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

Tobermory 2008 A Single Cask Collection : Coasts & Shores 16 yo

 

 

 

54,9°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

Bourbon Hogshead and Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

There are around 25 bottlings in the Coasts & Shores series, which is designed to highlight the coastal character of distilleries, often located close to the sea. Here we have a Tobermory, which certainly took a few years to finish in an Oloroso Sherry cask. Will the influence of Sherry obliterate the costal character of the distillery? We shall see. 446 bottles have been released for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Quite dry sherry, redcurrants and pomegranate, then it becomes more pulpy, red plums and grapes, cherry clafoutis, raspberry coulis, lovely woodiness, elastic leather, quince jam, gingerbread. It's silky on the palate, soya milk and red fruit, egg yolk, morello cherries, some spices, candied rhubarb. Long finish, close to explosion but not quite, soft bark, mahogany, nutmeg, pudding, stuffed figs, dried dates, apricots, liquorice, squid ink, candied cherry. Cashew nuts.  

 

In Short, 

So, it's a superb Sherry Bomb, but there's none of the distillery's costal character, which is already discreet, even in a Bourbon bottling. The Sherry is intense, very present, and I don't think anyone could identify any other elements. That said, it's really well made, it's not sickening, there's no sulphur, it's very fresh Sherry, and if I only had one Sherry-finished bottling, I wouldn't mind it being this one. The price is pretty attractive, and I'd recommend buying it for those who like the profile, but there's not much left, so you'll have to hurry. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :  

 

                                           Rəhman Məmmədli - Dervish

Williamson 2012 Single Cask Collection Foundations 12 yo

 

 

 

59°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay 

Bourbon Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm 

Bessie Williamson is the only woman to have run a distillery in the 20th century in Scotland. And that, of course, was Laphroaig. In her honour, some independent bottlings are named Williamson, on the pretext of keeping the name of the real distillery a secret, but everyone knows, apart from a few newbies, that Williamson is Laphroaig. In general, Williamsons are rather young, but this one is nonetheless 12 years old, it grew up in a Bourbon Hogshead, and 278 bottles were crafted. It was selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the Collection Foundations, and reserved in priority to the French market. 

Let's Taste It : 

A pure Laphroaig in all its splendour, powerful peat full of gravel, coal nuggets, dizzying smoke bursting with iodine, sea spray and nails, patches of tar, sticky fuel oil, and pronounced medicinal notes. In the background, white fruit, grapes, plums, bananas. Lemon pulp. Nice balance. The palate brings out the fruit, which is quite sweet despite the pungent peat, pepper and cloves, metallic and mineral sparkles, a very slight dash of vanilla. Limestone, quartz, tin. Powerful finish, like a tidal wave of charcoal and metallic rubble, concrete, on a beach whipped up by the sea breeze, greenish foam, with a few herbaceous touches behind, aniseed, honeysuckle, ginger. Crushed chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

This should be reserved for lovers of heavy peat and fans of Laphroaig, but it reaches a level of excellence rarely achieved with a 12-year-old. The balance is there, between the distinctive Laphroaig aromas and the lovely iodine and fruit notes. The peat and gravel still have the upper hand. But the nuances are subtle and the flavours deep. For me, it's a must-have, even if the price is quite high, but I was able to find it on special offer.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                          Darkher - Lowly Weep

Caol Ila 2010 Single Cask Collection Foundations 14 yo c. 311752

 

 

 

57°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

Hogshead and Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Caol Ila is, as everyone knows, the largest distillery on Islay, and independent bottlings abound, with the prestigious house of Berry Bros. & Rudd being no exception. But this one has been selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the Foundations Collection, so there must be something special about it. Aged in a Hogshead, it was then finished in an Oloroso Sherry cask, resulting in 265 bottles reserved in priority for the French market.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

This is a fine, classic Caol Ila with a strong, creamy sherry. Red fruit, amarena cherries and candied raspberries, a slice of bacon and a hint of iodine, enhanced by woody notes, leather and dates, figs. The palate is expressive but a little dry, with redcurrants, liquorice and a pinch of salt. Lively spices, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, mixed with hot toffee and a few cereals. Long finish, where the peat finally comes through, thick, ashy, notes of earth, iodine, loamy charcoal, elastic, but also some blueberries, blackberries.

 

In Short, 

There's nothing really special here, it's a rather classic Caol Ila but very well made, with good balance and subtle nuances. I did find it a little gentle, though, as I only felt the power of the peat in the finish. It will appeal to those who prefer very well-integrated peat. On the other hand, the price seems a bit high to me,  so it's better to wait for a promotion, it's still available at La Maison du Whisky, but not for long I think.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Solarcycles - Moonblind

Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 1999 Berry Bros. & Rudd c. 1

 

 

 

50,1°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Scotland

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

We often forget that Berry Bros. & Rudd, as well as being the UK's oldest independent bottler, is also a specialist in blends. It was they who launched Cutty Sark in 1923. This one was aged in the same cask for at least 23 years, yielding 324 bottles. It's a shame, but I don't know anything about this Blended, not the region, nor the exact age, and even less about the distilleries involved. All we know is that it's malty and Scottish.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

First of all, a very fine balance, with walnuts and other shelled fruits, a few dried fruits, dates, apricots and bananas on the one hand, and a delicate, vaporous, chiselled woodiness on the other. Citrus fruits, green apples, a certain spring freshness. The palate is similar, with wood and dried fruit, enhanced by a zest of lemon, spices that are lively but not too strong, and always a fine balance. The finish is quite long, slightly explosive, with blood oranges, earthy touches, burnt caramel and hot chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

It's a fine blended, well-balanced, with a nice continuity between the nose, the palate and the finish, which will satisfy fans of the genre. For me, it's good but it lacks personality and character. What I like about it is that it's a bit old school. Anyway, there's no point in looking for it, there's no information anywhere about it. Where to find it, at what price, I can't find anything. Someone must have kept all the bottles for himself.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Layla Vaughn - A Love That Could Never Be

Westland 2014 Single Cask Collective #1: The Pioneers

 

 

 

53°

Distillery : Westland - Washington

Bourbon Barrel and Madeira Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated from 20 to 25 ppm

Westland is a young distillery founded in 2010 and based in Seattle, Washington. This cask was selected by Berry Bros. because it is one of those very promising young distilleries that deserve to be showcased. For this reason, it was included in the Collective #1: The Pioneers series, which brings together ten young distilleries that, it seems, are still too little known. I wanted to give them a chance. I'm not sure whether the whisky is peated or not, but Westland often produces peated juice, and this one seemed to me to be, just after a Caol Ila. 207 bottles were produced.

Let's Taste It : 

Very mellow, woody, with fig, apricot, quinces, grape pulp, pudding, chocolate fondant, and a hint of sweet red fruits, plums and blackcurrant, it must be Madeira. Fruit cake. The palate is a bit light but good, with wood and shortbread biscuits, sugar pancakes, some spices, but very discreet, saffron, cardamom, cloves. Dried banana. Long finish, woody caramel, chocolate muffin with sprinkles, undergrowth and damp earth, some forest berries.

 

In Short, 

Yes, it's interesting, but, in my humble opinion, it's not quite there yet. I can't see any particular character, I can't see the profile of this distillery, and there are a few slight faults. That said, this is still a good product, and the efforts made and the progress made should certainly be encouraged. However, the price is inappropriate for a whisky less than 10 years old.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                            George Duke Trio - It's On

Caol Ila 2010 Single Cask Berry Bros. & Rudd 13 yo c. 311746

 

 

 

55,1°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

Bourbon Hogshead and Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Apparently, Berry Bros. had a number of casks of Caol Ila distilled in 2010. They released some of them this year, and each had its own little finish, in Oloroso, or no finish at all. This one was finished in a Pedro Ximénez Sherry cask, it yielded 280 bottles and is destined for the French market.

Let's Taste It : 

I found the nose very balanced, with a drop of soot, wood and soft caramel. The peat is not too exuberant, nor is the Sherry, although there is a hint of meatiness and elasticity, red plums and bacon. The palate is full of sweet fruits, grapes, damsons, cranberries, spices, not too strong either, paprika, nutmeg, cumin. The finish is rich and deep, long enough, charcoal, earth, tar, cola, blackberries and blueberries. Smoked ham, peas with bacon, parsley.

In Short, 

Very pleasant, the Sherry is not too overpowering, but it still leaves its mark, this is a good, meaty Caol Ila. On the other hand, you shouldn't rely too much on the distillery's iodine and sea usual flavours. Like all Sherry-aged Caol Ila, it's rather earthy and tarry, with smoked meat, but that's fine too. The only thing wrong with it is the price, which is out of all proportion.

Score : 88

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Richie Kotzen - Socialite

Benrinnes 2011 Single Cask Berry Bros. & Rudd 12 yo

 

 

 

53,9°

Distillery : Benrinnes - Speyside 

Pomerol Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Benrinnes is renowned for the distillate it produces, thanks in particular to its Oregon pine washbacks, in which fermentation can last up to 100 hours, but the bulk of its production feeds blends such as Johnnie Walker and J&B. That's why we can be grateful to La Maison du Whisky, which, through its new New Vibrations collection, is allowing us to discover this finished juice in a Pomerol cask, a limited edition of just 204 bottles. I assume that the first maturation took place in a Bourbon cask, which would have been nice to mention.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Velvety nose, fermented cherry, sweet gooseberry. Fortunately, it's not acidic; on the contrary, it has a lovely earthy breadth, with candied sugar, jam, candied fruits, sometimes exotic, strawberry candy. The palate is a bit less expressive, with rosewater and caramel, then strong spices such as pepper and cumin, leading to a long, robust finish, with forest undergrowth, bay leaves, humus and red fruits, plums, damson and blueberries. Forest berries. 

In Short, 

The Pomerol finish gives a gentle, sweet quality, but the DNA of this whisky is more rustic, earthy and woody. It gives a nice contrast, which I liked. The price is too high, however.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Usted Señalemelo - Siento

Linkwood 2013 Single Cask Berry Bros. & Rudd 10 yo

 

 

 

56,9°

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside

Bourbon Hogshead 

Independent Bottling

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This Linkwood cask produced 310 bottles and was selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the New Vibrations label, for exclusive sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is predominantly woody, with a little less fruit than usual, although it is there: apricots, quinces, ripe grapes, yellow plums, some dried fruits also, soft caramel. Fine dust, good fullness. Very silky on the palate, figs and dates, very present spices, pepper and cloves, blackberries, melted chocolate. Very long finish, earth, prunes, and a slight smokiness on the aftertaste, which is astonishing. Ferns, humus, but above all more wood, slightly damp.

 

In Short, 

A Linkwood that's a little off the mark, there's some fruits, but it's a long way from the usual basket of flavours, it's very well done though, and fans will be happy with it. The price is excessive nonetheless.

Score : 88  

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           L. A Edwards - Peace Be With You

Imperial 1989 Exceptional Casks 30 yo

 

 

 

47,9°

Distillery : Imperial - Speyside

Bourbon Cask 

Independent Bottling  

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

In 1989, the Imperial distillery had just resumed production, in a minimalist way, after 4 years of silence, as it had just been bought by Allied Distillers. Unfortunately, what seemed like a revival did not last long, and the distillery closed for good in 1998. This tiny Bourbon cask, which produced only 178 bottles, stayed for thirty years waiting to be tasted. I have not been able to confirm that it was bottled cask strength, but it is very likely.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Salt and tide, beach sand, iodine, sea breeze. A touch of limestone, lime, a few citrus fruits. Very light, airy peat, cementing the whole. Candle wax, candied vanilla, liquid honey. On the palate, it's a bit more classic, more Speyside, but it remains costal, light cereals, fruits that don't stand out much, balanced, wheat, puffed rice, white plums and raisins, a pinch of pepper, a mint leaf. Long, perfectly mastered finish, earthy cereals, chalk, a final pinch of salt.

In Short, 

As the name suggests, this is truly an exceptional cask. Note the slight veil of smoke, the candle wax and the salt. Otherwise, of course, honey, candied fruits, exotic and lime. Obviously, the price makes you think twice, but don't forget it's thirty years old.

Score : 89

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           John O'Leary - Drinking Again

Kornog 2006 Single Cask Berry Bros. & Rudd

 

 

 

50,9°

Distillery : Celtic Whisky Distillerie - France

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 50 ppm 

The prestigious and venerable Berry Bros. & Rudd deigns to take an interest in a vulgar French wihsky, from a recent distillery founded in 1999 and which has only been producing peated juice since 2009 under the name of Kornog. For the creator of the distillery, Jean Donnay, it is the consecration. Perhaps being acquired by Maison Villevert in 2020 has something to do with this great news for French whisky. This company with a capital of 75 million euros certainly has a perfectly oiled marketing department. Whatever, it is deserved, and for the occasion the distillery provided its oldest cask to date, 16 years old, matured in a single Bourbon barrel, which gave only 152 copies. The age of the product is not mentioned on the bottle, but it is indicated 16 yo on several respectable sales sites.

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A soft peat but nonetheless quite present, some grassy hints, well integrated iodine, I would swear to be on Islay. But I'm not, and it's really well done, because it's quite fruity by the way, very balanced. But it's not a monster of complexity either. On the palate, beautiful vanilla sweetness, a little bit sweetness, soft spices, towards a relatively robust but not quite long finish. Burnt wood, liquorice, undergrowth, chestnut leaves. It's quite smooth despite the peat, it goes down very well, drizzle of vanilla, pineapple and citrus, but without bitterness, discreet spices, cloves, ginger, long and fairly robust finish, damp earth, martime notes, lemony touches. Discreet smoke. Almonds, cashews.

 

In Short, 

It is undoubtedly among the best in France under the name of Whisky. And that's not bad at all, actually. It competes with some very good Islay. The official peat level is 50 ppm, but this was at the time of distillation, and after 16 years it has become more subtle, the equivalent of around 30 ppm. So it's well balanced, because the fruits are there. I think of a good Bowmore, a less peated Bunnahabhain, or a Kilkerran. These are compliments for me because these are distilleries that I particularly like. On the other hand, with exceptional bottling, exceptional price, and there I must say that it is too expensive for what it is, a bit like everything that is good in French whisky. I know that the crafting prices are not the same in France and in Scotland, but the quality-price ratio is not there, it is regrettable.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Hubert-Félix Thiéfaine - Annihilation

Orkney Islands 2005 Berry Bros. & Rudd 14 yo

 

 

 

59,7°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islands 

Bourbon Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. a Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

Berry Bros. & Rudd is the oldest trading company, it's been around since 1698. It owns many casks from Highland Park, which it always releases under the same name: Orkney Islands, because the owners of the distillery refuse that the casks they sold to be bottled under their name. If that's what they want, why not, but everyone knows this is Highland Park, and the distillery markers are easily recognisable. This expression was aged in a Bourbon cask for 14 years, it was specially bottled for the members of Whiskybase. it is not known how many bottles were put up for sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Citrus pulp. More grapefruit than lemon. Light, stringy mineral peat that gradually becomes earthy, oily and chalky. Goat's milk, liquid honey. Iodine. Some exotic fruits, pineapple, papaya. A touch of vanilla, found on the palate, quite smooth, then with powerful spices, cumin, grey pepper, nutmeg. Rose water. Chalky rock. Explosive but very pleasant finish, long, earthy, mirabelle plums, dwarf bananas, salty freshness. Heather, undergrowth. Lime, icing sugar.

 

In Short, 

It's everything you'd expect from a Highland Park, light peat, lemon and exotic fruits, honey, heather, a touch of iodine and sediments. That said, I found that the exotic fruits and heather were discreet. It's still a fine bottling, but I didn't find the pleasure I'd found in other Highland Parks from this company. A little disappointed right now. It's no big deal, there's still plenty to enjoy in there. The price is passable, that is to say a little high.

Note : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Supergrass - Moving

Peated Cask Matured Blended Malt Scotch Whisky The Classic Range

 

 

 

44,2°

Distillery :  The Ardmore, Laphroaig - Highlands, Islay

Small Batch Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Core Range 

Blended Malt 

Launched in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

 

 

 

The Classic Range, which includes whiskies from Speyside, Islay and Ireland, also includes a whisky aged in peated casks, which are believed to be Laphroaig casks. The whisky aged in these casks, impregnated with a low phenol content, is thought to be partly Ardmore.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Good damp peat with a medicinal touch, the juice is strongly impregnated by the casks, which is astonishing. Limestone rock, granite, light fruits and sea breeze. Vanilla and honey on the palate, with a light fruitiness and creaminess. Unripe melon, cherry tomatoes, cereals, millet, barley, quinoa. Some floral fragrances. Fairly long finish on charcoal and honey. Puffed rice. Gravel, sand, wheat. A sunny day on a deserted Scottish beach.

 

In Short, 

I liked the contrast between the strength of the peated casks and the lightness of the aromas. That said, I wonder if I've exaggerated the score, given what I've read here and there about this bottling. In any case, it seemed to work for me.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                                     Joe Cocker - With a Little Help From My Friends