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

Enigma 2006 Single Malt Irish 10 yo

 

 

 

44,3°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Ireland

1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This new Enigma bottling has everything to intrigue. For a start, it's officially 10 years old, but it's actually much older, having been distilled in 2006. Except that in 2016, it was imported to Scotland and re-racked into fresh Bourbon Barrels. It therefore spent 8 years in casks in Scotland, but that doesn't count, because an Irish Whiskey can only be aged in Ireland, otherwise it is downgraded and becomes an Irish Spirit. So the gentlemen at Cadenhead can only put on the bottle the number of years spent maturing in Ireland, and that's 10 years. But it's really an 18-year-old, which explains the low alcohol content, as it appears to be Cask Strength. I think I'm authorized to reveal that it's a Cooley, as I guessed it myself, the demonstrator only nodding when I said the name of the distillery. Only 726 bottles are on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's fresh and fruity, a good slice of vanilla, freshly harvested cereals, pineapple and passion fruit, a zest of lemon, dry hay and coconut. A very fine pinch of salt, earthy notes, orchard fruits and delicate floral touches. On the palate, it's honeyed, smooth, sweet butter toast, pastry cream, woven rattan rolls, shortbread biscuits, mellow spices but with character, cinnamon, cloves. The finish is long and woody, with a return to fruit and flowers, thistle blossom, dried banana, nettle infusion, roasted wheat, slivered almonds, sourdough bread.       

In Short, 

A very good Irish Whiskey, fruity, full of vanilla and floral as we like it, very complex and bursting with character. It's a golden opportunity, because we've got an 18-year-old for more or less the price of a 10-year-old, and what's more, it's a perfect success. Given the small number of bottles available, I think you'd better hurry. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Dora Jar - Spell

Enigma 2008 Speyside Single Malt 16 yo SPY.1.B

 

 

 

51,9°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Speyside

Bourbon Casks and Pineau des Charentes Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This one is the successor to SPY.1.A, bottled in 2024. Both come from the same distillery, were distilled in the same year and are the same age. But they did not mature in the same way, and were bottled a year apart. This means that they were not distilled in the same month. The second one has been finished in barrels of Pineau des Charentes wine since 2020, a French liqueur wine. Only 714 bottles are on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Mellow brioche, marzipan, pastry cream, floating island, Italia grapes, ripe mirabelles. Roasted walnuts, minty notes, rye bread, dry hay, semi-salted butter. In the background, it's a little herbal, candied ginger, laurel, reeds. On the palate, the butter softens, mingling with honey, vanilla wafers, red berries. Mastered spices, nutmeg, green pepper. Quite long finish, but not so powerful, wood charcoal, dark chocolate, tannins, gingerbread. Hot chestnuts, coffee and blueberry muffins.

 

In Short, 

It's quite different from the SPY.1.A, so it's interesting, but I found it a little light on the palate, with a grassy character that may not appeal to everyone. That said, it has personality and depth, and is always interesting to discover. This distillery works a lot with Sherry casks, so it's refreshing to discover an original expression. As for the price, I think it's right for its age. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Cornelia - Half Way

Ledaig 2010 Cadenhead's Original Collection 14 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Tobermory - Islands

Bourbon Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

This Ledaig appears to be quite classic, with a simple maturation in Bourbon Barrels. The distillation date is not given, but as it was bottled in February 2025, and is 14 years old, there is a good chance that it was conceived in 2010. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Dusty peat, fine dirtiness, gravel and guano, old cement and fuel oil, all enhanced by pretty yellow fruit, mirabelle plums, apple compote, a dash of vanilla, and a few marine notes, sea spray, kelp, foam, iodine, the sea breeze. Untreated young wood, dry smoke. On the palate, a thick layer of peat, english custard and olive oil, yellow plums, melon, solid spices, cumin, cloves. Quite long finish, not too violent either, peanuts, earth and limestone, crushed walnuts, creamy honey. Warm asphalt.

 

In Short, 

This is indeed a Ledaig just the way we like them, dirty, peaty, seaworthy, and with a nice flow of fruit. And it's still quite pleasant, it's not too confrontational, it's well-balanced. On the other hand, I find the price exaggerated, but that's in line with demand, Ledaig is starting to be very fashionable, not to mention Cadenhead's reputation.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Water From Your Eyes - Life Signs

Kilkerran 2011 Cadenhead's Original Collection 13 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Glengyle - Campbeltown

Bourbon Barrels and Ruby Port Casks

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated from 12 to 15 ppm

 

 

 

Independent bottlings from the Glengyle distillery are rare, and in fact this one is not, since Cadenhead and the distillery share the same owner, the Mitchell family. It is therefore a necessarily remarkable product, which is why it was decided to release it at Cadenhead rather than directly as an Original Bottling. The combination of Bourbon and Port casks ensures the research of an interesting balance.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

The Port influence is both intense and measured. The fruit is very present, with plums, blackberry jam, blackcurrants and black grapes, as well as an exotic touch of passion fruit. At the same time, the distillery's character is present, with light peat adding depth, charcoal and mineral notes of dry hay and a pinch of coarse salt. On the palate, it's more unequivocal, the fruit is stronger, on cherry, redcurrant, pomegranate, some grainy cereals accompanied by a little dirtiness. The finish is long, dark and almost explosive, caramel and dark chocolate, a few more red plums, fir honey, earthy roots.

 

In Short, 

That's certainly something to remember. The Port is very intense, much to my delight, as I like Port cask ageing, but it doesn't take away too much of the distillery's markers. So it's a great success, except for the palate, which I found a little smooth, but good nonetheless. I would have considered buying it, but it's definitely too expensive, especially at this discount.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Comet is Coming - Blood of the Past

Blair Athol 2009 Cadenhead Original Collection 14 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

Bourbon Casks and Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This one spent around 13 years in classic Bourbon casks, before being finished for 15 months in Oloroso Sherry casks. Blair Athol has been owned by Diageo since 1985, with only one official bottling. It is, however, a good distillery which has the advantage of marrying well with Sherry.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Nice and mellow sherry, but it lacks a little complexity. Red fruit jam, redcurrants, wild strawberries, minty freshness, candied ginger, a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom. Blood orange, gingerbread, cookie dough. It's slightly light on the palate, with muscat grapes, orchard fruits, apples and pears, and melting chocolate. Nutmeg and cloves. Very decent finish, quite long but not explosive, salted butter caramel, orange marmalade, varnished wood, black tea. A grain of coffee.

 

In Short, 

It's good, but not very complex, despite its respectable age. I may have missed something, but I didn't find this one remarkable, especially on the palate. The price seems rather high to me, other Blair Athols are much more interesting. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Madison Cunningham - Wake

Glenburgie-Glenlivet 2010 Cadenhead Original Collection 13 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Glenburgie - Speyside

Refill Bourbon Barrels, Port Casks and Refill Bourbon Finish

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

These gentlemen from Cadenhead are definitely very thorough, and here they have once again opted for triple maturation. The whisky first spent 10 years in Refill Bourbon Barrels, then 26 months in Port casks. At this point, the team felt that the Port casks overpowered the spirit, so they put the liquid back into Refill Bourbon Barrels, for 11 months. They're always looking for the right balance.

Let's Taste It : 

Slightly acidic and sour notes, pink currants, dried oranges, ginger, ginseng roots. Candied cherries, quetsches, clafoutis. Soft wood, candies, sweet herbs. A few hazelnuts and cashew nuts. On the palate, meaty caramel, viandox, wine sauce. We're more into blackberries and forest berries. Perhaps a little blackcurrant. Small tomatoes, pomegranate seeds, muscat grapes. Spices quite present. Fairly long finish, not very powerful, coffee and dark chocolate, damp earth, pipe tobacco, crushed nuts.

 

In Short, 

The Port is still quite powerful, it must have been very strong before the finish in Refill Bourbon Barrels. Here, the result is pleasant, but with a slight acidity. I like the influence of the Port casks, so I liked it. The price is just decent. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Steely Dan - Do It Again

Glen Elgin-Glenlivet 2009 Cadenhead Original Collection 13 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Glen Elgin - Speyside

Bourbon Casks and Manzanilla Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This Glen Elgin first spent 12 years in Bourbon casks, then, in March 2022, the liquid was transferred to Manzanilla Sherry casks, for an 18-month finish. It's a dry white sherry from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, produced with the Palomino grape. I'm curious about the result. 

Let's Taste It : 

Quite dry sherry, more on almonds, light vanilla, custard and apple pie sprinkled with cinnamon, an ounce of citrus. Fruity pulp, tropical scents, wild strawberries. Light woodiness, rosewood, orange peel. On the palate, the wood is more intense, damp bark, wild berries, peppermint, it's a little oily, with herbal notes. The spices gradually rise, black pepper, cumin. Quite a long finish, spicy, woody, clove, dried fruit, dates, figs, milk chocolate, vergeoise. Pastry cream.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad, but it's too discreet, unremarkable. I have the feeling that the Sherry casks have erased the already light character of the distillery, but as it's a dry Sherry, it hasn't really influenced the whisky. As a result, although it's not bad, and is even pleasant to drink, it's not very interesting. The price is quite low, but even so, I'm not sure I'd recommend buying it.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Rosali - Rewind

Tamdhu-Glenlivet 2007 Cadenhead Original Collection 15 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Tamdhu - Speyside 

Refill Bourbon Barrels, Oloroso Sherry Casks and Refill Bourbon Finish

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Tamdhu is renowned for its fruity and pulpy character, but here the ageing is undoubtedly the most intriguing. This one is triple matured, first in Refill Bourbon Barrels, then 20 months in Oloroso Sherry Casks, and finally 11 months again in Refill Bourbon Barrels. Why this versatility? What will it bring to the distillate?

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The Sherry is very intense, almost too much so, a liqueur of red fruits, blueberries, raspberries, oregano, Aosta ham, spongy wood, blood oranges, clementines, candied cherries. In the background, earthy touches, exotic spices, blood sauce. Saffron, grated nutmeg, cinnamon. On the palate, it's syrupy, heady, melted dark chocolate, stretto coffee, blackberry jam, redcurrants, tomato coulis. The spices are a little less present, black pepper, cola. The finish is fairly long, very opulent, black earth, charcoal, burnt caramel. A hint of bitterness and vegetal notes at the end.

 

In Short, 

I can understand why the liquid was put back into a Refill Bourbon Barrel, the Sherry was a little too invasive, and the trend had to be reversed, or at least an attempt made. The result is a whisky saturated with sherry, a little excessive, but which may appeal precisely for that reason. The price seems to me excessive for what it is.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Derya Yildirim & Grup Simsek - Cool Hand

Macduff 2011 Cadenhead's Original Collection 13 yo

 

46°

Distillery : Macduff - Highlands

Bourbon Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Totally Unpeated

In my opinion, Macduff is one of the most underrated distilleries. That's why I'm always delighted to discover a new expression. Especially as here we have a very simple maturation in Bourbon Barrels, which gives the distillate free rein.

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is full and fresh, rural, farmy, airy, wind-blown cereals, hints of iodine and undergrowth, evanescent fruit clustering around vanilla. Light coppery tones, waxy patina, plums of all colours, soft butter, toasted wheat, linseed. On the palate, honey, orchard fruit, but it's a little rustic, yellow apples, pears and apricots. A dash of caramel, well seasoned spices. Birch bark. Quite a long, grainy, woody finish, beeswax, raisins, tinder, braised chestnuts. Milk chocolate.

 

In Short, 

A very nice little Macduff, which confirms my feeling about this distillery. To be discovered for its rural and slightly cereal character. It's complex and waxy, like a Clynelish, but milder. The price is a little high, but not too bad. This is the kind of product you should keep an eye on, and occasionally snatch up. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           Wednesday - Chosen to Deserve

Glenallachie-Glenlivet 2014 Cadenhead's Original Collection 10 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : The GlenAllachie - Speyside

Bourbon Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This distillery is known for often using sherry casks, which is why this bottling immediately caught my attention. It's not often that you get the chance to taste GlenAllachie aged in bourbon casks. The number of bottles available for sale is unknown, but at least it's not chill-filtered, which is something. 

Let's Taste It : 

It is very fruity, but also floral. Generous vanilla, combined with orchard fruits, white peaches, crisp apples and juicy pears, grapefruit, pineapple and papaya, buttered toast. Shiny wax wood, pollen, pistil, crème brûlée. Melon, kiwi, a few herbaceous notes. On the palate, it is pastry-like, with white grapes, almonds, and vanilla éclairs. Measured spices, ginger, and cinnamon. Fairly long finish, hazelnuts and caramel, robust but not explosive. Shortbread cookies, egg yolk, english custard.

In Short, 

Finally, the distillery reveals its true nature, and it's very good. They should make more bottlings like this, generous and fruity, with lots of butter. The price is a little high, but still reasonable. I vote for buying it. 

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Mei Semones - Kodoku

Caol Ila 1982 Cadenhead's Authentic Collection Cask Strength 36 yo

 

 

 

54,4°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Bourbon Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

It's a privilege to taste this 36-year-old Caol Ila, and what's more, it's a gift from a friend, which is priceless. The maturation was simply done in Bourbon Hogshead, resulting in just 120 bottles. At this age, the peat is very discreet and barely noticeable.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Right away, tropical fruit and citrus, with a hint of peat in the form of grit, wood shavings and small gravel. Rainy iodine in the background, contrasting with tasty fruits, roasted pineapple, white melon, banana, lychee, and beeswax, floor wax, walnut oil, robust and elegant woodiness, like those untreated beams in a hay-filled barn. Syrupy honey, molasses, crushed dates. On the palate it's wiser, olive oil, lemon zest, a dash of vanilla, biscuit dough rolled in flour with a shadow of icing sugar, delicate peat and barely perceptible spices in the background. Very long finish, like a goods train in a country station, powerful, crushed hazelnuts, smoked salmon, sesame seeds, herbal notes, reeds, white grapes with their seeds, a few more drops of wax.

 

In Short, 

An incredible Caol Ila, but not really recognisable, I would have rather said Springbank, or Bowmore, which is a compliment, because these are among my favourite distilleries. The nose and finish are sublime, the palate is just excellent, and it all adds up to one of the best Caol Ila's I've ever had. If not the best. The price was quite right when it first came out, but it sold out very quickly, and today you can still find it, but only if you multiply by two or three, it becomes more prohibitive.

Score : 91 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lunatic Soul - The World Under Unsun

Caperdonich 1996 Cadenhead's Closed Distilleries 20 yo

 

 

 

46,4°

Distillery : Caperdonich - Speyside

Bourbon Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Caperdonich is a distillery that closed in 2002 and was destroyed in 2010. It is impossible to reopen it, as they did with Brora and Port Ellen. Its bottlings are therefore condemned to oblivion, but before that happens, I managed to hold on to this one, aged 20 years and released by Cadenhead. The simple maturation process preserves the distillate, and 264 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Candied lemon, dash of creamy vanilla, warm brioche, breadcrumbs, soufflé. Soft doughnut sprinkled with icing sugar. Sweet pears, green grapes, melon and prickly pears. Some floral and herbaceous tones, freshly cut grass, wild mint leaf. In the background, light wax, a little liquid. Marshmallow. On the palate it's a tad light but fresh, airy and very well balanced. Lime, dried fruit, delicate woodiness, peach stones. More ripe orchard fruits and discreet spices, ginger, cloves. Quite long, syrupy finish, still fruity, beeswax, rosewater. Some cereals. 

In Short, 

It's very well made, light and subtle, typically Speyside, pastry-like and delicate, full of sunshine and sweetness. For fans of the profile, Caperdonich seems to be a hidden treasure, perhaps close to being gone forever. This one is, of course, sold out everywhere, but is still sometimes found at auction.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Abøn - Morphus

Tullibardine 2012 Cadenhead's Original Collection 12 yo

 

 

 

46° 

Distillery : Tullibardine - Highlands

Bourbon Barrels and Palo Cortado Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

According to the Cadenhead website, this Tullibardine was showing signs of flatness in 2021, so the team had the idea of transferring it to Palo Cortado Sherry casks, to restore some of its vigour. And after three years of finishing, the juice is ready to conquer our palates. No indication has been given as to how many bottles were distributed.

Let's Taste It : 

The Sherry is intense, coppery, blood orange, apricot jam, candied cherries coated in dark chocolate, raspberry liqueur. Custard and whipped cream. The vanilla is in the background. Cake batter. It dries out on the palate, with cereals and dried fruit, a touch of citrus, young wood and mango. Rather discreet spices. Caramel lollipop. On the finish, iced coffee, salted butter toffee, it's powerful and quite long, autumn leaves, bark, resin, chestnut in its bug. Crushed quinces.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad at all. Indeed, the Palo Cortado Sherry gives it a bit of a swing. And it's a pleasant whisky to drink, well-made and balanced, marked by the Sherry, which would make a fine entry dram. The price is OK, but it's becoming hard to find.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Rosalie Cunningham - In the Shade of the Shadows

Ben Nevis 2012 Cadenhead's Original Collection 11 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Bourbon Hogdheads

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Almost Unpeated

This Ben Nevis, aged in Bourbon Hogsheads, has all the makings of a pleasant opening to a tasting session. The discreet ageing process will allow the distillate to speak for itself. Nothing on the number of bottles produced.

Let's Taste It : 

You'll immediately recognise the distillery, this is pure Ben Nevis, the quintessential distillate. Applesauce seasoned with cinnamon and whipped cream, icing sugar, citrus fruits, moist forest, barley sugar soaked in pineapple juice, white grapes and mirabelle plums. Banana sweets. On the palate, more fruit, vanilla, a zest of lemon and grapefruit, a pinch of salt, indulgent spices. Cereals and redcurrants. Quite a long finish, powerful just as it should be, salted butter toffee, dates, figs, cola, liquorice stick.

 

In Short, 

If you like this distillery, you have to taste it at least once. It's 100% Ben Nevis, and that's when you realise just how full of character this distillate is. It's a pity that it's reduced and a bit young, it could have made an exceptional bottling with a little more patience. But at least it's not too expensive.

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           M.A.N. and The Maniacs - My House

Girvan 1991 Cadenhead's Original Collection 33 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Girvan - Lowlands

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Grain 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Girvan is the famous distillery built in 9 months in 1963 by the Grant family, when Distillers Company Limited stopped supplying them with grain whisky produced in Cameronbridge. It is now the main source of Grant's Blends, particularly Triple Wood. Here, we have it as a Single Grain, aged in a single Bourbon Barrel, so that we can appreciate its full personality. No indication of the number of bottles.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The cereals are very varied and intense, ranging from airy oats to sweet corn, crispy wheat grains and puffed rice, malted barley, rustic rye, millet. Brioche, all coated in caramel. Ethereal almond, cloud of milk. On the palate, vanilla comes in, it's slightly fruity but the cereals remain predominant. Very light spices, mirabelle plums and green apples. Deep finish, but could be longer, custard, sponge cake, white raisins, fudge, resin, cinnamon.

 

In Short, 

A very good grain whisky, although I do regret that the alcohol content isn't a little higher, as it's a little light on the palate. As for the rest, it's sure to please grain whisky lovers. It's intense and rather complex. The price is a bit high, though.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Maria Williams - Humbled and Defanged

Enigma 2008 Islay Single Malt 15 yo

 

 

 

54,8°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay

Bourbon Hogsheads 

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

This is the second Islay in the Enigma range. I've been assured that this one is a Lagavulin, and apparently the first one was too. So it has been aged for 15 years in Bourbon Hogsheads, which will allow us to fully appreciate the distillate. 1494 bottles were released.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Beautiful mineral intensity, but not too strong, quartz, silica, slate, coarse sea salt. Wind from the sea, thick peat, barely softened by the influence of the barrels, medicinal and full of fish. Limestone, gypsum, silt. Perhaps a hint of vanilla, banana and mirabelle plums, but that has to be said quickly. The palate is smoother, with light white fruits, apples and pears, rhubarb. Expressive spices, cloves, pepper, ginger. Long, herbaceous finish, with foresty and earthy notes, humus, spongy bark, black earth. Bay leaves, cola.

In Short, 

It matches the Lagavulin profile. It's intense, mineral, medicinal at times. It's closer to the 8yo than the 12yo, but there's a little complexity, and it's a bit softened by the age. To be reserved for fans of the distillery, especially as the price seems exaggerated.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Octale - Paranoia

Ardmore 2012 Cadenhead's Original Collection 11 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : The Ardmore - Highlands

Ruby Port Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

They're doing some experiments at Cadenhead, with Ardmore casks. Last year, I tasted something partially aged in Marsala casks, but they've done another one finished in Pinot Noir wine casks. And this time, they're not shy about it, it's aged entirely in Port casks. And not just any Port, but the sweetest, Ruby Port. We don't know how many bottles went on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Light damsons, sweet and syrupy blueberries, crushed red fruits, fairly pronounced vinous notes, but without any bitterness. Muscat grapes, dragon fruit. But behind it there is a lovely varnished woodiness, which adds solidity. On the palate, it's well done, you can recognise the distillery's profile, light and creamy peat with a hint of salt and something dusty, but the Port influence is still important, candied red fruits, blackcurrants, blackberries, redcurrants, well-controlled spices, nutmeg, black pepper. Long and relatively powerful finish, bark, humus, dark berries, almost charcoal. Liquorice, dark chocolate.

 

In Short, 

I think I particularly like Port cask ageing, especially Ruby Port. This one is also very good, as it doesn't completely hide the distillery's profile. As for the price, it's really worth it. I'm seriously considering of buying it.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Granvil Poynter - Cigarettes and Gin

Enigma 2009 Highland Single Malt 14 yo

 

 

 

53,9°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Highlands

Refill Bourbon Hogsheads and Refill Oloroso Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Slightly Peated

 

 

 

After a short foray into Speyside, here we are in the Highlands. This one is a Highlander aged in Refill casks for 14 years. As it was bottled in January 2024, there's an 11 in 12 chance that it was distilled in 2009. Someone told me which distillery it comes from but made me swear I wouldn't repeat it on line. So all I can do is giving a clue : it's a Highland distillery that is famous for using peat, and, despite what some people have written about that, it's not Loch Lomond, even if it fits the profile. It's not Ben Nevis either, and certainly not Clynelish. 1986 bottles are on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, there's a lovely slightly candied lemon, sponge cake, brioche, creamy vanilla, and a pulpy fruitiness, plums, juicy apples, bananas, lychees, pineapple. Salted butter caramel, cereals, a few forest notes, ferns, humus. On the palate, the cereals stand out, toasted wheat, malted barley, oats. Slight hint of peat, with a pinch of salt, spices rise, cumin, white pepper. Quite a long finish, still very cerealy, coal nuggets, smoked wood, hay. Crushed almonds.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad, but nothing exceptional either. I barely smelled the peat, but I'm probably too used to Peat Bombs. I found that the cereals came back a little too often. That said, it does have a certain personality. The price seems a bit high to me, but within reasonable limits.

Score : 87

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Darwells - Little Pink Tree

Enigma 2008 Speyside Single Malt 16 yo SPY.1.A

 

 

 

53,6°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Speyside

Sherry Manzanilla Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated  

This Enigma range, launched last year, already has around thirty bottlings. Here we have a 16-year-old Speyside single malt aged in Hogsheads of Manzanilla, a fairly dry Sherry. There's no need to hide the fact that this is a Glenfarclas. 1,284 bottles came out of the casks.

Let's Taste It : 

Delicate notes of redcurrants, yellow plums, Chasselas grapes, cranberries, raspberries. Wind-blown millet, but also orchard fruits, juicy pears and green apples. Lime, angelica honey, mint leaves. Dried apricots, cedar wood. On the palate, it's a little light unfortunately, vanilla, citrus fruits and pastry cream, quince jam and light spices, almond paste. Forest and floral touches. Powerful finish, candied ginger, stick of liquorice, lots of pear. A few grains of wheat. Chestnuts.

In Short, 

It's pretty good, but the nose lacks a little complexity and the palate is below par in my opinion. That said, it's an interesting experience, and honestly, it's not expensive for its age.

Score : 88

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Charlot - Watsu