House of Hazelwood The Charles Gordon Collection The Garden At Hazelwood 47 yo

 

 

 

43,7°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Scotland

Independent Bottling 

By House of Hazelwood

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

As they are part of William Grant & Sons, the blenders at House of Hazelwood have access to the oldest casks. In this case, we’re talking about a 47-year-old whisky, which is quite rare. As only 137 bottles are being released, I imagine that very few whiskies have been used in the blend – probably no more than two. I heard the demonstrator mention the Highlands, but perhaps I misunderstood. I’m not entirely sure, as William Grant & Sons doesn’t own a distillery in the Highlands, but you never know. Charles Grant Gordon was the great-grandson of William Grant, the founder of the Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries, and of one of the largest whisky groups. It was under his leadership that Glenfiddich launched the first single malt in the history of whisky, during the 1960s. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It’s quite particular, generous notes of lemon, potimarron squash, orchard fruits, peaches, pears, very ripe apples, floral honey, fresh lavender, holly. Grass after the rain, autumnal freshness, dried herbs, plum pulp, dried apricots. On the palate, it becomes distinctly herbaceous, peppermint, thyme, leek soup. But also very honeyed. Fresh figs, cooked fruit, mirabelle plums. Very light, fruity spices. A finish that borders on perfection, immensely long, just the right amount of explosiveness, lacquered noble wood, fried caramel, pear coulis, melting chocolate. A hint of root notes underneath it all, warm chestnuts, hazelnuts.

 

In Short, 

I don’t know where it comes from, but I know just how good it is. The nose and finish are magnificent, and it’s truly astonishing given its very low alcohol content. On the palate, it lives up to expectations, fruity and herbal, very original. At this age, the character is intense, with no watery notes. The price, however, is completely crazy, you have to wonder whether it’s something to be enjoyed or something to speculate on. The second option is, unfortunately, the most likely. A shame, because it’s truly excellent. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Eolith - Ruminate

House of Hazelwood Legacy Collection The Lowlander 36 yo

 

 

 

45,9°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Lowlands

American White Oak Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By House of Hazelwood

Limited Edition 

Blended Scotch

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

House of Hazelwood is a very new company, founded in 2022. It is owned by the Gordon family, who also own William Grant & Sons. Suffice to say, they know a thing or two about blending. They have released only around thirty products so far, all of which are very mature. This one is made from different distilleries from the Lowlands region, it is a Blended Scotch, which means there is grain whisky in it. Now, the Gordon family owns the Girvan distillery in the Lowlands, so that is certainly where the grain whisky that contributed to this nectar comes from. However, they do not own a malt distillery in the Lowlands. But at the time, around 1988 and before, there were only three distilleries in operation in the region: Auchentoshan, Bladnoch and Glenkinchie. The latter two are owned by Diageo, which has a turbulent history with William Grant & Sons, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. 432 bottles are being released. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is superbly mellow, vanilla waffles, garden blossom honey, candied mandarins, powdery almonds, brown sugar. A zest of lemon. At the same time, crystalline salt, fresh grass, reeds and rich earth. Light mineral notes, freshly cut flint, sweet butter. On the palate, it is unfortunately very light, though perfectly balanced, pulpy fruit, greengages, Chasselas grapes, soft bananas. White chocolate. Shavings of waxed wood, hints of aniseed, cardamom, clove, then a very long but not particularly explosive finish, very ripe pear, crushed flowers, cooked egg yolk, hazelnut, a dash of peanut butter.

 

In Short, 

At first, I was a bit disappointed, as I found it very light, despite a superb nose. But on reflection, there is a great deal of subtlety to it, including on the palate and in the finish. It is truly a quintessential Lowland whisky, with gentle, understated spring-like flavours, very well-balanced and smooth. However, I was shocked by the price, clearly, it isn’t worth such extravagance. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Pitou - Knife

Caol Ila 2007 A Single Cask Collection : Crafted in Cask 18 yo

 

 

 

48,6°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Hogshead and Moscatel Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Also part of the Crafted in Cask collection launched in 2025, which comprises around twenty bottlings, this Caol Ila, having spent approximately 15 years in a hogshead, followed by at least three years in a cask of Moscatel, a sweet wine produced on the Iberian Peninsula, has yielded only 78 bottles. Within this range, also known as Odyssey, all the products have undergone a finishing process of at least three years in a variety of casks. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The pairing of the fruity Moscatel and Caol Ila-style peat is a success. A sooty smokiness with dried apricots, redcurrant jam, fresh figs, tannins, a few grains of salt, fragrant herbs. Marinated shellfish. On the palate, Amarena cherries, damson plums, it is as smooth as honey, but just a touch light. Soaked wood, intense spices, cloves, black pepper. A fairly long, powerful finish, with notes of ash, charcoal, burnt rubber, fermented fruit, a hint of sea spray. Black tea. 

 

In Short, 

I really liked this one, bearing in mind that it’s very different from the Caol Ila Distillers Edition, which is also finished in Moscatel. But that must be white Moscatel, whereas this one is clearly influenced by red Moscatel. It’s much richer, deeper and more intense. And it goes very well with the Caol Ila peat, full of soot, charcoal and sea spray. On the other hand, the price is off-putting, it seemed to me, but that’s no doubt because of the very small number of bottles produced. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Devil Electric - Hypnotica

Benriach 1991 Exceptional Casks

 

 

 

48,3°

Distillery : The BenRiach - Speyside 

Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This range from Berry Bros. & Rudd is aptly named, as it comprises nothing but truly timeless bottlings. Here is a BenRiach aged for at least 31 years, matured in a simple hogshead, yielding just 254 bottles.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A very subtle nose, though it lacks that certain something to be truly captivating, candied apples and pears, marzipan, pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, delicate wax, discreet woody notes, cooked bananas, liquid honey. Chasselas grapes, cut hay, rustic grains. On the palate, it is a little light, but very nuanced, creamy vanilla, melt-in-the-mouth fudge, praline chocolates, dried apricots, apple compote dusted with cinnamon, argan oil, cardamom, nutmeg, clove. A very long, well-structured finish, grainy, peppery, woody, raisins, a thicker waxiness, pine splinters, melted butter. 

 

In Short, 

I found it hard to get my head around it. The nose seemed very well crafted to me, but it lacked that touch of magic that makes you dream. On the palate, it’s very good but a tad light. The finish, on the other hand, is superb, almost endless, not too strong, and spicy. Overall, it’s an excellent whisky, but at this age, I was expecting something truly mind-blowing, and that’s not the case. The price is enough to give you cold sweats. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           DeVotchKa - Give Me Something to Believe

Sutherland 2000 A Single Cask Collection: Crafted in Cask 24 yo

 

 

 

52°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Highlands

Hogshead and Quarter Cask Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

This one is the oldest release in the Crafted in Cask range, launched in 2025 and also known as Odyssey, which comprises around twenty bottlings that have undergone a finishing process of at least three years, mostly in wine casks. Here, it is a simple finish in a Quarter Cask, which intensifies the interaction between the whisky and the wood. Only 92 bottles are being released. The name of the distillery is being kept secret, but it is 98% certain that it is a Clynelish. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Wildflower honey, candied lemon, flaked almonds, cooked apples, sweet-and-sour sauce. Fresh cereals, white currants, creamy vanilla, and a variety of spices, cinnamon, cloves, ginger. Elegant oak, with a slightly waxy quality. On the palate, it is somewhat light but well-balanced, with small yellow apples, delicately tart, generous citrus, a mix of fruits, peaches and mirabelle plums, a few salty notes, more subtle spices. Fairly long and powerful finish, almond paste, a touch of smoke and wax, aniseed, peppermint, roots.

 

 

In Short, 

It’s not quite as good as I’d have hoped. With a Clynelish of this age, you expect something truly outstanding, but this one is just a very good whisky. However, it’s original enough to catch the eye and stick in the memory, the Quarter Cask finish adds an interesting tangy and bittersweet touch. Very few bottles are available, so those keen to try it would be wise to hurry, there are still enough left for now, but who knows what tomorrow will bring? The price is generally a bit on the high side. 

Score : 89  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Failure - The Air's on Fire

Teaninich 2007 A Single Cask Collection : Crafted in Cask 18 yo

 

 

 

57,2°

Distillery : Teaninich - Highlands 

Hogshead and Pineau des Charentes Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

As is always the case with the Single Cask Collection launched by the British bottler Berry Bros. & Rudd, the most experienced in the market, the whisky has been finished for at least three years, this time in a cask that previously held Pineau des Charentes, a French fortified wine from the Cognac region. 303 bottles have been released for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The wine’s influence is significant, apple compote, fresh and stringy red berries, candied lemon, cinnamon tart, brown sugar, Muscat grapes, fermented cherries, liquid chocolate, red peppers, it’s pastry-like and slightly indulgent. On the palate, it is creamy, beetroot hummus, raspberry coulis, wild strawberries, woody notes, hairspray, lively spices, cardamom, ginger and nutmeg. The finish is quite long and complex, woody spices, pepper and cloves, drier fruits, dates, prunes, mirabelle plums, we enter the heart of the wood, without it being bitter. 

 

In Short, 

The finish plays a significant role here, shaping the whisky in its own image, and this may not be to everyone’s taste. It’s pleasant and subtle, but the wine-like and syrupy notes are still quite pronounced – you have to like that sort of thing. As for the price, it’s reasonable. If you’re drawn to this style, it’s worth giving it a try. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Pleasure Symbols - Image Reflected

Benrinnes 2010 Berry Bros. & Rudd Collection Itinéraires 15 yo

 

 

 

56,5°

Distillery : Benrinnes - Speyside

Bourbon Cask and Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

After spending at least 11 years in a Bourbon cask, this one was finished for three and a half years in a Pedro Ximénez sherry cask, resulting in a run of 262 bottles. It was selected by La Maison du Whisky to feature in the Collection Itinéraires, for exclusive sale in France.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, malty cereals, raisins and quince jam. Warm wax, tobacco leaves, candied ginger, angelica, green olives. Milk chocolate, a few rich and sweet floral notes, mingled with cinnamon. Melting caramel and fresh figs. On the palate, it is creamy and fruity, with a hint of oil. Banana, Comice pears, stringy vanilla, generous lemon. White grapes, almonds and pistachios, nutmeg, hazelnut, clove. A mellow finish, prunes, fairly long, pine resin, liquorice stick, dried fruit, oak bark, cola. 

 

In Short, 

The sherry influence isn’t too overpowering, resulting in a pleasant, complex, smooth and fruity whisky that goes down quite easily. For a 15-year-old single cask, the price is very reasonable, and in fact there aren’t many left. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                            The Heavy Heavy - Texas Sun

Glen Elgin 2007 A Single Cask Collection : Crafted in Cask 18 yo

 

 

 

57,4°

Distillery : Glen Elgin - Speyside

Hogshead and Moscatel Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This one matured in a simple hogshead before being transferred to an Ex Moscatel cask, which is a sweet white wine from Portugal or southern Spain. This finishing process lasted at least three years, which is a long time. The result is now counting 162 bottles still available here and there. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Woody and fresh nose, full of sweet fruit, brown sugar and nuts. Vanilla cream, candied apples, almond paste, dates, blood oranges, lemon slices, apricot jam. Honey and a few floral notes. It's pleasant on the palate, but a little drying, with dried fruit and nuts coming to the fore. Oak bark, nutmeg, cloves. Raisins, candied ginger. Long and powerful finish with hints of red fruit, cinnamon, roots, spices and a very slight woody bitterness. Drops of wax, treacle, maple syrup. 

 

In Short, 

It's very pleasant, but I don't detect the distillery's slightly mineral profile. That said, it's very well made, a blend of sweetness and dried fruit, wood and vanilla, culminating in a relatively smooth finish. If you look hard enough, you can find it at an attractive price. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Gaia Banfi - Congelati

Blair Athol 2014 Berry Bros. & Rudd Collection Itinéraires 11 yo

 

 

 

59,2°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This one spent 11 years in a simple Hogshead before being divided into 277 bottles. It was included in the Collection Itinéraires on the occasion of the Whisky Live Paris 2025, for an exclusive release in France. It is therefore the result of a double selection process, by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the most experienced bottler, and La Maison du Whisky. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :   

A mellow and balanced nose, we have acacia honey sprinkled with cinnamon, fruit pulp, plums, grapes, yellow apples, a few hazelnuts, malted cereals and beeswax, vanilla, sweet butter, a zest of citrus. Herbaceous tones. On the palate, fruit takes centre stage, grapefruit, vanilla cream, bananas, peaches, as well as wheat grains, followed by prominent spices, cloves, black pepper. Long and fairly respectful finish, oak bark, candied ginger, liquorice stick, sunflower oil, roots.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad at all, but nothing exceptional. It's pleasant to drink, nicely fruity, smooth and balanced, and not without a certain subtlety. It's not a whisky that will disappoint, but it lacks a little originality and character, so it's unlikely to linger in your memory. The price is reasonable, and in fact there are very few bottles left to sell. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                            Paper Wings - Fumblin

Speyside Traditional Cask 16 yo Berry Bros. & Rudd

 

 

 

48,2° 

Distillery Officially Unknown - Speyside

Bourbon Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

It is also the role of a bottler to offer blended products that are representative of a brand or, as in this case, a tradition. Producing only single casks is all well and good, but it also lacks creativity. Berry Bros. & Rudd, the oldest spirits merchant, rises to the challenge with this 16-year-old whisky from a mysterious Speyside distillery. It is not specified what is meant by a traditional cask, but it seems obvious that these are Bourbon casks. More specifically, it is said to be a blend of 30 casks of various ages, but with a minimum of 16 years. One website states that it is uncoloured, but all the others say the opposite. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, creamy nuts and orange marmalade, springtime freshness that gives it a lovely fullness, orchard fruits, peanut butter, buttered toast, melted caramel, waxed wood, shortbread and crispy biscuits. It's pleasant on the palate, honey, green apple, a zest of lemon, slight touch of mandarin, brown sugar, and elegant spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove. The finish is quite long, going far, birch bark, green tea, dried raisins and apricots, earthy roots, toasted hazelnuts, perhaps a touch of aniseed or parsley. 

 

In Short, 

It's really not bad at all. It has a distinctive character, good balance and a full nose. I don't know if this is the traditional way of making whisky, but it's a success. It's something that lovers of the genre will find easy to drink, but you have to be prepared to pay a certain amount for it. Personally, I find it expensive for what it is. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                            Bleach Lab - In Your Arms

Daftmill 2009 Fife Strength 15 yo

 

 

 

56,3°

Distillery : Daftmill - Lowlands

19 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels, 1 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

One of the things I like about Daftmill is the accuracy of their information. This one is the product of a maturation process in 19 first-fill bourbon barrels and only one Pedro Ximénez sherry cask. The barley used is Optic barley, and 3,840 bottles were available for sale. This is an annual series that has been around since 2022, so this is the third batch, and we are awaiting the fourth.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is a little closed, but reveals some surprises. Buttered bread, shortbread biscuits, freshly cut raw wood, dry hay, French toast, apple pie, garden flower honey, mirabelle plums, creamy vanilla, ripe bananas, and a generous dose of lemon. On the palate, it is almost exclusively fruit, peaches, pears, apples, and perhaps a little exoticism, mango, papaya. Various spices, cinnamon, grey pepper. Powerful, fairly long finish, hazelnuts, sticky caramel, cooked fruit, grainy cereals, peppermint. 

 

In Short, 

It makes me smile when I read here and there that the single sherry cask distorts the distillery's profile. Yet it only accounts for 5% of the liquid. The influence of sherry is real, but very subtle, merely intensifying the product's fruity character. Which is a good thing, in my opinion. The result is a very good whisky that retains the distillery's distinctive character and has a beautiful maturity. On the other hand, I find the price very high. I know that the distillery's artisanal standards increase production costs, but still. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ghostly Kisses - Blackbirds

Octomore x4 + 10 Concept 0.2 10 yo

 

 

 

70°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay

Bourbon, Sweet Wine and Sherry Casks 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 162 ppm

 

 

 

The Octomore Concept is a series of only two bottlings, the first released in 2017 and the second in 2019. The bottles are smaller, containing only 50 cl, for a highly experimental product. Here, the liquid has been distilled four times, which is very rare and increases the alcohol content. It was then aged for ten years in three different types of casks. 3,000 bottles were available for sale.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Extremely smooth and balanced nose, apple crumble with a hint of vanilla, lemon cream, papaya, a slice of pineapple. The peat is in the background, refined, chiselled, discreet. Green seaweed, kelp, a trail of salt. It is very iodine-rich and airy. After a while, you can smell cereals, hay, young and raw wood, herbal notes. On the palate, it is spicy but silky, lychee and white currants, pear, then pepper, clove. The finish is very long, even endless, extremely powerful, pieces of charcoal, cumin, a good dose of lime, grapefruit, asparagus. Vanilla peat full of gravel. Fresh mint.

 

In Short, 

Despite the very high alcohol content, it is perfectly integrated, and it is magnificent because it is so smooth and balanced. The peat is very subtle, and I challenge anyone to recognise this Octomore in a blind tasting. It is truly incredible and worth exploring for any whisky lover. Unfortunately, the price is huge, and it's prohibitive. What's more, it is very difficult to find it after all these years.  

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sutej Singh - Oceans Apart

Bowmore 26 yo French Oak Barrique The Vintner's Trilogy

 

 

 

48,7°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay 

Ex-Bourbon Barrels and French Oak Wine Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 25 ppm 

 

 

 

This sample comes from another era, when Bowmore was often the subject of intense ageing experiments with wine casks. This is less often the case today. Here, the whisky has been aged for 13 years in ex-bourbon barrels, then for exactly the same number of years in French oak wine casks. So it's not really a finish, but rather a second maturation. Despite the low alcohol content, it does appear to be a cask strength bottling, as several websites point out. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A moist breeze laden with red berries, fermented cherries, coffee and dates, raspberry coulis, lacquered wood, chocolate icing, blueberry tart, concentrated redcurrants. Almond paste, candied apples. Smoke is in the background, barely perceptible, flecks of soot here and there, sloshing peat. Fig biscuits. Pearls of iodine. Despite a tiny lack of power on the palate, it is a marvel, lychees, orgeat syrup, rose Turkish delight, pear brandy, white grapes, and more red fruits galore. The spices are not so light, pepper, grated nutmeg, cardamom. The finish is not very powerful, but extremely long, hazelnut butter with a pinch of salt, dried bananas, chestnut cream, scrambled eggs, pan-fried mushrooms. Squares of milk chocolate, coffee grounds.

 

In Short, 

In all honesty, it had been a long time since I had tasted whisky of this quality. It's something that isn't done anymore, I'm afraid. It just goes to show that cask finishing can produce something exceptional, as is the case here. It's brilliant because on the one hand you have the influence of the ex-bourbon barrels, bright, smooth and mellow, and on the other, the intense fruitiness of the wine casks. Wonderful tension between the two. This is the second member of the Vintner's Trilogy that I've tasted, so now I only have one left, the oldest. As for the price, unfortunately it's enormous. It's a bit discouraging. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                            Johann Johannsson - Flight From the City

Bunnahabhain 12 yo Cask Strength 2025 Edition

 

 

 

56,4°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

1st Fill and Refill Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

This is the fourth edition of the 12 Year Old Cask Strength, a series that was launched in 2021. If the numbers don't add up, it's because there was none in 2024, for reasons that no one has explained. Either they ran out of stock, or the 2023 edition took a long time to sell, and they didn't want the new edition to come out before the previous ones were at least close to being sold out. In any case, I hope this collection will continue, I tasted the 2022 edition, which I talked about here, and I really liked it. I have the entire collection in my cupboard, waiting for the right occasion to open them.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A cascade of fruit, ripe plums, damsons and mirabelle plums, slightly fermented cherries, blueberries. Melting caramel and dates, dried figs, noble wood, crushed hazelnuts, Muscat grapes. A slight hint of iodine. Very smooth on the palate, chestnut cream, caramel, dried bananas, green apples, then strong spices, pepper, cloves, nutmeg. Fairly long finish, but not really explosive, mellow wood, warm chestnuts, cooked oranges, rich herbs, subtle touch of bitterness.

 

In Short, 

The 2022 edition is better, in my opinion. With this one, the nose is superb, but it's less successful afterwards, and the finish falls apart a little. But anyway, it's far from bad, it's still a very fine whisky, reserved for sherry lovers of course, but I find it better balanced and with more character than the A'bunadh or other 105s. What's more, the price is very reasonable, which is why I never fail to buy one. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Tinsley Ellis - In From the Cold

Daftmill 2011 Winter Batch Release 2024 12 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Daftmill - Lowlands

1st Fill Bourbon Barrels 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

At Daftmill, whisky is only produced at certain times of the year, in the middle of summer and in winter. This distillery is first and foremost a farm, hence the words “Single Farm Estate” on the bottle, which means that in order to run the farm, it cannot focus solely on whisky. As a result, production is tiny, at around 100 casks per year. This bottling is therefore significant, as it is the product of 27 first-fill bourbon barrels, and 7,500 bottles were released for sale. Made with Publican barley, harvested in August 2009 and malted a year later, distillation took place in December 2011. The barrels were then stored on site before bottling in the summer of 2024. This is therefore a 12-year-old whisky. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is very airy, even ethereal, hints of the countryside, vanilla and hay, liquid honey and slices of lime, ripe Conference pears, white peaches, a few herbaceous notes and thick wax. Young wood, malted cereals, very subtle notes of candied fruit. On the palate, it is mellow, though a little less expressive, but with character, honey and butter biscuits, rustic wood, crushed banana, a few almonds, orchard fruits, pepper and cloves. Fairly long, powerful finish, liquorice stick, aniseed, still earthy roots, candied lemon, peppermint, white chocolate. 

 

In Short, 

It has personality and character, it is airy, woody, herbal, but above all fruity. It is very well made, under artisanal conditions, and deserves respect. Beautiful spring freshness, beautiful expressiveness on the palate, very decent finish despite the reduction. Really a bottling I could consider, but this bold manufacturing process involves a significant cost, which does not necessarily reflect the quality of the product. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lucille Two - Suddenly

MacPhail's 30 yo 2024

 

 

 

46°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Speyside

Sherry Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This MacPhail's has been around for over 15 years, but in 2024, the bottle design was completely changed and the alcohol content increased to 46°, so this is a brand new product. I'm not sure if it's a limited edition, but the code on the bottle indicates a date (25/04/2024), which could suggest that there is only one batch. The name of the distillery is a complete secret, with not even a hint of a rumour or clue from the demonstrators, so we will have to content ourselves with tasting the beverage without any preconceived ideas.. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, almond powder, brioche, shortbread and malted biscuits, brown sugar, ripe apricots, baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon, raisins and dates. Slightly rustic but still elegant wood, tanned leather. The palate is simpler but still very pleasant, creamy vanilla, melting caramel, toasted cereals, acacia honey, milk chocolate, woody notes. Distinctive spices, and a touch of mandarin. Long finish, moderately powerful, dried bananas, oak bark, tobacco crumbs, mint leaf, liquorice stick.  

 

In Short, 

It's very well made, but it's still a typical sherry that lacks a little originality and character. That said, I didn't detect any sulphur, contrary to what I've read here and there. It remains refined and subtle, fairly well balanced. Overall, I find it robust, woody, even rustic, reminiscent of Longmorn, but I'm certainly wrong about that. When I see the price, I find it incomprehensible. How can it be so expensive when it's reduced and not even a single cask? 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Necks - The Royal Family

Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength Committee Exclusive 2026 10 yo

 

 

 

61,7°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

American Oak Ex-Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

It is probably the first major release in the world of whisky in 2026. Many fans of the distillery, myself included, had long fantasised about a Ten Cask Strength, and they have finally agreed to make our dreams come true. This limited edition is therefore a replica of Ardbeg Ten, which has been around for over 25 years, but with a really high alcohol content. Personally, I think Ardbeg Ten is a total success, it is one of the very best bottlings still available for under E60, if not the best. So to have it in a Cask Strength version is truly an achievement. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is softer than the reduced version, the peat is less powerful than usual, iodine mingles with a fairly subtle vanilla, a zest of lemon, shovelfuls of salt and limestone, gravel, sleet. Plums and Conference pears. On the palate, however, it is something else entirely, oily, silky, very delicate, but with beautiful power. Vanilla Turkish delight, lychee juice, almond oil, then it becomes herbaceous, reeds, chives, lots of pepper and cloves. Violent finish, but not as much as I thought, mint, asparagus, vanilla icing, biscuit dough, a pinch of salt. White ashes.

 

In Short, 

It's better than I expected. Although the nose is a little subdued, it's very similar to the reduced version, but with less explosive peat. Then the palate is really delicious and subtle, leading to a powerful but not overly so finish, where once again the nuances prevail over the power. It reminds me more of the old Ardbegs than the recent ones, as the peat was much less strong and there was a more delicate and smooth profile. So there are significant differences with the reduced Ten, but fundamentally, it's the same DNA. The price is very attractive, provided you buy it in the right place, because on the secondary market it's just ridiculous. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Yndling - Some Things You Don't Get

Fettercairn 2007 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 17 yo c. 17602205

 

 

 

58,4°

Distillery : Fettercairn - Highlands

Refill American Oak Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Gordon & MacPhail has currently released eight bottlings of Fettercairn distilled in 2007, including three in 2025, which are therefore the same age. While the other two were aged in sherry casks, this one spent 17 years and at least six months in a refill American oak hogshead. Exactly 299 bottles were produced.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Wax and iodine, liquid paraffin, a fine pinch of salt, and yellow fruits. Mirabelle plum pulp, crushed bananas, Comice pears. Lemon slices, crispy malt biscuits, hazelnut, a dash of vanilla. Elegant woodiness. On the palate, candied citrus fruits, exotic fruits, papaya, a hint of mango, it's honeyed but smooth, rose water, floral overtones. Black pepper, cloves. Fairly long finish, woody, spicy, powerful, brown sugar, dried apricots and raisins, apple squares, almonds, cashews.  

 

In Short, 

This is my third Fettercairn, and it's the first one where I detect real character. There are mineral and waxy notes, after all the sea is only 11 miles from the distillery. But it's also very fruity, with a distinct pulpiness and juiciness. It reminds me a little of Clynelish, but without a trace of peat and with more fruitiness. This is definitely a bottling worth seeking out, provided you can find it at a reasonable price. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           HVOB - Home

Ledaig 2011 The Whisky Jury 13 yo

 

 

 

56°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

2d Fill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By The Whisky Jury

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

It seems that The Whisky Jury released this one to celebrate its sixth anniversary. It is a very respectable bottling, aged for 13 years and 7 months in a second-fill Hogshead, which allows the distillate to express itself fully. There are 317 bottles on the market, which is not a bad way to mark another year. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Iodine and limestone, slightly dirty rocks, dotted with earth, beautiful maritime breadth, sea air, white chalk and vanilla, it's slightly woody, a dash of honey and exotic fruits. Salt stalactites, a zest of citrus, foam and sea spray. On the palate, it's oily, lychees, poached eggs, candied vanilla, oyster juice, white grapes. Then some spices, mirabelle plums, cumin, white pepper. Long and explosive finish, which opens like a flower, coconut, two or three strands of straw, pistachio and icing sugar. Vanilla icing, liquorice stick. Fennel.

 

In Short, 

A very nice bottling, very mineral and iodine-like, with the usual dirtiness, but that doesn't prevent the fruit from blossoming. You're rarely disappointed with Ledaig, and even less so with The Whisky Jury. What's more, the price isn't very high, so I'm starting to regret only buying a sample and not a whole bottle. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Flawed Mangoes - Surreal