Aultmore 2011 Signatory Vintage La Maison du Whisky Exclusive Bottling 14 yo

 

 

 

61,7°

Distillery : Aultmore - Speyside

1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Hogshead Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

The Collection Plume is the result of a collaboration between Signatory Vintage and La Maison du Whisky. It presents cask strength bottlings aged in first-fill sherry casks. This is now the tenth batch in the collection (Chapter X, as written on the label), and we have an Aultmore, a little-known distillery owned by Bacardi. Here, the time spent in a 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Hogshead is only a finish, and we have no details about the initial maturation. 344 bottles are sold as part of the Itinéraires series.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sticky sherry, very fruity, full of caramel and treacle, fig jam, blood orange purée, a ladleful of cinnamon, dark chocolate, raisins and dried apricots, candied cherries, acacia honey, cloves, Aosta ham. On the palate, apple compote, cocoa powder, dates and prunes, light earthy notes, intense spices. Damson crumble. Rather long and woody finish, quite powerful, fruit paste, liquorice, chestnut cream, butternut tart, saffron. Fine vegetal touches, lichen, ivy. Traces of limestone. 

 

 

In Short, 

This is a fairly intense sherry, which is the hallmark of the collection. However, although the nose is very fruity and jammy, it lacks a little body, and the palate, while certainly rich, is a little dry. I like it, but it's certainly not the best in the collection. The price is reasonable, but I still think it's a little expensive for what it is. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Aynsley Lister - Need Her So Bad

Balmenach 2008 The Art of Maturation Benchmark Collection Itinéraires 17 yo

 

 

 

54,5°

Distillery : Balmenach - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Murray McDavid  

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Balmenach was founded in 1824, and after being owned by Diageo between 1922 and 1997, it is now owned by Inver House Distillers, which also owns Balblair, Knockdhu, Pulteney and Speyburn. It is a renowned old school whisky, with long fermentation and worm tubs for steam. Original bottlings are extremely rare, with the last one dating back to 2002. Almost all of the production goes into blends, but some independent bottlings are highly regarded. This one has the merit of being rather old, and maturation in a first-fill bourbon barrel will allow the distillate to be fully appreciated. Only 150 bottles have been released for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Leavened cereals, barley, wheat, millet, sweet butter, evanescent vanilla, acacia honey, egg custard, rustic woodiness, sweet potatoes. Slices of lime, large country bread, cut hay, liquorice stick, and a light pinch of fine salt. On the palate, it is more indulgent, Williams pear and Granny Smith apple, beeswax, more cereals, rice cake, runny caramel, ginger and cinnamon. The finish is rather pleasant, long and powerful, blond tobacco, dried fruit, resin, biscuits dipped in milk and a gentle saltiness. 

 

In Short, 

It is indeed a distinctive style, old-fashioned, light but with a certain character, and delicious fruit. I think that something interesting could be done with this distillate, we should be able to taste it more often. Now is a good opportunity, but unfortunately I find the price a bit steep. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Courtney Barnett - Depreston

Ardmore 2008 Distillery Labels 15 yo

 

 

 

46° 

The Ardmore - Highlands

Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Part of the Distillery Labels range, which brings together Gordon & MacPhail's reduced but vintage bottlings, this Ardmore is announced as being 15 years old, although this is not written on the bottle. It is a blend of several Bourbon casks, and the peat level is the usual one for Ardmore. 

 

Let's Taste It :  

On the nose, light peat, slightly dusty, slightly stony, ointment, dried and earthy cereals, hints of vegetation and caramel, mirabelle and greengage plums, green apples. A zest of lemon. Fragrances of iodine, seaweed, ash. On the palate, it is pastry-like, egg custard, vanilla cream, nougatine, fresh walnuts, toasted wheat, various spices, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper. Fairly long, powerful finish, traces of tar, gently charred wood, almonds and cashews. Dry biscuits, mustard seeds.

 

In Short, 

A remarkable Ardmore, a bit austere, with a slightly more pronounced peatiness than usual. It's pleasant to drink and full of character, complex but not overly so, with measured strength. It's the kind of thing that makes you knock back glass after glass without thinking. The price is really good, it's worth spending some time on. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Dead Astropilots - You Should Know

Glentauchers 2008 Distillery Labels 14 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Glentauchers - Speyside

Sherry Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Gordon & MacPhail has all kinds of sub-ranges and original series, including this Distillery Labels, which brings together vintage bottlings, but also reduced and non-single cask ones. This one is a Glentauchers, aged as it should be in Sherry Hogsheads. It is advertised on two websites as being 14 years old, but this seems surprising to me as it was bottled on 13 December 2023. Further more, the Hogsheads are announced as being first fill on one website and refill on another. It is therefore difficult to be certain of anything, but in any case, the age is more than acceptable, and the hogsheads are indeed sherry casks.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, creamy vanilla, baked apples, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts, woody cereals, but also some iodine notes, sea breeze, lemon zest, two drops of blood orange, milk chocolate, a pinch of cinnamon, brioche. On the palate, yellow peach, caramel éclair, mixed fruit compote. Woody notes, melted butter, fairly prominent spices, a hint of bitterness. Fairly long, powerful, woody and mineral finish, thick honey, bay leaf, biscuits, macaroons, fresh walnuts and a touch of clove.

 

In Short, 

It's very pleasant, typical of Speyside, with subtle sherry notes, light and pulpy fruit, wood and petals. I'm starting to find character in this distillery, thanks to this unassuming bottling. It's a reasonable purchase, you just have to be careful to choose the right retailer, as prices vary quite significantly. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ina Forsman - Bubbly Kisses

Ardbeg Eureka ! 25 Years of the Ardbeg Committee

 

 

 

52,2°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

Pedro Ximénez Sherry and Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm 

 

 

 

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee, this special bottling was launched in February 2025. As usual, it is non-age-stated, but made from roasted malt spirit matured in Bourbon casks and Pedro Ximénez casks. The result has an interesting alcohol content, but it is not cask strength. I would like to know how many bottles are available, but this information is being kept secret. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The peat is relatively light, metallic fragments, rocky splinters, vaporous but powerful, enveloping smoke, patches of salt, limestone, sea spray, iodine, liquid vanilla. Mirabelle plums, white grapes, pastry cream, pomade. On the palate, it is successful, vanilla and coconut, rose water, then powerful spices, clove, black pepper, slight woody bitterness. Powerful and long finish, but not quite explosive, white chocolate, dried herbs, angelica, tarry rock, liquorice, dried figs.

 

In Short, 

I'll be honest: it seemed to me to be the best Ardbeg from the Committee in a long time. Hypernova is extremely good, but it's also very expensive, and apart from that one, you have to go back to Scorch, which dates back to 2021. That said, I haven't tasted everything; I'm missing Fermutation and Anamorphic. It's a good Ardbeg, with very pronounced mineral notes, more than maritime, and a real gourmand dimension. A must-try for any self-respecting fan of the distillery, but unfortunately the price is still too high. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Traitrs - I Was Ill, You Were Wrong

Laphroaig 2015 The Single Malts of Scotland Small Batch 10 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm 

 

 

 

Elixir Distillers has discontinued its Reserve Casks sub-range, replacing it with this new series, Small Batch. Among the first releases, this Laphroaig immediately caught the public's attention. Although reduced to 48% ABV, it is nevertheless the result of a blend of three refill hogsheads, and ten years is a respectable age.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very soft nose, almost fluffy, cotton, cotton candy, coconut, light and seductive smoke. Shortcrust pastry with a dash of vanilla, clouds of citrus, but gradually the peat rises. It becomes dirtier, with balsamic rock, gypsum, sea spray and ether. But the balance is maintained, nougat, brown sugar, the smoke becomes grimy, carrying nuggets of coal and soot. Chocolate lace, marzipan. On the palate, barley sugar, icing sugar, more coconut, vanilla ice cream, rose Turkish delight, lilac, cat's tongue biscuits, light mineral notes, then fairly strong spices, cumin and cloves. A fairly long finish with good body, tobacco, liquorice, fresh fig, a hint of aniseed, shortbread biscuits and hazelnuts.

 

In Short, 

The Laphroaig profile is very recognisable, yet at the same time it is smooth and subtle. The iodine notes and medicinal touch are definitely there, but they are balanced with white fruits and a pleasant sweetness. It is a rather old-school Laphroaig, nothing like the full-bodied, aggressive Laphroaigs that are sometimes found today. I find it simply excellent. For me, it's the perfect daily dram, perhaps even a little too good for that. What's more, the price is very reasonable, so you should snap it up. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Pirx - Silence in Two

Edradour 2012 Cask Strength Collection Collection Itinéraires 12 yo

 

 

 

59,2°

Distillery : Edradour - Highlands

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Edradour was acquired by Andrew Symington in 2002, which means that this bottling is not truly independent, as the Symington brothers are also the founders of Signatory Vintage. In any case, it was selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the Collection Itinéraires, launched at Whisky Live Paris 2025. It was matured in a first-fill Oloroso sherry butt and 564 bottles made it onto the shelves. 

Let's Taste It : 

Blueberry, redcurrant, raspberry jam. Dried apricots, dates, hazelnut chocolate, apple compote, paprika. Behind, there is a farm with its pastures, cut cereals, hay, lush grass, caramelised earth. On the palate, it is very well made, egg custard, blood orange, English cream, elegant woodiness, tobacco, quince jelly, candied citrus fruits. A light dash of vanilla mingles with more exotic flavours. Quite expressive spices. The finish is explosive but slow to develop, pastry cream, shortbread biscuits, ginger, dried pineapple, pine resin and liquorice.

 

In Short, 

A beautiful, vigorous sherry with a certain character, whiffs of the countryside and earth, exotic fruits, all mixed together to create a wonderful cocktail with a beautiful personality. Of course, you have to like sherry, because it is very intense. Unfortunately, the price is high for what it is, but fans of this profile may be tempted.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Elea Calvet - Memento Mori

Glenrothes 1995 Cask Strength Collection Symington's Choice 30 yo c. 6980

 

 

 

54,4°

Distillery : Glenrothes - Speyside

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Cask Strength Collection series is already a guarantee of quality, but with the Symington's Choice seal on top of that, you can be sure you're getting the best casks from Signatory Vintage, a company founded in 1988 by the Symington brothers. This one is a Glenrothes, aged for 30 years, 1 month and 27 days, which spent its entire maturation period in a first-fill Oloroso sherry butt. 499 bottles were produced from the cask. Not to be confused with cask 933, distilled and bottled in the same year. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

The sherry is very intense, with notes of fig jam, apple tart sprinkled with cinnamon, raspberry coulis, dates and dried apricots, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, chocolate fondant, marzipan, creamy vanilla, damp wood, salted butter caramel, honey, floor wax, incense, freshly tanned leather. On the palate, it is very rich and very sweet, but without excess, with raisins, slivered almonds, crushed quinces, a number of candied fruits and a generous helping of spices, crème brûlée, a zest of lemon. The finish begins with dark chocolate, coffee beans, mahogany, melted butter, shortbread biscuits, a hint of wild strawberries. Roasted nuts, nougat.

 

In Short, 

It has everything that is good about sherry: it is rich, indulgent, varied, deep and intense. Some may regret not finding the character of the distillate, but this is Glenrothes, always aged in sherry casks, and that's no coincidence. The price is of course very high, but not beyond what the market demands, so enthusiasts with the means may be tempted to splurge.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Julia Holter - Evening Mood

Talisker 14 yo Special Release 2025 Molten Seas

 

 

 

53,9°

Distillery : Talisker - Islands

Bourbon Casks and Toasted American Oak Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 22 ppm

 

 

 

As it does every year, Talisker is launching a new batch as part of Diageo Special Releases, and this time, the age is quite high. This gives us hope for a high-quality product, like the 2019 batch, which was truly wonderful (I talk about it here). An intriguing detail: the finishing process took place in new American oak casks toasted by the heat of volcanic rocks from the Isle of Skye. I have no idea how this affects the taste, but it's an original concept. The marketing managers at Diageo have been hard at work again. But I have an idea, even though I'm no marketing expert: why not just make a good whisky, simply and well?

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Initially quite sweet and creamy on the nose, melted butter, egg custard. Then the coastal character gradually reveals itself. Candied lime, iodine and sea spray, high cliffs overlooking a rough sea. Pastry cream, pineapple. Burnt wood, slightly bitter, peach pit, bamboo bark. Waxy peat, liquid honey, floral notes, candied banana, quartz and limestone chips. On the palate, it is even more woody, with rose water, evanescent vanilla, coconut and malted cereals. Discreet spices, cumin, black pepper. Fairly long finish, not quite explosive, black radish, toasted wheat, a pinch of salt, straw, lychee juice.

 

In Short, 

Overall, it's good, especially the nose and finish, but there's a hesitation between a sweet, honeyed profile and burnt wood. The coastal character is present but a tad in the background. I wonder if the finish hasn't ruined the whisky slightly by hiding the nuances and subtleties brought about by 14 years in good quality Bourbon casks. Ultimately, it's still good, even very good, but I feel it could have been better. I'd need to taste it again to be sure. In any case, what is certain is that the price is too high for what it is, and I would not recommend buying it.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Moon Idle - Godzilla

Ardbeg Smokiverse 25 Years of The Ardbeg Committee

 

 

 

48,3°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

Bourbon Casks 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm 

 

 

 

To celebrate the Ardbeg Committee's 25th anniversary, a new limited edition was needed. This one stood out as the perfect bottling to represent everything the Ardbeg Committee has been doing for 25 years: no age statement, no mention of the casks used (I finally found a website where they talked about Bourbon casks, but it took a while), and no information on the number of bottles released either. But it has a quirky concept: the product was made from high gravity mash. In fact, it's just that less water and more malt than usual were used to produce the wort, which was therefore denser. The advantage is that a denser wort should produce more flavour, but you still need good quality casks and a fairly long ageing period to turn it all into a good whisky.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Suffocating peat, fairly intense herbaceous notes, angelica, liquorice stick, bay leaves. Lemon peel mixed with a good dose of iodine, sea spray, seaweed and kelp. Peppery, earthy and woody notes, seductive smoke. On the palate, it's not exceptional, but there is vigour, green apple, Italia grapes, aniseed, a pinch of pepper and, of course, a good dose of peat. Cumin and cloves, fresh walnuts. The finish is robust but not particularly long, with lots of vegetal notes, reeds, grass, water lilies, damp earth full of limestone, sunflower oil and macerated almonds.

 

In Short, 

It's always the same old story with Ardbeg: the nose is good, without being exceptional, the finish is powerful, but on the palate, it's too young and therefore watery. These little experiments are cute, but they end up getting tiresome. It's been a long time since I've had a limited edition that was better than, or even as good as, the Ten. What's more, the price is too high, it feels like a rip-off.

Score : 87  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Dead Cat - Post Scriptum

Clynelish 2008 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength Collection Itinéraires 17 yo

 

 

 

56,3°

Distillery : Clynelish - Highlands 

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 8 ppm

 

 

 

This whisky attracted a lot of interest as soon as it was released. Included in the Collection Itinéraires launched by La Maison du Whisky, which means it is mainly reserved for the French market, it was possible to discover it at the Whisky Live Paris 2025. Having spent 17 years in a 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, it was only possible to fill 182 bottles.   

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The peat is light but perfectly balanced, with crystals of salt and quince, clementines, pineapple, quartz, gypsum and chalk. Mustard, condiments, paraffin, melted butter, baked apples, braised bananas, pita bread, creamy hummus, chickpeas, olive oil, chervil, fresh pear. Very fine, silky palate, vanilla, lychee, coconut, ripe peach, rose water, a pinch of cumin, cola nuts. Endless finish, explosive from start to finish without being too strong, tobacco leaves, lumpy wood, a tinge of bitterness, grated nutmeg, more prominent spices, white pepper, almonds, a drop of goat's milk.

 

In Short, 

This is an excellent Clynelish, decidedly modern, where wax gives way to fruit and mineral notes. The flavours are very varied, but this does not detract from its beautiful balance and character. In my opinion, this was truly a must-have bottle, and I bought it as soon as it went on sale. Especially since the price was quite reasonable. Now it's almost sold out everywhere, so it's going to be hard to get hold of. You need to act fast.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sofia Isella - Muse

Royal Brackla 2008 Cask Strength Collection Symington's Choice 16 yo c. 9

 

 

 

57,9°

Distillery : Royal Brackla - Highlands

1st Fill American Oak Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

The Symington's Choice series adds further prestige to the Cask Strength Collection range, which has been around for decades. Here we have a 16-year-old Royal Brackla aged in a 1st Fill Sherry Butt, made from American oak, which is unusual. 671 bottles were distributed. It appears that there are three different casks of Royal Brackla distilled and bottled in the same year at Signatory, all three of which have undergone the same maturation process, so they should not be confused. This one is sold by La Maison du Whisky, among others, so it is the one I tasted. However, I am not sure there is much difference between the three. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Honey and vanilla, dried fruit, dates, raisins, apricots, figs, damp leather, lemon cake, apple tart, still-warm wax, yellow peaches, a whisper of mango, crushed nuts, cinnamon, even saffron. On the palate, it is fresher, with more wood, a touch of menthol, oily leaves, various fruits, slightly candied, more honey, intense spices. Long and powerful finish, still warm embers, fried bacon, red fruits, bread dough, apple compote, more cinnamon, roasted hazelnuts.

 

In Short, 

The sherry is perfectly balanced, and the American oak adds a mellow flavour full of walnuts and hazelnuts. It is very pleasant to drink and very well made, but perhaps lacks a little character and personality. The price is very attractive, which means it is sold out almost everywhere, but you can still find it if you look hard enough. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Slow Readers Club - Boy So Blue

Linkwood 1995 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon 30 yo

 

 

 

51°

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside

1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Among the gems selected by La Maison du Whisky from Signatory Vintage's cellars for its new Artist range, this Linkwood finished in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead produced 339 bottles. The label features a work entitled Compassion by Stenjwa Luthuli. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

We have a fresher, more woody sherry, with wild strawberries, various citrus fruits, forest fragrances, holly, moss, bay leaves, molasses and acacia honey, cooked fruits, greengages, pears, almonds and lychees. On the palate, it is more peach and mango, with toasted cereals, crushed wood, roasted hazelnuts and ginger, relatively subtle spices, cloves and nutmeg. Powerful and very long finish, dates, raisins, figs, mahogany and cinnamon, vanilla and dark tobacco, a grain of redcurrant and a pinch of salt. 

 

In Short, 

An excellent Linkwood. It doesn't quite have the usual flood of fruitiness associated with this distillery, but it's not far off. Above all, the sherry gives it a velvety texture, honey and sweetness, with woody, herbal and indulgent notes, all beautifully balanced. Unfortunately, the price is far too high for this humble servant. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           whyohwhy - hori

Mortlach 1989 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon Over 35 yo

 

 

 

44,2°

Distillery : Mortlach - Speyside

2d Fill Sherry Butt 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This is the oldest Sherry bottling in the 15th release of the Artist range. The cask is a 2nd Fill Sherry, which gives us hope that it will not be particularly overpowering and that it will offer a fair marriage with the distillate. 250 bottles are being released, primarily for the French market. The label features the artwork Untitled by Stenjwa Luthuli. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, chocolate fondant, crushed fruits, blueberries, cherries, raspberries. Warm wax, blood orange, toasted nuts, pine needles, creamy vanilla, slivered almonds, salted butter caramel, soft toffee, pears in syrup. On the palate, blackberries, white peaches, liquid honey, candied fruit, dark chocolate and even coffee, a wide variety of spices, cinnamon, saffron, white pepper. The finish is wonderful, Corinth raisins, shortcrust pastry, woody wax, candied ginger, grilled bacon, a touch of dust a bit dirty, a few grains of cereal, cola, cocoa bean. 

 

In Short, 

This is an exceptional whisky, where the patina of time reveals an extraordinary variety of flavours, which nevertheless blend together in a balanced and subtle whole. It comes close to the best that sherry can offer in the world of whisky: a robust but refined product, softened by a whole host of delicious notes, including chocolate, pastry, fruit, wood, and even forest and meat. I would remind you that Mortlach uses 2.81 distillations, which increases the finesse and smoothness of the liquid. In other words, it is a masterpiece, at an extremely high price, but that doesn't even shock me. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Soft Machine - Backwards

Benrinnes 1997 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon Over 25 yo

 

 

 

52,3°

Distillery : Benrinnes - Speyside

Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Amongst the fifteenth release of the Artist range, which is very varied this year, this Benrinnes catches the eye. Aged at least 27 years, it has spent its entire maturation period in a Sherry Hogshead, and everyone knows that Benrinnes pairs very well with Sherry. 221 bottles are promised to the public, primarily on the French market. A work entitled Emotional Connection, by Stenjwa Luthuli, is featured on the label.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Mellow and deep sherry, dates, Amarena cherries, floor wax, freshly tanned leather, salted butter caramel, wildflower honey, prunes and figs. Some forest scents, lichen and moss, mushrooms, creamy vanilla. On the palate, it is slightly more woody, with liquorice and dark chocolate, coffee beans, red fruit coulis, blood orange zest, marzipan and cooked fruit. Powerful spices, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cumin. Quite a long, explosive finish, pine resin, oak bark, argan oil, pipe tobacco. Yellow fruits, bananas and pears, toasted and indulgent cereals. 

 

In Short, 

It's everything you'd expect from a Benrinnes aged in a sherry cask, with something extra: a slightly dirty, woodsy, even earthy character. It's obviously very well made, with lots of varied flavours, but all consistent. It's just missing that little something to make it truly excellent. The price is really scary. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Boys Go To Jupiter - Handstand

Bunnahabhain 2013 Decadent Drams Itinéraires Collection 11 yo

 

 

 

58,3°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Refill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead and Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Slightly Peated

Decadent Drams is the new range launched by Decadent Drinks just over a year ago. It brings together mostly single cask and cask strength bottlings, but relatively young ones. Here we have an 11-year-old Bunnahabhain, unpeated, but aged in casks that previously contained peated whisky. Maturation took place in two stages, first in a Refill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead that previously contained Bunnahabhain Staoisha, then in a Refill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead that previously contained Ardnahoe. The transfer from one cask to another necessarily took place in 2020 at the earliest, as Ardnahoe became operational in 2017, and the liquid must remain in a cask for at least three years before it can be called whisky. 309 bottles were produced, which were reserved in priority for the French market, as was selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the Collection Itinéraires. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The peat is very light, it's quite sweet, sherry with hazelnuts and pan-fried mushrooms, wild strawberries and forest fragrances, dark tobacco, hot chestnuts. A few mineral touches, slate, chalk, damp earth, wet leather. Copper notes. On the palate, it is well-made, balanced, citrus and molasses, roasted pineapple, grapefruit coulis, barley sugar, fermented fruit. Very measured spices, a pinch of sea salt. Fairly long finish with shortbread biscuits, fruit paste, crushed banana, liquorice, apple and cinnamon tart. Cashew nuts. 

 

In Short, 

It's very well made, but this light peatiness is a little unsettling. With Bunnahabhain, it's usually either very peaty or not peaty at all. It's good, but there are no particular qualities, it's just very balanced and subtle. And at the price it's selling for, it's really too expensive. No wonder there's still some left. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Xiu Xiu - Sad Mezcalita

Laphroaig 2014 The Single Malts of Scotland Collection Itinéraires 11 yo

 

 

 

57,5°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

There are four 11-year-old Laphroaigs distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2025 by Elixir Distillers, so it is important not to confuse them. Two are produced in tribute to whisky retail websites, Whisky Galore and Fassstark.de, one is available for general sale, and this one is reserved for the French market through the Collection Itinéraires, created by La Maison du Whisky for the Whisky Live Paris 2025. Only 359 bottles are available for sale, after 11 years and 2 months of ageing. Maturation in Refill Hogshead casks guarantees a pure distillate.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Fuel oil and iodine, limestone and chalk, medicinal notes, earthy and muddy peat, but not too strong, reeds, chives, peppermint. A generous zest of lemon, a few mirabelle plums and a floral note, crystalline vanilla, jasmine and rose Turkish delight. Tobacco leaves, coffee beans. On the palate, it is supple, lychee juice, slivered almonds, on thick peat, modelling clay, coarse salt, soot, ashes and pungent spices, cloves, cumin, black pepper. The finish is long, dirty, explosive, tarry, full of coal, rocks and salt, but also oily, shortbread biscuits, grapefruit, dark chocolate and liquorice, sleet, pebbles. 

 

In Short, 

A truly representative Laphroaig, it has everything we love about this distillery, but with a certain finesse that softens its aggressiveness and makes it more subtle. Anyone who likes this profile will be delighted, but it's nothing brilliant either, as it's not particularly expressive on the palate. The nose and finish, on the other hand, are perfect. The price is reasonable, and now I wonder why I didn't buy it.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Blackwater Holylight - Heavy, Why?

Park Life 2003 Uncharted Whisky C° 22 yo

 

 

 

55°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Highlands

Refill Sherry Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Uncharted Whisky C°

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

Uncharted Whisky C° is a young independent bottler founded in Scotland in 2020, which has produced between 50 and 60 expressions to date. This one comes from a distillery that is officially kept secret, but few people are unaware that it is a Highland Park. It has been aged for 22 years in a Single Refill Sherry Cask and reduced to 55% ABV. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It is floral and slightly mineral, limestone and quartz, lilac, airy and iodised, sea spray, foam, then a chalky peat settles in. Gravel, pebbles, seaweed and kelp, pine honey, heather and a hint of vanilla, candied lemon and mirabelle plums. Chewing tobacco, very subtle smoke, warm wax, a eucalyptus leaf. On the palate, more honey, greengage tart, royal jelly, intense spices, almond oil. A pungent, powerful and long finish, clove, cigar ash, pecan, cola, slight woody bitterness, green apples, artichoke heart. Tinder.

 

In Short, 

There are a few minor flaws, a palate that is not quite expressive and a slightly bitter finish. Apart from that, it is a very good whisky, truly typical of the distillery, salty, airy, mineral, full of heather honey. The sherry is barely noticeable, it must be a third or fourth fill, it just adds a little fruitiness. What's incredible is the price, which is very low for a 22-year-old single cask, no doubt because the name of the distillery is kept secret, and it's reduced, so it's a bargain. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ailise Blake - Consecration

Indiana Bourbon 2015 Les Grands Alambics Birds Series 6 yo

 

 

 

52,6°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Indiana, U.S.A.

American Oak Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Les Grands Alambics

Limited Edition 

Single Cask Bourbon Whiskey 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Indiana is a well-known state in the world of Bourbon Whiskey, with around forty distilleries of all sizes, the largest of which is Ross & Squibb Distillery, a huge machine that produces hundreds of millions of litres of pure alcohol per year. This is the most likely source of this bottle, but it is by no means certain, as it could be any of the other distilleries in the state. There are also few details about the maturation process. It is most likely American oak casks, but nothing is specified. However, it is definitely a single cask, and only 120 bottles have been produced. This bottling was designed by Les Grands Alambics, a famous shop specialising in whisky located in the French Alps.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Honey with walnuts, roasted corn, muesli with puffed rice, oats and raisins, lemon zest, a slice of pineapple and molasses. Soft, sticky caramel, hot chestnuts, varnished wood, a haystack and a few plump plums. Chocolate éclair, creamy vanilla. On the palate, nougat, hot chocolate, candy sugar, liquorice, stuffed figs, almond paste, earthy cereals, dark tobacco, varied and intense spices. Fairly long finish with good body, chocolate cookies, cola nuts, toasted hazelnuts, a mint leaf.

 

In Short, 

It's a pure Bourbon, a little austere, with the typical markers of honey, vanilla and various cereals, but here it's a little dark, earthy and, at the same time, very indulgent. It's very pleasant overall, but it lacks a little personality. The price seems relatively reasonable to me, but it's sold out absolutely everywhere.

Score : 88  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sunfire - Ballad of River

Nikka Taketsuru 21 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distilleries : Yoichi, Miyagikyo - Japan

Bourbon and Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Blended Malt

Launched in 2001

Slightly Peated 

 

 

 

It is important to know about Masataka Taketsuru's life if you are even remotely interested in whisky. How this eager and hard-working young man went into business, how he left for Scotland just after the First World War, the Scottish woman he married who died prematurely, leaving him forever bereaved and throwing himself into his work. The two distilleries he founded, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, are the ones used for this Blended Malt created in his honour. He died in 1979, so the first Taketsuru 21 yo, launched in March 2001, was probably distilled during his lifetime. It is considered one of the best blends in the world, having been crowned the world's best whisky in its category four times at the World Whisky Awards. There is also the Taketsuru 25 Year Old, the 17 Year Old and the non-age-statement, but it is the 21 Year Old that is most easily remembered by the public and which fuels the legend. These three aged Taketsuru whiskies were discontinued in March 2020.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Pastry cream and peanut butter, apples cooked with a pinch of cinnamon, dried fruit, raisins, prunes, apricots, candied lemon, grapefruit zest, melting caramel, toffee and dark chocolate, a few coffee beans. In the background, a hint of coarse salt, mineral notes, limestone, gypsum, light and captivating peat, soot, dry earth. On the palate, sour oranges, salty notes and green liquorice, ginger, elegant but slightly insistent wood. Discreet spices, nutmeg, black pepper. Fairly long finish, chocolatey, with a trace of charcoal, walnuts and hazelnuts, a mint leaf.

 

In Short, 

The nose is the most interesting aspect, but it lacks a little depth and balance. The palate and finish are good but not particularly original. Another one of those overrated Japanese products that have reached ridiculous prices. Sure, it's good, but it's not that balanced, and there are some minor flaws. It is indeed much better than the vast majority of blends, but it is not as good as a good single malt. Perhaps, in the end, it would have been better not to taste it, dreaming of a great blend is always better than experiencing this disappointment.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           Band-Maid - Thrill