Ardbeg Scorch Committee Release

 

 

 

51,7° 

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay 

Heavily Charred Ex-Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 54 ppm 

 

 

 

I had the opportunity to try the reduced version of this one, which I mentioned here. This one is the version reserved for members of the Committee Release, and it is cask strength. It is the special edition for Feis Ile 2021, a music and whisky festival held every year on the island of Islay. Heavily charred bourbon casks were used for the occasion, and it is said that these are the most heavily charred casks the distillery has ever used. Some even say that these are the Ardbeg Alligator casks that have actually been reused. If this is true, it allows us to estimate the approximate age of this Scorch, as the Alligator is the special edition for Feis Ile 2011, ten years earlier.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Good, rich limestone and iodine peat, with seaweed and fish scales, but also candied vanilla, lemon and grapefruit zest, lychees, parsley, thyme, and some very subtle floral notes. Sea breeze, dried seaweed and scallops. On the palate, it's more about almonds, orgeat, vanilla and pepper, cloves and cumin, but also cold ashes, charcoal and soot throughout. Very long and explosive finish, mineral, full of chalk, but also apples, and of course fuel oil, lignite, cola, a square of chocolate, coffee, dried figs.

 

In Short, 

It's very similar to the reduced version, just a few degrees stronger, which adds power and density, but otherwise the profile is exactly the same. It's surprising, given that the price is very different, I was expecting something significantly better, but that's not the case. That said, I've always thought it was one of Ardbeg's best limited editions, after Dark Cove and Ardbog, and my opinion hasn't changed. The only problem is that the price is ridiculously high. But if, like me, you have the opportunity to get your hands on half a bottle at a bargain price, don't hesitate. 

Score : 89  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Travo - Arrow of Motion

An Orkney Distillery 2005 The Dava Way 17 yo

 

 

 

60,3°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By The Dava Way 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

The Dava Way is a 38 km (24 miles) long-distance path that mostly follows the route of the former Highland Railway between Grantown and Forres. It is also the name of this Scottish independent bottler which was created in 2022. To date, they have produced around fifteen bottlings, including this 17-year-old Orkney, which is actually a Highland Park, with an easily recognisable profile. Drawn from a single Hogshead, 300 bottles were filled. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, light and grainy peat, citrus fruits rubbed with butter, beeswax, egg yolk, pineapple, lemon, mirabelle plums, wildflower honey. It is mellow, brioche, vanilla, and even coconut, lychee, almond paste, and a few very subtle mineral notes. Iodine freshness. On the palate, the honey is more intense, it's floral, gourmand, then peppery, warm, woody, liquorice, macerated grapes, cherries in brandy. Very long and powerful finish, melon, prickly pear, orange zest, olive oil. A pinch of salt. Sweet smoothness at the very end.

In Short, 

I was impressed by the nose, with its distinctive, buttery, honeyed character, which is very pleasant. The rest is very good, especially the finish, which seems to go on forever. This is a very good whisky that all Highland Park enthusiasts should get their hands on. Unfortunately, it is not available in France, and even elsewhere, it is almost impossible to find. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ora Cogan - Division

The Dark Side of the M 2005 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon 20 yo

 

 

 

61,1°

Distillery : The Macallan -Speyside

1st 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 latest addition to the Artist #15 range, launched at Whisky Live Paris 2025 by La Maison du Whisky, which has been organising the event and each batch of Artist since 2011. Although the name of the distillery is not specified, there is no doubt about it. It is a 20-year-old whisky, matured in a first-fill sherry butt, which yielded 331 bottles. The label features an artwork by Stenjwa Luthuli entitled The Native Umdabu. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is both fine and intense, plum compote, waxed furniture, polished red fruits, raspberries and damsons. Blood oranges, a slice of lemon, melting toffee, dried apricots, noble wood, shea butter and vanilla. Some spices, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg. On the palate, it is very mellow, gingerbread, chestnut cream, maple syrup, dried fruit, candied fruit, slivered almonds, powerful spices, black pepper, cloves. Liquorice, pine honey, a few drops of coffee. Long and powerful finish, explosive, where rare cereals are overwhelmed by spices and caramel, dark chocolate, brown tobacco crumbs, buttered bread. Roots still black with earth.

 

In Short, 

It's different from the regular Macallan range, more lively, more fruity, more intense. If you appreciate this distillery, you really must try it. It's very well made, but above all it's original and varied. The price is of course a challenge, but given the distillery's reputation, it could be worse. Those who can afford it should go for it, it's an excellent bottling. 

Score : 90 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Explosions in the Sky - Your Hand in Mine

Bunnahabhain 2018 The Single Malts of Scotland Small Batch 6 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Heavily Peated 

 

 

 

This heavily peated Bunnahabhain is a welcome addition to the new Small Batch collection launched last year by Elixir Distillers. Matured in five refill hogsheads, it has the vigour and spirit of youth, but at the same time is not overly powerful as the alcohol content remains relatively low. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

The nose seems perfect to me, lace-like limestone and freshly refined Guérande salt, sea breeze, seaweed, kelp, shellfish, all with a beautifully measured peatiness. Oysters and sweet white wine, yellow plums, lime, crystallised vanilla, a slight medicinal touch, ether. On the palate, it is somewhat oily, lemon, sea salt and ash, some spices, cloves and black pepper. Liquid honey. The finish is quite long, pleasant, mineral, salty, medicinal, chalky, nougat, coffee, light wood, wood-fired chestnuts.  

 

In Short, 

Considering its young age, this is a very pleasant surprise. The nose is particularly well crafted, with coastal and medicinal notes, very present peat that is not too strong, and well-balanced mineral notes. On the palate, however, it is less interesting, but still good. The finish is long and powerful just as it should be. My only regret is that with a few more years and cask strength, it would have made an excellent whisky, undoubtedly one of the best peated Bunnahabhains. That said, the profile is unique, with very intense peat and coastal notes, but not too high an alcohol content. The price is really very low, so it's hard to resist buying it. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Endive - 10,000 Dead Roses

A Speyside Distillery 2009 The Single Malts of Scotland 15 yo

 

 

 

57,5°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Speyside

Oloroso Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This 15-year-old, which yielded 657 bottles, may actually be a Macallan. The employee who served me the glass informed me of this. And it fits the profile, ageing in an Oloroso Sherry Butt, name undisclosed, as with all independently bottled Macallans. However, the engraving on the label depicts another distillery, known as Speyside Distillery, which was operational between 1990 and 2025. More precisely, it closed on 1 May 2025, and the cask in question was opened on 28 April of the same year, which is a curious coincidence. It is impossible to decide between the two hypotheses, but in any case it is definitely a Sherry, aged 15 years, 5 months and 26 days, ready to be enjoyed.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Squares of dark chocolate and fudge that melt in your mouth. Orange marmalade, dried apricots, red fruit coulis, blueberry tart. Dates, figs, sultanas, pecans. A generous pinch of cinnamon, noble and elegant woodiness, cherries in brandy, dark tobacco leaves, cigar box. On the palate, it is velvety, woody, onctuous, blood orange pulp, dried fruit, varied and powerful spices, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg. Prickly pear and wild strawberry, forest honey, molasses, cocoa powder. Long and powerful finish, coffee beans, wood wax, roasted nuts, subtle cereal notes, dry earth, barley sugar. 

 

In Short, 

It's a hell of a sherry, very intense, voluptuous and deep, which fits Macallan's profile. That said, it's still very woody, and the fruit is really very fermented. But there's no sulphur or other flaws. If it's confirmed that it's a Macallan, then it's a very good deal, because the price is really low. So low that I doubt it is actually a Macallan. It's up to you to decide, but there isn't much left, so you'll have to be quick. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Donna Hourigan & The Lucky Lips Band - Crash & Burn

Union Distillery Vintage 2005 II Edition Double Wood 20 yo

 

 

 

50°

Distillery : Union Distillery - Brazil

Ex-Bourbon American Oak Barrels and French Wine Finish 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This is the second bottling from this Brazilian distillery that I have had the chance to taste. I really liked the previous one, and I wrote about it here. This whisky is 20 years old, having spent 17 years in ex-Bourbon American oak barrels and 3 years in French wine casks. It is a limited edition of 2005 bottles, matching the year of distillation.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :

Candied quinces, cut hay, lemon chutney, lime slices, ginger, vanilla and mountain honey, rustic woodiness, but nonetheless with a touch of varnish, raisins, figs, cherries. On the palate, it is relatively balanced, tannins, wild berries, but also roasted pineapple, damsons, cooked plums. Moist spices, green tea, macerated almonds. A fairly long, subtle finish, but not particularly powerful, milk chocolate, hazelnuts, a few drops of chicory. Damp wood, mangrove, reeds.  

 

In Short, 

There is still that slightly tropical profile, but this time it is partly masked by the influence of French wine, which is a shame, as the product loses some of its identity. It is still a fine whisky, but I must say that I preferred the previous one. The price is still reasonable for a 20-year-old, so those who are curious can give it a try, but you have to find it first. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           City of the Sun - Second Sun

Ardnamurchan 2018 AD/08:18 Cask 1060 Exclusively Bottled For The Good Spirits Co. 5 yo

 

 

 

58,9°

Distillery : Ardnamurchan - Highlands

1st Fill Spanish Oak Oloroso Sherry Butt 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

In 2024, the distillery released a series of four single cask bottlings, all aged in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts and all made from Golden Promise barley, a specific variety widely used in the 1960s and 1970s but now abandoned because it is considered unprofitable. This is therefore something of a minor revolution. For many, Ardnamurchan embodies modern whisky, but this modernism often consists of returning to the past to rediscover the quality and craftsmanship that prevailed there. This whisky is precisely five years old and has been bottled especially for a Glasgow retailer called The Good Spirits Co. 674 bottles were filled.  

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Varnished noble wood, red fruit jam, maple syrup, hints of wax, blood oranges, candied apricots, ethereal cereals, blueberry cake, Muscat grapes, light vinous notes, a zest of citrus, pine needles, cedar cones, Agen prunes. On the palate, it is remarkably oily, even viscous, candied cherry coulis, amarena, balsamic vinegar, damson tart, fir honey, a generous dose of cinnamon, dark chocolate, red pepper. The finish is long and almost explosive, fig paste, oak bark, fruit cake, thyme branches, espresso coffee, damp earth, rich flowers.

 

In Short, 

Golden Promise barley has a beautiful effect on the oily texture of the liquid, as well as on the very sweet cereal notes. The sherry cask is of high quality, perhaps a little overpowering but very intense. Overall, this is a bottling with rare qualities, but still a little too young, where the wood does not quite match the sherry, and where the balanced texture clashes with the power of the spices. It is of course very difficult to find, and you will probably have to go as far as Glasgow, but The Whisky Exchange sells a Sister Cask, produced under the same conditions. It is a curiosity worth discovering, although it is a little expensive.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Tito & Tarantula - After Dark

Irish Diamonds 2005 The Alambic Classique Collection Small Batch N°01 16 yo

 

 

 

59,4°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Ireland

Ex Burgundy Barrique Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Alambic Classique 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Irish Diamonds Collection was launched in 2017 by Alambic Classique, a highly renowned German bottler. Since then, around fifteen expressions have been released. The name of the distillery is unknown, but there were only three in Ireland at the time, and Midleton does not usually produce single malt. That leaves two possibilities: Cooley and Bushmills, with the former being by far the most likely. However, the aromatic profile also resembles Bushmills, so we can never be certain. The whisky was aged entirely in an ex-Burgundy Barrique Barrel, it seems, and 268 bottles came out of it. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, greengage and quince jam, with strong woody notes, melting caramel, liquorice, green apples, malted cereals. Vanilla and thick honey, red grapes, orange shortbread biscuits, dried fruit, very slight acidity. On the palate, it is creamy, jammy, malty, but it is the wood that stands out most, softened by caramel and plums, wax and a touch of charcoal, spices, soaked leather, rather candied fruit towards the end, grapefruit and damson plums. Explosive and long finish, full of character, tannins, cooked fruit, almost syrupy, treacle, bitter herbs, pine needles.

 

In Short, 

I found it difficult to appreciate this one, as I was given it to taste right after a very strong Laphroaig. But overall, I think I understood its value. It is very woody and fruity, the wine blends well with the whole, it has a powerful and pleasant character, it is a good product, which does not particularly have an Irish profile. If you can find it at a good price, there is no reason to hesitate. No reason to break the bank either. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

  

                                           Shadow Casters - Fade Me Black

Talisker Surge

 

 

 

45,8°

Distillery : Talisker - Islands

1st Fill American Oak Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Travel Retail Edition

Single Malt 

Launched in 2022

Unchillfiltered

Peated around 22 ppm 

 

 

 

This is the distillery's new expression, designed for travel retail but available almost everywhere. It replaces Dark Storm, which has apparently disappeared. There is some encouraging news about this one: it is aged exclusively in first-fill Bourbon barrels and is non-chill filtered. However, it is coloured, but this does not affect the taste. All of which makes it very interesting. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Earthy peat, animal sweat, wet dog, subtle coastal notes, pearls of iodine, sea breeze, seaweed, kelp, limestone. Candied apricots, treacle, varnished wood, caramel and milk chocolate, drops of fir tree honey. On the palate, powerful caramel, quince jam, it's slightly watery, dried banana, vanilla, lychee, and the distillery's typical peppery note. Fairly long and powerful finish, charcoal, liquorice, smoked wood, hazelnuts, Carambar, mint sweets, cola. Foam, sea spray. 

In Short,  

As is often the case with this type of bottling, it is a blend of very young and older whiskies, which means that the whisky oscillates between all the flaws of immaturity and a few more pleasant notes. Overall, it is not bad without being particularly interesting, except for the finish, which is powerful and quite long. I wouldn't recommend buying it, as it's more expensive than the 10-year-old, which I think is better. But if you're longing for Talisker and this is the only one you have to hand, it'll do.

Score : 84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           deary - Seabird

Glenburgie 2011 The Fishes of Samoa 12 yo

 

 

 

59,8°

Distillery : Glenburgie - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Archives 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Fishes of Samoa collection launched by Archives, a Dutch bottler founded by the same people who launched Whiskybase, has a really good reputation. Personally, I have never been disappointed. Here we have a relatively young Glenburgie, aged in a first-fill bourbon barrel for 12 years, 7 months and 17 days. 223 bottles are available for sale, with a very attractive alcohol content. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Immediately, yellow fruits, thick honey, mellow touches, mirabelle and greengage plums, straws, earthy notes, pencil lead, mineral notes, limestone, chalk, lemon slices, peppermint, wood wax, ripe apricots, waste oil. On the palate, crème brûlée, egg custard, crisp green apples, liquorice sticks, beeswax, light woodiness, candied peaches, all sprinkled with cinnamon, pepper and cloves, mashed banana. Beautiful finish, powerful and long, punchy, bread dough, marzipan, ginger, blood oranges, slivered almonds, reeds. Vanilla and mint.  

 

In Short, 

A very good Glenburgie, a little fruit bomb, and as it is young, with some more original, vegetal, metallic and mineral notes. This makes for a Glenburgie full of character, but where the fruit is by no means neglected. My only slight reservation is that I would have liked to taste it with six or seven more years of ageing. But the advantage is that it is very inexpensive, and there are even a few bottles still available, so now is the time to grab a bargain. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           La Fonda - Kaleidoscope

Glenburgie 1998 High Spirits To Celebrate Mr Stefano Cremaschi 40th Birthday 21 yo

 

 

 

53,6°

Distillery : Glenburgie - Speyside

Bourbon Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By High Spirits' Collection

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

I was completely unfamiliar with High Spirits' Collection, an independent Italian bottler founded in Rimini by Nadi Fiori at the end of the last century. Nadi Fiori has been in the whisky business for over forty years now, and it's fair to say that his products are often rare and exceptional. Here we have a 21-year-old Glenburgie distilled in 1998, distributed to celebrate Stefano Cremaschi's birthday, and what a wonderful gift that is. The nature of the cask is not specified, but based on the profile of the whisky, I would guess that it is a Bourbon Cask. Only 80 bottles in total were released, 40 of 750 cl and 40 Magnums of 1500 cl. I had access to one of these magnums.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, beautiful springtime richness, dew at dawn in a damp and leafy landscape, fairly rich floral tones, wood wax, liquid honey, white plums, juicy pears, macerated almonds, yellow apples, slices of melon. On the palate, it is very oily, olive oil, lychee juice, rose Turkish delight, creamy vanilla, orange zest, quince jam, roasted pineapple, then spices settle into green tea, cardamom and pepper. Very long and herbal finish, grapefruit and honey, calissons d'Aix, white grapes, a pinch of salt.

 

In Short, 

A beautiful expression, where fruit is prominent but topped with delicate, oily notes of rose and almond. I think this is an excellent whisky, and what's more, the bottle had only just been opened when I tasted it, so I'm sure it will blossom and become even better. The price is of course significant, especially as it is a rarity and sold out everywhere, but it is one for collectors and die-hard enthusiasts. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           No Clear Mind - When You're Not Here

SMWS 2008 48.171 Berrylicious 15 yo

 

 

 

52,7°

Distillery : Balmenach - Speyside

Ex-Bourbon Hogshead and 2d Fill Toasted American Oak Barrique Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Founded in 1983, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society has now bottled nearly 15,000 casks in almost 43 years. Suffice to say, it's easy to get a little lost in all this variety and all these codes. Here we have a 15-year-old Balmenach which, after 12 years in a simple Bourbon Hogshead, was finished in a Toasted American Oak Barrique. As long as it's not mezcal or rum, I'm fine with it. 241 bottles have been produced, and at the time of writing, very few are still available. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Runny caramel and dates, varnished wood rubbed with Muscat grapes, woodland undergrowth, dry leaves, forest berries, roasted hazelnuts and peanuts, orange zest, whipped cream, a few candied yellow plums, possibly pineapple. On the palate, vanilla cream, coconut powder, intense woody notes, apricot kernel, smoked wheat galette, Basque cake with blueberry jam, very discreet spices. Long and fairly powerful finish, cola, milk chocolate, pieces of bark, resin, acacia honey. Vanilla pod, eucalyptus leaf. 

 

In Short, 

I found it very woody, even forest-like, but it's still a success. There is no bitterness, or it is almost imperceptible, the fruits are varied, and there is a good balance. I'm not very familiar with this distillery, so I don't know if this is typical of its profile, but in any case, it's very good. The release price was OK, but the price at which it's available today is a little too high for my taste. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Wild Horses - When I Was Younger

White Peak 2018 Thompson Bros. 7 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : White Peak - England

1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 10 ppm

 

 

 

White Peak is an English distillery located in Derbyshire, it opened in 2016 and has been quietly going about its business ever since. In 2022, they released their first expressions, but success has yet to materialise. They use local yeasts and a very long fermentation time of 140 hours, which should produce something interesting. But it was last year that two independent bottlings were released that got connoisseurs talking, one in Elixir Distillers' Whisky Trail collection and the other being this one. Aged for seven years in a first-fill bourbon cask, it yielded 247 bottles and attracted the curious. From what I have read, this is the 16th cask filled at the distillery. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A nose full of character, angelica, agave, a pinch of salt and a tiny whiff of iodine. It is crystalline and citrusy, slices of lime, shellfish, light earthy peat, vanilla cream, toasted almonds, young and fresh wood, cooked egg yolk, spices and various cereals. On the palate, there is more fruit, vanilla and yellow plums, crunchy pears, still full of citrus, grapefruit and lemon. Light mineral notes, even coastal, salty, balanced spices. The finish is quite long and honestly powerful, wheat semolina, more candied lemon, ginger nuggets, almond paste, salt flakes, foam and moss. 

 

In Short, 

It is completely original and intriguing, light peat giving depth, while brewer's yeast brings notes of citrus and salty iodine. The very long fermentation intensifies the cereal notes, and the Bourbon cask appears to be of good quality, resulting in a beautiful fruitiness. Considering its age, it is a complete success, and what's more, at a reasonable price. Looking forward to discover older expressions. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Strange Fruit - Monopolar

Craigellachie 1997 Les Fûts oubliés 25 yo

 

 

 

50,5°

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Celtic Whisky Distillerie

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Celtic Whisky Distillerie is a French distillery founded in 1997, but it is also an independent bottler that purchased a few casks a long time ago. These few casks are now bottled and ready for sale, now that the distillery and all its stock has been sold to Maison Villevert. Five have been released so far, and 17 are planned. This one is a 25-year-old Craigellachie, aged in a single hogshead for 25 years, 10 months and 25 days. As the cask was stored in the cellars of the Breton distillery, it does not have the Scotch Whisky designation. However, it is indeed a Single Cask and only 289 bottles are available, exclusively at Le Comptoir Irlandais in France. The label is the work of the visual artist Erika Raio. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Malty and honeyed notes, very subtle with wax and varnish, stewed fruit and soft wood, caressing spices, a whiff of smoke. Soft caramel, chestnut cream, candied apricots, juicy greengages, delicate floral scents, mirabelle plums. On the palate, Comice pears, lychees, it's soft and velvety, vanilla and grated coconut, raisins and dried figs, a pinch of cinnamon, oak bark. Fairly long, explosive finish, chocolatey, cereal, hummus, a drop of olive oil, a few crunchy nuts, green tea. 

 

In Short, 

It's not much like the usual Craigellachies, it's not as robust and there's less character, but on the other hand it's very subtle and honeyed, the wood is particularly well balanced, I really liked it. With this expression, you're totally in Speyside, whereas Craigellachie often has a Highlands feel to it, and honestly I prefer it that way. What's more, the price is incredibly low, perhaps because it doesn't have the Scotch Whisky designation. Definitely an opportunity not to be missed. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           SpaceAcre - Say

North British 1991 Zn09 Cyberpunk

 

 

 

45,6°

Distillery : North British - Lowlands

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Mava Spirit

Limited Edition 

Single Grain 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

It's been a long time since I've had the pleasure of tasting something from Zero Nine Spirits, a French bottler specialising in rum, but which also produces whisky. This one is a North British, a distillery located in the Gorgie district of Edinburgh, which produces only grain whisky. According to several websites, it has been aged for 32 years, but this is not specified on the label. The label may contain an error, as some show a bottling date of 2023, while others show 2024. A total of 244 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

At first a bit waxy, the it is incredibly floral with light fruit, liquid honey, ripe white plums, mirabelles, greengages, Frécinette bananas, rose petals, tulips, dahlias, coconut, papaya, melon. It is also airy, with hints of barley sugar and caramel sweets. On the palate, it is smooth and fruity, creamy vanilla, orange zest, guava, a few woody notes, infinitesimal spices. The finish is long, almost explosive, the fruit becomes candied, vanilla icing, cooked parsnips, fennel, very delicate bitterness.

 

In Short, 

You don't recognise Single Grain here, there's no cereal profile or wood glue. It's particularly floral and fruity, very refined, and with a lovely long finish despite the low alcohol content. A total success if you ask me, and at a very attractive price. I'm even considering buying some, even though it's not at all my cup of tea usually. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           Phaeleh - The Mist

Miltonduff 2007 The Single Malts of Scotland 17 yo

 

 

 

59,6°

Distillery : Miltonduff - Speyside

Refill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Among the recent additions to this prestigious collection, this Miltonduff is appealing due to its advanced age, 17 years, five months and 1 days, and its maturation, which could give it a fruity flavour without being overpowering. We have 625 bottles available. The high alcohol content suggests that this is a cask strength whisky, although this is not always the case with Elixir Distillers.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is a little light, citrus notes with floral touches, thick caramel, pine honey, vanilla, spring breeze in the heart of the forest, walnuts and hazelnuts, dates and almonds, melted butter, barley sugar, nougat. On the palate, it is oily, rather like olive oil, with dried fruit, dates, raisins, apricots. Woody notes, prominent spices, and a slice of lemon. The finish is quite long but not particularly powerful, crushed nuts, shortbread biscuits, tanned leather, slightly burnt caramel. A hint of bitterness at the very end. 

 

In Short, 

It lacks expressiveness for my taste, the nose is too light, and the finish lacks power. The casks must have been refilled once too often. It's good, but not intense enough, not deep enough. It's rare for this brand to leave me unsatisfied, but in this case it has. I should taste it again, though, as I may have missed something. That said, the price is generous, so enthusiasts can always give it a try, you never know. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Coals - RAVE03'

Ardbeg 8 yo For Discussion

 

 

 

50,8°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

1st Fill and Refill Bourbon Barrels, Refill Oloroso Sherry Butts

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm 

 

 

 

This one was released in 2021, and at the time I managed to buy it, but the bottle sat in a corner waiting. It took me almost five years to open it. Now that I've finally done so, I'm a little late to the discussion. But better late than never, and how can you resist an aged Ardbeg? It's so rare. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Iodine freshness, pale smoke, white fruits, mirabelle plums, Comice pears, quartz, limestone, all sprinkled with icing sugar. Beautiful fullness after a moment. Creosote, gravel, gypsum, and a dash of vanilla. Some vegetables, fennel, celery. On the palate, it is quite fruity, slightly creamy, banana and candied grape, vanilla ice cream, lychees, the peat is discreet. Pepper and cumin, not too strong. Beautiful finish, long and powerful, blocks of charcoal, blond tobacco, vanilla icing, cloves, nutmeg, mocha. Chocolate cookie. 

 

In Short, 

The Bourbon barrels bring out the coastal and mineral notes, highlighting white fruits, but there are also subtle vegetal notes. The smoke is accompanied by a beautiful complexity that borders on indulgence. This is a lovely bottling, similar to Ten, with a slightly more powerful finish and more fruit. Five years after its release, it is still available, sometimes at a very reasonable price. Any Ardbeg enthusiast should give it a try. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           VUUR - My Champion - Berlin

Torabhaig Sound of Sleat Batch Strength Legacy Series Chapter 4 5 yo

 

 

 

60,2°

Distillery : Torabhaig - Islay

1st Fill, Refill Bourbon and Virgin Quercus Alba American Oak Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 78 ppm

 

 

 

Alongside the reduced version of Sound of Sleat, this Cask Strength version was launched a few months later. There had already been a Batch Strength version for Allt Gleann, the chapter two, but none for the chapter three. For this one, the maturation was very slightly different, as new casks were used, which is not the case for the reduced version. However, the barley used is exactly the same, Laureate and Concerto, as well as the yeast, Pinnacle MG, and the fermentation, 72 hours. The peat level is very high, but the measurement is taken from the barley. In the glass, it is much lower, at 19 ppm. The age is officially stated on the distillery's website as 5 to 6 years. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, the peat is as balanced as ever, generously revealing cream, honey and yellow fruit. However, there are also coastal, mineral, maritime and salty notes, smoke, oysters, shellfish, iodine and seaweed. On the palate, it's not bad at all, citrus fruits, juicy pears, salted caramel, a good layer of peat and limestone, vanilla icing, measured spices, dark chocolate. The finish is long and with just the right amount of power, honey and roasted nuts, coarse sea salt, scallops, razor clams, just a hint of mud. 

 

In Short, 

Not only is it more powerful, it is actually better than the reduced version, with more fruitiness, but above all more character and variety of flavours. This is yet another success for Torabhaig, which already has quite a few under its belt. What's more, the price is really attractive if you shop around, so it's another bottle to add to my shopping list. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Domhain - Talamh Lom

Laphroaig 2014 The Single Malts of Scotland 11 yo c. 210

 

 

 

65,2°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay 

Refill Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Elixir Distillers has made a big splash this year with a series of six Laphroaig whiskies, all distilled in 2014 and released at the same time, all aged for 11 years, and all but one matured in the same type of cask, a Refill Hogshead. One was selected by La Maison du Whisky and is reserved for the French market. I wrote about it here. Another is reserved for the German market, and yet another for the New Zealand market. This one is reserved for everyone, and it has the distinction of having a very high alcohol content. 326 bottles have been released into the wild, and some are still available at the time of writing.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Woody and very chalky nose, thick satiny vanilla smoke, almost suffocating, then perfect balance, orange zest, juicy pears, almond paste. Some maritime notes, the tide, whelks and other shellfish. Generous dose of iodine, medicinal touch, bandages and betadine. Very smooth on the palate at first, vanilla with a little oyster juice, liquid honey, fairly strong pepper. Fairly long and very powerful finish, cumin and cola, large pieces of charcoal, sticky caramel, varnished wood, hot chestnuts, dried bananas. 

 

In Short, 

It is truly a masterpiece of its kind. It has the power and everything that characterises the distillery, and at the same time a beautiful harmony, a wonderful balance at times. The nose is not perfect, but on the palate and in the finish, it is excellent. The alcohol is fairly well integrated, there are no real flaws. What's more, the price is very reasonable, it's a real bargain. What more could you ask for?

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Winona Riders - Dopamina

Blair Athol 2016 The Single Malts of Scotland Reserve Casks Collection Foundations 8 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

Sherry Butts 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is undoubtedly the last representative of the Reserve Casks sub-range launched in 2019, which totals nearly 60 bottlings. It is a blend of two Sherry Butts, which has been aged for 8 years. 1,600 bottles have been filled and are available exclusively on the French market, as La Maison du Whisky has selected it to be part of the Collection Foundations. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Onctuous sherry, dried bananas, heavy caramel, cherries in brandy, waxed parquet flooring, old beams, pudding studded with raisins, hazelnut cream, honeyed notes. Forest character, with blueberries and wild berries, slightly candied. On the palate, fermented fruit, black pepper, cooked figs, dark chocolate, wax polish, old apple and cinnamon. Fairly long finish, cola, a few cereal stalks, almond paste, candied cherries, angelica, a touch of liquorice and dark tobacco. Nutmeg. Fine earth. 

 

In Short, 

It's really well made. Sherry has something enchanting and bewitching about it, which makes this one very pleasant. Given its age, it lacks a little body and length on the palate, but it has beautiful fruity intensity, character and indulgence. What's more, the price was quite reasonable, but now it's no longer really available. Fortunately, I've got mine. 

Score : 88  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sion - Just You and Me