Blair Athol 2006 The Single Malts of Scotland 18 yo c. 40246

 

 

 

47,6°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

There are two Blair Athol casks at Single Malts of Scotland, they were distilled on the same day and both matured in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead casks. They were even bottled on the same day, which is why they are called sister casks. This one yielded 270 bottles. I don't think it's cask strength because the alcohol content is quite low, and I know that in this range, the products are labelled ‘optimum strength’, not cask strength.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is both deep and greedy, with notes of shortbread biscuits, blackberry jelly, blueberries and blackcurrants, dried fruit, grapes, bananas, earthy and sticky caramel. The wood is mellow, having macerated in prune liqueur, cake batter with lots of eggs, dark chocolate, coffee grounds, dates. On the palate, it is smoother and more balanced, with wood and warm caramel dominating, more discreet red fruits, black tea, heather, various spices, cinnamon, nutmeg. Long finish but not quite explosive, liquorice, coffee, chewing tobacco, macerated leather, cooked peppers.

 

In Short, 

This is what we expect from a Blair Athol, a distillery that pairs well with sherry. Aged for 18 years, it produces a rich and complex whisky that preserves the vigour of fruit and spices. It perhaps lacks a little power to make it perfect. What is surprising is that it is completely unavailable one month after its release. However, the sister cask is available on several websites at a reasonable price.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sliding Words - Time is Never Here

An Orkney Distillery 2007 The Single Malts of Scotland 16 yo

 

 

 

56,5°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

There are only two distilleries that have been operating for a long time on Orkney, and only one of them usually sells a lot of casks to trading companies, while prohibiting them from using its own name. So the origin of this one is no mystery, it was aged in sherry for 16 years and 4 months before filling 581 bottles. The only strange thing is that it apparently took two years to bring it to market.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sherry with a hint of mint, very fresh and airy, but also sticky red fruits, dark berries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, warm caramel and coulis, dark melting chocolate, intense spices, thyme, nutmeg and pepper. On the palate, it is sweet, still with red fruits, macerated wood, heather, cinnamon, saffron, dried figs, quince jam. The finish is long and generous, powerful, full of spices, earthy, clove, treacle, wine sauce, bay leaf, parsley, a few coffee beans.

 

In Short, 

This is a very good sherry-filled Highland Park, which the range regularly treats us to. But this time it is a little older, and we can clearly distinguish some of the distillery's typical characteristics within the sherry markers. It is therefore very interesting, and what's more, the price is quite reasonable, so enthusiasts can indulge themselves.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Attic Ocean - August

Dailuaine 2007 The Single Malts of Scotland 17 yo

 

 

 

53,6°

Distillery : Dailuaine - Speyside 

Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Aged precisely 17 years and 3 weeks, this Dailuaine was declined 184 bottles when it came out. Dailuaine is a little-known distillery owned by Diageo, and its official bottlings are very rare, so this is an opportunity to get to know it better. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, pastry cream, brown sugar, nougatine, yellow fruits, buttered peaches, apple crumble with a pinch of cinnamon, stuffed dates. Orchard fruits, toasted cereals, hot caramel, crème brûlée, and subtle floral notes. Suave, rich and oily on the palate, creamy vanilla, icing sugar glaze, the fruit is more discreet, overshadowed by a delicate and smooth woodiness. Subtle spices. Long, explosive finish, damp bark, dry earth, braised nuts, cashews, dried apricots, hot chestnuts, a hint of lemon zest. Candied citrus fruits.

 

In Short, 

A beautiful expression, delicious and fruity, which makes your mouth water. Ideal for accompanying desserts, such as a gourmet coffee for instance. The price is very reasonable, as is often the case with Elixir Distillers, so fans of this profile can snap it up without hesitation. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Smtve - Beautiful

Tormore 2009 Legacy Casks 15 yo c. 44037

 

 

 

55,9°

Distillery : Tormore - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

So, nearly twenty Tormore whiskies have been bottled this year alone as part of the new Legacy Casks range. The aim is to showcase the distillery's potential and finally evaluate it at its true value. After all, few people were interested in it before the Singh brothers, owners of The Whisky Exchange and Elixir Distillers, took it under their wing in 2022. Here we have a 15-year-old with a very simple maturation process, which allows us to get to know the distillate better. 227 bottles are available for sale. Please note that there are at least seven bottlings with the same vintage and more or less the same age in the range, differentiated only by their cask numbers, and I cannot guarantee that the profile will be similar in each case, even though the maturation process is exactly the same.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

The nose is more mineral, chalky and rocky notes, quartz and slate, but apart from that it is very mellow, with pulpy fruits, peaches and pears, brioche, cat's tongue biscuits and freshly cut hay. Vanilla cream in the background, which is also found on the palate, lemon tart, beautiful unctuosity, shimmering and peppery spices, mountain honey, butter icing. Delicate woodiness on the finish, long and very powerful, citrus fruits give way to a variety of cereals, dry earth, crushed chestnuts, butter biscuits.

 

In Short, 

It's really very good, the distillate has an intense personality, somewhere between mineral and fruit, butter and cereals. Another successful bottling, which really gives a great image of this distillery, and what's more, it's sold at a very reasonable price.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sippng : 

 

                                           Eliot Sumner - Dead Arms & Dead Legs

Ardbeg Guaranteed 17 yo

 

 

40°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 1997

Uncoloured

Lightly Peated 

 

 

 

In 1997, The Glenmorangie Company had just bought the Ardbeg distillery, which was undergoing extensive renovation. In the meantime, the best thing to do was to reopen the old stocks and bottle them. This is how this 17-year-old whisky came into being, one of the first bottlings to be launched after the reopening in 1997. It is reduced to 40% ABV and chill-filtered, which is extremely rare for Ardbeg. Very quickly, the liquid must have been aged for more than 17 years, as the distillery was completely closed between 1981 and 1989. So, from 2000 onwards, the whisky was at least 18 years old, and it aged with each additional year. In 2004, it was at least 22 years old, which is starting to be interesting for a product that is sold as a 17-year-old. But that's when it became too complicated, and they discontinued it. In the years that followed, this bottling became increasingly legendary, until it was resurrected for a limited edition in 2024, twenty years later. But that's another story. The other distinctive feature of this whisky is that unpeated barley was used, combined with peated barley, resulting in a lightly peated nectar, which is also a rarity. All these elements make this stuff mythical, and I'm very happy to be able to enjoy a dram of it.    

  

 

Let's Taste It : 

Mellow nose, bread dough, marzipan, bit of peat, vanilla cream and toasted wheat, varnished wood, egg custard, a pinch of icing sugar. In the background, powerful iodine, but also some exotic fruits, pineapple, papaya, mango, lemon sorbet. Tart Tatin, heather honey, crystalline shades of salt. On the palate, it is obviously a little light, but delicately fruity, silky, pistachio Turkish delight, rose water, coconut pulp, a hint of limestone, perfectly controlled spices, nutmeg, tarragon, horseradish. Dried figs. A deeply herbaceous peat gradually comes to the fore. Long finish with a certain power, slightly bitter wood, cola nuts.

 

In Short, 

The nose is truly fantastic. I've never experienced anything like it with this distillery. It's light, airy, very fruity, supple and subtle. The peat is barely noticeable, no medicinal notes, tar or other oddities. However, there are some typical elements, such as herbaceous notes, lemon, iodine, and a smoothness that develops when the glass is left to rest for a long time. Unfortunately, it is watery on the palate and finish, as the reduction to 40% ABV detracts from the texture of the product. At cask strength, it would have been an exceptional masterpiece. As it is, only the nose is incredible. The rest is very interesting, I would say, but nothing more. It is therefore difficult to give a rating, it is sublime with major flaws. Apparently, you have to be careful, as the last batches were of questionable quality, whereas the first ones are magnificent. I must have had one of the first ones. Today, this gem sells for an extremely high price, but I understand why. I get the impression that Ardbeg was very different before the closure, which is what I had already been told, and now I can see that this seems to be the case.  

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Red House Painters - Drop

Tormore 2012 Legacy Casks 12 yo c. 921178

 

 

 

53,1°

Distillery : Tormore - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Now that Elixir Distillers has purchased the Tormore distillery, they can't help but release a few casks here and there to show everyone how good it is. This is the Legacy Casks range, which already has nearly 20 bottlings. This one has been aged simply in a first-fill bourbon barrel, allowing us to fully appreciate the distillate. 181 bottles have been offered for sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Mellow nose, sourdough bread sprinkled with lemon, shortbread biscuits, crispy cereals. Smooth wood, suitably toasted and waxed, raisins, thyme and rosemary. Lightly rustic, great finesse. Rare airy and floral notes. On the palate, it is a little more chalky, with laces of quartz and shards of salt, but citrus fruits take over, with a zest of pear, pastry cream, indulgent vanilla. Measured spices, cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long, but not at all violent, mahogany, braised lemon, almond paste.

 

In Short, 

It's very good considering its age, with a finesse and variety of flavours normally found in older casks. It's very well made, and the price is very reasonable, which is why it's already sold out on many websites. I recommend acting quickly.

Score : 88  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Hannah Cohen - Mountain

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay 

Ex-Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

Bottled in December 2022 but released in May 2023 for Feis Ile, this is the latest limited edition batch from Ardbeg. It was distilled without using the still purifier, which normally captures excessively heavy vapours, allowing them to be released this time around.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :   

Powerful but fairly clear smoke, peat rubbed with icing sugar. Vanilla sweets, lychees, crème fraîche. Then comes the distillery's typical herbaceous character, with a few iodine notes and a hint of candied lemon zest. In the background, tar, gravel, a hint of fuel oil that sticks to your fingers. Hot caramel. Beautiful maritime breadth, damp cellar, even half-flooded. The palate, on the other hand, is too light despite a mountain of peat and various spices. Pear, white peach, apple, and that's it. Fairly good finish, long but not really strong, hot ashes, black pepper, damp earth, cumin. Sheep's cheese. Mint pastille.

 

In Short, 

Overall, I found it rather gentle, reminiscent of Ten but younger and sweeter, with nothing heavy about it. I liked the nose, but it lacks a little complexity, the finish is OK, but on the palate it clearly lacks maturity and consistency. At the price it's sold for, they could have made more of an effort. I wouldn't buy it, even at half price. A few years ago, I said that Drum was the weakest of the limited editions, but frankly, Drum is very good compared to this one.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Hanggai - The Vast Grassland

Longmorn 2013 Equinox & Solstice 11 yo

 

 

 

48,5°

Distillery : Longmorn - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Every year, in spring and autumn, we receive a new delivery of Equinox & Solstice, the most accessible range from Decadent Drinks. This is an 11-year-old Longmorn, which is the result of blending two 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels. The label features artwork by Kirsty Lorenz.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Pulpy fruits as far as the eye can see, vanilla, pineapple, papaya, mirabelle plums, melon, banana, peaches of all colours, oranges and lime. Along with this, mellow brioche, bread dough, floral and slightly mineral notes, limestone and quartz. It is airy, ethereal, luminous. On the palate, it is oily, same deluge of fruit, but more citrusy, grapefruit, lemon, slivered almonds, beeswax, salted butter fudge. Very discreet but pleasant spices. Some cereal. Very long finish, still full of fruit, but a little salty. Lemon tart, warm croissants, lychee, orange peel, floral fragrances, chalk powder, dry earth.

 

In Short, 

It's an excellent whisky, saturated with fruit and featuring subtle mineral notes. As a cask strength whisky, it would have been a masterpiece. But Decadent Drinks has so many casks that they can't reserve them all for their premium series. In any case, this one is a real success, and fans of this profile should definitely give it a try. The price is a little high, but that's okay.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Cass McCombs - Missionary Bell

Blended Grain 1972 Decadent Drams 52 yo

 

 

 

50,8°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Scotland 

Refill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Decadend Drinks

Limited Edition 

Blended Scotch

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Last year, I tasted this 50-year-old Blended Grain, which I mentioned here. And this time, they waved this 52-year-old whisky under my nose, telling me it was the same. Could they both have aged in the same cask? It's very possible, especially since this one only yielded 177 bottles. And the fact that the maturation is exactly the same confirms this hypothesis. You would have to taste them both in succession to see the difference, and I wonder why I didn't do that.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very floral nose, with light and airy fruit, cane sugar, dried caramel, pears and apples, peaches, slivered almonds, jasmine, coconut, grapefruit and pineapple. Sandalwood, marzipan and sugar paste. Rustic, farmhouse flavours. Sanded parquet flooring, parchment, tea left on the bedside table. On the palate, it is a little below par, it's smooth, rose water, lychees, banana and cereal flakes. Oats, chopped wheat. Light spices. The finish is very long, quite powerful, slightly sour honey, orange marmalade, pickles, watermelon seeds.

 

In Short, 

When I compare the tasting notes, I see that the two blends are very different. If they come from the same cask, then something surprising has happened in two years, the liquid has reacted strongly to the sudden influx of fresh air. In any case, it has become a very good whisky, where age imposes its subtle and evanescent character, where each note is as if polished by the long wait. Obviously, the price is very high, but not that high for this age.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin

Craigellachie 2005 Decadent Drams 20 yo

 

 

 

58,3°

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside

Refill Hogshead and 1st Fill Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This one spent 16 years in a Refill Hogshead before being stored for 4 years in a 1st Fill Sherry Hogshead. As a result, there are 251 bottles out there that are likely to be emptied at any moment. Decadent Drams is a new range launched just a year ago by Angus McRaild, founder of Decadent Drinks, and there are already around 40 bottlings.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Waxy and mellow nose, with dates, figs and dried bananas. Raspberry coulis mixed with goat's milk, chives, dark chocolate, brown tobacco and prunes. Beeswax, barbecue sauce, old library and a hint of sulphur. On the palate, walnut oil, freshly extinguished pipe, treacle, strawberry smoothie, a slice of raw meat, coppery reflections, intense spices. Long, powerful finish, fruit paste, herbal notes, basil pesto, peppermint. Earthy caramel, raisins, sprig of rosemary. Wet earth. 

 

In Short, 

It's close to a Sherry Bomb, but very high-end, nuanced, with vegetal notes that enhance the fruit and a warm depth. The kind of bomb that never stops exploding, and whose every burst touches our hearts. Obviously, it's a bit excessive and won't appeal to everyone, but those who like it will be able to overlook the disproportionate price.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                          Vixsin - Fawning 

Old Orkney 1999 Decadent Drinks 25 yo

 

 

 

50,3°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islands

Refill Hogsheads and 1st Fill American Oak Bodega Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

This is the sixth bottling in the Old Orkney series launched in 2023 by Decadent Drinks. The project aims to revive the old school Highland Park, evoking a brand that disappeared over thirty years ago, Old Orkney. This one is a little unusual, as it has been finished for 6 years in a Bodega Sherry Butt, after maturing for 19 years in Refill Hogsheads. It is not a single cask, as the word “Hogshead” is plural on the label, which makes sense, as a hogshead holds around 250 litres, while a butt holds 500. There are probably two hogsheads but only one butt. The number of bottles produced is unknown. On the Decadent Drinks website, they only mention four Old Orkney bottlings, which I don't understand, as there are six listed on Whiskybase, with photos to prove it.

Let's Taste It : 

Très bel équilibre entre le Sherry et le Bourbon, miel de bruyère, noix de macadamia, marmelade d'oranges et de figues, tartines beurrées, toffee fondant, un zeste de citron, crème de vanille. Notes boisées, aiguilles de pin, qui cachent un iode très léger, air du large et embruns. Une bonne dose de cannelle. En bouche, fruits secs et fruits confits, une once de rancio, poire chaude arrosée de chocolat au lait, coulis abricoté, tabac brun, dattes, une très fine couche de tourbe, épices qui enveloppent la bouche, muscade, gingembre, safran. Finale longue et explosive, delicate herbaceousness, foin, roseaux, hautes herbes, écorce toastée, biscuits secs, cuir chaleureux. 

 

In Short, 

Superb sherry, tempered by the influence of bourbon but still very present, which does not mask the character of the distillery. It is a great success, with lots of fruit and spice, and a magnificent balance. On the other hand, the price is very high, so it is clearly not a whisky for everyone. Each person will have to make the sacrifices they are willing to accept. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Barnburner - See and Sleep

Poit Dhubh 8 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islands and Speyside

Sherry and Bourbon Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By Pràban na Linne

Core Range 

Blended Malt 

Unchillfiltered

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

Poit Dhubh 8 yo is another expression launched by Pràban na Linne. I have no idea how to pronounce this name. Another thing I don't know is when this product was launched, but I do know that it already existed in 2004. It is a blended malt, which means that it does not contain any grain whisky. At least two distilleries are used, one located on the islands, most likely Talisker, and another located in Speyside. It is non-chill filtered, which was rare for a blended whisky at the time.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It seems rather unbalanced to me. On the one hand, the sherry is strong, with dried apricots, blood oranges, quince jam, elastic, damp leather and even a hint of sulphur. On the other hand, the smoke dominates, with powerful vanilla and a touch of lemon. In addition, there are intrusive and rather dry earthy notes. On the palate, it is all the same very clear, with a bit of heather, vague plums, greengages, green apples and rare spices. The finish is short, peaty and a bit floral. Cooked chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

I didn't like it as much. It's not bad, but I was expecting better. The sherry and bourbon clash without blending, and it's very light on the palate. The price is reasonable, but it's still too much for me.

Score : 82 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ellijai - Bad Timing

Mac NaMara Port Cask Finish

 

 

 

40° 

Distilleries Officialy Unknown - Islands and Speyside

Bourbon Casks and Port Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Pràban na Linne Limited 

Core Range 

Blended Scotch

Launched in 2023

Unchillfiltered

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

This is my second experience in the Mac NaMara range, with this one, finished in port casks. It was launched in June 2023 in Scotland, and no doubt in Europe in the months that followed. The whisky appears to be 5 to 7 years old, is non-chill filtered, and certainly comes largely from Talisker. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The port is very sweet, with notes of damson plums and blueberries, blackberry jelly, earthy and peppery notes, damp bark, charcoal and caramel. The cereal character is hidden behind, crushed quinces, greengages and muesli. On the palate, it is a little too flat, but softened by the port, blueberry tart, black berries, candied ginger and various spices, nutmeg, cinnamon. The finish is decent, not very long but pleasant, with charcoal and velvety notes, cooked apples, crushed nuts and chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

The finish is more noticeable than with the Madeira Cask Finish. The whisky loses some of its character, but at the same time it is pleasant, fruity, slightly charred and deep, if not complex. The price remains reasonable.

Score : 83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Valentina Bausi - Awareness

Mac NaMara Madeira Cask Finish

 

 

 

40°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islands and Speyside

Bourbon Casks and Madeira Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Pràban na Linne Limited 

Core Range 

Blended Scotch  

Launched in 2019

Unchillfiltered

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

Mac NaMara is a range of whiskies belonging to The Gaelic Whiskies collection, founded by Sir Iain Noble in 1976 on the Isle of Skye. This collection belongs to the Pràban na Linne company. It is a blended Scotch, meaning it is a blend of Scotch malt and grain whisky. As they are located on the Isle of Skye, it is confirmed there is some Talisker in there. In any case, it is slightly peaty and unchill-filtered. Some say the age of the beast is between 5 to 7 years old. At first, it was a limited edition, but now it seems to be a part of the Core Range. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Beautiful influence of Madeira, it's creamy, cherry clafoutis, slivered almonds and redcurrants, slightly coastal profile in the background, a pinch of salt and sea spray, grainy cereals and malty notes, apricots and quinces. On the palate, it is light, white peach and Conference pear, generous lemon and light vanilla, the influence of Madeira is more discreet but still present. Good spice, dark chocolate. Fairly long finish, but not very powerful, creamy and woody, cooked apples, cloves, still warm ashes.

 

In Short, 

It's quite good for a blended whisky, the finish masks any possible flaws, and at the same time it's not overpowering, you can still taste the character of the whisky. The price is low, so it's worth giving it a try.

Score : 83 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Villa Ada Posse - Rabbia e Amore

Ardbeg BizarreBQ

 

 

 

50,9°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay 

Double Charred Oak, Sherry and Experimental BBQ Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

This limited edition was released just over two years ago now. It is the result of one of those crazy experiments, with BBQ casks that came from who knows where. There are also double charred casks, which means you'll really notice the charcoal. Fortunately, a few sherry casks are there to soften the atmosphere.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Heavy charcoal smoke, oily wisps, fresh vanilla, sea spray, crushed raspberries, toasted oak, artichoke heart, chalky and earthy peat. Quite strong medicinal notes, ether, disinfectant. Veins of lignite, blueberry jam. Smoked ham, Viandox. Charred steak. On the palate, cooking oil, red fruit coulis, pomegranate juice, dark chocolate, coal nuggets, thick and herbaceous peat. Very measured spices. Long finish, close to explosive, redcurrants and dragon fruit, liquid butter, anthracite, pipe tobacco, toasted leather.

 

In Short, 

It's a pleasant, well-made whisky, very meaty and smoky, which really does remind you of a barbecue. The nose really evolves, starting with lots of smoke and charcoal, saturated with red fruit, then coated with coastal notes and a hint of vanilla. I liked it, but I find it smells a lot like something burnt. I prefer my steak cooked medium. To be honest, I find the price disproportionate, especially now that it's only available on the secondary market.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           The Bombpops - Outta Hand

Gone Grant 1994 Whiskyland Chapter Eighteen 30 yo

 

 

 

51,2°

Distillery : Caperdonich - Speyside

Refill Bourbon Barrel and 1st Fill Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

So we're already at chapter 18 of the Whiskyland story, which means I've missed fifteen! This one is called Gone Grant, but I'm not giving away any secrets when I say that it's a Caperdonich, first matured in a Refill Bourbon Barrel for 26 years, then 4 years in a 1st Fill Sherry Hogshead. 230 bottles were taken from the cask. Not to be confused with Chapter 9, of the same name, which also appears to be a Caperdonich.

Let's Taste It : 

Very soft nose, slightly chalky, ointment, floor wax, lemon diluted in sparkling water, paraffin. Crushed fruit, mirabelle plums, bananas, cooked apples, old library. A hint of exoticism, tobacco leaves, pan-fried mushrooms. A zest of blood oranges. It's silky and smooth on the palate, the fruit is coated in honey, wax overflows, lime and lychees, tropical notes, passion fruit, very subtle spices. Chalk and quartz. Very long finish, sandy, refreshing, full of citrus fruits, grapefruit and kumquat, white pepper, cola, bay leaf, dried apricots, oregano. 

 

In Short, 

A work of goldsmith, each stage of the tasting is a discovery, where subtlety impresses and flavours mingle. It is a great whisky, with just the right amount of sherry and perfect balance. However, the price gives pause for thought.

Score : 91  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Rosie Malone - Shadow of My Own Heart

Tobermory 1995 The Art of Maturation Mission Gold 28 yo

 

 

 

49,8°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

Bourbon Hogsheads and Red Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Murray McDavid 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Built on the Isle of Mull, the Tobermory distillery is less well known for its unpeated whisky, which is nevertheless of high quality, especially at the ripe old age of 28 years. This one was first matured for 16 years in two Bourbon Hogsheads, then for 12 years in three Red Wine Barriques. This gives us a total of 573 bottles.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The wine casks bring velvety smoothness and mellowness, dried dates, bananas and delicately toasted wood. It is slightly vinous, but there is a nice balance. Redcurrants and pomegranates, goji berries, dark tobacco, salted butter caramel. On the palate, it is oily, but also slightly acidic. The fruit is a little less noticeable, softened by delicate woodiness and salty notes. Black berries, very ripe peaches, measured spices. The finish is quite long without being explosive, dark chocolate, dried fruit, apricots, candied cherries, walnuts and hazelnuts. Another tiny coastal touch. Sea spray.

 

In Short, 

It is very pleasant, with a nice balance despite its very slight acidity on the palate. The wine casks add fruitiness and smoothness without detracting from the distillate. Overall, it is rather well crafted and a great find for enthusiasts. The price is high, however, but that's the market. If you like it, you don't count the cost.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ilaria Argento - Whisper My Name

G. Rozelieures 18 yo French Wine Cask

 

 

 

53,2°

Distillery : Grallet-Dupic - France

French Banyuls Wine Casks 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 6 ppm

 

 

 

And the highlight of this new regular range launched last September is this 18-year-old whisky, a very rare age in France. It has been matured in prestigious French wine casks, of the Banyuls type. This time, the peat content is specified as 6 ppm, which is very light.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Strong influence of wine on the nose, it's syrupy, dried fruit, candied fruit, glazed chestnuts, dried damsons, dates, apricots, bananas, candied cherries, old plums, cocoa powder, forest fragrances, undergrowth, glade, oak leaves, acorns, black earth with a hint of caramel, sprinkled with cinnamon and paprika. On the palate, it is lighter, macerating red fruits, blueberries, redcurrants, damp bark, noble and exotic wood, meat stuffing, balanced spices. Very long, powerful finish, wood and tall grasses, reeds, chestnut crumbs, cashew nuts, vanilla sweetness.

 

In Short, 

The nose and finish are very successful, but I still found the palate weak, although much better than previous bottlings. I would like to defend this bottling more, which is quite daring in a French context where quality whisky is rare, but there are still a few flaws. What's more, the price is really very high, which doesn't surprise me, as it is very expensive to age whisky for 18 years in France, which is why there is virtually none. I sincerely hope that this first attempt will find its fans and that it will soon be imitated. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           HK et les Saltimbanks - Je suis

G. Rozelieures 10 yo Double Oak

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Grallet-Dupic - France

French and American Oak Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range

Single Malt 

Launched in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

The second element in Rozelieures' new regular range is this one, a 10-year-old whisky aged in French and American oak casks, slightly peated, but we don't know exactly to what extent, and non-chill filtered. The alcohol content is more appealing at 46%, which is better than the 8-year-old, which was a modest 42%.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It is sweet, with sour grapes and molasses, a light and grainy peat, but also complex, with shortbread biscuits, varnished wood, still-warm caramel, ripe white fruits, banana, mirabelle plums, freshly baked French toast, forest undergrowth. On the palate, it is syrupy, with old plum, campfire, roasted almonds, quince jam, very subtle spices, rosemary, cinnamon, grey pepper. The finish is almost good, with toasted wood, dried fruit, dates, apricots, cashews, heather soil, a pinch of salt and forest berries.

 

In Short, 

It's starting to get interesting, the palate is finally expressive, and the nose and finish reveal a genuine character. This is a thoroughly drinkable whisky, enjoyable, with occasional complexity and even depth. Unfortunately, it is not very competitive in terms of price, the Scots do better for less, but at least it has the merit of coming from our own country and being a little different, with a foresty and very woody profile.

Score : 85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           CharlElie Couture - Comme un avion sans ailes

G. Rozelieures 8 yo Triple Cask

 

 

 

42°

Distillery : Grallet-Dupic - France

American Oak, French Oak, Wine Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

Rozelieures is making a big splash this September with the launch of a new regular aged range. It is very rare in France for a distillery to launch a truly aged range, as French regulations encourage the release of the youngest possible whiskies, which is a disgrace. The first representative of this new range is the 8-year-old, matured in three different casks, reduced to 42% ABV and slightly peated, at less than 20 ppm, although the exact level is not specified.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is pleasant, with a slight creaminess, spring freshness, walnut cake, creamy honey, prunes, dark chocolate, liquorice, cachous, stuffed figs, and some earthy, undergrowth and vegetable garden fragrances. On the palate, it is still disappointing and lacking in expression, but there are some dried fruits, dates, apricots, a hint of lemon zest, lychees, reserved spices, and intense, rough woodiness. The finish is not very long, but acceptable, with notes of toasted bread spread with semi-salted butter, braised chestnuts, caramel, pumpkin seeds, peanuts.

 

In Short, 

It has a certain character, the nose and finish are consistent, and from that point of view, it's a success. But that's without taking into account the palate, which still struggles to assert itself. It should be drunk quickly to avoid feeling the emptiness on that side. Given these flaws, I find it too expensive for what it is. But I applaud the audacity of launching an aged whisky, and I hope it will improve with time. 

Score : 83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                          Les Innocents - L'Autre Finistère

Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

American Oak and Manzanilla Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Travel Retail Edition 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

Ardbeg's Travel Retail range was launched in 2022. It was to be called Smoketrails. Three bottlings have been released so far, and this is the first, resulting from a blend of simple American Oak casks with Manzanilla Sherry casks. As is almost always the case with this distillery, the age is not specified, but it is non-chill filtered.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Dry and grassy peat, blond tobacco, sherry brings a beautiful fruitiness, mirabelle and greengage plums, grapefruit, liquid honey, powerful smoke, solid and rocky minerality, waxed wood, basalt, granite. The iodine is subtle, but still noticeable, with a hint of sea spray, foam and a pinch of salt. On the palate, it works very well, it is oily, rose water blends with peat, lychees, lime, controlled spices, icing sugar, leading to a very long, explosive, peppery finish. Almond paste, coconut, vanilla ice cream.

 

In Short, 

I really enjoyed it. I think the combination of Bourbon and Manzanilla Sherry works well, and it goes nicely with the Ardbeg profile. It reminds me of Ardbeg Ten, but smoother and a little less iodised. The price is an issue, it's too expensive for a NAS, but if you shop around, you can find it at a reasonable price. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Bloodbark - Time is Nothing