Highland Park 2010 Single Cask Series Edition France 11 yo

 

 

 

64,4°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands 

Refill Hogshead

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Slightly Peated

 

 

 

The Single Cask Series have invaded the market with hundreds of bottlings for almost ten years now. But this is the first time we have one specially reserved for the French market. Having spent 11 years in Refill Hogshead, which certainly contained Bourbon before, all the richness of the distillate will be preserved. There is little information about it, but I assume it is not cold filtered, it would not make sense otherwise. However we know there are only 322 bottles of this nectar.

 

 

 

Let's Tatste It : 

Great finesse from the first nose, very light and vaporous peat, wadded vanilla, stringy iodine, bush, heather, oak bark. Candied banana, meringue, squeezed lemon. Pinch of icing sugar and chocolate shavings. On the palate, it's smooth, like a lemon muffin, good length, discreet spices. Orchard fruits, juicy apples, Belle Hélène pears. Long, beautiful, sweet finish, chocolate and liquorice, a touch of charcoal and earth, but it remains greedy until the end. Chestnut cream.

 

In Short, 

A very beautiful Highland Park, very subtle, with all the markers that make us love this distillery. Perfectly calibrated, between iodine and pastry cream, a light peat and smells of undergrowth. For any distillery lover, it's perfect, especially since the price seems reasonable to me, given the current market. It's coming out these days, not sure it's available for very long.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Phoebe Bridgers - I Know The End

The Macallan 12 yo Double Cask

 

 

 

40°

Distillery : The Macallan - Speyside

1st Fill, Refill American and European Sherry Seasoned Casks from Jerez

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2016

Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This one, although quite recent, is now the standard of the distillery portfolio. Born from the marriage of American and European Casks, both of them Sherry, it is unfortunately very probably chill filtered. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The Sherry is quite ethereal, mostly Oloroso, leather and applesauce drizzled with cinnamon. Intense wood, I feel the veins, the bark, the wind in the leaves. Lemony freshness, a touch of caramel, fruits from the orchard. On the palate, however, it's a bit light, almost watery, vanilla and lemon, liquorice, kumquat and lychee. Spices totally under control, clove and cardamom. Long, woody, smoky, delicate, elegant, fresh, mellow finish. Fondant with apple, white grapes and green olives.

 

In Short, 

There is great work on the casks, the nose is excellent. On the palate, however, it is a bit flat, but the finish comforts us a little. It would be a total success with a slightly higher alcohol content.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Morris McCraven - The Days of Wine and Roses

The Macallan 12 yo Sherry Oak Cask

 

 

 

40°

Distillery : The Macallan - Speyside

Sherry Seasoned Casks from Jerez

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2004

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The 12 yo Sherry Oak Cask came up in 2004 apparently, along with a 10 year old of the same name. Only the 10-year-old was discontinued in 2013, while the 12-year-old survived. The idea is to operate a single maturation, which is rare at Macallan. And of course these are Spanish Sherry casks from Jerez, certainly Oloroso.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The Sherry is more intense, more acute, on dried fruits, grapes, prunes, figs, apricots, bananas. Fresh leather, cinnamon and caramel, it is round, mellow, elegant, compoted, greedy. Some exotic fruits, pineapple and papaya, passion fruit pulp, grapefruit zest. The oak is very elegant, very intense, varnished beams, bark covered with moss. On the palate, it remains light, but expressive. Quinces, conference pears, rhubarb. A few drops of lemon, well-managed spices. Long finish, powerful but which knows how to behave, dry earth, fudge, it becomes vegetal, heather, blood orange, nuts.

 

In Short, 

I prefer this one to the Double Cask, the Sherry is more intense, deeper. The quality of the casks is incredible, and the price would almost be justified if the alcohol content was not so low. Reduced to 40°, the palate is too light for me.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listend While Sipping :

 

                                           Dexter Gordon - Body and Soul

The Macallan 15 yo Double Cask

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : The Macallan - Speyside

1st Fill, Refill Sherry Seasoned American and European Casks from Jerez

Original Bottling

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

There are two Macallan 15 years, the first was launched in 2012 and discontinued in 2020, it is the Fine Oak, resulting from a triple maturation in American Bourbon casks, European and American Sherry casks. And the one we are about to discover, the Double Cask, apparently launched in 2020, resulting from a double maturation in American and European Sherry casks. It looks like the juice wasn't chill filtered, which surprises me, but a lot of sites mention it.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Back to a more balanced Sherry, between the freshness of lemon, exotic fruits, pineapple, papaya, and some compote, stewed fruits, apricots, apples and cinnamon. Always elegant and deep oak, varnish, waxed leather, shavings, bark. The vegetal fragrances intensify, becoming forestry, heather, moss, humus. It's very rich. On the palate, it is expressive, silky, the spices finally rise, cloves, an ounce of pepper. Quinces and green tea, chai, fresh bread. Long finish, some power, wood and thorn bush, cola, cardamom, chocolate chips. Hazelnut.

 

In Short, 

It's fine, elegant, balanced. And very expensive for what it is. Sorry, but, as brilliant as it is it isn't worth the price at which it is sold. A shame though, maybe I would have bought if it were more reasonable. 

Score : 88   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Sonny Rollins - St. Thomas

The Macallan Rare Cask 2022 Release

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : The Macallan - Speyside

1st Fill, Refill Sherry European and American Seasoned Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

The Rare Cask was introduced in 2014 as a permanent addition to the 1824 Master Series, a premium tier of the regular Core Range which was marketed between 2012 and 2018. When the 1824 Master Series was discontinued, the Rare Cask was retained as part of the portfolio. Between 2018 and 2019 il became a thrice-annual Small Batch Release, before switching to a single annual Batch Release in 2020. Unfortunately, we don't know much about this expression, only that this is a blending of American and European Sherry Casks, and it's uncoloured. Not a word about chill filtration (so I assume it is used), the nimber of the bottles produced or the casks. What about transparency, guys? 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Great finesse between elegant oak, liquorice and fresh fig flesh. Dried banana, cardamom, black tea. Nuts and raisins, prunes, but also amarena cherries and blueberries. Touches of eucalyptus, peppermint. Mouth is a perfect match, a little syrupy, cooked apples, quinces, chocolate pastry cream. Mille-feuilles with icing sugar. Light spices, cloves, cinnamon, chlorophyll. Long finish, almost powerful, woody, hazelnut and green apple. A few cereals. Farm notes. 

In Short, 

It's very good actually, there is all you can demand from a Speyside. Rich and complex Sherry nose, balanced mouth, and a long finish, not too fussy. But it's not at all overwhelming, the only thing phenomenal in this whisky is the price. You can purchase a lot of astounding things with the same amount of euros. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Gary Bartz Quartet - Si Tu Vois Ma Mère

The Macallan 25 yo Annual Release 2021

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : The Macallan - Speyside

Sherry Seasoned Casks from Jerez

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

The first 25 year old to appear at Macallan dates from 1983. It was vintage, distilled in 1957, and sold for 25 pounds sterling, the equivalent of a hundred euros today. It is now necessary to multiply this sum by 25 to obtain one, in the best case. About the beginning of the century, the date of distillation disappeared from the bottle. The limited editions are annual, the one I tasted dates from 2021. I do not know the number of bottles produced, and I am not quite sure that it is not cold filtered, even if a large majority of sites confirm this.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A big drop of cherry liqueur, but with the patina of a very noble wood, walnut, mahogany. Dried fruits, grapes, bananas, figs, goji berries, drowned in a chocolate coulis. Fresh pears, prunes, some forest fragrances, undergrowth, heather. On the palate, it is on dates, fresh figs, with red fruits, blood oranges, acerola, pomegranate, and a creaminess reminiscent of passion fruit. It's still very woody, but with exotic touches, pineapple, coconut, which mingle with discreet spices, nutmeg, gray pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon. Very long finish, explosive but not aggressive, bark, wood chips, rich and humid soil, ferns, chestnuts. Dark chocolate, blueberry filling.

 

In Short, 

I'm not going to lie, it's sublime. Some would like to speak ill of this, as it is now the plaything of speculators, but no, it is magnificent actually. What a shame it's not Cask Strength. It would then be one of the very best whiskys I have tasted. Otherwise, it is one of the most expensive, about that there is no doubt.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Kate Bush - Snowflake

The Yamazaki 18 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : Yamazaki - Japan 

Sherry, Bourbon and Mizunara Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt

Launched in 1992

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

This Whisky is a legend, and as such, information about it is often contradictory or vague. The launch date varies enormously, but the most serious sites indicate 1992. There is also debate on cold filtration, I have chosen to consider that it is not chill filtered trusting the most reputable sources. And I think that it's not a limited edition, because apparently the recipe has not changed in 31 years, and there is no numbered Batch. However, the packaging of the bottle has evolved. The recipe is as follows: 80% Sherry casks, the rest in American Bourbon casks and Japanese Mizunara oak casks, Quercus Crispula, which needs 200 years to reach maturity. Aging would take place in Speyside, to give the juice every chance for developing the fruity character typical of this region.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Dates, figs, chocolate, elegant oak, light charcoal supported by dried fruits, nuts, bananas and apricots, oak bark, forest undergrowth, red berries and bay leaves. Compost, black earth, heather and sandalwood. It is very noble, almost venerable. On the palate, I find the same markers, elegance, expertise, perfect balance, blackberry liqueur, cherry coulis, melted chocolate, all very woody. Completely mastered spices, nutmeg and cardamom, good fullness, hazelnuts and blackcurrant. Long finish but not so powerful, with hints of tea and earth, roots, pinch of vanilla and coconut powder, dark chocolate, red grapes.

 

In Short, 

I didn't feel the peat, but on the other hand the flavours jostle, between the fine and deep oak, fruits and chocolate. The balance is of course superb, as with all great Japanese Whiskies, and I think that some casks in there are well over 18 years old, as rumor has it. That said, it's very good, but it's not because the price has become totally ridiculous that I will feel obliged to find it sublime. Most of the people who are responsible for the astronomical increase of the price are just vile speculators who haven't even tasted it.

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Nat King Cole - You're Looking at me

The GlenDronach 1993 Cask Bottling Selected By La Maison du Whisky 28 yo c. 7099

 

 

 

52,3°

Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands 

Oloroso Sherry Puncheon

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

Since 2009, the distillery has been offering several vintage bottlings each year in Single Cask, this range is called Cask Bottling, and is divided into Batches. Today we are at Batch 19, published in Spring 2022, which brought together a dozen expressions. This bottling is a Cask Bottling, but it does not belong to a specific Batch, it seems to be a free electron, specially selected by La Maison du Whisky for its Antipodes collection. Aged 28 years in a cask of Sherry Oloroso, it was produced in 634 copies, quickly sold.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Intense and very balanced sherry, chocolate, blueberries, cashew nuts, melting caramel, fudge, dried fruits, apricots, dates, grapes, bananas, a few drops of blackcurrant, noble wood, between cherry and mahogany, bay leaves and eucalyptus, forest berries, wild strawberries, gooseberries. On the palate, it's a little rougher, prunes and dried figs, tomato juice, black tea, more red fruits, and beautiful very mastered spices, nutmeg, cloves and cumin. Arabica coffee. Long, rich, full-bodied finish without being aggressive, heather earth, undergrowth, coffee and chocolate, chicory. Cardamom. Hazelnut.

 

In Short, 

A perfect GlenDronach of its kind, superbly balanced, intense, but a little classic for me. That's why, although I enjoyed it a lot, I don't give it a higher rating. But if you serve it to me every night, I won't say no. As for the price, I suggest we go cry in a corner.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Kristene DiMarco - It Is Well

Isle of Islay 1990 Thompson Bros. 31 yo

 

 

 

49,3°

Distillery Officialy Unknown - Islay 

2 Refill Bourbon Barrels 

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

 

 

 

Owners of a bar in Dornoch, the town where they grew up, Phil and Simon Thompson started making their own bottlings in 2013, and now they even have their own distillery. This gem comes from a secret distillery, but even on the sales sites they write that it is a Laphroaig. It's aged in two Refill barrels for 31 years, resulting in just 464 bottles, set to go on sale in early 2022.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Fresh and earthy peat, lemon, iodine, some limestone and mint. It's vegetal, but also metallic, scrap iron and chrome steel, eucalyptus, holly, and also sweet, pastry cream, icing sugar, genoise. White fruits, pears and plums, crushed banana, vanilla, banana split, very discreet medicinal touch. On the palate, syrupy, on candied lemon, oranges and mandarins, the peat is still there, very well integrated, rose water, barely discernible spices, cardamom, white pepper. Vanilla is back, and it's the finish, long, unctuous, marshmallow, creme fraiche, Frécinette banana, mirabelles, clementines. Touch of dry earth.

 

In Short, 

It's an understatement to say that it is excellent. That said, at this age, the distillate loses some of its personality, and its divisive flavours. In addition, aging in Refilled Barrels does not lead to extreme complexity. All that to say that I liked it a lot, but I didn't love it, it lacks that little something that capsizes the heart of the distillery lover. We won't talk about the price, so as not to upset anyone.

Score : 90  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Amberscent - The Wound

Springbank 2002 Madeira Wood 17 yo

 

 

 

47,8°

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown. 

Ex-Bourbon and Rum Casks, Madeira Wine Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

In addition to their usual limited editions, Springbank 12 year old Cask Strength, 18 and 21 year old, Hazelburn Oloroso Cask Matured, Longrow Red and 18 year old, and I miss some, the Mitchell family sometimes gratifies us with exceptional nuggets, like this one, It was distilled in November 2002 and bottled 17 years and 11 months later, following a complex maturation, 14 years in barrels of Bourbon and Rum, then 3 years in Madeira wine casks. The result was distributed in 9200 bottles and sold from December 2020.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Springbank profile, very farmy, with vanilla and the mellowness of Madeira wine. A hint of smoke, lemon and grapefruit, white plums, mirabelles, greengages. Meringue and pastry cream, but the barn smells remain in the background, earthy hay, sheepskin, dry earth. Nice balance. A bit airy and iodized. On the palate, vanilla and citrus stand out, sparkling twist, fondant cake, dynamic spices, pepper and cloves. Orange chocolate bites. Long and cereal finish, powerful, cola, wheat, barley, millet, straw, still vanilla.

 

In Short, 

To be honest, I felt Rum rather than Madeira wine, which I only really felt in the finish. It's normal, 14 years in Rum, and only 3 years in Madeira, no suspense. It's a bit of a shame, because I like sweet wines, I think they are good for Whisky. On the other hand, Springbank has always successfully aged in Rum barrels, so there is nothing to complain about either. The whole is very good without being outstanding, in my opinion it would have needed real aging in Madeira casks, and not just a finish, to be phenomenal. It remains something very pleasant and original. The success was enormous, the bottles flew away very quickly, and now, the few that remain are sold at a prohibitive price.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Faces - Stay With Me

Daftmill 2008 Summer Batch Release 11 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Daftmill - Lowlands

7 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Daftmill distillery in the Lowlands opened in 2005. It is a confidential establishment, as it does not produce more than 20,000 liters of alcohol per year, and the distillation only takes place four months per year. The bottles produced are therefore rare. Here we have something aged entirely in 7 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels, which gave only 1780 bottles. The age is not mentioned on the bottle, but it is given on some sales sites.

Let's Taste It : 

Fresh, green, herbaceous, Granny Smith apple, mint leaf, lime, iodine, icing sugar, slightly sweet, genoise and whipped cream. Vanilla ice cream, milk chocolate chips. A sunny day at the farm. Grass freshly mowed and bathed in dew. Drops of honey and goat milk. On the palate, vanilla, coconut, grapefruit, buttered bread, peppermint, discreet spices, cereals, ripe wheat and malted barley. Long and proper finish, hay, pastry cream, mille-feuilles, meringue, nuts. Lemon zest.

 

In Short, 

The perfect summer dram. It's fresh, minty, sunny. Very interesting indeed, original and bold. This distillery has her own character, apart from all the others. To be followed. The price is totally nonsense, though. I admit it's a small company, and the costs are hence high, nonetheless, it's delusional. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           First Aid Kit - Angel

Williamson 2010 The Whisky Jury 12 yo

 

 

 

52,3°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay 

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By The Whisky Jury 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

The Whisky Jury is a Belgian trading company founded in 2019. This bottling is their 56th, and it's their fourth Laphroaig. But they never call it by the name of the distillery. It is named either Bessie or Williamson, after Bessie Williamson, who was the first womain to lead a Scottish distillery. Employed by Laphroaig for a summer job in 1934, she began to replace Ian Hunter when he had a stroke in 1938, and inherited from him when he died in 1954. So she was the owner of the place until she retired in 1972. To honour her, it is now a tradition to name such young Laphroaig from her name. But this one is 12 years old so it's not so young, and it was aged in a 1st fill Oloroso Cask, so it must be a valuable one. The problem is that it is written on the bottle Blended Malt. But is it really Blended? On the seal upon the cork, it is also written One Single Cask. So which one is true? Moreover, the number of the cask is mentioned, only 195 bottles were put on for sale. So I assume it's definitely a Single Cask, but maype it was teaspooned, that means a very short amount of whisky from another distillery was added in the cask. It doesn"t change anything to the taste, but it allows to lower the price of the bottle and avoid a few taxes. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

From the moment you lay your nose on it, fuel oil, diesel oil, motor oil. An old garage filled with car wrecks. Coal, lignite, soot. With that, rusty nails, pork fat, fried bacon. A few red fruits behind, damson, woody blackcurrant. Then comes the medicinal touch, bandages, disinfectant, ether. Finally, it all balances out. Sherry finds its way, walnuts and molasses, apricots and quinces, Muscat grapes. It becomes sweet, cherry pie, pear compote, chocolate coulis. Liquorice and melting caramel. On the palate, first delicacy, salted butter caramel cream, soft apple, then peat, thick but not intrusive, tar, rubber, TCP, camphor, chloroform, it feels like an abandoned hospital. Nougat. Discreet spices, paprika, nutmeg. candied figs, dates. Long, earthy and smoky finish, blackberries and blueberries, in handfuls. Liquid honey. Coffee grounds. Mocha.

 

In Short, 

Excellent Laphroaig with a perfect mix of Sherry and medicinal oily peaty notes. The balance is overwhelming, and the fragrances are as deep as they are varied. I would run onto this bottle if I could find it, but unfortunately it seems that it is totally sold out, I can understand why. Besides, the price was right when it came out, so this Whisky Jury is definitely to be followed. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs - Big Rig

Kilchoman 2014 The Wills Family Cask Collection Ruby Port Cask 6 yo

 

 

 

55,6°

Distillery : Kilchoman - Islay 

Ruby Port Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 50 ppm

 

 

 

The well-known French spirits retailer and Kilchoman importer La Maison du Whisky launched in 2020 an exclusive range of 5 Kilchoman single cask bottlings under the name “The Wills Family Cask Collection”. The series is based on the concept that each of the five members of the Kilchoman founders family selects a special favourite cask. This one is chosen by Peter Wills, the youngest of the three sons, it is a 6 year old Ruby Port Cask and it was sold in 286 copies. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Rich Port but quite mastered. Damsons and raisins, chubby apricots, green tea. Syrupy blackberries. But a medicinal touch sets in quickly, it's amazing, bandages, disinfectant, camphor and ether. Fairly strong coal and fuel oil, behind mineral peat. On the palate, it jostles, it's smooth and delightful, and at the same time the peat is deep, almost aggressive. Spices well present, paprika and clove, before a fairly long finish, limestone, cola, dried figs. Ointment. Hazelnut. A pinch of coffee. 

 

In Short, 

Very good and robust, but confusing. On one side, rich and deep fruits, on the other a crazy beat up medicinal peat. I didn't think it went so well together, though I like very much what Laphroaig does with Port. In any case the experience is strong and interesting. About the price, it was expensive without being overpriced when it was released, and today, you can still find it on some French sites if you look closely, at the same amount.

Score : 88 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Coheed and Cambria - Welcome Home

Bowmore 2002 The Character of Islay Whisky Company 18 yo c. 11717

 

 

 

52,8°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Refill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By The Character of Islay Whisky Company 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

Created in 2019 within the Atom Brands group, The Character of Islay Whisky Company is looking for juices coming only from this island which is nicknamed The Mecca of Whisky. Here we have an 18-year-old Bowmore, aged simply in a Bourbon Refill cask, which gave a total of 182 bottles. It is part of The Stories of Wind & Wave range, which is not mentioned on the bottle.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Crystalline, salty, marine nose. Fish and kelp, very Bowmore. Peat at first a little rough, then softer, with an almond nuance. It is mineral, even metallic. Iodine, sea breeze, but very subtle. Some white fruits, vanilla and juicy pears. Lychee. Very smooth palate, lemon and grapefruit, olive oil, the spices rise slowly, cumin, cloves, pepper. Iron filings. Long and explosive finish, woody, nutmeg, forestry earth, acorns, heather, chestnut leaves. Lemon pulp at the very end.

 

In Short, 

A beautiful Bowmore, fairly classic, salty and marine, slightly fruity and spicy. I didn't taste it alone, and my comrades found lots of things in it that I didn't find, exotic fruits and a nice mellowness. Hence, I am not sure that my review is the best possible for this product, but it is mine. I tasted it several times, in different settings, there is no possible doubt, that's what I felt. The price seems too high to me, but maybe, given what I missed, is the right one.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Joshua Quimby - Kate McCannon

Port Charlotte 2001 Rest & Be Thankful Whisky Co. 13 yo c. R091600007

 

 

 

64,6°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay 

Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Rest & Be Thankful Whisky Company 

Limited Edtion 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2015

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 40 ppm  

In 2015, Rest & Be Thankful Whisky Co. has only been around since three years. But this is already their 5th Port Charlotte bottling, since their founders are former collaborators of the distillery. The brand having been launched in 2001, at the time it was the oldest Port Charlotte in existence. Having spent 13 years, 9 months and 3 weeks in a Sherry cask, it was divided into 709 bottles before being launched into the market.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The Sherry is very measured, you can hardly recognize it, it's just fruity, with orange, plum, juicy pear, elastic and nuts. Behind, a beautiful ashy smoke, perfectly managed, on a layer of rocky peat. Fuel oil, motor oil, it's almost sweet. On the palate, it's balanced, the peat is quite strong but allows the fruit to pass through, more from the orchard, not really exotic. The spices are quiet, It's easy to drink despite the high alcohol content. Nice finish, long and perfectly mastered, ashy and damp earth, burnt wood, dark chocolate. A pinch of coffee powder.

 

In Short, 

A classical Port Charlotte, which expresses  its exuberance without being bothered by Sherry. It is a very good whisky. What surprised me is that the alcohol is perfectly integrated, and the spices quite calm. It promises good times if you are able to find one of the last copies, still lying around in some European shops, at a slightly exaggerated price, even for the rarity of the product.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Violent Soho - Dope Calypso

Ledaig 2007 Artist Collective #2.2 11 yo

 

 

 

57,1° 

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

Bourbon Barrels and Burgundy Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

This is the 2nd bottling from the 2nd Batch of the Artist Collective range, and it is the first Ledaig in the series. Having followed a first maturation in three Bourbon barrels, it was finished in Burgundy wine casks, but we don't know for how long. 811 bottles were produced. I am not sure if it is a Cask Strength, it is presented as such on the German sites, but not elsewhere. The rate of 57.1° corresponds to the traditional 100° Proof, it would be quite a coincidence if they had not reduced anything. The label and the box are adorned with an artwork by Swain McCaughrin entitled "Dissolve".

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Wave of iodine, ashy and gritty smoke. Seafood, razor clams, whelks, scallops. A few hints of vanilla, fairly strong peat, typical of the brand, peanuts and diesel oil, it's scrappy, metallic. Burnt plastic, mineral sheen, seaweed and kelp. And at the same time, it's ethereal, silky, a drop of caramel, olives. On the palate, sweet at first, coconut, soft caramel, fudge, then spices, cardamom, cloves, cumin. Beautiful finish, long and powerful, with nutmeg, resin, heather, damp earth. Black tea. A coffee bean.

 

In Short, 

The nose and the finish are really well made and complex, on the other hand the palate is good but nothing more. I barely felt the wine casks, maybe this is what gives the spicy and forestry character in the finish. I found it more coastal than usual, especially on the nose, and the divisive distillery markers are discreet. It remains a very good product, not the perfect Ledaig, but it provides an enjoyable time. The price is not right in my opinion, it was already expensive when it came out, and now it hasn't improved.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           The Damned - Plan 9 Channel 7

Ballechin 2005 The Ultimate Rare Reserve 14 yo

 

 

 

58,2°

Distillery : Edradour - Highlands 

Burgundy Wine Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Van Wees 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 50 ppm

 

 

 

Edradour is said to be the smallest distillery in the Highlands, with less than 100,000 liters of alcohol per year. They still allow themselves to exploit two brands, the one that bears the name of the distillery, and Ballechin, which brings together peated bottlings, up to 50 ppm. This one spent 14 years in a Burgundy wine cask, before being released in 269 copies. Rare Reserve is a sub-range of The Ultimate collection, which brings out very old things, this one is by far the youngest. It celebrates the 1001st The Ultimate bottling.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The influence of wine is quite rich, plum compote, pears, raspberries, leather, dried fruits, nuts. Nice peat, a little oily, filthy as it should be. It's mellow, and not too sweet, so much the better. Watermelon, dragon fruit, damson. On the palate, it is very red fruits, strawberries, dry earth, rather vegetal. Pomegranate and blackcurrant. Intense spices, paprika, nutmeg, clove. Pleasant finish, charcoal and earth, engine oil and still some red fruits, blackberries and blueberries. Cashew nut. Heather.

 

In Short, 

Very cask-driven, which is often the case with this distillery. That said, it's still decent here. It's neither sour nor too sweet, the distillery markers remain. The peat is very strong, it makes you think of Laphroaig or Port Charlotte. All in all a good winey whisky, unfortunately the price has become too high.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Ride - Leave Them All Behind

Hellyers Road 2004 Peated 16 yo

 

 

 

61,7°

Distillery : Hellyers Road - Australia

American Ex-Bourbon Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Slightly Peated

 

 

 

Hellyers Road is a micro-distillery which began to produce in 1999 in the depths of Tasmania, just on the other side of the world. Its production does not exceed 120,000 liters of pure alcohol per year, which is very little. It's been about five years since it started to be known in Europe, and its reputation is enormous. Here we have a 16-year-old aged in a single American Bourbon cask, and sold exclusively in France via La Maison du Whisky, under the French Connections label. 192 bottles were filled. Only detail that is not mentioned, the peat rate remains an enigma, but I estimate it at around 20 ppm. Please note that there are several Peated Hellyers Road distilled in 2004, but this is the only one to be bottled at this age.

Let's Taste It : 

A fairly fruity, farmy profile, delicate candied lemon, meringue, and very dry hay. The peat is not too strong, earthy, very well integrated. Yellow fruits, cereal fragrances, good depth. Summer scents, which are not bothered by peat, it's rare. On the palate, it's a little more conventional, but well made, a bit coastal and salty, delicate and sparkling fruits, apricot, white plum. Very nice and very long finish, more farmy, biscuity, a little creamy. Ripe wheat.

 

In Short, 

It's great. A very original profile, farmy, earthy, but also very fruity, even sweet. What I like the most, it's that there's nothing to do with Islay, and even with Scotland. It has his own identity. Not how I imagined Tasmania either, but this is a good surprise. Moreover, when it came out, the price was nearly o.k. Now, more or less three years later, it's a bit too expensive for my likings, but you can still order it if you are less reasonable than me. 

Score : 90

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                          Josh Meloy - Already Dead

Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Glenmorangie - Highlands 

Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

After A Tale of Winter and A Tale of Cake, the series had to be continued. Dr. Bill Lumsden therefore had the idea of A Tale of The Forest, a whisky made with smoked barley using woodland plants. More precisely juniper berries, birch bark and heather blossoms, married with a little peat. The process is original and enticing, but that's no reason to hide the number of bottles produced, or the possible use of dyes. The label and box are illustrated by Thai artist Pomme Chan, who was inspired by the tropical forests of her country.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is interesting, quite fresh, with mellow lemon and pine needles. Sweet and dusty smoke. Nice oak, sand, red fruits, wild strawberries, blackberries, but it's a little unbalanced. A certain minerality, in a dry environment. On the palate, it's very average, the alcohol stands out, some forest fragrances, but barely. Coniferous. A little gasoline. The finish disappears very quickly, it hasn't arrived yet that it's already gone. Bark, some nuts. Heather.

 

In Short, 

The idea was good, but the whisky is less so. I liked the nose, despite some flaws, but the mouth and the finish seemed to me to be of poor value. I don't recommend buying it, maybe if you have the opportunity to taste it during a fair, it's better.

Score : 81 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Nanna - Godzilla

Caol Ila 2011 Scottish Roadsign Edition N°13 9 yo

 

 

 

59,4°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

Bourbon Barrique

Independent Bottling 

By Flickenschild Gmbh & Co. 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Whizita.de is a German online site where you can place great orders, unfortunately they no longer deliver to the European Union. It belongs to a company called Flickenshild Gmbh & Co, and it seems they have been bottling for more than 20 years. In particular this series of Scottish Roadsign Edition, which totals 14 expressions in Single Cask, started in 2017. This is the N°13, it is a 9 year old Caol Ila with a classic aging, and the Roadsign is a warning for crossing badgers. 298 bottles were put on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Salty freshness, embellished with an ashy and dusty smoke, like a forest fire. Behind, a bourbon roundness, but light. The tide is soft, seaweed is rare. Limestone, the rock scratches the skin. Seafood, mussels and razor clams. Palate a little light, but velvety. A vanilla pod coats the peat and seawater. Spices a little too strong, cumin and black pepper. Long and quite powerful finish, mainly iodized. Earthy coal. Green tea. A wedge of lemon. 

 

In Short, 

It is a product that does not have a very good reputation, and I must say that unfortunately it is justified. It's good, but it lacks character. The nose and the mouth are very simple, a little too spicy, only the powerful finish catches up. An expression that will not go in the books, and besides, it was very difficult to collect some elements about it, now that it is sold out.

Score : 85

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Maid of Ace - Bone Deth