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