SMWS 2011 39.278 Plums in the Spice Cupboard 11 yo

 

 

 

61,6°

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside

1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Limited Edtion 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

At the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, the figures are starting to look dizzying. This is already the 278th bottling of Linkwood in 2023. After all, Pip Hills and his friends have been churning out whisky for 42 years. This Linkwood could not be more classic, with an ageing process that is a credit to the distillate. 225 bottles came out of the cask.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Influenced by the title, I think of plums of all colours, but also raspberry marmalade, chocolate-covered pear, delicate floral notes, birch bark, candied lemons, red apples, and a few forest touches. On the palate, the strength of the alcohol makes itself felt, but it remains very fruity, with dried apricots, pears, watermelon and a good measure of pepper. The finish is fairly violent, but not too long, with ginger, cloves, pineapple, prickly pear, cashew nuts, hazelnuts and a drop of charcoal.

 

In Short, 

It's a bit high in alcohol, and that doesn't go very well with the subtlety of the aromas, that's what I thought. What's more, it's quite fruity, but not the deluge of fruit you'd expect from Linkwood. In short, it's a good whisky, complex, imposing, but not up to what you'd expect. It's much better with a few drops of water. It's not expensive, but very hard to find.

Score : 88  

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Junodream - White Whale

Caperdonich 1996 Cadenhead's Closed Distilleries 20 yo

 

 

 

46,4°

Distillery : Caperdonich - Speyside

Bourbon Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Caperdonich is a distillery that closed in 2002 and was destroyed in 2010. It is impossible to reopen it, as they did with Brora and Port Ellen. Its bottlings are therefore condemned to oblivion, but before that happens, I managed to hold on to this one, aged 20 years and released by Cadenhead. The simple maturation process preserves the distillate, and 264 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Candied lemon, dash of creamy vanilla, warm brioche, breadcrumbs, soufflé. Soft doughnut sprinkled with icing sugar. Sweet pears, green grapes, melon and prickly pears. Some floral and herbaceous tones, freshly cut grass, wild mint leaf. In the background, light wax, a little liquid. Marshmallow. On the palate it's a tad light but fresh, airy and very well balanced. Lime, dried fruit, delicate woodiness, peach stones. More ripe orchard fruits and discreet spices, ginger, cloves. Quite long, syrupy finish, still fruity, beeswax, rosewater. Some cereals. 

In Short, 

It's very well made, light and subtle, typically Speyside, pastry-like and delicate, full of sunshine and sweetness. For fans of the profile, Caperdonich seems to be a hidden treasure, perhaps close to being gone forever. This one is, of course, sold out everywhere, but is still sometimes found at auction.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Abøn - Morphus

Caol Ila 2011 Gifted Stills of Scotland

 

 

 

43°

Disitllery : Caol Ila - Islay

Bordeaux Wine Barriques

Independent Bottling 

By Jean Boyer 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Jean Boyer has released a number of Caol Ila in his Gifted Stills of Scotland collection. They're all aged in Bourbon casks, except for this one, which grew in Bordeaux wine barriques, from an estate in the east of Bordeaux. It could well be a Pomerol, a Saint-Emilion, a Fronsac, a Côtes de Blaye or an Entre-deux-mers. Wine Barriques are normally 225 litres long, and the number of bottles produced is 1180, so we can calculate that three barrels were used. As for the age, it does not exceed 7 years at best.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Beautiful, deep and grainy peat mixed with slightly fermented red fruit, tarry, earthy notes, damp bark, vegetal moss, mushrooms cooked with herbs, sultanas, redcurrants, hot chestnuts that melt in the mouth, stagnant soot, charcoal balls, a few drops of petroleum. On the palate it's very pleasant, dark chocolate, dried strawberries, bread dough, chestnuts, but the spices are quite strong, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves. The finish is rather long, but not very explosive, with chocolate-covered fruit, heather earth, lacquer, roasted hazelnuts.

 

In Short, 

We were several people who tasted it blind, and we were surprised by the quality of the product. Despite its youth and the reduction in alcohol, we found it to be a complex, deep whisky with a lovely peatiness that will delight connoisseurs. The price is a bit high, but it's worth it. Unfortunately, it has not been available anywhere for a long time.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Black Doldrums - Mae's Desire

Dufftown 2008 Thompson Bros. 16 yo

 

 

 

51,5°

Distillery : Dufftown - Speyside

Oloroso Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

You can trust the Thompson brothers to find the nugget among the little-known distilleries. This one is a Dufftown from the town of the same name, which spent no less than 16 years in an Oloroso Hogshead, resulting in 218 bottles.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Superb Oloroso Sherry cask, delicate woodiness, mahogany, peach stones, muscat grapes, red fruit tart, raspberry coulis, but not too overpowering, leaving an autumnal fragrance to the whole, dead leaves, dried grass, and a very slight charcoal note. Yellow wax, royal jelly, a zest of lemon. On the palate, it's more on the dried fruit side, with dates, figs and apricots. Plum jam, a few cooked mushrooms, a square of dark chocolate. Intense spices, nutmeg, cloves, cumin. The finish is long, woody, chocolatey, foresty, with some extra red fruit and marmalade, and a small slice of bacon.

 

In Short, 

Not only is this a little-known distillery to discover, but the cask used is truly exceptional. The Sherry is intense but allows the distillate to express itself. That's why it's a real must-have, and the value for money is incredible. But of course, it's impossible to find.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           In Isolation - Middle Child Millicent

Ledaig 2005 The Single Malts of Scotland 14 yo c. 900171

 

 

 

57,9°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

We tend to think that Ledaig is best aged in bourbon casks, but it's not bad in Sherry either. For that reason alone, you should try this one, aged in a Sherry Butt for 14 years and one day, and distributed in 2019 by the Singh brothers. 618 bottles came to the public, so maybe there's one left somewhere.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very intense nose, with bewitching smoke and a deep and dirty Sherry, dates soaked in tar, torn leather, gas oil, fuel oil, cormorant, harbour smells. Figs and dark chocolate, damp earth, overcooked meatballs, but well spiced, maybe a medicinal touch, but not sure. Soot and seafood. On the palate, same ingredients, but fruitier, quince jam and bits of cooked apple, smoky wood, cinnamon, watermelon, prunes, more chocolate. A thick dose of peat. Very long finish, full of charcoal, of earth, cooked mushrooms, forest undergrowth, chocolate fondant, autumn leaves, humus.

 

In Short, 

But it's excellent! It's really the stuff I can't resist, really dirty peat and deep Sherry. Ledaig is perfect for that. Plus, the price is great, obviously it's sold out everywhere, now I know why, but if there's one lying around anywhere, let me know.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Heartworms - Retributions of an Awful Life

Bowmore 2014 Old Particular 10 yo c. DL18875

 

 

 

48,4°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Refill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By Douglas Laing & Co. 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

At Douglas Laing, they bottle quite a few Bowmores, just 7 last year. Including this one, which spent 10 years in a Refill Bourbon Barrel before being delivered to the public in the form of 288 bottles. Old Particular is sometimes Cask Strength, but when it's not, it's always reduced to the same level, as in this case, 48.4°.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

An airy, crystalline peat combined with brioche and pastry cream. Small candied lemons, discreet notes of vanilla, exotic fruits, papaya, banana, prickly pear. A generous pinch of salt, rock, sea spray, foam full of kelp. Quartz and silica. It's very well-balanced on the palate, but a little light. It's silky, smooth, fruit pastes, barely perceptible oak, cooked apples, discreet spices, a nut of treacle. Long, very restrained finish, an ounce of charcoal, limestone, guano, wild honey, hot corn.

 

In Short, 

An excellent Bowmore, full of sea spray, with notes of lemon and exotic fruit. Everything you'd expect from this distillery. What a shame it's not a Cask Strength, that would be a marvel. But it's still very pleasant to drink, and bewitching. The price seems a little high to me, so best to buy on special offer.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           The Cacks - Remedy

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 1999 Berry Bros. & Rudd c. 1

 

 

 

50,1°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Scotland

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

We often forget that Berry Bros. & Rudd, as well as being the UK's oldest independent bottler, is also a specialist in blends. It was they who launched Cutty Sark in 1923. This one was aged in the same cask for at least 23 years, yielding 324 bottles. It's a shame, but I don't know anything about this Blended, not the region, nor the exact age, and even less about the distilleries involved. All we know is that it's malty and Scottish.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

First of all, a very fine balance, with walnuts and other shelled fruits, a few dried fruits, dates, apricots and bananas on the one hand, and a delicate, vaporous, chiselled woodiness on the other. Citrus fruits, green apples, a certain spring freshness. The palate is similar, with wood and dried fruit, enhanced by a zest of lemon, spices that are lively but not too strong, and always a fine balance. The finish is quite long, slightly explosive, with blood oranges, earthy touches, burnt caramel and hot chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

It's a fine blended, well-balanced, with a nice continuity between the nose, the palate and the finish, which will satisfy fans of the genre. For me, it's good but it lacks personality and character. What I like about it is that it's a bit old school. Anyway, there's no point in looking for it, there's no information anywhere about it. Where to find it, at what price, I can't find anything. Someone must have kept all the bottles for himself.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Layla Vaughn - A Love That Could Never Be

Linkwood 1993 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 30 yo

 

 

 

49,2°

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Puncheon

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Gordon & MacPhail is always going the extra mile when it comes to rarity, and this time we have a Linkwood no less than 30 years old, bathed in a 1st Fill Sherry Puncheon Cask. 531 bottles were made, to be tasted with the utmost care.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very deep sherry, but also very woody. Leather, hazelnuts, mahogany, roasted nuts, baked red fruits, old jams, figs, quinces, apricots, blood oranges. Fermented blueberries, crushed blackberries, redcurrants. Dark chocolate filling, with a few coffee beans inside. On the palate, a certain liquorish thickness, candied raspberries, mellow dates, acacia honey. Jam with a knob of butter, intense spices, cloves, cumin, nutmeg. Very long finish, chocolate, salted butter caramel, earthy touches, cola, cashew crumbs.

 

In Short, 

It's excellent, of course, but in my opinion the cask may have played a little too much of its influence, it's very marked by fruit and wood, and the balance isn't perfect. This will appeal to lovers of big Sherry, as it has great intensity and depth. The price is, of course, very high, but this is a truly exceptional product, well worth the sacrifice.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                          Daniel Raffo - Woman, You Must Be Crazy

Campbeltown Blended Malt 2017 Watt Whisky Our 100th Cask 7 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Glen Scotia, Springbank - Campbeltown

Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By Campbeltown Whisky Company Ltd. 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2024 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

The Campbeltown Whisky Company has only been around since 2020, and I confess I'd never heard of them, but they've produced several dozen bottlings. This is their 4th whisky from Campbeltown, and each time it's a Blended Malt. And this one is a Glen Scotia teaspooned with 28-year-old Springbank. Just 20cl of this exquisite liqueur has been slipped into a 172-litre Glen Scotia cask. And all with a simple ageing process. 246 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very soft and mellow on the nose, with a lovely iodine freshness. Beach sand, warm brioches, light minerality, white chocolate, Guérande salt. Candied bananas, apple fritters, vanilla ice cream. Ocean air, sea breeze, and a pinch of icing sugar. On the palate, olive oil, liquid honey, salt crystals, white grapes, mirabelle plums, fresh oysters. Melted butter. Black pepper and cloves, a very slight touch of woody bitterness. Long finish, initially ample, then powerful, soft caramel, sea spray, salty foam, crushed peanuts, cashew nuts. Almonds, cola nuts, another touch of bitterness.

 

In Short, 

I thought it was excellent, much better than I expected. The costal character is intense, with a very light peat that is perfectly measured. Is it possible that 20cl of Springbank can be felt in 172 litres of Glen Scotia? It sounds crazy, but I would like to say yes. In any case, it would explain the astonishing quality of this little 7-year-old cask. What's more, the price is very reasonable, but unfortunately it seems that this little gem is only available in the UK.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Olivia Rosebery - Spirit is Calling

Linkwood 1995 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 27 yo

 

 

 

54,5°

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside 

1st Fill Sherry Butt 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Few independent bottlers are able to release a 27-year-old Linkwood, but Gordon & MacPhail have treasures in their warehouses. This one was distilled in 1995, and only 564 bottles were released for sale.

Let's Taste It : 

Roasted hazelnuts, cold meat, bacon, leather, donkey sausage. Luscious red fruits, cherries, redcurrants, blueberries and blackberries, well-waxed noble wood, wild cherry. Vanilla fudge that melts under the tongue, all sprinkled with cinnamon and lemon zest. On the palate, it's still very fruity, and wonderfully balanced, with forest berries, stewed plums, oven-baked apples, chocolate-covered pears, deep and complex spices, nutmeg, black pepper. Very long finish, really huge, clove, charcuterie and varnished wood, mushroom sauce, hot chestnuts, lightly charred bread, fig and raspberry jam, black olives.

 

In Short, 

As you'd expect, it's a killer. Very complex and deep, the Sherry lends personality to the whole, but does not prevent the fruity variety so dear to this distillery's fans. It's an excellent product, and not overpriced either. The problem is that it's sold out almost everywhere, so the only chance of finding it is at auction.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Hubert Sumlin - Sometimes I'm Right

The Singleton Glen Ord 14 yo Special Release 2024 Autumn Walk

 

 

 

54,7°

Distillery : Glen Ord - Highlands

1st Fill Bourbon Casks, Charred Spanish Oak Ends Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

The Singleton brand was launched in 1986 to promote lesser-known distilleries such as Auchroisk, which was considered too difficult for the general public to pronounce. Subsequently, Singleton was limited to Dufftown, Glendullan and Glen Ord, the latter often considered to be the best of the three. Here we have a 14-year limited edition of this Glen Ord, finished in Charred Casks, the ends of which come from the Pyrenees mountains and are known as Spanish oak.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

White fruits, plums, grapes, peaches, orchard fruits, apples of all colours, ripe pears, liquid honey. Herbaceous notes, angelica, freshly cut grass in wet weather, occasional earthy touches. Airy freshness, perhaps a hint of iodine. Vanilla on the palate, lemon pie with pastry cream, some cereals, sweet spices, cinnamon, rosemary, nutmeg. The finish is long and almost powerful, woody, mahogany, rain-softened bark, vegetal moss, pistachio crumbs. Chestnuts and wheat.

 

In Short, 

It's very pleasant to drink, with a very fruity nose, vanilla on the palate and a deep, almost charcoal finish. Glen Ord is definitely one of these distilleries I'm partial to. But, as is often the case with these Diageo Special Releases, the extravagant price is the problem.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Anna Ransom - Slow Climb

Benrinnes 21 yo Special Release 2024 Grand Crescendo

 

 

 

55,4°

Distillery : Benrinnes - Speyside

2d Fill and 3d Fill Bourbon Casks, Rejuvenated ans Retoasted Ex-Wine Finish 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This Benrinnes is the oldest bottling in the Diageo Special Releases 2024 series, this is a 21-year-old finished for 6 years in regenerated and retoasted American and European oak wine casks. The days of 26-year-old Lagavulins in the Diageo Special Releases are not so far away, but they won't be this year.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Slightly waxy nose, beeswax, but above all floral, lilac, daisy, and fruity, plump orchard fruits, very ripe pears, yellow and white peaches, green apples, plums ready to burst. But also some red fruit, strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants. On the palate, it's rather syrupy, cherry, blueberry, and vinous, with bark, forest berries. Rather discreet and subtle spices. The finish is relatively light but very long, well done, mint leaves, lemon and crushed cereals, balsamic vinegar.

 

In Short, 

It's very good, floral and very fruity, which will appeal to fans of the genre. The wine casks give a profile to this edition, without altering the distillery's character too much. What I don't like at all, however, is the price, which seems to me to be very exaggerated.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Julie Huard - Die with a Smile

Kilkerran 8 yo Cask Strength Bourbon Cask Matured 2024

 

 

 

55,6°

Distillery : Glengyle - Campbeltown 

Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated from 12 to 15 ppm

 

 

 

Bottled in November 2024, but launched in February 2025, this is the 11th Batch of this 8 yo Cask Strength, the first of which was released in April 2017. In 2017, 2022 and 2023, we were treated to 2 Batches in the same year, but now it seems that's over, we're down to one a year, which is better for our purses. This one is the 5th to be aged in Bourbon casks, there are also 5 batches aged in Sherry casks, and one in Port casks. So the series is very well balanced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A pinch of icing sugar, a cloud of vanilla, brioche, marzipan, a drop of caramel, lemon zest, light mineral notes, crystalline limestone, slate, quartz. Mirabelles and white grapes in the background. Crushed banana and a few pieces of papaya. Rough pineapple, with its rind. Cedar wood. On the palate, it's milky, fairly sweet, treacle, soft caramel, olive oil, acacia honey, hot chestnuts, and very quickly some peppery spices. Long, powerful finish, caramel and wood, sea salt, liquorice stick, forest berries. Very discreet hint of bitterness.

 

In Short, 

The nose is extremely good, and this is probably the best 8yo Cask Strength aged in Bourbon casks. So I'm very happy to own a bottle, especially as it didn't cost me much at all, thanks to a friend. It's getting harder and harder to get hold of these things, especially in France where apparently it hasn't even been released yet, but you have to try, because this is really the pinnacle of what can be offered in Single Malt, at this age and at this price.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Margaret Glaspy - Fruits of my Labour

Caol Ila 11 yo Special Release 2024 Ambrosial Feast

 

 

 

57,3°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

Refill, Rejuvenated, and Rejuvenated ex-Wine American and European Oak Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Unpeated Caol Ila is something of a curiosity on Islay. It's like pizza without cheese or spaghetti without tomato sauce - some people say it's good, but you never see them eating it. It's been a long time since an unpeated bottling came out of the stills at the North Islay distillery, the latest Unpeated Caol Ila dating back to 2018. This one is partly made from wine casks, so it could be interesting.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Airy nose, with a sea breeze that's not at all aggressive, light wood, hazelnuts, quince jam and a hint of honey. Green apples, vergeoise-filled biscuits. Brewer's yeast, white peaches, soft caramel. In the mouth, hazelnuts, espresso, soft caramel, liquorice, dates. Lively spices, followed by a mellow, long, rocky and fruity finish. Sultanas, limestone, quartz, a few grains of salt, hawthorn, honeysuckle, chestnuts and a touch of vanilla. Almond paste, woody undertones. 

 

In Short, 

What I like about Caol Ila is the peat, of course, but above all its costal and salty character, its mineral intensity. Here, there's none of that. It's a pleasant, well-made product, with fruit, wood and hazelnuts, with only a few mineral elements showing through. It lacks personality, in my opinion. What's more, the price is slightly high, personally I don't see the point of buying it.

Score : 88   

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Ginger Evil - Arrowhead

Roseisle 12 yo Special Release 2024 Origami Kite 2

 

 

 

56,6°

Distillery : Roseisle - Speyside

1st Fill and Refill Bourbon Casks 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Roseisle distillery was opened by Diageo in 2010. Its purpose is to enrich the group's many blends and to meet the growing demand for Scotch whisky in Asia. Last year's Special Releases 2023 saw the release of the distillery's first Single Malt, ages 12 years, and it was such a success that a second one is being launched this year, masterfully named Origami Kite 2, to follow on from the previous one, The Origami Kite. The maturation process is exactly the same for both bottlings.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose seemed to me to be very light but beautifully balanced, a little vegetal, angelica, parsley, and grain-like, dried barley and oats. In the background, orchard fruits, green apples, white peaches and a zest of lemon. A few floral fragrances. On the palate, it's still very light, with white grapes, muesli, pastry cream, vanilla and almonds. The influence of the casks can be felt, pepper and cloves. The finish is mellow, rather woody and herbaceous, apples and apricots, soft caramel, liquorice stick. A barely detectable bitterness.

 

In Short, 

To be honest, it's good but very light, with little personality. Only the finish reveals a bit of character. But there's a very nice balance. It's really a distillate made to go with others, with nothing that sticks out. Some people like it, but I prefer whiskies with character. But the most annoying thing is the price, which I think is a bit high. No doubt that's why it's still on special offer these days.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Mitch Murder - Savanna

Oban 10 yo Special Release 2024 Coastal Orchard

 

 

 

58°

Distillery : Oban - Highlands

Refill Bourbon Casks, Recharred American Oak Barrels Seasoned With Oloroso Sherry Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

Diageo Special Releases often include an Oban, and the maturation is usually special. Here, we have a combination of 2nd and 3rd fill casks, finished in American oak Bourbon Barrels toasted and seasoned with Oloroso Sherry. So there's a slight Sherry influence within the maturation in Bourbon casks.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's deeply woody with vanilla cream, wood shavings, streaked wood with hints of caramel and nutmeg, some floral and fruity notes, a zest of lemon, it's dusty and slightly salty. On the palate, various fruits, baked apples, dates, a dash of vanilla in the background, soft caramel. Lively spices, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves. Powerful, relatively long finish, peppery, heated brown sugar, dried banana, verbena, chlorophyll. Chestnuts, crushed walnuts. Brown sugar, coconut.

 

In Short, 

It's nice, the Sherry isn't overpowering at all, and gives a nice impression of baked apples on the palate, the wood adds some warm spices, all of which enlivens the distillate without suffocating it. On the other hand, this is only a 10 year old and the price is exaggerated.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Sophie Jamieson - Ode To The East

Benriach 2005 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 17 yo

 

 

 

58,4°

Distillery : The BenRiach - Speyside

Refill American Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This BenRiach was aged for 17 years in a single Hogshead, almost certainly Bourbon, and only 207 bottles came out of the cask. They went on sale a little later, around the autumn of 2024.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Rice cushion, vanilla cloud, egg yolk, lemon zest. Liquid honey, crushed almonds, bananas, then various fruits, pears, apples, peaches, all very ripe. It's slightly creamy, but also milky. Small acid sweets. On the palate, we're moving more towards white fruit, mirabelle plums, Chasselas grapes, white peaches. But also cereals, cracked wheat, malted hints, and a touch of chocolate. Pleasant spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger. Woody, fleecy finish, almond paste, mahogany leaves, chestnuts, essential oils.

 

In Short, 

A delicate BenRiach, more or less ethereal, but with quite a lot of fruit. I found it very pleasant, but with a slight lack of expressiveness on the palate. The price seems affordable, so fans of the profile can go for it.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Charlie Parr - Cheap Wine

Macduff 2009 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 14 yo

 

 

 

58,1°

Distillery : Macduff - Highlands

Refill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

Macduff is a very little known and equally underrated distillery, 90% of whose production goes into blends. Only Signatory Vintage and Gordon & MacPhail, along with a few others, regularly release original bottlings bearing its name, and it's sometimes surprising. Here we have a 14 year old, aged in a single Refill Bourbon Barrel, so we'll be experiencing a distillate with very little cask influence. 209 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A rocky and airy profile, with an ethereal maritime breeze. Soft toffee, dates, light white fruits, and a few touches of minerality, slate, quartz, limestone and a couple of grains of salt. Seaweed, spaghetti with squid ink. A dash of vanilla, which is also present on the palate, fine balance between pulpy fruit, bananas, mirabelle plums and some alkaline tints. Perhaps a very light peatiness. Beeswax, woody notes, powerful spices, pepper and cardamom. The finish is just as imposing, but also long, earthy, milk chocolate, chestnuts, maple syrup, cooked cereals, mocha.

In Short, 

It's an excellent product, we're discovering a virtually unknown distillery, which has a completely original profile. The peat is light, and marries very well with the character of the distillate. It's pleasant to drink, nuanced and delicate, but also with character and a real personality. What's more, the price is quite right, so I'm seriously considering getting one.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           In Th Attic - Impressionist

Benromach 2002 Artist #14 Legendary Distilleries 22 yo

 

 

 

55,5°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside 

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Another Benromach, this time aged 22 years in 1st Fill Sherry Cask, selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the Artist #14 range on the occasion of the Whisky Live Paris 2024. 329 bottles have been produced for the French market as a priority. The label features a work of art by Logovarda entitled Sans Titre 4. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very fine sherry, slightly woody, sandalwood, tanned leather, candied apricots, mahogany wood leaves, pine cones, dark chocolatey prunes, dried figs, crushed walnuts, the whole sprinkled with cinnamon. Delicate peat in the background. The palate seems a little light, with dried white fruit, mirabelle plums, ginger, salted butter caramel, and discreet citrus fruit. The spices rise gently, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves. Very satisfying finish, long, powerful but subtle, cocoa powder, saffron, cereals, blond tobacco, dried raisins, balsamic vinegar. Cold ashes.

 

In Short, 

This one caused quite a stir at the Whisky Live, and it was the one to taste, it seems. The nose is in fact particularly delicious, very nuanced and woody, with a Sherry that is not at all overpowering but very present. But I found the palate a little clear, so I don't fully share the general enthusiasm for it. The finish, on the other hand, is very good. Still, the price is excessive, so despite the product's reputation, some copies are still lurking on sales shelves.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Henrik Freischlader - Lonely World

Laphroaig 2013 Artist #14 Rothes Glen 10 yo

 

 

 

61,9°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay 

Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Among the rarities on offer from the Artist #14 range at Whisky Live Paris 2024, this Laphroaig was the talk of the town. Only 10 years old, it retains the vigour of its youth, and ageing in a Bourbon Barrel gives the distillate free rein to express itself. Only 237 bottles are on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Stifling smoke, very greasy and vegetal, tall damp grass, reeds, thick peat tinged with chalk, spongy earth. Behind, medicinal notes, disinfectant, betadine, bandage, ointment. Finally, some fruity flavours, a hint of lemon, discreet vanilla, soon invaded by masses of iodine and coarse sea salt. Beautiful maritime fullness, drifting onto ginger. It's peaty and spicy on the palate, nettles, rocket, earthy touches, liquorice and mirabelle plums, root spices, nutmeg and cloves. Very powerful finish, very spicy, deeply peaty, ginger, hazelnuts, green apples, shortbread biscuits.

 

In Short, 

This is an excellent Laphroaig, which will delight fans of the profile, a real bomb, but complex at the same time, where power takes nothing away from subtlety. It has everything you need for a memorable Laphroaig: violent peat, herbal notes, iodine, this feeling of being in hospital, but here it's sublime. It's reminiscent of 10 Yo Cask Strength, but much better, purer in a way. Unfortunately, the price is totally out of line, not that much although, as it's now sold out just about everywhere.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Deadletter - Credit to Treason