Balvy 1989 The Whisky Jury 35 yo

 

 

 

52°

Distillery : The Balvenie - Speyside

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By The Whisky Jury

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Among the recent releases from The Whisky Jury is this teaspooned Balvenie, which means that a tiny amount of another whisky has been added to a Balvenie cask. This makes it a Blended Malt, and it’s cheaper. I’m all for this sort of thing to ease the strain on my wallet. 278 bottles have been put on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A variety of cereals, coated in butter, drizzled with honey. Ground almonds, candied vanilla, floral hints, subtle mineral notes. Freshly ploughed earth, cigar box, Armenian paper. Juicy citrus fruits, mirabelle plums, mashed bananas, pear crumble, lavender. On the palate, it is pulpy and honeyed. Ripe plums, greengage jam, egg yolk, brioche. Lemon fondant. Lively spices, cumin, clove. A very long, woody finish, full of wax, ganache biscuit, olive oil. White grapes. 

 

In Short, 

It’s very interesting, the nose and finish in particular are fantastic. It’s less rounded and honeyed than the Balvenie’s official bottlings, and has more of a malty, fruity and oaky character. In a word, it’s more varied and subtle. It’s an excellent bottling, and the price is very reasonable for a 35-year-old. If you’re a fan of this style and can afford it, don’t hesitate. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Poppy Ackroyd - For Those Who Wait

House of Hazelwood Legacy Collection Queen of the Hebrides 36 yo

 

 

 

43,4°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay

American Oak Cask

Independent Bottling 

By House of Hazelwood 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

This time, the prestigious House of Hazelwood, founded in 2022, ventures to Islay and presents us with a wonderful 36-year-old blended malt. There is no clue as to its exact origin, all we know is that it was matured in a single American oak cask, yielding 274 bottles. As it was distilled around 1988, we can deduce that it is not Ardbeg, which was inactive at the time, nor Ardnahoe or Kilchoman, which were not yet open, nor Bruichladdich or Bunnahabhain, which did not produce peated whiskies. That leaves Bowmore, Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Laphroaig.  

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

An elegant wisp of smoke with a hint of minerality, gravel and quartz, but above all beautifully integrated coastal notes, sea spray and salt crystals, dried seaweed, and the iodine-rich air of the open sea. Behind this, discreet dried fruit, mellow honey, grainy cereals, and a slight touch of soot. The peat is just a bit more pronounced on the palate, with a rustic character, topped by very subtle vanilla and citrus. Grapefruit, agave, lime, herbaceous undertones, sun-bleached grass, reeds. Dates and quinces, delicate spices. A very long finish, not particularly strong but characterful, crushed hazelnuts and peanuts, fragments of rock, gypsum, a dash of mud, herbs, leaves of blond tobacco. Birch bark, autumnal scents, cigar ash on the retro-olfaction. 

 

In Short, 

It could be any one of the four distilleries mentioned above. The peat is very light, but that’s to be expected given its age. What really struck me were the coastal notes, blended with citrus and dried fruit, a lovely blend. One small reservation: for me, it lacks a bit of intensity, to the extent that I don’t recognise it as an Islay, I would have thought it was Highland Park or BenRiach instead. The price, on the other hand, is very steep, although, given how expensive old Islay whiskies are these days, it might be a bargain after all. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Tamino - Babylon

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

Elements of Islay Campfire Feis Ile 2025

 

 

 

54,5°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay

PX and Oloroso Sherry Butts, 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels, Charred and Toasted New Oak Barrels 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 39 ppm

 

 

 

Since 2023, Elements of Islay has been producing a series called the Fire Trilogy, starting with Beach Bonfire in 2023, followed by Fireside the following year, and finally Campfire in 2025, released in time for Feis Ile. For the first two, there was a cask strength version and a reduced version, but for this one, there seems to be only the reduced version. Three distilleries are involved, from the north and south coasts of Islay. I'm betting on Caol Ila, Laphroaig and Bunnahabhain. But I can't say for sure. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Quite intense and complex sherry, various red fruits, grilled meat with caramel sauce, melting chocolate, raspberry coulis, cranberry jam, chimney soot, very solid peat, charcoal, small fried mushrooms. On the palate, a certain creaminess, melting marshmallow, blackberry purée, wild strawberries, thick layer of peat and lively but not overly strong spices, ginger, cloves, nutmeg. Apple and cinnamon crumble. Long, fairly powerful finish, liquorice, wet wood, roasted hazelnuts, merguez sausage.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad, not bad at all, and even complex and intense. It's a good blend of peat and sherry that will please any fan of this profile. The only concern is that it's as expensive as Uigeadail, which is still better. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Madam - To The Moon

Elements of Islay Sherry Cask

 

 

 

54,5°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay 

1st Fill, Refill Sherry Butts and Hogsheads 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

The third member of the Core Range at Elements of Islay is this Sherry Cask. It has been aged entirely in a variety of sherry casks and is a blend from two distilleries, one located on the south coast (rumoured to be Laphroaig) and the other on the north coast (certainly Caol Ila). To be more precise, it is said to be 65% Caol Ila and the rest Laphroaig.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sherry, coastal and airy, even mineral, with just the right amount of peat coated in caramel and encrusted with charcoal, soot and fuel oil. Dark chocolate, brown tobacco, cigar ash. Apple compote, candied ginger, mint leaves. A hint of sea spray, limestone and seaweed. On the palate, it is unctuous, blood oranges, maple syrup, dried apricots and candied fruit, dates, quinces, burnt caramel, soft toffee, cloves and nutmeg. Lemon cake. Autumn leaves. The finish is quite long and powerful, biscuits dipped in tea, brown sugar, cinnamon, saffron, crème brûlée, cocoa powder. Roots, spread with molasses, and a very slight medicinal touch. 

 

In Short, 

The sherry is not too overpowering, you can feel the character of Islay, the maritime notes and a solid peat, although not very strong. That said, there is quite a lot of fruit, the nose is a little shy at first, then the palate is very rich, and the finish is enchanting. This makes for a beautiful bottling, complex and measured, seductive and easy to drink. Worth trying for fans of peat and sherry, but Uigeadail is the same price.  

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Tolstoys - Mad

Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask

 

 

 

54,5°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay

1st Fill and Refill Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Core Range

Blended Malt 

Launched in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

In 2022, when the Elements of Islay range was revamped, this stuff appeared. I imagine it more or less replaces Peat Full Proof, which disappeared at the same time. You might think it's the same as Cask Edit, with a higher alcohol content, but that's not the case. Cask Edit is a blend of Bourbon and Sherry Casks, while Bourbon Cask has been matured entirely in Bourbon Casks of various types. As with Cask Edit, rumour has it that the two distilleries involved are Caol Ila (65% of the product) and Laphroaig (35% of the product). It is written on the box that there is one distillery from the south coast of Islay and another from the north, or several others. Some say that a third distillery is involved, but nothing is certain.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, airy and coastal Bourbon, with sea spray and tide, seaweed and kelp, mineral notes, a good hint of coarse salt and iodine. Behind that, vanilla honey, caramel and lemon, cake icing, brioche. Thick peat, of course, soot and tar, fuel oil and diesel. On the palate, it is smoother, slightly oily, green apples and citrus fruits, herbaceous peat, bandages, lively spices, cloves, cumin and black pepper. The finish is quite long and robust, shortbread biscuits, pebbles, sand, mud, rustic wood and salty peat. A mint leaf. 

 

In Short, 

To be honest, it's very similar to the Cask Edit, which I tasted just before. It's just more intense on the finish, and more marked by the Bourbon casks. I don't see what's really better than Cask Edit, except for the finish. On the contrary, the absence of sherry casks means there is less complexity and balance. The price is reasonable, even low, but I'm not thrilled with the product, so I don't know if I would recommend buying it. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ophelia Malory - Misunderstood

Elements of Islay Cask Edit

 

 

 

46°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay

Refill Bourbon and Sherry Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Core Range 

Blended Malt 

Launched in 2022 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

In 2022, the Elements of Islay range changed. No more Single Malts, which is a shame, as these little bottles with code names had a certain charm. And the Core Range is changing its name, and probably its recipe too. The Entry Level becomes Cask Edit, that's probably less scary than Peat, which was the old name. Rumour has it that this Blended Malt is a blend of Caol Ila and Laphroaig, which wouldn't surprise me at all. It's reduced, which makes it more drinkable, and there's no chill filtration or colouring. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Fairly dry smoke, earthy, white lime, sea spray, tide, foam, seaweed. But it is very lemony, with a good pinch of salt and a hint of vanilla. Mineral notes, pencil lead, a touch of soot. A drop of caramel and chocolate, piles of still-smoky ashes. On the palate, it is a bit sweeter, grape pulp, green apple, honey and resin. Spices are present but not too strong, black pepper, cumin. Fairly long finish, relatively calm, chimney fire, braised bacon, perhaps a medicinal touch, peppermint. 

 

In Short, 

Of course, it's just a small blend with a reasonable alcohol content, but it's nice. It's exactly what you'd expect, no more, no less: a good dose of peat and character, without complexity or excessive strength. The kind of thing that goes down quickly and easily. The price is often quite low, offering good value for money. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Mars Red Sky - Strong Reflection

Nikka Taketsuru 21 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distilleries : Yoichi, Miyagikyo - Japan

Bourbon and Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Blended Malt

Launched in 2001

Slightly Peated 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

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

 

In Short, 

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

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           Band-Maid - Thrill

Cadenhead's Peated Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 2025

 

 

 

57,7°

Distilleries : Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain and others - Scotland

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition

Blended Malt 

Launched in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

In a number of Cadenhead shops, you can find demijohns filled with whisky. There are three of them: one for Bourbon, one for Sherry and one for Peated. It is impossible to know exactly what is inside them, as the contents change depending on what is added over the months. You can have a bottle filled by hand, either 20 cl or 70 cl. So I was able to taste a sip of Peated Blended Malt from a bottle that had been filled in 2025, with an alcohol content of 57.7%. I was assured that the two distilleries most used are Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain, but nothing is known about the others.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Quite oily peat on the nose, with hints of the sea, silt, seaweed, kelp, and a good dose of sea spray, whelks, razor clams, oysters, mussels, limestone and quartz, chalky rock, tar, creamy vanilla, and a vague zest of lemon. On the palate, it is rough, the peat becomes earthy, a little drier, dark chocolate and coffee, bottarga, Morteau sausage, lots of pepper and cloves. Banana, perhaps lychee. Quite a long and powerful finish, chalk and fuel oil, some subtle fruit, yam, black radish, a few drops of citrus.

 

In Short, 

For me, it's the perfect daily dram. The alcohol content is a little strong, admittedly, but it has character and lovely contrasts between the peaty, mineral and maritime notes and the fruits that linger in the background. It's powerful and intense, which is just how I like it. I admit it lacks a little subtlety, but that's why it's a daily dram. It offers good value for money and is worth trying. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Frankie and The Witch Fingers - Empire

Symbiosis 2018 Artist #15 Something in the Water

 

 

 

50,6°

Distilleries : Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain - Islay

Puncheon and Toasted New American Oak Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated from 35 to 40 ppm 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

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

 

In Short, 

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

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Violent Vickie - Circle Square

Blended Grain 1972 Decadent Drams 52 yo

 

 

 

50,8°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Scotland 

Refill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Decadend Drinks

Limited Edition 

Blended Scotch

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Last year, I tasted this 50-year-old Blended Grain, which I mentioned here. And this time, they waved this 52-year-old whisky under my nose, telling me it was the same. Could they both have aged in the same cask? It's very possible, especially since this one only yielded 177 bottles. And the fact that the maturation is exactly the same confirms this hypothesis. You would have to taste them both in succession to see the difference, and I wonder why I didn't do that.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very floral nose, with light and airy fruit, cane sugar, dried caramel, pears and apples, peaches, slivered almonds, jasmine, coconut, grapefruit and pineapple. Sandalwood, marzipan and sugar paste. Rustic, farmhouse flavours. Sanded parquet flooring, parchment, tea left on the bedside table. On the palate, it is a little below par, it's smooth, rose water, lychees, banana and cereal flakes. Oats, chopped wheat. Light spices. The finish is very long, quite powerful, slightly sour honey, orange marmalade, pickles, watermelon seeds.

 

In Short, 

When I compare the tasting notes, I see that the two blends are very different. If they come from the same cask, then something surprising has happened in two years, the liquid has reacted strongly to the sudden influx of fresh air. In any case, it has become a very good whisky, where age imposes its subtle and evanescent character, where each note is as if polished by the long wait. Obviously, the price is very high, but not that high for this age.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin

Poit Dhubh 8 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islands and Speyside

Sherry and Bourbon Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By Pràban na Linne

Core Range 

Blended Malt 

Unchillfiltered

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

Poit Dhubh 8 yo is another expression launched by Pràban na Linne. I have no idea how to pronounce this name. Another thing I don't know is when this product was launched, but I do know that it already existed in 2004. It is a blended malt, which means that it does not contain any grain whisky. At least two distilleries are used, one located on the islands, most likely Talisker, and another located in Speyside. It is non-chill filtered, which was rare for a blended whisky at the time.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It seems rather unbalanced to me. On the one hand, the sherry is strong, with dried apricots, blood oranges, quince jam, elastic, damp leather and even a hint of sulphur. On the other hand, the smoke dominates, with powerful vanilla and a touch of lemon. In addition, there are intrusive and rather dry earthy notes. On the palate, it is all the same very clear, with a bit of heather, vague plums, greengages, green apples and rare spices. The finish is short, peaty and a bit floral. Cooked chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

I didn't like it as much. It's not bad, but I was expecting better. The sherry and bourbon clash without blending, and it's very light on the palate. The price is reasonable, but it's still too much for me.

Score : 82 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ellijai - Bad Timing

Mac NaMara Port Cask Finish

 

 

 

40° 

Distilleries Officialy Unknown - Islands and Speyside

Bourbon Casks and Port Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Pràban na Linne Limited 

Core Range 

Blended Scotch

Launched in 2023

Unchillfiltered

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

This is my second experience in the Mac NaMara range, with this one, finished in port casks. It was launched in June 2023 in Scotland, and no doubt in Europe in the months that followed. The whisky appears to be 5 to 7 years old, is non-chill filtered, and certainly comes largely from Talisker. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The port is very sweet, with notes of damson plums and blueberries, blackberry jelly, earthy and peppery notes, damp bark, charcoal and caramel. The cereal character is hidden behind, crushed quinces, greengages and muesli. On the palate, it is a little too flat, but softened by the port, blueberry tart, black berries, candied ginger and various spices, nutmeg, cinnamon. The finish is decent, not very long but pleasant, with charcoal and velvety notes, cooked apples, crushed nuts and chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

The finish is more noticeable than with the Madeira Cask Finish. The whisky loses some of its character, but at the same time it is pleasant, fruity, slightly charred and deep, if not complex. The price remains reasonable.

Score : 83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Valentina Bausi - Awareness

Mac NaMara Madeira Cask Finish

 

 

 

40°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islands and Speyside

Bourbon Casks and Madeira Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Pràban na Linne Limited 

Core Range 

Blended Scotch  

Launched in 2019

Unchillfiltered

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

Mac NaMara is a range of whiskies belonging to The Gaelic Whiskies collection, founded by Sir Iain Noble in 1976 on the Isle of Skye. This collection belongs to the Pràban na Linne company. It is a blended Scotch, meaning it is a blend of Scotch malt and grain whisky. As they are located on the Isle of Skye, it is confirmed there is some Talisker in there. In any case, it is slightly peaty and unchill-filtered. Some say the age of the beast is between 5 to 7 years old. At first, it was a limited edition, but now it seems to be a part of the Core Range. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Beautiful influence of Madeira, it's creamy, cherry clafoutis, slivered almonds and redcurrants, slightly coastal profile in the background, a pinch of salt and sea spray, grainy cereals and malty notes, apricots and quinces. On the palate, it is light, white peach and Conference pear, generous lemon and light vanilla, the influence of Madeira is more discreet but still present. Good spice, dark chocolate. Fairly long finish, but not very powerful, creamy and woody, cooked apples, cloves, still warm ashes.

 

In Short, 

It's quite good for a blended whisky, the finish masks any possible flaws, and at the same time it's not overpowering, you can still taste the character of the whisky. The price is low, so it's worth giving it a try.

Score : 83 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Villa Ada Posse - Rabbia e Amore

Hibiki 21 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distilleries : Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita - Japan

American Ex-Bourbon Barrels, Ex-Sherry European and Mizunara Oak Casks  

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Blended Grain 

Launched in 1989

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Superlatives are in order when we talk about this Blend, launched in 1989 by the Suntory group, and legendary ever since. Its price has risen tenfold since it was first released, and now that stocks have run out it is very rare to find. However, it is still cold-filtered and coloured, which is not so sublime. But it was very common when at that time. What is really a revolutionary idea is the use of Mizunara oak casks, which were mainly used to make furniture back then.

Let's Taste It : 

Very light grainy smoke, dust, gravel, notes of braised caramel, dried fruit, compote, cherry clafoutis, fig jam, oranges and cranberries. Apricot skin, lemon zest, vanilla bean, exotic wood, cinnamon, saffron, sandalwood. On the palate, dark honey, dates and hazelnuts, red plum, black tea, chocolate fondant, heather earth, spices that take time to decant. Long, powerful finish, slices of roast beef, charcoal crumbs, crème brûlée, red fruit, redcurrants, blood and floral hints. Roasted wheat.

 

In Short, 

It's indeed an excellent product, perfectly balanced, quite complex and deep. On the palate, it's still a little light, but the rest is very interesting. I'd say it's worth the price at which it was launched in 1989, but certainly not the price at which it is sold today. At its current price, this product is no longer there for whisky lovers, but for speculators, which is a very different field.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Johannes Brahms - Symphonie N°3

CRN57° 30 yo

 

 

 

51,9°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Speyside

Sherry and Boubon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By The Cairn Distillery

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Cairn is a Speyside distillery launched in 2022 by Gordon & MacPhail, it's their second distillery after Benromach. They plan not to release a single single malt for another ten years or so, so to keep us waiting, they've launched a whole range, CRN57°, which is supposed to look like what The Cairn single malts will be like. It goes up to 70 years, so I'll never know if the real 70 year old The Cairn will actually be anything like the 70 year old Blend currently on the market. In fact, they're not taking many risks! More reasonable is this 30 year old Blend from various Speyside distilleries, the name of which is being kept secret, hopefully I'll be able to compare, if my doctor lets me, between two rations of vegetable soup and a plain yoghurt. The problem is that we know very little about this Blend, apart from its age and region of origin. Nothing about the maturation process, the number of bottles produced, the colouring or the cold filtration. Nor do we know whether it is Cask Strength.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's very coppery, woody, with a lovely old library effect, yellowed paper, damp cellar, old sherry, sour notes, but candied grapes, ripe apricot, blood oranges, dried banana, dates. Vanilla extract, pastry cream, coconut, a grain or two of salt. Bay leaves, thyme. On the palate, it's lighter, not quite balanced, but tasty. Plums and pears, ratatouille, aubergines, courgettes and hints of pepper, all delicately crunchy. Light spices. Long but not explosive finish, quince, barely burnt caramel, it runs down the throat, candied apricots. Icing sugar. Chamonix biscuits.

 

In Short, 

A very well-made old school Blend, with a very slight acidity and a clearly recognisable OBE. Well, to be honest, it's very good, but it's no masterpiece either, and value for money is a slight problem. Nevertheless, it's an excellent marketing product for teasing out a distillery's future, decades in advance. A touch of genius. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Brittany Davis - Mirrors

Campbeltown 2016 Hidden Spirits Classic Version 8 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distilleries : Glen Scotia, Springbank - Campbeltown 

Refill Bourbon Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

The Classic Version range offers some interesting daily drams from Hidden Spirits, an independent Italian bottler established in 2013. These are original and reduced bottlings, so easier to drink. Here we have a Blended Malt from Campbeltown, Andrea Ferrari himself told me it was 90% Glen Scotia and 10% Springbank. This mix has grown for 8 years in the same Refill Bourbon Cask, to finally give us this little thing. Unfortunately, we don't know how many bottles were made. A previous edition of the same Blend was released in 2022, with some success.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very successful nose, very Campbeltown, costal with honey and brioche, coarse sea salt, iodised freshness, vanilla fragrances, a zest of lemon, some exotic fruit, sea spray, seafood, seaweed, a light layer of limestone and genoise. Icing sugar, meringue. On the palate, it's a little light but pleasant, with lemonade, citrus fruit, orange blossom, hints of papaya, kumquat, salted butter caramel and well-integrated spices. Very long finish, quite powerful given the alcohol content, shortbread biscuits, pinch of aniseed, floral notes, peanuts, cashew nuts, sultanas.

 

In Short, 

Incredible quality for a Blended Malt, great character despite the reduction, I'm really surprised by the high standard of this bottling. It's typically Campbeltown, with a real personality and beautiful fruity nuances. It's sometimes overpriced, but if you look hard enough, you'll find some very interesting special offers. Anyone who loves the profile should get one.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Throwing Muses - Pearl

LG 2019 The Whisky Jury 5 yo

 

 

 

48,88°

Distillery : Lagavulin - Islay

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By The Whisky Jury 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 38 ppm

 

 

 

This is a strange bottling, It seems to be a very young teasponned Lagavulin, aged for three years in Scotland, then two years in Belgium in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Cask. As a result, it has lost its Blended Malt Scotch Whisky appellation, and is now only a Blended Malt Whisky. In any case, 335 bottles are on sale. The alcohol content is very low for a Cask Strength of this age, which leads me to believe that there is also much older whisky in there.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is airy and ethereal, but the peat is very present, smoky and thick, and the costal character is powerful. Gypsum cliffs above foamy white waves, sea breeze, iodine, salt, and also crème fraîche, a dash of vanilla, peaches, lychees. The influence of Sherry can then be detected, sultanas, red fruit coulis and milk chocolate. It's oily on the palate, still fruity, with white peaches and bananas, pronounced mineral, peaty and charcoal notes, and the right amount of spice. Long finish, brown sugar, charcoal, figs and dates, warm chestnuts. Chocolate fondant.

 

In Short, 

The nose is sublime, but on the palate the Sherry is barely detectable and it's light. The finish is very good. It's a curiosity, I'd love to know the exact composition of this Blend, but certain seals have a hard life. The price is really low, it's a bargain, and that's probably why it's sold out everywhere, a few days after its release. Fortunately, there are still friends who share.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           New York Dolls - Frankenstein

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