Ardmore 25 yo Mystery Malt Series NO.6

 

 

 

46,3°

Distillery : The Ardmore - Highlands

Port Seasoned Quarter Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

I must admit I cheated a bit to get a taste of this one, but I kept coming across younger whiskies. Yes, because amongst the Mystery Malts in batch 6, you only have a 1.3 per cent chance of getting this Ardmore, there are just 112 bottles out of a total of 9,960. I think it’s a Single Cask, but that isn’t specified. Quarter Casks hold between 50 and 120 litres. 112 bottles equates to 78 litres.   

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Oven-baked apples, crumble with plenty of cinnamon, wild strawberries and figs. A light smokiness that adds depth, herbaceous notes, hay and elderflower. Chlorophyll and caramel, red plums, potato gratin. On the palate, it is oily, refined and elegant, with slightly candied fruit, Williams pears, Reine-Claude plums and damson plums, grapes of every colour, mild spices. The finish is not quite explosive, fruit jellies, dark chocolate, dark tobacco, mint extract, quince jam. 

 

In Short, 

I was surprised to find that the Port has little influence. It is mainly herbaceous and fruity, though there are hints of spice and damson. It has the elegance that comes with age and a subtle peat. Perhaps it lacks a bit of balance, as the herbaceous notes are quite pronounced for my taste. It is nonetheless a very fine bottling, which can be found at a very low price, but only if you’re very lucky. 

Score : 89- 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Sierra Ferrell - America Dreaming

Bowmore 10 yo Mystery Malt Series NO.6

 

 

 

46,3°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros.

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

Don’t worry, I’m not going to comment on the 38 different bottlings in the 6th batch of Mystery Malt, a range launched in 2025 by the Thompson brothers. But I’ve still got one or two left to try, including this one, a 10-year-old Bowmore matured in Bourbon casks. Nothing out of the ordinary, then – though I did manage not to recognise it! Yes, as these are Mystery Malts, I tasted it blind. You have a 3.43 per cent chance of coming across this one if you pick up a black bottle labelled ‘Mystery Malt’, as there are 342 of them out of a total of 9,960. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is mellow, briny, fruity and airy, sea spray and kelp, mirabelle plum tart, Reine-Claude plum compote, chalk and gypsum, campfire, crème brûlée, brown sugar, smoky fudge, and a touch of soot in the corners. On the palate, it isn’t quite balanced, but it remains solid, with fairly gentle peat, salted butter caramel, vanilla, a hint of lemon zest and a sprinkling of seafood. A fairly long finish, shortbread biscuits, tobacco, cola, ground ginger, nutmeg, chives, fresh herbs. 

 

In Short, 

Once you know, it seems obvious that it’s a Bowmore, but when we didn’t know, we were a long way from guessing. And that’s the whole fun of this little game. It’s a Bowmore that could be described as a classic, but rather good for its age, quite rich and fruitier than usual. The price is fair for what it is, it’s more than just a good time. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Gaerea featuring Jo Quail - Shallow

Caol Ila 12 yo Mystery Malt Series NO.6

 

 

 

46,3°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Dechar/Rechar Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

This is my third foray into the Mystery Malts launched by the Thompson brothers. The first batch dates from 2025, and it seems to have gone down well, as they’re already on Batch 6. This is the only bottle whose contents I’ve managed to guess, it must be said that it’s a well-known and easily identifiable distillery. There’s a 3.52 per cent chance of coming across this one if you pick up a bottle from this batch, that’s 351 bottles out of a total of 9,960. The casks used are Dechar/Rechar, a process generally applied to Bourbon casks, though there’s no indication of this here. This involves removing the layer of charcoal from a cask that has normally been exhausted after several uses, and producing a new layer by re-charring it. This differs from the STR process, where a larger section is removed: 4 to 5 cm.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Nose typical of the distillery, deep and charred peat, an overturned ashtray, intense mineral and coastal notes, sea spray, kelp, dried seaweed, and coarse Guérande salt. A few fruits in the background, but they’re fleeting, peaches, pears and mirabelle plums. On the palate, it’s more citrus and vanilla, perhaps a touch of honey, a good layer of peat of course, lovely spices, very pleasant, but not particularly original. A long finish, delightfully medicinal, full of iodine and ash, charred meat. A few crushed plums right at the very end. 

 

In Short, 

A classic Caol Ila, with just the right amount of smoke, which will delight fans of this style, whilst being detested by those who don’t like peat. Everything it takes to make an honest man happy. It’s smokier than a Caol Ila Original Bottling, less fruity, but with far more character. I’d recommend it to enthusiasts, even if it is a tad pricey for what it is. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Coyote Crunch - Writings on the Wall

Nc'nean 7 yo Mystery Malt Series NO.6

 

 

 

46,3°

Distillery : Nc'nean - Highlands 

Rejuvenated STR ex-Wine Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt  

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

There ought to be a competition for distilleries with the most unpronounceable names, and this one, founded in 2017 by Annabel Thomas, would certainly be in with a good chance. The Thompson brothers picked up a cask or two and included it in the 6th Batch of their Mystery Malt range, those black bottles whose origin you only discover once you’ve opened them. Of the 9,960 bottles in this 6th batch, 361 come from Nc’nean, and curiously enough, the maturation is exactly the same as for the Lindores Abbey I mentioned yesterday. Will the result be similar?

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

It’s very mellow, bread cake with raisins, rum baba, cheesecake. Honey and lemon, very light acidity, robust oak, mineral and even coastal notes. A pinch of fine salt, vanilla extract, Frécinette bananas. On the palate, it is well-balanced, with the fruit blending with the smoothness of a sweet wine, mirabelle plums, kumquats, grapefruit. Spices with real character, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon. A fairly long finish, lemon biscuits, floral aromas, toasted oak. White chocolate, cooked rice, stuffed cabbage. Melt-in-the-mouth caramel. 

 

In Short, 

It is indeed quite similar in character to the Lindores Abbey from the same batch, but the quality of the distillate lends it a certain robustness and some very pleasant mineral notes. On the other hand, it is less rich. It’s hard to say which of the two I preferred, both are interesting and well worth a closer look. The price is a bit high for a 7-year-old, though, but with a bit of luck, you might snap up a 29-year-old Ben Nevis for the same price. 

Score : 87 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Sophia Bacino - Cherry Trees

Lindores Abbey 6 yo Mystery Malt Series NO.6

 

 

 

46,3°

Distillery : Lindores Abbey - Lowlands

Rejuvenated STR ex-Wine Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt  

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

How about we play a game? And what better way to do that than by exploring the 6th Batch of the Mystery Malt range launched by the Thompson Bros. This batch comprises exactly 9,960 bottles, amongst which you’ll find 38 different whiskies. The youngest is 6 years old, the oldest 29. When you pick up a bottle, you don’t know which whisky you’ll get. They all look the same, and it’s simply a sticker on the cap that will reveal the truth. But to find out, you have to open the bottle. I took a chance and, lucky as I am, I ended up with the youngest one! So it’s a 6-year-old Lindores Abbey that has been matured in Rejuvenated Shaved, Toasted and Recharred (STR) Wine Hogsheads. This accounts for 3.71 per cent of the batch, or 370 bottles.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is both dense and mellow, slightly fresh, with delicately tart fruit, not-too-ripe mirabelles, Reine-Claude plums, citrus fruits, kumquat, yuzu, lime. Mandarins, pistachios and young, untreated wood. On the palate, orchard fruits, small red apples, egg flan, mashed bananas, apricots, honey, followed by some cereal, cut hay. Subtle yet distinctive spices, nutmeg, white pepper. A fairly long, well-structured finish, fresh figs, lemon zest, a pinch of salt. Wood shavings, floral fragrances. 

 

In Short, 

It’s interesting and original. The cask imparts a variety of fruit and citrus notes, along with a slight acidity, the influence of the wood is noticeable despite the whisky’s youth. The distillate’s sweet, floral character remains intact. Although young, this is a whisky with real personality. The Mystery Malts are all sold at the same price. For some, it’s an incredible bargain; in this case, we’d say the 6-year-old is a bit on the pricey side. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Bird of the Muses - Misplaced Alien

Bunnahabhain 12 yo Pride of Islay

 

 

 

46,1°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay 

Madeira Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

At 12 years old, Bunnahabhain’s whisky is already showing maturity, you can trust them on that. This particular expression has even been matured for over five years in Madeira wine barriques. In fact, you need to limit the finishing time with these naturally sweet wines, as it could ruin the whisky if left for too long. I suppose the initial maturation took place in Bourbon casks, but I’ve had no indication about that. Nor are there any details on the number of bottles produced. The Thompson brothers prefer to keep this one a mystery. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A very waxy, fruity and almost syrupy nose, cherry jam, orange marmalade, a generous hint of citrus and cinnamon, dried apricots, gingerbread with angelica. Lovely minerality in the background, iodine and a pinch of salt. On the palate, mandarin, honey and buttered toast, apple crumble with crushed hazelnuts, leather and lovely spices, cloves, saffron and curry. Sandalwood. A very long finish, blond tobacco, walnut oil, dried bananas, beach pebbles, chocolate and coffee.

 

In Short, 

I was worried that the Madeira inlfuence might be too overpowering, but I was wrong, it’s perfectly balanced. The coastal character of the distillate still comes through, and the fruit isn’t too sweet. This makes for another thoroughly enjoyable bottling at a bargain price. Well done, Thompson brothers, but how on earth do you do it?

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Jesse Will - Spirals

Blended Scotch Whisky The Final Release 9 yo

 

 

 

45°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Speyside

Ex-Sherry Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Blended Scotch Whisky

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Sometimes there are fundamental errors. Here, we have a distillery that’s kept secret, but which we’re told is highly sought-after and renowned for its sherry cask maturations. It’s said to be from Speyside… Macallan? Glenfarclas? Mortlach? And, by mistake, it is said to have been blended with a small quantity of grain whisky from another distillery. That’s either a disaster or rather intriguing. 6,000 bottles are expected. The Speyside malt whisky is said to be 15 years old, and the grain whisky is 9 years old, hence the official age. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry seems to me to be well brought out, it’s balanced and well-crafted, dried fruit, raisins, dates, walnuts, blood oranges, stuffed figs, polished wood, apple compote, runny caramel, dark chocolate, blueberry, redcurrant tart. On the palate, it’s more honeyed, unctuous, sweet almond, wild strawberry, melt-in-the-mouth toffee, candied cherries, warming spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove. The finish is quite long, with an ounce of power, blond tobacco, dried apricots, charred wood resin, hazelnut cream, peppermint leaf. 

 

In Short, 

It’s not bad at all, a lovely sherry cask whisky just the way we like it, not too overpowering, but warm, full of dried fruit, smooth caramel and lovely spices. A lovely Christmas whisky at a reasonable price, it's well worth buying. Personally, I think it's a Macallan, and if that's the case, it's a bargain at this price, especially as there can't be much grain whisky in it, I didn't detect any at all. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Susanne Sundfør - White Fox

Sutherland From The World Famous Clynelish Distillery 8 yo Batch 002

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Clynelish - Highlands

Refill Hogsheads 

Independent Bottling 

By Thompson Bros. 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 8 ppm 

 

 

 

The Thompson brothers must have a great relationship with Cynelish, because they bottle quite a lot of it. Sometimes as a blend, like this Sutherland 5-year-old that I tasted a few years ago, or here, as a rather young single malt. The alcohol content is spot on, and the maturation in refill hogsheads really allows the spirit to shine. Just like Batch 001, Batch 002 apparently comprises 2,187 bottles.   

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Slices of lime and beeswax, candle wax, a briny freshness and salty sea spray, almond paste, salted butter caramel, malty sweetness, cookie dough. Mirabelle plums, bananas, white peaches, a pinch of cinnamon. On the palate, pineapple, grapefruit, heather honey, freshly squeezed oranges. Mineral notes follow, liquid vanilla, it is both oily and waxy. Spices and a few green olives. A very long, perfect, fruity finish, barely woody, milk chocolate, ginger, more citrus, slightly herbaceous at the end.  

 

In Short, 

Honestly, it’s brilliant. It really is the sort of little Clynelish you dream of to liven up an evening. It’s young, sure, but it’s got character, a strong personality and a real presence. And it’s very affordable. Right, I’ve got to have it. 

Score : 88+ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Madlen Keys - I Remember

Invergordon 1972 The Fishes of Samoa 50 yo

 

 

 

44,6°

Distillery : Invergordon - Highlands

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Archives 

Limited Edition 

Single Grain 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

I can't believe this is the first time I've tasted an Invergordon Single Grain. I could have sworn I'd tasted one before. It's a distillery owned by White & Mackay, founded in 1959, it's found in the brand's blends, and it's rare to come across a bottle of it as a Single Grain. This one is 50 years old—plus 7 days—and was aged in a single Bourbon barrel. Only 93 bottles were released for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, candied lemon, a cascade of various citrus fruits, grapefruit, as well as pineapple, yuzu and mandarin, aniseed biscuits, very smooth wood, crème caramel, crème brûlée, heather honey, crunchy nougat. And, of course, plenty of grains, almonds, beeswax. On the palate, wood resin, a drop of vinegar, fairly subtle spices, hazelnuts, floor wax, very ripe mirabelle plums, mashed bananas, tobacco leaves. An almost endless finish, coffee grounds, liquorice, peppermint, salted butter caramel, roasted walnuts, a square of dark chocolate and fresh herbs. Muesli. 

 

In Short, 

It’s absolutely enchanting. I’m not usually a fan of lemon, but this is simply magical. Ultimately, it doesn’t taste all that much like cereal, it’s more waxy, slightly woody and fruity, with quite a lot of exotic fruit. It’s certainly one of the best single grains I’ve ever tasted. Now for the bad news, the price is very high, it’s actually gone completely mad since it’s sold out everywhere. 

Score : 91+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Caoilfhionn Rose - Horizon

Tomatin 1994 The Fishes of Samoa 31 yo

 

 

 

49,9°

Distillery : Tomatin - Highlands

Refill Bourbon Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Archives 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This one spent 31 years, 1 month and 12 days in a simple Refill Hogshead, before filling 247 bottles. It is part of the prestigious collection The Fishes of Samoa, each bottling of which represents a different fish that inhabits the waters of this archipelago. Here, it is the Farancia Abacura. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose seemed perfect, slightly iodized, airy, clear. Pine resin, lemon zest, Williams pears. White peach, beeswax, vanilla bean. Discreet mineral and forest touches. Straw strand, half-salt butter. On the palate, it is fresh, fruity, honey and vanilla cream, mandarins, melon, mirabelles, juicy pears. Polished parquet in the background, some spices. Very long, satisfying finish, candied citrus fruits, ginger, a pinch of cinnamon, candle wax, brioche, pastry cream. Wood Shavings. 

 

In Short, 

It is an excellent Tomatin, smooth and airy on the nose, very fruity on the palate. Wood has a certain influence and brings wax, spices, resin. More curiously, I also found some mineral and iodized touches. It’s very pleasant to drink, and it’s original. What more could you ask for? The price? It’s high of course, but not outrageous. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             The Galway Shawl - The Haar

Caol Ila 2011 The Un-Chillfiltered Collection 11 yo c. 8+9

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Hogsheads and Madeira Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

This one, after 8 years spent in two simple Hogsheads, ended his journey in barrels of Madeira Wine, a sweet natural wine produced in the archipelago of the same name. The finish took 38 months, which is considerable. 960 bottles were produced, it must have been two large Hogsheads.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Thick smoke laden with soot, but coated in candied cherries. Like cotton candy. Earthy peat dripping with oil, but iridescent with liquorice. Peaches, pears, mirabelle plums. A salty touch, mineral notes, but very discreet. On the palate, it is round, mellow, molasses, salted butter caramel, mountain honey, lemon zest, creamy vanilla, and a layer of peat, but not so thick. Cloves, nutmeg. Rather long finish, explosive, charcoal and dried fruits, grapes, dates, varnished wood, roasted nuts, peanuts.

 

In Short, 

This distillery never disappoints. Here, it’s a very beautiful marriage between a thick and voluptuous smoke, and sweet fruits, tangy candies. On the other hand, we lose a bit of the costal character of the distillate. The price is a bit high, but you won’t be disappointed, that’s exactly what it says. 

Score : 87+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Soft Vein - All We've Known of Heaven

Aultmore 2012 Whiskybase 13 yo

 

 

 

62,3°

Distillery : Aultmore - Speyside

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Whiskybase.com

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Whiskybase is an essential site for any whisky lover. In 2025, they celebrated their 260,000 referenced bottles with this lovely 13-year-old Aultmore. Today, we are approaching 300,000 bottles referenced, only a year later. Few details about this Aultmore, we only know that there are 294 bottles on sale, and the aging was done in a Hogshead with probably some Sherry staves. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is a little light but very nice, cereals, nougat, nuts, apricots and greengages, varnished wood, cinnamon, hay, mirabelle plums, vanilla, almond paste, various citrus fruits, grapefruit, lime. On the palate, it’s rustic, yellow fruits, candied grapes, dried fruit, young wood, spices, brown sugar, already quite full-bodied. Obviously powerful finish, not extremely long, but woody, creamy, lemony, herbaceous. Melted chocolate, hazelnuts, pastry cream, quince jam. 

 

In Short, 

The interest of this one lies in its power, such a level of alcohol is not so common. It makes a good finish, which is better maybe softened by a few drops of water. But what also interested me was the fact that I discovered an Aultmore without full aging in Sherry, which is relatively rare. But it’s a bit too oaky for my taste, it’s still a good whisky nevertheless, a little rustic, with character. The price is frankly interesting, given the age. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             The Velveteers - Moonchild

A Tennessee Distillery 2016 Non-Venomous Snakes 9 yo

 

 

 

55,8°

Distillery Officially Unknown - USA

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Archives 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask Rye Whiskey

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Tennessee is known to be one of the most iconic states for whiskey production, it boasts numerous distilleries. That’s why trying to guess which distillery it is really here seems very difficult. But rumours indicate that it is a well-known distillery. In any case, for a Whiskey of this type, 9 years is a beautiful age, the aging is all that there is more classic, it promises a nice tasting. 212 bottles are for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It is fruity and has a beautiful thick molasses, grilled corn, whole tobacco leaves, juicy quince, generous orange zest, and granular cereals. Maple syrup, peanut butter, cedar apples, brown sugar. Flambéed bananas. On the palate, apricot jam, chocolate cream, gingerbread, liquid caramel, vanilla bean. Earthy notes with rather strong spices, cloves and cumin. Rather long finish, some herbaceous and vaguely coal-like notes, but especially cream of corn, barley sugar, liquorice stick, peppermint, toasted wheat. 

 

In Short, 

A classic Tennesse Whiskey, very thick, farmy and fruity, everything you need to please the cowboy. I’m not an expert in this field, but I found it very good, quite complex and of a nice depth. I thought it wasn’t very loaded with coal, so maybe it’s not Jack Daniel’s. But honestly, I have no idea. The price is of course a bit high for what it is, but it’s a relatively rare product in Europe. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Lost Dog Street Band - Ballad of a Borken Man

Highland Park 2005 Whiskyland Chapter Sixteen 20 yo

 

 

 

55,5°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Refill and 1st Fill Sherry Hogsheads 

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

It’s rare that a Whiskyland Chapter isn’t a Single Cask, but it happens. As in this case, where we are dealing with the blending of a Refill Hogshead distilled in 1997 and a 1st Fill Sherry Hogshead distilled in 2005. Which means that one part of the product is 20 years old, but the other is 28. Moreover, Sherry should be measured under these conditions, and enrich the distillate rather than dominate it. 332 bottles came out of this marriage. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Nose old school Sherry, very balanced, with a light granular peat, gravel and smoke, heather and cereals. Dried apricots, blood oranges, leather and hay, caramelized nuts. Discreet iodine, some sea spray. Waxy lemon, floral honey, melted butter, a square of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is smooth, silky, very elegant woodiness, toasted fruits, mirabelles and greengages, brown tobacco, dried figs, liquorice, then a layer of moist peat. Cloves, a pinch of pepper. Finally a very long finish, just powerful enough, sandalwood, cooked mushrooms, soy sauce, wood shavings soaked in onion jam. 

 

In Short, 

Superb Highland Park where the sherry and distillate offer a magnificent balance, with some nuances of Bourbon. I have a soft spot for this distillery and I can say that here it’s perfect, there is everything a fan can dream of. The price is unfortunately very high, but I have to say that it’s understandable. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Maia and the Squires - 451 

Bruichladdich 2005 Old Islay 20 yo

 

 

 

53°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, 1st Fill Sauternes Barrique and 2d Fill Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This series "Island Hopping" is starting to reveal a few gems. After the Ledaig 20 years old and the Bunnahabhain 21 years old, here is a Bruichladdich 20 years old. Even more, it was the subject of a small experiment. It is the blending of two casks, a Bourbon barrel distilled in 2002, and a Sauternes barrique distilled in 2005. But, a little more than a year before the bottling, they transferred the liquid into a 2d Fill Sherry Butt, but not just any one. The one that contained the very first chapter of the Whiskyland series. It’s a 26-year-old Springbank. The result cannot fail to interest me, and I am very happy to have been able to take my share from one of the 200 bottles available. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sherry is quite present all the same, warm leather, candied apricots, blood oranges, caramelized currants. Then, it is probably the Sauternes that brings more yellow fruits, melon, pineapple, white grapes. But also creamy vanilla and lemon zest. The whole is rather balanced, with a generous pinch of salt and iodine. On the palate, it is woody, solid, grainy, even farmy, but still a misty and deep sherry. Umami, candied fruits, pastry cream, measured spices. Long and powerful finish, fresh figs, blond tobacco, chocolate pralines, filled with hazelnuts. Liquorice stick, almond milk, cinnamon and nutmeg. 

 

In Short, 

It’s really interesting, even bluffing. We find the influence of three different casks, Bourbon, Sauternes, and the finish in Sherry. But without the character of the distillate being overlooked either. Really very original, a work of goldsmith. On the other hand, I don’t agree at all with the price, which is very high for a 20-year-old. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Red and the Rabbits - Redhead Deadhead

Cragganmore 1989 Whiskyland Chapter Twenty-Four 36 yo

 

 

 

51,8°

Distillery : Cragganmore - Speyside

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Every bottling in the Whiskyland series has something magical about it, it reveals something we never suspected about the distillery, or perhaps something we suspected but which had not yet come to light. It really is the very best whisky on offer at the moment. And this one is no exception, 36 years in a simple refill hogshead, that’s enough to reveal the true identity of this all too little-known distillery. Cragganmore is owned by Diageo, and whilst it’s true that there are a few original bottlings available, they’re hardly convincing, due to their low alcohol content and cold filtration. These 158 bottles should give a better idea of what the distillery is really capable of. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Juicy, candied fruits, apricots, mirabelle plums, Reine-Claude plums, sliced pineapple, papaya, grapefruit segments, ripe melon, bananas, coated in beeswax, candle wax, marzipan. Lemon zest, gourmet cereals, bark and cinnamon. Pastry cream. On the palate, it’s almost as marvellous, velvety vanilla, oranges and clementines, juicy peaches, Belle Hélène pears, dusted with freshly cut hay. Spices masterfully balanced. A very long, perfectly executed finish, yuzu, floor wax, apple crumble, heather honey, courgette flowers, daffodils. Forestal scents, humus. 

 

In Short, 

As the presenter said, “it’s like wax in a pillow of feathers”. It really is a whisky from another world, wonderfully fruity, yet characterised by notes of wax, citrus and an alluring woodiness, in short, everything a whisky needs to leave a lasting impression. On the other hand, the price has soared to frightening heights. That’s a real shame. 

Score : 91+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Caspian - Remain

Miltonduff 2002 Decadent Drams 22 yo

 

 

 

52,8°

Distillery : Miltonduff - Speyside 

2d Fill Bourbon Barrel and Refill Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

To create this, the team at Decadent Drinks have blended a second-fill bourbon barrel distilled in 1991 with a refill hogshead dating from 2002. The result is therefore officially 22 years old, but part of the spirit is much older, at least 33 years. In total, that makes 245 collector’s bottles, just one of which would be enough to make us happy. I wonder whether the Refill Hogshead isn’t, at least in part, made from a sherry cask. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It is very fruity, very lemony, with a very pleasant spring-like freshness, beeswax, forest honey, dried apricots, quince jam, fig compote, Tarte Tatin, peaches in syrup, white grapes, melt-in-the-mouth caramel, elegant oak, butter-braised notes, candied ginger. On the palate, it is very well-balanced, both rich and smooth, very old-fashioned style, cooked mirabelle plums, cinnamon, pine needles, and the right amount of spice, cloves and nutmeg. The finish is quite long, more refined than powerful, fruit cake, wood varnish, old library, liquorice, then a few mineral and leafy notes.

 

In Short, 

A truly beautiful experience, a whisky that is both generously fruity and seems to come from another era. Blending two such different casks creates a certain tension in the final product, which piques one’s curiosity. I enjoyed it very much, but I’m not entirely convinced. It’s more interesting than moving. The price is, of course, quite high, but I don’t find it outrageous. 

Score : 89+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Faery - Blyth

Maclean's Nose Blended Scotch Whisky

 

 

 

46°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Highlands, Lowlands and Campbeltown

Bourbon Barrels and Hogsheads, Sherry Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Adelphi

Core Range 

Blended Scotch Whisky 

Launched in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

Launched in 2023, this expression revives the traditions of blends created by independent bottlers in the 19th and 20th centuries. It features a selection of distilleries combined in an original recipe. The advantage here is that it is non-chill-filtered and uncoloured, and the alcohol content is 46°. As for the distilleries involved, Ardnamurchan is certainly one of them, and the Campbeltown whisky is most probably Glen Scotia. As for the grain whisky, some suggest North British, whilst others mention Cameronbridge. It is unlikely that any other distilleries are involved. 70 per cent of the grain is malted barley. The age appears to range between 5 and 7 years. The name pays tribute to Charles Maclean, an expert and renowned author of books on whisky, who chairs the Adelphi tasting committee. But Maclean’s Nose is also a headland on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, where the distillery of the same name is located. Some might have pointed out the uncanny resemblance between Charles Maclean’s nose and the headland known as Maclean’s Nose, but this remains purely speculative. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Caramel-coated cereals, somewhat rustic, buttered bread, wispy smoke, creamy honey, vanilla and yellow plums, lemon and treacle, aged leather, a few mineral and coastal notes, a pinch of salt, whiffs of iodine, seaside air. On the palate, it’s quite fruity, even spicy, mirabelle plums, bananas, pineapple, apricots and more, along with, of course, cereal and peat to provide structure. The finish fades rather quickly, which is a shame, but there are still biscuits, an ounce of charcoal, dried fruit, dates and nuts, traces of aniseed. 

 

In Short, 

For a blend, it’s actually more than not bad. It’s one of the best blended Scotch whiskies I’ve ever tasted, apart from the Compass Box blends, I can’t think of anything better. It’s ideal for those new to whisky, or if you simply must have a blend in your collection. What’s more, the price is really attractive, it’s the sort of thing you’d buy without a second thought. 

Score : 85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Melissa Bonny - Snow on Mars

MacPhail's 40 yo 2025

 

 

 

46°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Speyside

Sherry Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Since its beginnings, Gordon & MacPhail has been offering matured whiskies from distilleries whose names are not disclosed. This is a long-standing tradition amongst independent bottlers, which allows to showcase them more effectively than the original distillery could, which is a handy way to raise their own name. Gordon & MacPhail have absolutely no need to promote their name, they are recognised as being amongst the very best, but they continue this old-school tradition, particularly with very mature whiskies, such as this one.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

An exquisite nose, very beeswax-like, dried apricots, slight minerality and various kinds of candied fruit, cherries, rhubarb, grapes, papaya, roasted hazelnuts, liquid milk chocolate, small yellow apples, citrus zest, chestnut cream, molasses. On the palate, it is very evanescent, candied red fruits, woody spices, an exotic touch, a drop of passion fruit, a dash of orange and argan oil, old leather. Old Bottle Effect, furniture polish. An endless finish, with cinnamon, currants, pipe tobacco, Tarte Tatin sprinkled with fine salt. Dried flowers right at the very end.

 

In Short, 

I wasn’t exactly blown away by the 30-year-old from the same collection released in 2024, but this one is a true work of art. The sherry notes are perfectly refined, blending with a range of very subtle aromas that make it impossible to identify the distillery. I’ve read on social media that it’s a Mortlach, but I didn’t recognise any of its typical characteristics, so that remains purely speculative. The price is, of course, absolutely crazy, but the quality is there, those who have nothing better to do with their money won’t be disappointed.

Score : 91+ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Velvet Haze - The Man Who Sold the Rain

Highland Park 2005 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 20 yo

 

 

 

59,7°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

1st Fill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

After Pulteney, Highland Park. We’re still in the far north of the British Isles, and we’ve even left the mainland behind. Here we have a first-fill sherry butt that was left to mature for 20 years before pouring out the equivalent of 632 bottles. It was released last year to mark Gordon & MacPhail’s 130th anniversary. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Light, grainy peat and airy iodine. Pulpy yellow fruits and biscuit dough mixed with cereals. Dried apricots, heather honey, mandarin zest and a dash of vanilla. A few spices and sea spray, cinnamon, cardamom, raisins. On the palate, it’s very velvety, though just a tad drying, stiffly whipped egg whites, custard, woody and peppery notes, juicy Reine-Claude plums, almost candied. A very long, explosive finish, shortbread biscuits, a pinch of salt, a touch of minerality, a mint leaf and banana purée. Ginger. 

 

In Short, 

Here’s one that strikes a perfect balance between the subtle influence of sherry and the distillate’s strong character, all delivered with subtlety and finesse. It’s truly a little gem if you’re a fan of heather honey and juicy fruit, but the peat is there too, with chalky and iodine-like notes, lending it a more troubled, deeper character. The price is justified given its age, but a little on the expensive side considering the quality, as it’s very well made but not quite sublime. Best bought on special offer. 

Score : 89+  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Dead Gowns - Hardcore or Wellness