Springbank 2010 Local Barley 10 yo

 

 

 

55,6°

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown

Oloroso Sherry Casks 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

This is the 6th bottling in the Local Barley series since it was relaunched in 2016. The bottling was made at the end of 2020 for a release in early 2021. 8,500 bottles were filled, and this time only Oloroso Sherry casks were used. This is the only time that the ageing is 100% Sherry with a Local Barley. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Unctuous sherry, very chocolaty with an ounce of ground coffee, noble wood, somewhat exotic, dates, dried figs and bananas, fermented grapes. Cereals are in the background, fresh, wet hay, just-cut wheat. Honey biscuits, sunflower oil. Exotic fruits, bananas, papayas, a hint of peat. It's silky on the palate, rosewater, passion fruit, melting caramel, then lively spices, accompanied by citrus fruits, grapefruit, kumquat. The finish is very long and powerful just as it should be, liquorish, woody, tinder, black tea, olives, muscat grapes, gingerbread, set with candied fruit. Nutmeg, cinnamon.

 

In Short, 

It's excellent, the Sherry is very intense, but it leaves a bit of room for the distillery's markers. That said, it's one of the best-rated Local Barleys, and I'm not sure it's my favourite. I prefer it when there's a balance between Sherry and Bourbon. As for the price, it's now astronomical, and totally out of line. The release price was acceptable, but speculation has taken its toll on this wonderful bottling. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Tom JJ - All Your Love

Littlemill 1976 250th Anniversary 45 yo

 

 

 

40,8°

Distillery : Littlemill - Lowlands

American Oak Cask and 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

If the distillery had not closed its doors for good in 1994, it would have celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2022. The Loch Lomond group, which now owns all the remaining casks of Littlemill, was keen to celebrate this anniversary, even if it is more of a commemoration. It's an opportunity to release this 45 year old, at the time the oldest Littlemill ever produced. It was succeeded last year by a 47-year-old. It spent almost 45 years in an American oak cask, before being finished for 6 months in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead. And 250 bottles are on sale, at an eye-watering price. Each bottle comes with a box featuring an original photograph by Stephan Sappert, an artist who works exclusively with 19th-century materials. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Typically Littlemill nose, blood oranges and orchard fruits, yellow apples, juicy pears, peaches, herbaceous notes, laurel and honeysuckle, warm chestnuts, forest berries, rough bark. Vanilla, of course, acacia honey, a lime zest, grapefruit, reeds, a few vegetables, leeks, medlars, turnips. Delicately floral notes. On the palate, it's silky, smooth, balanced, close to perfection. Litchis, rosewater, exotic fruit, melon, apricots, but behind that, chocolate, honey, almond milk, and very discreet spices, nutmeg, cinnamon. The finish is long, but not very powerful, with lots of hazelnuts and cashew nuts, parsley, noble wood, notes of coffee, earth, charcoal. 

 

In Short, 

It's really excellent, intense and original. I thought it was a very typical Littlemill, but with a few hints of Sherry, blood oranges, chocolate and honey, hazelnuts. The finish, on the other hand, seemed relatively weak, but I'd tasted a number of much stronger whiskies before, so I think if I tasted it on its own, as I should, it would be much more enjoyable. The price is, of course, outrageous, this is not a whisky made to be drunk, but for speculators to have fun with. Nonetheless, it's really very good. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           Joseph Haydn - Symphony n°49 in F minor "La Passione"

Tobermory 2008 A Single Cask Collection : Coasts & Shores 16 yo

 

 

 

54,9°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

Bourbon Hogshead and Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

There are around 25 bottlings in the Coasts & Shores series, which is designed to highlight the coastal character of distilleries, often located close to the sea. Here we have a Tobermory, which certainly took a few years to finish in an Oloroso Sherry cask. Will the influence of Sherry obliterate the costal character of the distillery? We shall see. 446 bottles have been released for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Quite dry sherry, redcurrants and pomegranate, then it becomes more pulpy, red plums and grapes, cherry clafoutis, raspberry coulis, lovely woodiness, elastic leather, quince jam, gingerbread. It's silky on the palate, soya milk and red fruit, egg yolk, morello cherries, some spices, candied rhubarb. Long finish, close to explosion but not quite, soft bark, mahogany, nutmeg, pudding, stuffed figs, dried dates, apricots, liquorice, squid ink, candied cherry. Cashew nuts.  

 

In Short, 

So, it's a superb Sherry Bomb, but there's none of the distillery's costal character, which is already discreet, even in a Bourbon bottling. The Sherry is intense, very present, and I don't think anyone could identify any other elements. That said, it's really well made, it's not sickening, there's no sulphur, it's very fresh Sherry, and if I only had one Sherry-finished bottling, I wouldn't mind it being this one. The price is pretty attractive, and I'd recommend buying it for those who like the profile, but there's not much left, so you'll have to hurry. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :  

 

                                           Rəhman Məmmədli - Dervish

Bruichladdich Black Art Edition 11.1 24 yo

 

 

 

44,2°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay

Oak Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

So this is the 11th edition of Black Art, and the 7th under the responsibility of Adam Hannett, the venue's master distiller. For the occasion, he has decided not to divulge the types of cask used for this one - it's a secret and he won't tell anyone. Okay, but why is that? Are there any unmentionable casks? A tequila or mezcal cask that would bring down the value of the bottle? I'm surprised, because this type of cask was rarely used in the 1990s. In any case, I'm frustrated by this cult of secrecy. For me, the pleasure of discovering a bottle is also knowing where it comes from and how it was made. The second strange thing is that the juice is 24 years old. Since it was bottled in June 2023, we can deduce that the most recent cask was distilled in early 1999 or late 1998. Except that the distillery was closed at the time, and was not producing anything at all. Production ceased in December 1993, so either the whisky is much older than 24 years, or one or two casks were distilled when the distillery was closed, or the whisky was kept somewhere other than in oak casks for some time, which would explain the age inconsistency. Honestly, it's the 3rd hypothesis that seems most likely to me, and it would explain why Adam Hannett is fiercely secretive about the ageing process. 1286 bottles were produced, but this is only specified by one site, so this figure is not totally reliable. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's both winey, with a hint of vanilla, and rich in dried fruit, damp leather, grapefruit zest, melting chocolate on a juicy pear, floral and exotic fruit notes, it's pulpy, full-bodied and sweet. A light sea breeze tops it all off, with a pinch of coarse salt. On the palate, it's smooth and suave, with dried fruit, dates, figs, but also rose loukoum, pistachio, notes of wood, cinnamon, nutmeg and saffron. The fruit becomes darker, quetsches, red grapes. Quite a long finish, with a certain character despite the low alcohol content, almond paste, warm honey, fruit coulis, coconut crumbs, dried pineapple. 

 

In Short, 

It's very complex and varied, I'm thinking of Bourbon and Sherry casks, but also white wine or white spirits casks. We know the distillery staff's taste for experimentation, and that's why we like them, which is why I really don't understand why the ageing processes are kept secret. A Bruichladdich fan is prepared to hear a lot, has no prejudices, and is always thirsty for discovery. I know it, because I'm one of them, and that's why we love this distillery, because it's always looking for original things. So why keep it a secret? I have the impression that it's a shameful family secret, but even in that case it's better to get it all out in the open. Anyway, the fact remains that this is a very good whisky, original, rich and varied, and totally successful. Obviously, the price is too high for what it is, but that's the price of experimentation I suppose. For absolute fans only. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                 Akua Naru - Poetry : How Does It Feel Now???

Littlemill 1990 Cask Reflections Release N°1 33 yo

 

 

 

49,1°

Distillery : Littlemill - Lowlands 

Refill Bourbon Barrels and Mizunara Oak Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

It's been more than thirty years since the distillery was mothballed now, and there are not a lot of casks left. They were acquired by the Loch Lomond group, who keep them on their distillery site. A limited edition is released occasionally, each time more expensive, older and rarer. Here, we have a 33-year-old divided into 570 bottles. A finishing period of 4 months and two weeks in Mizunara oak casks will no doubt add a little more finesse to the woodiness. I would have liked to know whether the whisky was chill-filtered or not, but no one said. It's a shame, because it's important. The idea that it could be seems rather scandalous to me, for a product of this age and price. It's been almost a year since it was released, as the first in the Cask Reflections series, and I think the 2nd will be arriving soon.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The woodiness is quite intense from the start, with dry bark, tinder, sandalwood, liquorice stick. Light, spongy candied fruits, grapefruit, papaya, yellow plums, discreet citrus notes mixed with forest nuances. Almond cream, mashed banana. On the palate, it's really smooth and balanced, rosewater, lychee, flower honey, white melon. The spices are not at all aggressive but very present, cinnamon, nutmeg. The finish is long and winding, with a return of liquorice, rough wood, bread cake, dried raisins, melting chocolate, fig paste, gingerbread, kiwi. 

 

In Short, 

I don't know if this kind of whisky is really made to be drunk, the price is so high that it will also attract investors, who won't touch a drop of it, and will be looking to sell it for more in ten years' time. That said, it has to be very good, so that the value is not lost. That's the paradox of whisky speculation. You have to be sure that it's very good, even if you never open the bottle. And so it is excellent, and even a little more so. The nose is the most impressive, but the palate is perfect too. The finish could have been a little longer, but it has other qualities, it's really varied and deep. In short, this is an exceptional whisky. The finish in Mizunara oak casks brings an intense woodiness and notes of creamy honey. I had a great time, and I wish I'd tasted this nectar in better conditions, perhaps my score could have been even better. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Dhafer Youssef - Soupir Eternel

Tamnavulin 2007 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 16 yo c. 700367

 

 

 

57,4°

Distillery : Tamnavulin - Speyside

Refill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Mothballed in 1995 and reopened only in 2007, Tamnavulin is not a very well-known distillery, first because of all these years of silence, then because a lot of its production goes to the Blends. And there are very few independent bottlings from this distillery. This one is a 16 year-old, raised in a Refill Bourbon Barrel, that means the distillate has everything to thrive. Only 165 bottles were produced. 

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A small deluge of fruit, white and yellow peaches, bananas and pineapples, white and red grapes, mirabelle plums, juicy pears. A touch of cereal, hay, cowshed, then mixed floral fragrances, quite pleasant, cherry blossom, tulip, daisy. Pastry cream in the background, citrus fruit, candied lemon. On the palate, it's solid but less subtle, creamy vanilla, almond milk, liquid honey, lime pulp. Discreet spices, nutmeg, ginger. Very long and explosive finish, lightly burnt chocolate fondant, walnut biscuits, semi-salted butter, cashew nuts. 

 

In Short, 

I really liked it, especially the nose, which is very fruity and floral. The palate is slightly honeyed and milky, but a little less complex than the nose. The finish is very well done, very well executed. A fine product, a credit to this distillery. What's more, the price is right, but when you have a good product at a low price, what usually happens is that it sells out quickly, and that's the case here. There are still a few German sites that do not deliver abroad, and auctions. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Marcator - Yearning

Bunnahabhain 2009 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 14 yo c. 358

 

 

 

57,6°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

There are some bottles that you just go for without thinking, these are equations that can only lead to quality. When you read Bunnahabhain, Gordon & MacPhail, Sherry, you know it can only be good. And if, in addition, the age is honourable and the cask is first-fill, our first impression can only be confirmed. 361 bottles were delivered to the public. Not to be confused with another Bunnahabhain of the same age and vintage, produced by the same bottler, but for the benefit of The Whisky Explorer Society, which is why I've included the cask number. 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Soft toffee, marzipan biscuit sprinkled with cinnamon, nougatine, genoise, brioche, it's a little summit of indulgence, mellow and sweet. Palets bretons, filled with semi-salted butter, white and red grape clafoutis, whipped cream, the whole enhanced by a very slight coastal character, sea spray, iodine freshness. Well-balanced on the palate, speculoos and delicate woodiness, apple cannelés, a variety of spices, even exotic ones, curry. The finish is long and languorous, brown sugar melting in a caramel sauce, grilled bacon, crushed hazelnuts. 

 

In Short, 

It's really what you'd expect, cakey and delicious, with a slight saline character. It's good, but it would have been even better with a few more years. Personally, I would have let this barrel work a little longer. The fact remains that you have a superb time, and the price is not at all excessive, so it's worth buying this little gem, which I got on a very attractive special offer.

Score : 89  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           anaiis - In The Dark

Ben Nevis 2012 Single Cask Collection Foundations 11 yo

 

 

 

59,4°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands 

American Wine Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

In 2023, a 10-year old Ben Nevis caused a sensation at Whisky Live Paris, because it had been aged in an American wine cask, and the profile was truly original. Last year, at the latest Whisky Live Paris, we were treated to the sister cask, another Ben Nevis aged in an American wine cask, but this time aged for 11 years. It was integrated into the Collection Foundations to produce the same effect as its predecessor, but this time the comments were less enthusiastic. 264 bottles were put up for sale. 

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's complex on the nose, but very vinous all the same, with several woody phases, peach and apricot stones, balsamic vinegar, pan-fried mushrooms, red fruit purée, citrus fruits, lime, grapefruit. On the palate, the distillery's profile comes back a little, with exotic fruits, but also swamps, chocolate for cakes, forest berries, some red fruits, but more redcurrants, expressive spices, cloves, nutmeg, cumin. Long, powerful, deep finish, charcoal and damp earth, black radish, roots, liquorice, cooked apples. 

 

In Short, 

This time, the magic didn't work as well. It's very interesting, but the balance isn't perfect, the cask eats up a bit of the distillery's character. It's still very complex and nuanced, even deep, but there's no real overall idea, the different markers are scattered and don't form a coherent whole. That said, I liked the finish, which I found perfect. The nose isn't bad and the palate is intense, it's a good, even very good whisky, but it's not a success either. As for the price, it's really high and not worth buying. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Savages - You're My Chocolate

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2025 Edition 10 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Kilchoman - Islay

Oloroso Sherry Butts and Hogsheads

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 50 ppm

 

 

 

This is the 13th edition of Loch Gorm, first launched in 2013, and the 2nd to be aged to my knowledge, as the 2024 edition was 9 years old. 10 years old seems the right age to me, with 18,000 bottles going on sale, that's how established the product's reputation is with the public. This means that 23 Oloroso Sherry casks have been used, 20 of which were first fill, and they all came from Bodega José y Miguel Martin, one of the most renowned. All this should result in some fine quality. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Despite the intensity of the peat, it's very delicate, warm caramel, blackberry jam, a pinch of blackcurrant, a good dose of soot, cola-flavoured granita, almost solid smoke, full of charcoal. Dark cherries and grapes, dark chocolate, a few coffee beans. Chocolate cake batter, with melted butter. After a while it really takes off, a real deep fullness sets in. The palate is full-bodied, with various red fruits, perhaps a little beetroot, and then a thick layer of peat, liquorice and muscat grapes. Large fragments of lignite. Not very strong spices, cloves, cumin. Fairly long finish, not very powerful, charcoal, cola, ginger, coffee grounds, a touch of bitterness, then it's like an oil-tipped beach, fuel oil, gas oil, tar puddles. Pure cocoa.

 

In Short, 

Such rigorous cask selection and an acceptable age are bound to produce results, and what we have here is an excellent Loch Gorm, maybe the best. The red fruit and powerful peat blend together magnificently. On the other hand, I didn't smell any of the citrus, which several reviewers have mentioned. Never mind, it's really very good. The only remaining problem is the price, which is still too high for what it is. A promotion would be welcome, but there certainly won't be one. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Nostakghia - Kingsom of Disturb

The Hearach 2018 Single Cask N°1789 Collection Foundations 5 yo

 

 

 

59,7°

Distillery : Isle of Harris - Islands 

1st Fill Bourbon Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edtion 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 14 ppm

 

 

 

In my opinion, the 5 most promising young distilleries are Ardnamurchan, Lagg, Torabhaig, Raasay, and Harris, one of the least known, built on an island in the Outer Hebrides, with a population of less than 2,000. Their first expressions were released at the end of 2023, and were not totally convincing, as the juice is still a little immature, though interesting, the profile is costal, but also light and airy. Somewhere between Talisker and Highland Park. To deepen this discovery, the distillery invited us to taste some Single Casks in 2024, to focus on the purity of the distillate. This one is the Single Cask reserved for France, and of course La Maison du Whisky has made it its own, including it in the Collection Foundations designed for Whisky Live Paris 2024. 247 bottles were extracted from the cask, which comes from the American Bourbon distillery Heaven Hill. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very airy nose, a few cumulonimbus clouds in a clear sky, slight influence of the cask, wood woven around a jar of honey and grapefruit jam. Fresh iodine, almost minty, with a touch of sea spray and seaweed, which washes up on a beach lined with cereals, pine resin and rye biscuits. candied lemon, sprinkled with cinnamon and cocoa powder, almond milk, light peat in the background, the spices gradually become stronger, cloves, nutmeg. a hint of blood orange, crushed walnuts and chestnuts. 

 

In Short, 

This is exactly what was needed to really appreciate this distillery. It's fine, subtle, airy, and at the same time there's a wilder, costal, peaty, even medicinal background. I really like it, and here we can see what this distillery could become if given enough time. The same whisky with ten more years could be exceptional. Unfortunately the price is high, and what's more, now that it's sold out, it's doubled. It's no longer worth buying, so perhaps it would be better to wait for the next Single Cask edition. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           JFDR - Instant Patience

Ledaig Unpeated 1995 Hidden Spirits Highproof Version 25 yo

 

 

 

50,2°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

Refill Bourbon Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

And what happens to the thief when he no longer steals? And what happens to the bird when it stops flying? And what happens to Ledaig when it is no longer peated? Andrea Ferrari has sought to answer this question by bottling this Ledaig Unpeated, which has spent 25 years in a Refill Bourbon Hogshead. It's not Tobermory, it's Ledaig, because the production processes aren't the same, and this is indeed a Ledaig that's been made, except that the peat hasn't been added - it's the only ingredient that's missing. Was this an oversight, or was it done on purpose? We'll never know the answer to that question, but in my opinion, it was an oversight. 248 bottles went on sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Light autumn breeze, dead leaves macerated in orange jam, pastry cream, a dash of vanilla, a slice of lime. But there's still a background of dirtiness, melted plastic, grit, small gravel. Nice iodine fullness, sea spray, foam. Elderberry honey. On the palate, green tea, herbaceous notes, parsley, bay leaf, pinch of citrus fruit, powerful spices, cumin, cloves, black pepper, grapefruit pulp. Very long finish, shortbread biscuits, green apple, more grapefruit, freshly cut wood, slight bitterness, dusty charcoal. Fresh mint, almost fluoridated.

 

In Short, 

I can confirm that this is Ledaig, but without the peat. There's none of the fruitiness and elegance of Tobermory, it's still a dirty, unconventional whisky. And the peat is missing, because it would have given meaning to all this weirdness. It's a good bottling, but with too little fruit, sweetness or iodine to make up for the lack of peat, in my humble opinion. It's still original and very interesting, especially for the Ledaig fan that I am. But who's going to pay such a price, which is justified given the age of the beast, for something that's only interesting? It has to be exciting, bewitching, seductive. And here it isn't, it's just astonishing, mysterious and intriguing. I still had a good time, and I don't regret buying the sample, but for once, I'd advise against buying a bottle of Ledaig, and against buying from Hidden Spirits. But well done to Andrea Ferrari for the experience. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Anni - Deliverance (Acoustic Version)

Arran 2001 Premium Cask Collection Foundations 22 yo

 

 

 

46,4°

Distillery : Isle of Arran/Lochranza - Islands

Bourbon Barrel 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

After the success of the l'Arran 1995 launched at the Whisky Live Paris 2023, a number of the distillery's fine bottlings have been specially crafted for the Whisky Live Paris 2024, including this one, which matured for 22 years in a Hogshead Bourbon before 150 bottles were offered to the public. It is, of course, integrated into the Foundations Collection.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Very mellow on the nose, candied fruits, almond paste, apricots, orange zest, pear coated in milk chocolate. Costal touches, with sea salt, sea spray, limestone. Citrus syrup, molasses, light floral fragrances. On the palate, the fruit is fuller, white grape, redcurrant, red apple, even exotic, papaya, lychee, pineapple. The spices are varied, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg. Herbaceous notes, sage, tall grass, reeds. sunflower oil, almond milk, roasted nuts, warm chestnuts, perhaps a whiff of smoke, a drop of passion fruit.

 

In Short, 

It's really good, this very fruity character and at the same time costal. A typical distillery bottling, woody, grainy fruit and a slight maritime touch. It's very successful, but lacks a little power. The price, on the other hand, is powerful and rather disproportionate. 

Score : 89   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Space Traveler - Lady of the Night

Caol Ila 1982 Cadenhead's Authentic Collection Cask Strength 36 yo

 

 

 

54,4°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Bourbon Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

It's a privilege to taste this 36-year-old Caol Ila, and what's more, it's a gift from a friend, which is priceless. The maturation was simply done in Bourbon Hogshead, resulting in just 120 bottles. At this age, the peat is very discreet and barely noticeable.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Right away, tropical fruit and citrus, with a hint of peat in the form of grit, wood shavings and small gravel. Rainy iodine in the background, contrasting with tasty fruits, roasted pineapple, white melon, banana, lychee, and beeswax, floor wax, walnut oil, robust and elegant woodiness, like those untreated beams in a hay-filled barn. Syrupy honey, molasses, crushed dates. On the palate it's wiser, olive oil, lemon zest, a dash of vanilla, biscuit dough rolled in flour with a shadow of icing sugar, delicate peat and barely perceptible spices in the background. Very long finish, like a goods train in a country station, powerful, crushed hazelnuts, smoked salmon, sesame seeds, herbal notes, reeds, white grapes with their seeds, a few more drops of wax.

 

In Short, 

An incredible Caol Ila, but not really recognisable, I would have rather said Springbank, or Bowmore, which is a compliment, because these are among my favourite distilleries. The nose and finish are sublime, the palate is just excellent, and it all adds up to one of the best Caol Ila's I've ever had. If not the best. The price was quite right when it first came out, but it sold out very quickly, and today you can still find it, but only if you multiply by two or three, it becomes more prohibitive.

Score : 91 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lunatic Soul - The World Under Unsun

Glen Ord 2012 The Nectar of the Daily Drams Signatory Vintage 11 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Glen Ord - Highlands

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By Daily Dram & Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is the second bottling produced jointly by Daily Dram and Signatory Vintage. Basically, the Belgians took what they liked from Mr Symington's warehouses. And here we have a Glen Ord matured in a single Bourbon Barrel, aged for 11 years. Unfortunately, there are no details on the number of bottles obtained. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's very fruity, orchard fruits, white peaches, Conference pears, juicy apples, but also a lovely mellowness, egg custard, brioche, butter biscuits, filled with caramel. Creamy vanilla, a few citrus fruits, but more grapefruit than lemon. Very well balanced overall. On the palate, the fruit is more candied, like chewy sweets, with a pinch of icing sugar, and rather discreet spices. The finish is fairly long but not interminable either, shortbread biscuits, braised chestnuts, a slice of lime and lemon tart. 

 

In Short, 

Glen Ord is a distillery that I like more and more, and here I found the nose and palate really close to perfection. The finish on the other hand is fine, but lacks a little power and length. It's a successful bottling, but it could have been really impressive with a slightly higher alcohol content. The price was attractive, but it's not really available any more, so you'll have to be smart to find the last bottles in stock at a reasonable price. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Olya Sonica - Let Me In

Miltonduff 2011 The Nectar of the Daily Drams Signatory Vintage 12 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Miltonduff - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Daily Dram & Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

They have so much stock at Signatory Vintage that they're sharing it with their friends. First, they let La Maison du Whisky rummage around and come back with the Artist range, but now they're also welcoming Daily Dram colleagues into their homes, and letting them take off with a cask or two. This one is a Miltonduff aged in a single first-fill Sherry cask for 12 years. I don't know how many bottles were produced. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is very fresh and mellow, egg custard, brioche, roasted nuts, dates, butter-filled shortbread biscuits, grapes of all colours, golden tobacco, thick honey, a few redcurrants, a mint leaf, waxed wood. On the palate, it's even fruitier, figs, medlars, red apples and blackberry jelly. Brown sugar, soft caramel, some light spices, dark chocolate, dried sultanas. Quite a long finish, very correct, dried fruits, elastic leather, the tobacco turns brown, a few vegetal notes, a grain of coffee. 

 

In Short, 

The Sherry is not too overpowering, the character of the distillery is recognisable, and the whole is satisfying, with a slight complexity and a nice freshness. I would have preferred a higher alcohol content, however. The price is not really attractive, so I suggest waiting for a promotion. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sally Dige - Sow the Path

Maison Benjamin Kuentz Uisce de Profundis 3 yo

 

 

 

40°

Distillery Officially Unknown - France

Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Maison Benjamin Kuentz

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

It was back in 2020 that the crafty Benjamin Kuentz revealed his plans for a whisky aged under the sea. At the time, it wasn't necessarily an idiotic attempt, as barrels had been lowered under the sea in collaboration with Amphoris, a slightly mad company, and La Prohibition, a whisky bar in the heart of Paris. The next Batch, which dates from 2021, is already less interesting, because it wasn't casks but bottles that were plunged under the sea, 20 metres deep in the waters off the island of Ouessant in Brittany. It was this Batch that I tasted. Of the 800 bottles that were immersed, only 318 came out worthy of drinking. The whisky is 3 years old, which is very young, and was aged in simple Bourbon casks. It was immersed in the sea for one year, which seems a long time to me. The distillery involved is secret, but according to an auction website, it is Grallet-Dupic, a distillery in Lorraine that produces the Rozelieures brand. It doesn't say whether the whisky has been chill-filtered, coloured or not, or whether there's an ounce of peat inside. I think it's a product marketed for people who don't know anything about whisky, and so would never ask. On Whiskybase, it says that this product is Cask Strength and Single Cask, but I don't believe it. Cask strength whiskies that are 40° are at least 30 years old, and they are never exactly 40°.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is fairly sweet, delicious vanilla, shortbread pastry, some yellow fruits, plums, pears, bananas. But there's also a lot of unrefined Guerande sea salt, coarse salt, foam, sea spray, sea breeze, it's intense. Guano and limestone, mud and shellfish. On the palate, it's disappointing, you get the impression of drinking seawater, there's a hint of vanilla, but that's all, salt is all that's left, but with a slight bitterness, seaweed, sea urchins, light spices. The finish is very short, falling apart quickly, quite rocky, quartz, pebbles, sandstone, the bitterness is a little stronger, it feels like having gravel in your mouth.

 

In Short, 

Out of respect for my readers, and out of respect for Whisky, I have to be honest. The nose seemed fine to me, you could really feel the Bourbon influence, and what's more there was a nice salty character. As soon as it hit the palate, however, it was a disaster, the aromas collapsing and leaving only alcoholic seawater. The finish is very short and bitter. Moreover, I was shocked to learn of the price of this very mediocre product, not even on a par with a Talisker Skye. This is an astronomical price, at which you can buy 25-year-old single casks from excellent distilleries. Don't buy a 3 year old at that price, I'm sorry but it's a rip-off, pure and simple. It's all the more outrageous given that Benjamin Kuentz has launched an online fundraising campaign to finance a new batch of this mixture. If he's getting funding, why are the bottles so expensive? I'm curious to know what his margin is.  

Score : 79 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Soldat Louis - Du Rhum des femmes

Shizuoka United S 2023 Winter

 

 

 

50,5°

Distillery : Shizuika - Japan

Ex-Bourbon and Japanese Wine Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

There are 3 stills in the Shizuoka distillery, which opened in October 2016. The first, W, is wood-fired, the second, K, is a still that was used in the legendary Karuizawa distillery, and the third, S, is a Scottish Forsyth still. This expression blends unpeated and peated malt distilled in the K and W stills, followed by a second distillation in the S still. The barley used is of Scottish and Japanese origin, but German beer malt is also used. Next comes maturation, which must have lasted around 5 years. The number of bottles produced is unknown. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Right away, juicy fruits, Comices pears, yellow apples, lychees, rice powder, talcum powder, steamed rice, tofu, cake dough, shortbread biscuits, a pinch of icing sugar, mint leaves, a dash of vanilla, lime zest, crushed almonds, very lightly roasted. On the palate, buttery biscuits, very diluted coconut milk, fried eggs, herbaceous notes, leeks, fennel, sunflower oil, squeezed citrus fruit, lively spices with white pepper and a few cloves. Very long, well controlled finish, charcoal in almond milk, lemon slices, walnut oil, soaked biscuits.

 

In Short, 

I found it very interesting, really original and typical. I often find that Japanese whisky isn't all that Japanese; it's more like Scotch whisky, but more balanced and smooth. Here, there's no doubt about it, it's definitely Japanese, it's really got an identity of its own that I really like. Unfortunately, this one is sold out, but similar products come out every year, the price is high, but acceptable. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                          Yoshida Kyodai - Kukaki Umi No Kanata

Tobermory 18 yo 2016

 

 

 

46,3°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

Ex-Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2016

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

In 2016, and again in 2017, the distillery launched two 18-year-old expressions, the first is aged entirely in Bourbon Casks, that's this one, the other is finished in Sauternes wine casks and the alcohol content is slightly lower. At the time, we thought there would be one batch a year, but that stopped suddenly. Nearly six years ago, I took a sample, which has been lying dormant on my shelves all this time. Now it's time to open it. It's a limited edition of 3,000 bottles. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Mellow and indulgent vanilla, egg custard, candied citrus fruits, exotic fruits, pineapple, papaya, almond brioche, lemon tart, a little mineral touch, gypsum, limestone, quartz. Melted butter, toast soaked in sugar milk, calissons d'Aix. Sunflower oil. On the palate, honey mixed with rose water, almond milk, coconut ball. Virtually non-existent spices. Very long finish, controlled from start to finish, shortbread biscuits. Earthy notes, fruit cake, yellow plums, candied bananas. Whipped eggs.

 

In Short, 

At the time, I didn't think this one would turn out to be a rare gem, so I didn't rush out to buy and test it. Today I regret it, because it's an excellent product, just the way I like Bourbon cask ageing without peat, full of exotic fruit and with a slight coastal freshness. This shows the quality of this distillery, but unfortunately they are now releasing older expressions, hence more expensive, and above all with complex finishes that don't really appeal to me. At the time, the price was high, but acceptable; it's more expensive today, obviously. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ambre Ciel - The Sun, The Sky

Longrow Red 13 yo 2020

 

 

 

51,6°

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown

Bourbon and Sherry Casks, Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 55 ppm

 

 

 

This is my third try in the Red range, which includes products first matured in Bourbon barrels and then finished in red wine casks. Here, it's a bit special, they didn't just use Bourbon casks, but also Sherry casks, and this maturation lasted 10 years before finishing for 3 years in Cabernet Sauvignon casks from Chile, an estate called La Bodega Mont Gras Intriga Estate, located at the foot of the Andes Cordillera. 9,000 bottles went on sale in early 2020. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Solid and full-bodied nose, structured around fine and airy vanilla, robust peat, and mouthfuls of redcurrants, fresh watermelon, blueberries and blackberries. Well-ripened quetsches, minced tobacco leaves, lime zest, spicy touches. White grapes. On the palate, red fruits dominate, meat juice, viandox, raspberry liqueur, beef jerky, chalky charcoal and powerful spices, cold ashes. Quite a long, crimson finish, like descending into a coal mine, the fruit is dry, almost hard, damp black earth, cloves, dark chocolate.

 

In Short, 

As I've already said, I'm not a fan of this series, I find the finishes too rich, they distort the Longrow profile a little. But here, I liked the freshness of the nose, it was more redcurrants than heavy and fermented fruit. On the palate, the things I don't like so much came back, but I recognise the quality of the product, and I understand why it appeals. It's the price that's really embarrassing here, it's a good whisky, but certainly not a sublime masterpiece, and yet it's being sold at the price of an exceptional one, at some point they're going to have to calm down. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Amon Düül II - Between the Eyes