Jura 21 yo

 

 

 

44°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Ex-Bourbon Casks and Vintage Oloroso Sherry Finish

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2010

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

To celebrate its 200th anniversary, the distillery launched a limited edition 21-year-old in 2010. The recipe proved so popular that the limited edition became part of the regular range. Finished in vintage Oloroso Sherry casks dating from 1963, when the distillery reopened after decades of shutdown. Quite a symbol.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very balanced, rich nose of varnished wood and orchard fruits, followed by the influence of bourbon barrels. Genoise, vanilla and a whiff of smoke. Mirabelle plum, grapes and pastry cream. The palate is very good, warm, apricot compote, quince jam, smoked tea, sandy earth, pineapple juice, a few citrus fruits, but the finish is a little acidic, which is a shame. What's more, it's rather short. Between the chard apple and the white gooseberry. Limestone. 

 

In Short,

Overall, a good whisky, where the very light sherry is there to nuance the bourbon. But I almost always find the same fault with the original bottlings of this distillery : the acid finish. Some people like it, no doubt, but not me. As a result, I'm a bit stuck.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Joni Mitchell - Amelia

Benromach 2010 Sassicaia Wood Finish

 

 

 

45°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Casks and Sassicaia Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Peated around 12 ppm

This one is an interesting edition, finished for 28 months in barrels of Tuscan wine, the very famous Sassicaia. Launched in the form of vintage bottlings, sporadically since 2006. The alcohol content is slightly higher than usual for this distillery.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The bourbon and the red wine are well blended and accentuate the woody notes, as well as the influence of red fruits, blackberries, blueberries, muscat grapes, heather earth, chestnuts cooked in the fireplace, crispy cereals, rutabaga. Engaging palate, with plenty of ripe fruits, plums, apples, blackcurrants. Very good, fairly long finish, with hints of pumpkin and greenery, fern, acacia leaf, but also chocolate, cinnamon, damsons. Tannins. Damp earth.

 

In Short, 

It's a great success, and it's now clear that Benromach's reputation began with this edition, which existed even before the 10 year old. A must-have if you can find it at a reasonable price.

Score : 86

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Tim Buckley - Sweet Surrender

The Balvenie Single Barrel 12 yo c. 5634

 

 

 

47,8°

Distillery : The Balvenie - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Original Bottling 

Connoisseur Range

Single Cask

Launched in 1993

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 6 ppm

 

 

 

The Balvenie is the only distillery to offer a genuine Single Cask in their regular range. In any case, this is not the Core Range as such, but the Connoisseur Range, which was no doubt specially invented for the occasion. The bottle I had the pleasure of tasting went on sale in 2019. 

Let's Taste It : 

A sweet little flavour, like cane sugar, mixed with vanilla and juicy pear. A very liquid honey, which is devoured by licking the honeycomb, right inside the hive. Oriental pastries, baklava, zlabia, a pinch of cinnamon and cardamom. White fruits are a delight on the palate, still vanilla, it's very drinkable. Rose water, mead, with a zest of lemon. Minty freshness. Very long, syrupy finish, with caramel and flowers. Tree leaves, honeysuckle, eucalyptus.

 

In Short, 

A real success, at a rather attractive price. Don't hesitate to pick up a bottle, as long as it's reasonably priced and you're at least a bit of a fan of bourbon barrel ageing.

Score : 86 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Zakir Hussein - Sri Naman

Highland Park Twisted Tattoo 16 yo

 

 

 

46,7°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Rioja Seasoned Wine and 1st Fill Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2019

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

A surprising combination, this double maturation in red wine and bourbon casks, for an aged Highland Park with an interesting alcohol content.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

From the outset, the red fruits stand out, raspberries, gooseberries, accompanied by citrus fruits, mandarin, orange peel, against a background of blackberries and bilberries. A woody influence softens the whole, with a few sweet spices, cinnamon and saffron. On the palate, damp bark and light peat combine with vinous hints. Undergrowth, heather, moss. A touch of tannin, but not too much. Relatively long finish of warm caramel. Candied cherry.

 

In Short, 

The experience was a success, the product is pleasant and original enough to consider buying it, provided it can be found at a reasonable price.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                                      Tarnation - Your Thoughts and Mine

Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky The Classic Range

 

 

 

44,2°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila - Islay

Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Core Range 

Blended Malt

Launched in 2018

Peated around 38 ppm

 

 

 

The Classic Range launched by Berry Bros. & Rudd in 2018 is a range of 5 different blended malts: one from Islay, one from Speyside, one from Ireland, one aged in sherry casks and one aged in peated casks.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Bunnahabhain Moine and Caol Ila give a good mineral peat, with rock, limestone, but also salt air, iodine, guano, kelp, seaweed, tide and foam. I suspect maturation in bourbon casks, but this is barely perceptible, a shadow of lemon and white fruits behind the chalky cliffs and shellfish. On the palate, soft, slightly vanilla peat and cereals, barley, wheat germs and puffed rice. A decent finish, with the usual flavours of earth, coal, coffee and heather.

 

In Short, 

I'm not sure that this Blend is absolutely necessary, but why not after all. It's very costal and mineral, the peat is there without being stifling, it's not expensive and it will always please enthusiasts.

Score : 86 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Love Rock'n'Roll

Bushmills 16 yo Rare Matured in Three Woods

 

 

 

40°

Distillery : Old Bushmills - Ireland

American Oak and Oloroso Sherry Casks, Port Pipes Finish

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt

Launched in 1996

Totally Unpeated  

Triple distillation and triple maturation make this Irish Whiskey a complex process.

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, sandalwood and spring freshness, eucalyptus, mint chocolate, Armenian paper, mahogany, but the fruits are also there, pear, apple, plums and grapes, mango. On the palate, the american casks are more present, with fine salt and exotic fruits, banana, papaya, passion fruit. A few cereals here and there, but in the background, combined with rich spices. Unfortunately, the finish is a bit short, wine lees, tannins, a pinch of oily earth and fruity hints that fade.

 

In Short, 

Very pleasant, the influence of the port makes itself felt and adds complexity to the whole, without detracting from the smooth, cereal-like character of the distillery. Unfortunately, the price is a little high, so it's best reserved for aficionados.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                                    Weather Report - Birdland

Kilchoman 2012 STR Cask Matured

 

 

 

50°

Distillery : Kilchoman - Islay

Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred Red Wine Hogsheads

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 50 ppm

 

 

 

A new limited edition from Kilchoman, which doesn't skimp on experimentation. Here we have a blend of 43 red wine Hogsheads, sanded, torch-burnt and charred before receiving the precious distillate. 14500 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, thick red wine, quite spicy, light red fruits, like pomegranate but without the acidity. Gooseberry, dried blueberry, a hint of earth, humus, damp moss, I'm in the forest. On the palate, it's very good, still fruity, you can really feel the charring of the barrel, with charcoal, smoke, a pile of cold ash. Plastic. But the spices quickly rise, pepper and cardamom, leading to an explosive finish of tar and soot. Medium length, leaving a little tannin and cherry on the tongue.

 

In Short, 

It's surprising, interesting and seductive. A successful experience in my opinion. The price is a bit high, but Kilchoman fans - and there are many of them - can be tempted.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Die Haut - Stow-A-Way

The GlenDronach 15 yo Revival New Version

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands

Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

In 2009, shortly after GlenDronach was taken over by the BenRiach Distillery Company, this Revival was born to symbolise the rebirth of the distillery. This old version, matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, was reputed to be excellent, partly because the whisky used was over 15 years old, since the distillery was closed between 1996 and 2002. Production ceased in 2015. This new version, launched in 2018, is aged in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Pure sherry that expresses itself in an avalanche of fruits, dried raisins, damsons, figs, almonds, light caramel that's a little burnt, pears with melted chocolate, woody leather, elastic, cereals, pineapple in syrup, all very nuanced. Silky and tasty, equally fruity palate, mirabelle plum and grapes, fresh quartered apple, prune juice, a touch of mint, spices that rise quickly. Strong, long finish, on earth and liquorice stick. Amarena cherries in retro-olfaction.

 

In Short, 

It's really astonishing, I don't think I've ever tasted anything so fruity, and above all so varied in fruit. That said, at the risk of shocking people, I prefer the 12 yo Original, which is earthier and more red-fruited. It's a question of personal taste, because I can see that the Revival is richer overall. It remains an experience worth trying for any self-respecting lover of sherry cask-aged whisky.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Dirty Three - Some Summers They Drop Like Flies

Old Pulteney 15 yo The Maritime Malt

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Pulteney - Highlands 

Bourbon Casks and Spanish Oak Sherry Finish

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2018

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The advantage of this 15 year old is that it is finished in sherry casks, not to mention the 46° alcohol content, which is more attractive than the 12 year old.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's oily, iodised, salty, like fresh fish, you can smell the scales. The tide, the sand, the sea spray, a little seaweed, kelp. Behind, the influence of bourbon and a welcome, if light, touch of sherry. Damp leather, almonds and walnuts, orchard fruits, Conference pears and Granny Smith apples. On the palate, coarse salt, vanilla, white plum, soft caramel, salted butter. The spices rise gently, without being overpowering. Quite a long finish, with sandy, limestone earth. A lemon zest.

 

In Short, 

A very well-balanced 15-year-old. Young enough to reveal the iodine intensity, but old enough to offer a fine complexity. The price is a little on the low side but, frankly, it's worth a try.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                                     Stina Nordenstam - Fireworks

The Nikka 12 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : Yoichi, Miyagikyo - Japan

Original Bottling

Core Range 

Blended Whisky

Launched in 2014

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the group's foundation, Nikka released this prestigious Blended in 2014. It was quickly overwhelmed by its disproportionate success, the price per bottle doubled and, due to a lack of available stock, production was discontinued just 5 years later.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A very smoky nose, you'd think you were in front of a cosy fireplace. It's snowing outside, the flames are crackling. Apricot jam, damp wool, vegetal notes. Very deep. Ashes too. Cereals, corn, wheat, Agen prunes. Very warm on the palate, a bit oily, woody, smoky, braised bread, nuts, black grapes, ripe apricots. Spices in the background. The finish is long and very balanced, combining wood, lemon and smoke. Black earth, humus, fern, moss.

 

In Short, 

An excellent blend, incredibly nuanced and balanced. No wonder it was a victim of its own success. You can still find one, but at a high price, and you'd better hurry, because these are the last ones.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

    

                                                    Mazzy Star - Fade Into You

Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2014 The Ultimate Cask Strength 5 yo

 

 

 

60,8°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Dechar/Rechar Bourbon Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Van Wees

Limited Edition

Single Cask

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 40 ppm

 

 

 

Independent bottler Van Wees regularly offers young peated Bunnahabhain in cask strength. Staoisha, because this is the lake from which the distillery draws its water. The source of water is therefore not the same as for the Moine. 312 bottles went on sale for this edition.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :

Vanilla and sea breeze, very fresh iodine, limestone, quartz, it's quite mineral. The peat takes a while to build up, but once it's there you can't miss it. Thick smoke, charcoal, plastic. A bit of yellow plum behind, mirabelle I think. On the palate, it's suave at first, cola, white fruits, banana, liquid honey, but the spices are there and it's got a real kick. Nutmeg, pepper and benzoin. Big salt in the finish, which hits hard, the vanilla returns, wood, hay, dry earth. A zest of lemon.

 

In Short, 

Slightly more mineral on the nose than the Moine, and a pinch of coarse salt on the finish. These are the only distinctive features of this Staoisha. I was expecting something more original, but it doesn't matter, the quality is there, it's balanced, tasty and very pleasant on the palate. And at the price it's selling for, there's no hesitation - go for it. For enthusiasts only, of course.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                                    Grinderman - Kitchenette

Bushmills 21 yo Rare Matured in Three Woods

 

 

 

40°

Distillery : Old Bushmills - Ireland

Oloroso and Bourbon Casks, Madeira Finish

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2001

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Triple distilled and triple matured, the pinnacle of the Bushmills range stands out not only for its age, but also for the complexity of its production.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Slightly maderised nose, suave, very smooth, wild mint, cereals, fermented prune, all well oaked, with a zest of lemon and sherry. Varnish, heather earth, eucalyptus leaf. On the palate, it's very straightforward, with puffed rice, corn and all kinds of grain, it's very pot still, is it really Single Malt? But it's still very subtle, and the fruit shows its face: damsons, greengages, cranberries. Sweet spices, paprika, nutmeg and dill. The finish is pleasant, sparkling, not very long but soft and woody.

 

In Short, 

It's very good, and the triple maturation is really interesting, but it should be reserved for fans of the genre. The price is a deterrent, it doesn't match the quality of the product. 

Score : 87

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Herbie Hancock - Cantaloupe Island

Old Pulteney 18 yo The Maritime Malt

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Pulteney - Highlands

Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This expression replaces the 17-year-old, which nevertheless left its mark on the distillery. It is, of course, the prestige edition of the range, but not the pinnacle, as there is also a 25-year-old.

 

Let's Taste It : 

A good touch of sherry, with dried sultanas, a leather belt, elastic, puffed rice, cereals, white chocolate. The iodine comes next, a gentle sea breeze, salty, even spicy, a shade of caramel, vanilla butter, floral fragrances. The palate is very soft at first, honeyed and gently fruity, plum, pear and mirabelle, but the spices quickly rise, pepper and cinnamon, chocolate, nutmeg. A zest of lemon. Long finish of candied vanilla. Barley sugar, marshmallow.

 

In Short, 

This one has nothing to be ashamed of: it's subtle, varied and original, but also has the right amount of iodine to match the distillery's hallmarks. Nevertheless, the value for money is not entirely convincing.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                                    Sevdaliza - Live at Best Kept Secret 2016

Bowmore 1997 XOP Xtra Old Particular 21 yo

 

 

 

56,2°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Refill Bourbon Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Douglas Laing & Co.

Limited Edition 

Single Cask

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 25 ppm

The Xtra Old Particular range is Douglas Laing's most prestigious, bringing together what they call their Exceptional Single Casks. This limited edition has been produced in 317 units.

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is dominated by citrus fruits, braised lemons, bleeding mandarins, a hint of bewitching smoke, white fruits, plums and grapes, and a few mineral elements, rock, limestone and salt. Well balanced. On the palate, it's almost like limoncello, very soft, dark, damp wood, the peat is barely noticeable, but it's there. A touch of grapefruit, without being bitter. In the finish, the lemon comes back to play tricks on us, quite long, nuanced, just right. Tart tatin, cinnamon, dry earth.

In Short, 

It's very good, superbly nuanced, but you have to like lemon. Personally, it's not my favourite flavour. Still, it's really well done. The price, however, makes you cringe.

Score : 88

            

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Natimbalès - Rebelle

Jura 1988 Rare Vintage 30 yo

 

 

 

53,5°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Ex-Bourbon Casks and Tawny Port Cask Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiletered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

It was in 2018 that the distillery launched into Rare Vintage, a series of ambitious bottlings at least 28 years old. This is the second in the series. 1406 bottles have been released.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Extremely well-balanced nose. Ageing in bourbon casks produces intense white fruits and vanilla, which blend voluptuously with the distillery's hallmarks, apricots, rhubarb and quinces. An ounce of red fruits, due to the finish in port casks. A few floral hints. Plenty of depth. Very tasty on the palate, with smoked ham and pear compote, jam and a few exotic fruits, passion fruit and mango. Robust wood. Perfect finish, very long, caramel, wood and earth.

 

In Short, 

Simply put, it's a delight. Finally, a faultless bottling from the island of Jura, you'd have to look far to find one. On the other hand, given the price, I'll pass.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Lightnin'Hopkins - It's a Sin to be Rich, It's a Low-Down Shame to be Poor

AnCnoc 24 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Knockdhu - Speyside

Ex-Bourbon Barrels and Sherry Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single malt 

Launched in 2015

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

The Knockdhu distillery reopened in 1989, so this 24-year-old was released in 2015. Under its contract with Diageo, it undertakes not to use its own name in the sale of its whiskies, which is why they do not bear the name of the distillery.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A very balanced nose, between wood and sweet vanilla. Discreet sherry, corn, peanuts, light tobacco, a bit damp. Pudding, dried sultanas, chocolate fondant, it's also very sweet. Very round on the palate, all kinds of fruit, vanilla and nuts. Smoked orange, thick honey, gingerbread. Plums and prunes, pumpkin, carrot. Extremely long finish, a little fizzy, cola, sandy earth and pine needles. A pinch of charcoal and caramel, and a few pastry-like fragrances.

 

In Short, 

It's a little delight, at once greedy, very fruity and pastry-like, with a hint of smoke. Very well-balanced too. The price is not excessive, so it's well worth a try for fans of the genre.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Wes Montgomery - Here's That Rainy Day

The Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch n°6

 

 

 

50,4°

Distillery : The Balvenie - Speyside

DoubleWood and Sherry Refill Butts, Ex-Bourbon Americain Oak Barrels

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Tun 1509 series began in 2014, when David Stewart created blends that he married for three months in the Tun 1509 in question. Batch No. 6 therefore contains 21 different casks, all of which are said to be at least 21 years old, although this is not mentioned on the bottle.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very fine nose, cereals and sherry coated in balanced bourbon, like genoise, snow-whipped eggs, melting meringue, caramel and, of course, vanilla. Chantilly cream, set with crushed hazelnuts. paris-brest, amandine. Fruity, very delightful on the palate too, pear, apple, white plum, rum raisins, strawberry, very long finish, rising to a long crescendo. At the end, earth and wine lees, heather, walnuts, a hint of blackcurrant. A very fine piece of work.

 

In Short, 

It really is an incredible delicacy. Don't hesitate to buy it if you can afford it, because the price is extravagant.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Beth Gibbons/Gorecki/Penderecki - II. Lento e Largo/Tranquillissimo

Bunnahabhain Moine 2011 La Maison du Whisky Exclusive Bottling 7 yo

 

 

 

60,3°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Bourbon Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 40 ppm

 

 

 

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Signatory Vintage is sending a small gift to their favourite distributor in France, La Maison du Whisky, with this bottling of 653 units made from a blend of two different casks, numbered 704481 and 704482.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Strong but very pure peat, crystalline, mineral and iodised. Almost ethereal. It is reminiscent of chalk cliffs under the swell, invaded by gulls. An excellent marriage with vanilla sugar, white fruits, yellow plums, white grapes and pear. On the palate, the peat is still very strong but not overpowering, the fruity flavour is totally free, and the result is rather greedy. The finish is powerful and fairly long, with smoke, gravels and a hint of star anise. A little taste of salt at the end, like licking a pebble that has been in the sea.

 

In Short, 

I really liked it. It's not overly complex but it's very balanced, and I loved the minerality. What's more, the price is still right, so it's not surprising that this bottling sold out so quickly. If you happen to find a copy, buy it without hesitation.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                           Lisa Gerrard & Pieter Bourke - The Human Game

Caol Ila 1990 The Syndicate's 26 yo

 

 

 

50,4°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Bourbon Cask

Independent Bottling

By Murray McDavid

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2016

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

The Syndicate's range offers top-of-the-range bottlings of whiskies produced on Islay and bottled at the Bruichladdich distillery. Indeed, the founder of Murray McDavid is also the man who bought Bruichladdich in 2000 and brought it back to life, Mark Reynier. Here, we have a single bourbon cask, which gave 188 bottles of a 26-year-old from a very prestigious distillery.
 

Let's Taste It :

Very gentle influence of bourbon, vanilla, mirabelle plums, white grapes, pear juice. Light, slightly salty breeze of smoke. Granular peat. With the addition of water, it becomes fuller. Iodine, limestone, dust, fresh sea breeze. Very light honey. Eucalyptus. Icing sugar, pastry cream. A lemon zest. The latter takes over on the palate, with a touch of peat and spices, liquid honey, damp wood, genoise, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, sandalwood leaf, saffron, white chocolate, chicory. Slightly acidic finish, quite long nonetheless, grapefruit pulp, a hint of blood orange, with a very slight bitterness.

 

In Short, 

An excellent product, very smooth and complex, although I have a small reservation about the bitter finish, dominated by grapefruit. The rest is perfect and very intense, so those who don't mind the bitterness can go for it with their eyes closed.

Score : 89

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Nick Drake - I Was Made To Love Magic

Caol Ila 2006 Cask Strength Collection 12 yo c. 311565 & 311569

 

 

 

55,9°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Bourbon Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Signatory Vintage is offering a blend of two casks of Caol Ila distilled on the same day. These are casks 311565 and 311569, giving us 515 bottles.

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Iced iodine catches the nostrils. Behind, vanilla, candied lemon and icing sugar. Camphor. Orange peel. Quite thick peat, foggy smoke. Ripe banana, which gradually takes over, reminiscent of Haribo sweets. Passion fruit. Mouth in the same vein, vanilla and exotic fruits, but after a while the spices rise, nutmeg, cloves, damp wood, plantain, corn, grapefruit. Quite a powerful finish, with charcoal, cola, juniper and a hint of peppermint. Sage leaf.

 

In Short, 

Without being earth-shattering, Signatory has put together an interesting and enjoyable blend. The price isn't extravagant this time, and it makes you want to dig deeper into the subject, even though it's more or less impossible to find it these days. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Natacha Atlas - Moustahil

Bunnahabhain 27 yo The Single Malts of Scotland A Marriage of Casks

 

 

 

48,4°

Distilley : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

At Elixir Distillers, The Single Malts of Scotland prestige range usually includes vintage bottlings, but the A Marriage of Casks sub-range offers non-vintage editions that are very old, at least twenty years. 

Let's Taste It : 

Very well-balanced and fine. The Bunnahabhain profile is immediately recognisable, with lots of varied fruits, peach, grape, pineapple and passion fruit. Salty iodine, a beach at low tide, punctuated by rocks set with mussels. A grassy touch, an ounce of light, woody sherry, balanced by a dash of vanilla. A smoky and dusty touch. Very pleasant on the palate, once again very fruity with smoky sherry, nectarine, carrot and beetroot. Gentle winey hints, immensely long, sandy finish, it's a nectar.

In Short, 

It's very good, a real fruit bomb, and quite original, while remaining completely in line with the distillery's profile. A must-have for enthusiasts, well, those who can afford it.

Score : 89

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Omara Portuondo - Dos Gardenias

Clynelish 1995 Cask Strength Collection 22 yo

 

 

 

55,4°

Distillery : Clynelish - Highlands

Refill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 8 ppm

 

 

 

The Cask Strength Collection is an absolute benchmark among independent bottlers. They systematically offer first-class bottlings in Cask Strength and very often in Single Cask. Here, a Clynelish aged in a single sherry cask, in an edition of 601 units.  

Let's Taste It : 

Candle wax, honey, rubber, wood, mandarins, peaches, resin, eucalyptus, ferns. The sherry casks make themselves felt, but only slightly, without drowning out the rest. More exotic than red fruits, pineapple, mango, papaya. On the palate, raspberries, wild strawberries, it's a bit vinous, leather, hazelnuts, very light grainy peat, dust. An ounce of vanilla. Not too ripe banana. Endless finish, with dry earth and liquorice. Chocolate. Very subtle. Soft caramel in retro-olfaction.

In Short, 

An excellent bottling, as is often the case with this range. Two years after its launch, it has become nearly impossible to find, and at a prohibitive price, but you will surely find something to satisfy you with a more recent one.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Roberto Fonseca - Live à La Villette 2014

Port Charlotte 2009 MC : 01 9 yo

 

 

 

56,3°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay

American and French Oak Casks, Marsala Finish

Original Bottling 

Travel Retail Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 40 ppm

In the Cask Exploration Series, the distillery is presenting this edition finished in Marsala, a Sicilian liqueur wine. It is certainly a dry red Marsala.

 

Let's Taste It :

The Marsala initially comes through a little too strongly, with vinous hints, fermented fruits and candied cherries. Then the peat rises, a bit granitic, and it's very balanced, sweet, with plum pulp, lemon zest, a scent of undergrowth, sandalwood leaf, damp grass, pungent smoke and green apple. The smoke is very present at the end. A dash of fruits nonetheless. On the palate, it's excellent, wood and marsala combine, wine lees, blackberry liqueur, spices are present, then red fruits, the finish, all controlled power, on strawberry and raspberry, very long, almost gooseberry at the end, then wood and earth. Black earth, waterlogged. Blackcurrant. Mentholated cigarettes.

 

In Short, 

I am very impressed. The Marsala works like an even tastier sherry, and marries very well with the Port Charlotte peat. A real delight.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Peter Gabriel - Signal To Noise