn from the cask. The label features a work of art by Lino Di Vinci.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A superb burst of fruit, bananas, mandarins, mirabelles, Reine-Claude, a dash of vanilla, grapefruit and lime. Mineral depth, delicate limestone, a subtle pinch of salt. Tension between bitter oranges and dried mango, underpinned by rustic oak and earthy, vegetable-like notes, courgette flower fritters, aubergine caviar. It finishes with floral touches that enhance the whole. On the palate, it is mellow, supple, oily, lovely viscosity, though the flavours are more understated, the citrus notes are more prominent, candied lemon peel, orange zest, light spices. Very long finish, dried fruit, shortbread biscuits, green apples, a hint of pear, crunchy nuts, rich herbs.

 

In Short, 

This really is the perfect expression to discover this distillery. Firstly, it’s of a very high quality, and secondly, all its character and distinctive traits really come through. That’s when I realised this was yet another of those underrated distilleries, it might well be worth keeping an eye out for its independent bottlings. Here, the price is a bit on the high side, but there’s no doubt we’ll find something to our liking among their more recent releases. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                              Shye - If Today Was Yesterday

Ardnamurchan 7 yo Living Souls

 

 

 

50°

Distillery : Ardnamurchan - Highlands

1st Fill Bourbon Barrels 

Independent Bottling 

By Living Souls 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated from 15 to 18 ppm

 

 

 

As I’d really enjoyed this Bowmore launched by Living Souls, I decided to explore this distillery a little further, especially as they have bottlings that interest me. Like this one, from the young Ardnamurchan, aged just 12 years. Made from 50 per cent peated barley and 50 per cent unpeated barley, it has a light peat profile, is matured in first-fill bourbon casks, and has a respectable age. I would have liked to know how many bottles were produced, but this has not been disclosed.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

It’s lemony and mineral, with rich honey and a slight astringency. But it’s also briny and floral, which lends it lovely depth, and a sumptuous fruitiness, mirabelle plums, not-quite-ripe bananas, icing sugar, Haribo sweets, and sweet butter. A few cereals in the background, all of this combines to create a superb balance. On the palate, lychees, vanilla, a couple of drops of honey, a pinch of salt, barely detectable peat, light spices. A fairly long, syrupy finish, citrusy, liquorice, wheat germ, rice pudding, corn cakes, young and untreated wood. Cauliflower.

 

In Short, 

Once again, this is a real success, the nose is excellent and the finish is very long, there’s a lovely fruitiness that blends beautifully with the distillery’s character. It’s both very approachable and full of personality, though of course it’s still a little young. The price is a bit on the high side, but fans of the distillery might want to give it a go.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                              @ - Autosmile

Bowmore 1997 NS Cask Series 015 10th Anniversary Sansibar 24 yo

 

 

 

52°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Refill Sherry Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By North Star Spirits

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

I’ve always said that I’m very interested in North Star Spirits, this bottler founded in 2016 in Glasgow by Iain Croucher, but I’ve just realised that this is only the second product I’ve tasted from their warehouses. It’s true, though, that they’re a bit of a hidden gem and don’t make many appearances at whisky fairs. At the same time, they don’t need to, as their reputation is second to none. Here we have a 24-year-old Bowmore matured in a refill sherry cask, 326 bottles have hit the shelves. Sherry-cask Bowmores are rarer these days, this one is here to show us just how much of a shame that is. It was released to pay tribute to another bottler, a German one, Sansibar, which was celebrating its 10th anniversary at the time. Now that North Star Spirits is also 10 years old, I hope Sansibar returns the favour. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Monstrously balanced sherry, with a touch of ash and charcoal, intoxicating smoke, crushed red fruits, a hint of fermentation, cherries, blueberries, visciole, varnished mahogany, raisins and acacia honey. Slight medicinal and mineral notes. Bay leaf, tannins. On the palate, it is almost viscous, syrupy, amarena, fiery spices, apricot stones, orange marmalade, lemon zest, lychees. The finish is quite oaky, powerful, flint, smoky bark, slices of grapefruit, chunks of granite, baked apples, cinnamon, coffee grounds. Black and damp earth, mushrooms.

 

In Short, 

I have a friend who told me that Bowmore whiskies matured in sherry casks shouldn’t even exist, he really ought to try this one, where the sherry brings out some distinctive characteristics of the distillery. The smoke and charcoal become more pronounced, the oak even more elegant, the herbaceous notes more pronounced, and the fruit is balanced by delicate mineral notes. It’s truly top-class. Although it was released nearly five years ago, you can still find it here and there at a prohibitive price, but perhaps die-hard fans will find a way to get their hands on it, and they won’t regret it. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Grace Cummings - Fake