Sideburn 1993 Whisky Sponge Edition N°95 31 yo

 

 

 

51,4°

Distillery : The Balvenie and another secret one - Speyside

1st Fill and 2d Fill Bourbon Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2024 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This Blended Malt was originally designed by the William Grant & Sons group, owners of 5 distilleries to my knowledge: Girvan, Ailsa Bay, Kininvie, Glenfiddich, and The Balvenie. Burnside is the brand name of an American Bourbon, and it's also a Campbeltown distillery that existed in the 19th century, now closed. But above all, it's the name used to designate teaspooned Balvenie, so that connoisseurs can recognise it. So there's definitely some Balvenie in there. The other distillery is more difficult to identify. It can't be Girvan, because they don't make malt, or Ailsa Bay, which wasn't open in 1993. So it can only be Glenfiddich or Kininvie. I'm leaning towards the latter, as it's the main ingredient in Monkey Shoulder Blend. And when you get Monkey Shoulder (typical shoulder pain for whisky distillery workers), your side burns. This is just a hypothesis. What is certain is that it is a blend of two casks, a 2d Fill Barrel dating from 1992 and a 1st Fill Barrel dating from 1993. The result produced 404 bottles and is already sold out.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

First, a lovely airy freshness, then we plunge into pulpy fruits, cereals, a delicate woodiness, liquid honey, green apples, dates, yellow plums, mirabelles, pastry cream, almond paste, powdered chocolate. All sorts of citrus fruits, lemon, pineapple, grapefruit. On the palate, beeswax galore, intense vanilla, exotic fruits, clementines. Barely detectable spices. A drop of caramel. The finish is long and creamy, but also powerful, with more honey and fruit, as well as chestnut cream, white chocolate mousse and coconut.

 

In Short, 

You can really feel the Balvenie, and it's a great success, full of sweetness and honey. The other distillery could well be Glenfiddich, because there's quality there. We've never seen Kininvie at this level. But you never know. The price is high, but it's still 31 years old, and it's really good work. Fans of this kind of profile should love it.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Blue Foundation - Eyes on Fire

Arran 10 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Lochranza, Isle of Arran - Islands

60% 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels, 40% 1st Fill and Refill Sherry Hoghsheads 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The distillery's first 10-year-old was released in 2006, and was named The Arran Malt 10yo. Then, in 2019, the range was completely changed, and it became more soberly Arran 10 yo. I don't know if the recipe has changed. Some say that there is now more Sherry, which is quite possible. In any case, this is the starting point for the regular range from this distillery, which changed its name in 2020.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Honey and buttered toasts, vergeoise, peanut butter. White fruits and lemon, banana, and even a touch of pineapple and papaya. Behind, a pinch of salt, the sea air, the tide. Woody notes, young wood bursting with sap. On the palate, it's a little light but pleasant, creamy vanilla with lemon meringue zest, yellow plum pulp, lively spices, white pepper, cumin. Robust but slightly short finish, roasted pineapple, bamboo and palm, hazelnuts. A slice of lime, rosewater.

 

In Short, 

It's quite well made, and the influence of Sherry Hogsheads adds something extra, some fruitiness and a few nuts. For such a young whisky, it's a success. I just find it a little light on the palate. The price is decent, so it's worth a try.

Score : 85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Josh Geoghegan - Say You'll Stay