Benromach 2002 Single Cask Collection Itinéraires 22 yo

 

 

 

57,2°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside 

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

After being the subject of an entire series within the Artist range last year, the distillery is continuing its partnership with La Maison du Whisky and has allowed the latter to select this cask from their warehouses. Having aged for 22 years, 6 months, three weeks and three days in a Single 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, this is a pure Benromach. Only 157 bottles were released from the barrel, making it a rarity reserved for the French market. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

A nose that is entirely typical of the distillery, very clean and expressive, with notes of fleur de sel, dry hay, light vanilla, floor wax, pine needles, melted butter, generous lemon squirts, grainy cereals, orange peel, pulpy mirabelle plums, fresh apples, a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, fruit paste, with liquorice, and still that intense salinity, creamy honey, vanilla and citrus, herbaceous and woody notes, various spices. Long, powerful finish, lemon cream, slices of green apple, pine bark, curry, dried banana, malted barley, ferns.

 

In Short, 

This is truly the quintessence of Benromach. I've tasted better ones than this one, but I don't think any more authentic. The others were either aged in sherry or something else that diminished the influence of the distillate, or had a creamy profile due to the Bourbon cask, which was very pleasant, but again, the distillate wasn't as prominent. There's personality here, and even a lot of character, with salt and dry hay, abundant cereals and pulpy fruits. This is the bottle for all fans of the distillery, so much so that it's completely sold out today, despite its fairly high price. It's a shame, I would have enjoyed it.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Kindred Valley - Why I'm Crying

Compass Box This is not a Blend

 

 

 

50°

Distillery : Clynelish 

1st Fill Bourbon Barrels and Former Bowmore Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Compass Box 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 8 ppm

 

 

 

Compass Box has always had a history with Clynelish. Of the fifteen bottlings I have tasted from them, only three did not contain Clynelish. That is why, when the question of releasing a Single Malt arose, it had to be a Clynelish. That said, this is not the first Single Malt released by Compass Box. The first two Myths & Legends, dating from 2019, were already single malts. This one is a blend of seven first-fill bourbon barrels, into which some Clynelish distilled in 2015 was added. Then, in 2025, it was transferred for eight weeks to casks that had contained Bowmore since 2002. Finally, 1,278 bottles were produced, specially designed for the French market.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A very coastal nose, salty, full of sea spray and iodine, but also a sweet fruity flavour, fine creamy vanilla, candied lemon, Belle-Hélène pear. Rustic cereals, a slight medicinal touch, forest and woody fragrances, a few spices, acacia honey. On the palate, peat makes its entrance, but discreetly, beeswax, almond milk, dried herbs, sleet, melted butter, and a slice of pineapple. Clove and nutmeg. Rich, fairly long finish, with a certain power, notes of liquorice, even aniseed, salicornia, eucalyptus, rosemary. It is vaguely floral, dried flower fritters, and hazelnuts.

 

In Short, 

A Clynelish that bears the mark of Bowmore, salty and coastal, but which also retains a very pleasant fruitiness, with hints of wax and ointment. It is very good, very successful, very close to excellence. Perhaps just a little young. The elegance of Clynelish blends with a certain maritime roughness. The price is nevertheless high, to be reserved for fans of the profile.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Black Veil Brides - Lost it All

Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

Bourbon Barrels and Napa Valley Red Wine Casks

Original Bottling 

Travel Retail Edition 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

The third Travel Retail bottling to be launched by Ardbeg is this one, a blend of Bourbon Barrels and red wine casks from Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon apparently. It seems that the entire batch was bottled in 2024, for a release in January 2025. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Quite intense peat, greasy smoke, cotton candy, subtle fruity notes in the background. Spongy wood, braised damsons, blackberry jam, overwhelming iodine. Sea spray, foam, almond paste. Finally, earthy notes, dry earth, crumbling. Tannins, tar, liquorice. It's quite clear on the palate, vanilla, but peppery, aniseed, candy that melts under the tongue, olive oil. The spices become stronger and stronger, cumin, cloves. Soft caramel. Quite violent, long finish, chicory, caramel, dripping charcoal, lots of liquorice. Dried red plums. Fragments of lignite.

 

In Short, 

All in all, it's not bad, but there are some major flaws. In my opinion, the liquid is very young, which means that the nose lacks a little complexity, and it's very light on the palate. Fortunately, the finish is really pleasant and makes up for it a little. It's the worst Ardbeg I've tasted so far, offering little of interest. At the price it's sold for, it's too expensive for what it is, but luckily I got it on special offer. I'm not sure I won't regret my purchase, though.

Score : 85  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           High Vis - Mind's a Lie

Tormore 2002 Legacy Casks 22 yo

 

 

 

48,5°

Distillery : Tormore - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Among the 15 to 20 bottlings released this year in the Legacy Casks range, this one is the oldest. Distilled in May 2002 and bottled in the same month in 2025, it spent at least 22 years and eleven months in a 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, yielding 140 bottles. Though it is not indicated on the label, several sources confirm that the age is indeed 22 years.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, pine resin, candied lemon with some exotic fragrances, it is waxy, even slightly medicinal, and at the same time greedy, ointment and vanilla, a touch of coconut. Then, sand, a few mineral notes, and spices galore, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon. Elegant woodiness. On the palate, lemon coulis, it's creamy with grapefruit and tarte Tatin, ginger. But also blond tobacco, green liquorice, spices mingling with herbaceous flavours. Very long and quite powerful finish, with a pinch of salt, verbena, mint leaf, cardamom, cereal muesli, rustic wheat, malted barley. Crushed chestnuts. 

 

In Short, 

There's real character in there, and that's what I liked about it. Despite its intensity, it's perfectly balanced, with each stage of the tasting flowing naturally from the previous one. Everything seems logical and refined, yet original. It's a real success, and bodes well for what the Singh brothers want to achieve with this distillery. It won't be anything sensible or discreet, it reminds me of Benromach, or even Clynelish. As for the price, however, there's nothing revolutionary about it, it's still quite high, at least not for everyone, since it's sold out almost everywhere, less than two months after its release.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           King Hannah - This Hotel Room

Arran 2014 Private Cask Collection Itinéraires 10 yo

 

 

 

57,8°

Distillery : Isle of Arran/Lochranza - Islands

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

In the Itinéraires collection launched at Whisky Live Paris 2025, this Single Cask from the Lochranza distillery, formerly known as Isle of Arran, is sure to intrigue. Matured for 10 years and almost 9 months in a single first-fill bourbon barrel, it will showcase the distillate. 233 bottles are available for sale, suggesting that the cask was small, which promises a beautiful interaction with the wood.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Light and indulgent nose with a hint of wax, grainy cereals, pine forest, orchard fruits, yellow apples, Comice pears and a touch of citrus zest. Smooth and supple woodiness, mint leaf, ginger and a pinch of cinnamon. On the palate, it is creamier, candied vanilla, frosted lemon, herbaceous notes and acacia honey. Spices full of vitality but not overpowering. Long, full-bodied, powerful finish, glue and green liquorice, blond tobacco, dried fruit, dates, pineapple, hazelnuts, muesli, verbena, bay leaf. Fried onions.

 

In Short, 

A beautiful, well-crafted Arran, typical of the distillery but with a touch of originality nonetheless. Despite being a first-fill bourbon barrel, it is not overly fruity or sweet, but rather has notes of wax, forest and various spices. As for the price, it is a little high for what it is, so it might be better to wait for a promotion.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Horsegirl - In Twos

Daftmill 2011 Collection Itinéraires 13 yo

 

 

 

58,9°

Distillery : Daftmill - Lowlands

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Farm Estate 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

As part of the Itinéraires Collection launched by La Maison du Whisky at Whisky Live Paris 2025, this Daftmill was aged for 13 years in a first-fill Oloroso sherry butt supplied by Bodega José y Miguel Martin, before being released in a limited edition of 300 bottles. It is a Single Farm Estate, which means that the bottling was entirely conceived on the Daftmill farm, the barley is grown and malted on site, the whisky is matured and even bottled on site.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :   

Intense and honeyed sherry, red fruit purée, raspberries, redcurrants, apricots, milk chocolate, curry and goat's milk, hazelnuts, cashews, fruit jellies, and a hint of citrus fruits, lime, orange and mandarin. Cedar bark, pine needles. On the palate, the honey is more liquid, with a dash of vanilla, dry grass, jams, deeply present malted cereals, which complement the spices. A woody, elegant, long and powerful finish, with balsamic vinegar, pine resin, dry bark, ginger, crushed chestnuts.

 

In Short,

To be honest, I don't know what to think of this Daftmill, I've tasted it twice. The first time, I really liked it, but the second time, I found the sherry flavour much too strong, slightly acidic and unbalanced. I imagine both are valid, depending on when the bottle was opened. If the bottle has been open long enough, it's fine, but if it's just been opened, it's too strong. Other factors must come into play, but it's these small details that can turn a very good product into something excessive and unbalanced. In any case, the price here is far too high. Even if the whisky is as good as what I tasted the first time, it's too expensive.

Score : 88  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Humbe - Morfina

Ardmore 2009 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon 15 yo

 

 

 

57°

Distillery : The Ardmore - Highlands

1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Once again selected from casks stored in Signatory Vintage's warehouses, this 15-year-old Ardmore was finished in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead, yielding 337 bottles. The artwork chosen to adorn the label is entitled Identity Demands, by Sthenjwa Luthuli.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A beautiful and thick sherry, enhanced by a slightly charred, dry and earthy peat. Red fruit coulis, blackberries, blueberries, pie crust with a pinch of sea salt, elegant smoke and toasted cereals, hot bacon and caramel, apricots and redcurrants. On the palate, creamy honey, a few drops of oil, fermented fruit, rare beef steak slightly charred in places, ginger, dried banana, various spices, cloves, black pepper. Long and explosive finish, liquorice, still-smoking cigar ash, coffee and dark chocolate, a few exotic fruits rubbed on varnished wood, semi-salted butter, malted barley.

 

In Short, 

This is a very well-made sherry, thoroughly successful, with a touch of originality. There are also coastal notes and some remnants of the distillery's profile, but the balance is still very good. The price is a little high, but fans of sherry and the distillery will find it well worth it.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lor3l3i - Ghost

Ben Nevis 2015 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon 10 yo

 

 

 

58,3°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

This year, the Artist range is launching not one, but two series. The first was Something in the Water, created in collaboration with Elixir Distillers. The second is this one, The Dark Side of the Moon, created with the assistance of Signatory Vintage. And I'm starting with this 10-year-old Ben Nevis, finished in a first-fill sherry butt. 655 bottles were filled, and the artwork decorating the label is by Sthenjwa Luthuli and is untitled.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A sherry at its best, with syrupy red fruits, blueberries, cherries, redcurrants, exotic wood, a drop of balsamic vinegar, subtle mineral notes and liquorice, blood oranges, dark melting chocolate, black damp earth, a hint of pepper, terracotta, dates and saffron. On the palate, liquid honey, argan oil, coffee, blackberry jelly, raspberries and wild strawberries, orange blossom. Spices mingle with wood. Very slightly vinous finish, chestnut cream, dry leaves, bark, dried apricots, red fruit paste. Pan-fried mushrooms with parsley.

In Short, 

An intense, dark and foresty sherry, it's difficult to identify the distillery's profile, but that doesn't matter because it's really good and original, dirty, full of personality. Ben Nevis whiskies always have something extra, and in this case, the cask is truly excellent. A few more years and it would have been truly great, though. As for the price, it's reasonable, so buying it would be no shame.

Score : 89

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Etta Marcus - Teenage Messiah

Blair Athol 2011 Cask Strength Collection 13 yo c. 6

 

 

 

57,7°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

1st Fill Ruby Port Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

I tend to enjoy whisky aged in port casks, but I'm not sure how it will turn out with Blair Athol. This one spent 13 years, 6 months and 15 days in a first-fill Ruby Port Hogshead. Ruby Port is very sweet, and that could be overpowering. 310 bottles are available for sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Nose candied fruit, jams, it's mellow and sweet but with body, soft toffee, apple crumble, red plums, milk chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, cinnamon, a few blueberries, wild strawberries, raspberries. Ginger. On the palate, sponge cake, slightly drier fruits, stuffed dates, orange peel, cherry clafoutis, subtle cereal notes, liquorice stick. Lively spices, clove, black pepper. Fairly long finish, but not quite explosive, roots, nutmeg, pomegranate seeds, dark chocolate, a knob of cream, chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

The port is very present, with the distillery's typical mellow profile. There is a certain balance, but it still lacks a little personality. Again, however, the price is very reasonable, so it's worth giving it a try.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Bachar Mar-Khalifé - Olive Tree

Jura 2009 Cask Strength Collection 16 yo c. 16

 

 

 

54,4°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated  

 

 

 

This native of the Isle of Jura certainly spent its early years in a Bourbon cask before being finished in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt. 677 bottles were produced. It seemed to me that it was very slightly peaty, but apparently not. Not to be confused with its sister cask, Cask 15, distilled and bottled on almost the same day, with the same finish.

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A sweet and slightly floral sherry with red fruits, but above all dried fruits, dates, nuts, figs and a square of dark chocolate. Pine needles, salty notes but also a little earthy. Wood varnish, sticky resin. On the palate, olive oil, dried apricots, quince jam, with a slight acidity, but also woody notes, mahogany, forest honey. Various spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper. Long and powerful finish, damp leather, roasted almonds, dried herbs, fruit jellies, caramel and resin. Thyme.

 

In Short, 

The sherry is very present and blends quite well with the distillery's profile, but it still dominates. This makes for a good whisky, with a very successful nose and finish, but there are a few flaws on the palate. The price is reasonable, so it's worth giving it a try. Refill casks would have been better, though.

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                            Japanese Breakfast - Honey Water

Speyside (M) 2009 Exceptional Cask 100 Proof Edition #13 16 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery Officialy Unknown - Speyside

Olroso Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

We are already at the 13th Exceptional Cask in the 100 Proof range, launched in January 2024. There's no point in hiding it, this is a Macallan, aged in Oloroso Sherry Butts for 16 years. So this is a real rarity we have here.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A pulpy and mellow sherry, intense and dark. Soaked wood, red fruit salad, redcurrants, watermelon, blueberries, chocolate coulis, balsamic vinegar, walnuts and dates, coq au vin, orange peel, melted caramel, blackberry jelly, damson plums. Very slight hint of sulphur. On the palate, thick honey, raspberries and red peppers, dark chocolate squares and stretto coffee, grilled hazelnuts, roasted almonds, Agen prunes, cinnamon galore, nutmeg, cloves and a good pinch of pepper. Fairly long, powerful finish with notes of charcoal, terracotta, goji berries, coppery reflections, intense and varied spices, black and damp earth with small mushrooms. Forest undergrowth.

 

In Short, 

This Macallan is truly superb. The sherry is intense and deep, giving rise to extreme and varied flavours. At the same time, it is not overpowering, on the contrary, it releases the aromas. Given the rarity of the product and the incredibly low price, if you are even slightly fond of this profile, don't hesitate. My opinion is that it won't stay on the market for long.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Telenova - The Deep

Ben Nevis 2015 Whisky Live Paris 2025 10 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Signatory Vintage was responsible for the special bottling in honour of Whisky Live Paris 2025, and for the occasion we were provided with this Ben Nevis finished in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt. We don't know how long the second maturation lasted, nor where the first one took place, but at least it's a Single Cask. 856 bottles were on sale, exclusively at the exhibition shop. I assume it's non-chill filtered and non-coloured, because it's Signatory Vintage, but there's no mention of this anywhere.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It starts off airy, then develops into thick sherry, crushed cherries, redcurrant jam, raspberry coulis. Traces of charcoal, floral notes, light iridescent smoke, a pinch of salt and a few malted cereals. Smooth and sparkling woodiness reminiscent of the distillery's profile. On the palate, there are fewer red fruits, but it is sweeter, juicy pears and orange peel, raisins, dates, various spices, pepper, nutmeg, cumin. The finish is quite long and punchy, charcoal, coastal notes, soft sand, iodine, caramel and liquorice, dark tobacco, marzipan.

 

In Short, 

It's very pleasant to drink, the sherry does its job well, but you lose a little of the distillery's profile. For me, it's a good whisky with a strong sherry presence. It's well made and complex, but it lacks originality, I've drunk plenty of big sherries like this. What's more, it's reduced. On the plus side, the price is really low for a single cask. That's why it's sold out everywhere at the moment.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Fleurie - White Lace

Caol Ila 1984 Artist #15 Something in the Water 40 yo

 

 

 

51,3°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Sometimes you get lucky and come across genuine antiques, such as this Caol Ila, undoubtedly the pinnacle of this year's Artist range, having spent 40 years in a previously used hogshead, allowing the distillate to shine. Only 99 bottles have been produced, making it a true rarity. The artwork chosen to illustrate it is Meandering Through Relationships I, by Radhika Surana.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very fresh nose, concentrated coastal character, lacey iodine, abundant sea spray, seaweed and sea breeze. Very light but present peat, which adds depth. Oysters, razor clams, fresh sardines, scallops. Coarse sea salt, sprinkled with lemon, grapefruit and a dash of vanilla. A few herbaceous and mineral notes in the background, slate, reeds, peppermint. Very subtle floral fragrances, wispy smoke. On the palate, it is oily, full of mineral salts, very balanced. On a layer of peat, bottarga, bulgur wheat, salicornia, sweet cereals, almond paste, lard. Very discreet spices, nutmeg, white pepper. The spices become stronger on the finish, which is endless, explosive, the salt leaning slightly towards mint, acacia honey, lemon zest, liquorice. Then, soot and charcoal bring back all the peat and smoke.

 

In Short, 

It's truly magnificent, we really have all the essence of Caol Ila, incredible depth and complexity, and it goes in all directions. It is one of those wonderful whiskies whose tasting is more of a journey than an appreciation. The price, on the other hand, is as high as the International Space Station, it's really reserved for an elite.

Score : 92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Michelle Gurevich - Feel More

Laphroaig 2005 Artist #15 Something in the Water 20 yo

 

 

 

49,6°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

This Laphroaig underwent a completely straightforward maturation in a Bourbon Barrel. How will the distillate assert itself after this? Only 155 bottles were released for sale, the angel's share is significant. The label features Radhika Surana's artwork Meandering through Relationships III.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Typical Laphroaigish nose, crystalline peat and powerful iodine, sea spray, medicinal notes, some pulpy white fruits, even exotic ones, vanilla and mirabelle plum, a generous dose of citrus, captivating smoke, tar and cold ashes, seductive mineral notes, slate, chalk, but this time it's also a bit herbaceous, dry grass, cut hay, and the wood is quite present, roasted nuts, mahogany. On the palate, it's honeyed, with almond milk and green olive. Rich citrus, milk chocolate, then thick, dry and earthy peat takes over. Spices are not very expressive, but give it personality. The finish is not quite explosive, but rather long nonetheless, a large pinch of salt, cloves, coffee, some dried fruit, dates and figs. Crushed chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

It's very good, but not quite what I was hoping for. Although it has all the perfect characteristics of this distillery that I love, I feel it lacks punch and aggression. Perhaps the alcohol content is a little low, but I felt something was missing, despite a very successful nose. However, the price is extremely high, so it will be difficult to convince us that it's worth it.

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Katatonia - For My Demons

Ardbeg 2000 Artist #15 Something in the Water 25 yo

 

 

 

55,4°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

Oloroso Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

Old Ardbegs are becoming increasingly rare, which is why this one is such a blessing. Distilled at the turn of the century and placed in an Oloroso Sherry Butt, it sat untouched for 25 years before being transferred into 224 bottles. The label features Radhika Surana's artwork Relationships Through Lichens III.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sherry marries peat, and this becomes floral, honeyed, caramelised. A coastal character that imposes itself, limestone, iodine, sea spray, smoke that is powerful despite the age, thick, suffocating. Soot and apricots, charcoal and Williams pear, roasted nuts, candied dates, lilies, irises. Velvety, silky palate, tarte Tatin dusted with icing sugar, liquid honey, lychees, almonds, vanilla cream, then the peat rises, thick, oily, herbal, even medicinal, mossy, smoked bacon, hot asphalt, almost sweet spices alongside. Endless finish, explosive throughout, ginger, a drop of tar, roots still full of earth, fried onions, dark chocolate.

 

In Short, 

A very fine Ardbeg, truly superb at times, a total success I would say, with no flaws whatsoever. The peat is intense, but it does not mask a whole subtle world that mingles, between coastal character and lusciousness, some floral fragrances and dried fruit. The sherry is not at all powerful, it enhances the distillate rather than hiding it, perhaps it was a refill cask. Unfortunately, the price is astronomical, but I can consider myself very lucky to have dipped my lips into it once.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Kauan - Leave/Let Go

Bunnahabhain 2011 Artist #15 Someting in the Water Over 10 yo

 

 

 

56,2°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Refill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 40 ppm

 

 

 

Selected from among the gems stored in the warehouses of Elixir Distillers, this peated Bunnhabhain was aged for 10 years in refill bourbon barrels before being bottled in 272 bottles. It is at least 13 years old, although the label only specifies ‘Over 10 Years’. The artwork chosen to decorate it is Meandering Through Relationships II, by Radhika Surana.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Airy nose, delicate coastal notes, iodine, limestone, sea breeze, sea spray, a hint of fish. Citrus and mirabelle plums to complement this, sliced lemon, juicy pears, and finally the peat rises, full of coal and fuel oil, cold ashes, slightly herbaceous. On the palate, it is greasier, even oily, with crème fraîche and candied fruit coated in smoke, dried herbs, salicornia, earthy notes, lively spices, cumin and cloves. The finish is fairly long, not quite explosive, cooked mushrooms, dark chocolate, milky vanilla, wet rock, a pinch of salt and wisps of smoke.

 

In Short, 

A very good peaty Bunnahabhain, but I didn't find it particularly original. I think Bunnahabhain lags a little behind the other Islay distilleries when it comes to peat. They don't manage to add that touch of genius found elsewhere, and it's clear here. That said, it's a very pleasant whisky for fans of this profile, although too expensive in my opinion.

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :  

 

                                           Cold Union - Drown Me

Symbiosis 2018 Artist #15 Something in the Water

 

 

 

50,6°

Distilleries : Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain - Islay

Puncheon and Toasted New American Oak Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated from 35 to 40 ppm 

 

 

 

It is quite rare to find a blended malt in the Artist range. This one is therefore an exception, and the nice thing is that we have almost all the details. Three casks of Caol Ila distilled in 2014, 2015 and 2018, as well as two casks of Bunnahabhain distilled in 2013 and 2014, have been combined for a year in a Puncheon Cask, then six months in a Toasted New American Oak Barrel. This means that the liquid is aged between 6 and 12 years old and has been aged in a single cask for a total of one and a half years. 282 bottles have been counted, each adorned with a work by Radhika Surana entitled Symbiosis, how fitting. This blend, created by Elixir Distillers, is intended to illustrate the profile of their future distillery, Portintruan, which is due to open soon. Let's say in 2026, if all goes well (they were originally due to open in 2024).

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's a surprise, because the peat is rather light, or maybe it's just me. It's fresh, minty, a little woodsy, austere, with hints of sea spray, dark tobacco, delicate herbal and mineral notes, limestone, chalk, cold ashes, swirls of caramelised soot and almost solid tar. Some fruit in the background, creamy vanilla, white grapes. On the palate, it is oily, almost silky, with earthy peat and sea salt, before drifting towards citrus, grapefruit, lime, and perhaps apricot. Very controlled spices. Long and explosive finish, where the salt is accompanied by creamy notes, lemon coulis, Williams pears, roasted nuts, stalactites, gypsum.

 

In Short, 

It's really very well done, and will delight all Islay whisky lovers. I find that it's mainly the Bunnahabhain profile that dominates, even though there are only two casks, compared to three from Caol Ila. It's a little austere, but above all harmonious and subtle, with a peatiness that I found relatively discreet. The price is very reasonable, which is rare in the Artist range, and as a result it sold out completely in a matter of weeks. It's a shame, as I would certainly have bought one. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Violent Vickie - Circle Square

Bowmore 1995 Artist #15 Something in the Water 30 yo

 

 

 

45,5°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

This year, La Maison du Whisky has gone all out with its Artist range. It is divided into two series, the first of which is dedicated to Islay and is entitled Something in the Water. And we get straight to the heart of the matter with this 30-year-old Bowmore, which has been matured in a simple Refill Hogshead. Only 220 bottles have been unleashed into the wild. The label features a work by Radhika Surana entitled Transformation.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Fine peat softened by floral notes, lily, jasmine, volcanic dust, bitumen, bursting with tropical fruits, mango and pineapple. Soft white peaches, juice-dripping pears. Velvety woodiness, blond tobacco leaf, coarse sea salt and limestone, seaweed and sea urchins. On the palate, it is honeyed and rocky, set with various fruits, papaya, apple compote, treacle, with traces of vegetation and a hint of spice. Almond milk, well-salted cashews. Long and intense finish, lychees and citrus, dried banana, chewing tobacco, iodine and sea spray, forest undergrowth, greasy earth, subtle liquorice.

 

In Short, 

A superb Bowmore, one of the best I have ever tasted. The distillate appears in all its purity, not in the least disturbed by the cask. At the same time, it is perfectly balanced, endless smoothness, a deeply memorable finish despite the low alcohol content. The price is extravagantly high, but that did not prevent it from selling out in a matter of weeks. A fine performance. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lisa O'Neill - The Wind doesn't Blow This Far Right

An Islay Distillery 1991 The Single Malts of Scotland A Marriage of Casks 30 yo

 

 

 

47,5°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay 

2 American Oak Refill Bourbon Barrels and 1 Sherry Butt 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

It is with this A Marriage of Casks range that Elixir Distillers regularly brings us gems, such as this one, a blend of three casks from a secret distillery, which resulted in 1,241 bottles. The demonstrator whispered to me that the distillery of origin was Laphroaig, but I have read here and there that it was actually Lagavulin, so I don't know what to believe. In any case, one piece of information that seems certain is that the distillery in question was founded in the early 19th century, which leaves only three possible candidates on Islay.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Superbly calibrated peat with a delicate medicinal note, salt crystals, limestone and quartz accompany velvety, sometimes candied fruits such as greengages and mirabelle plums, or dried fruits such as dates, figs and bananas. A mellow woodiness is added to this, with a few tropical fruits in the background, sea breeze and sea spray. On the palate, it is dense and syrupy, with a generous dash of peat, dried pineapple, passion fruit, a hint of citrus zest and dust, a drop of fuel oil and tar. The finish is very long, with woody nuances taking centre stage, along with melting caramel, semi-salted butter, captivating smoke, charcoal pearls, dried herbs and old parchment.

 

In Short, 

This is an excellent product, where age brings subtlety and depth without detracting from the vigour of the distillate. The sherry is discreet and gives strength to the fruit without imposing itself. To be honest, everything is perfect in this beautiful blend that leaves you dreaming. In my opinion, it's a Laphroaig – I don't see why the demonstrator would lie, after all – and the medicinal notes seem to me to correspond to this distillery that I adore. Unfortunately, the price is beyond my means, but I recognise that it is in line with market demands.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           VonLiebknecht - Licht

Ben Nevis 28 yo Macbeth A Whisky Collection The Thanes Series Ross

 

 

 

50,4°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

To embody the character of Ross, who plays a relatively important role in Macbeth, what could be better than a Ben Nevis? The aim is to find a whisky that matches each of the characters in Shakespeare's tragedy. It's an idea from Livingstone, an independent whisky company, but to accomplish this crazy project, they are getting help from Elixir Distillers, which has the necessary resources. The illustrations are the work of Sir Quentin Blake. This Ben Nevis is the result of a blend of Refill Hogsheads, which yielded 850 bottles.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It starts off as herbal and ends up being floral. At first, sage and thyme, but also evanescent fruits, mirabelle plums, mandarins, white peaches, banana, with some salty, even mineral, fuzzy notes. At the end, sweet floral scents that tend towards vanilla, jasmine, mimosa, and even chlorophyll. On the palate, it is robust and intense, spicy, with slivered almonds, grapefruit, ginger, red apples, nutmeg and cloves. Still-warm caramel, brioche. The finish is long, explosive, slightly smoky and earthy, roasted chestnuts and still plant-based, bay leaves, lush grass, delicate woodiness, a hint of peppermint.

 

In Short, 

An excellent Ben Nevis, albeit somewhat atypical, very fruity and spicy despite its simple maturation. The nose is magnificent, the rest is very solid, and in keeping with this ever-impressive distillery. It seems that brewer's yeast was used for fermentation, which was very long. It would partly explain the exceptional quality of this distillate. The price is of course excessive, but what is money compared to love?

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Medusa Underground - Lowlands