Glen Garioch 1990 Artist #7 Over 25 yo

 

 

 

52,3°

Distillery : Glen Garioch - Highlands

American Oak Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2017

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

A friend generously introduced me to this one, it was a bottle he’d been saving for a special occasion, and that occasion finally arrived in the form of a promotion. As this distillery uses the majority of its production for blends, even independent bottlings are not that common, and this one, which has been aged for at least 26 years in a single Hogshead, promises to reveal the very essence of the spirit. Only 180 bottles were drawn from the cask. The label features a work of art by Lino Di Vinci.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A superb burst of fruit, bananas, mandarins, mirabelles, Reine-Claude, a dash of vanilla, grapefruit and lime. Mineral depth, delicate limestone, a subtle pinch of salt. Tension between bitter oranges and dried mango, underpinned by rustic oak and earthy, vegetable-like notes, courgette flower fritters, aubergine caviar. It finishes with floral touches that enhance the whole. On the palate, it is mellow, supple, oily, lovely viscosity, though the flavours are more understated, the citrus notes are more prominent, candied lemon peel, orange zest, light spices. Very long finish, dried fruit, shortbread biscuits, green apples, a hint of pear, crunchy nuts, rich herbs.

 

In Short, 

This really is the perfect expression to discover this distillery. Firstly, it’s of a very high quality, and secondly, all its character and distinctive traits really come through. That’s when I realised this was yet another of those underrated distilleries, it might well be worth keeping an eye out for its independent bottlings. Here, the price is a bit on the high side, but there’s no doubt we’ll find something to our liking among their more recent releases. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                              Shye - If Today Was Yesterday

Mortlach 2005 10th Anniversary Bar Oaks Dram Edition #01 9 yo

 

 

 

58,4°

Distillery : Mortlach - Speyside

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2015 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Artist range was launched in 2012 by La Maison du Whisky, so in 2015 we were at the very start of this adventure, and what was released at that time is now considered a rarity. Here we have this Mortlach, bottled in 2015 to mark the 10th anniversary of Bar Oaks Dram, an establishment in Osaka run by Yoshihiko Ito. The cask used is a standard Hogshead, but it is unclear where some of the staves came from, or whether any sherry was involved. Given the very pale colour of the whisky, this is unlikely. 309 bottles were released at the time, and it is very difficult to get hold of one today. Nowhere is it stated that it is unchillfiltered, but I trust La Maison du Whisky on this point. The cask comes from the warehouses of Signatory Vintage, which does not usually chill-filter its whiskies. The label is the work of the artist Yuuka Yamada. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Quite powerful mineral notes, stones from the bottom of a well, semi-salted butter that’s half-melted, limestone and quartz. Alongside these, delicate floral hints and juicy fruits, mirabelle plums, Conference pears, white peaches, it’s rather luscious, reminiscent of brandy. A trace of charcoal, steamed rice, aged pine honey. Noble wood with a layer of varnish. On the palate, the same fruits, with a more direct attack, and slightly candied citrus. It is oily and waxy, warm wax, green tea, lively spices. An explosive finish, very long and varied, it goes off in all directions, green fruits, damp wood, loose earth, hazelnuts and dark chocolate, apple crumble and cinnamon. 

 

In Short, 

I’m not sure I’ve done it full justice, but one thing’s for certain: it’s very original. It’s a non-Sherry-cask Mortlach, which is rare enough to be worth noting, and it’s surprising to find such strong mineral notes and a hint of damp, stony earth. In any case, it’s very complex and absolutely delicious. The price is still high, but in any case, you have to find it first, that’s what requires the most effort. 

Score : 90  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            VioletteScape - Déliquescence

Hellyers Road 2016 Ex-Libris Seize the Fire 8 yo

 

 

 

63,7°

Distillery : Hellyers Road - Australia

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

At every Whisky Live Paris, we’re treated to a few bottlings from Hellyers Road, and they rarely disappoint. It’s true that a very special relationship has developed between La Maison du Whisky in France, which organises Whisky Live, and this distillery on the other side of the world. Here, an 8-year-old, aged in first-fill bourbon casks, with a production run of 206 bottles. The peat level isn’t specified, but I’d estimate it at around 30 ppm. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The peat is somewhat dry, sandy, coppery. The esters are nevertheless powerful, with herbaceous and citrus notes, including pulpy lemon and kumquat. Patinated vanilla, flower of salt, green olives, roasted nuts, smoky wood, cigar ash. On the palate, there is little expression, but good balance and still a certain character: smooth cereals, very ripe mirabelle plums, dried seaweed, and a few spices, clove, cumin. A powerful finish, though a little short, straw, brown sugar, exotic wood bark. Balsamic vinegar, candied ginger, coriander. 

 

In Short, 

It has a very distinctive character, it’s interesting and complex, with a recognisable identity, though not quite fully developed. One thing’s for sure, it’s a whisky unlike any other. I’d have loved to try the others in the range, particularly the 10-year-old, as I get the feeling this one needs a few more years of ageing to really come into its own. A lovely character nonetheless, the price is a bit crazy, otherwise I would certainly have considered buying it.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lost in Kyiv - Burst

The Dark Side of the M 2005 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon 20 yo

 

 

 

61,1°

Distillery : The Macallan -Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is the latest addition to the Artist #15 range, launched at Whisky Live Paris 2025 by La Maison du Whisky, which has been organising the event and each batch of Artist since 2011. Although the name of the distillery is not specified, there is no doubt about it. It is a 20-year-old whisky, matured in a first-fill sherry butt, which yielded 331 bottles. The label features an artwork by Stenjwa Luthuli entitled The Native Umdabu. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is both fine and intense, plum compote, waxed furniture, polished red fruits, raspberries and damsons. Blood oranges, a slice of lemon, melting toffee, dried apricots, noble wood, shea butter and vanilla. Some spices, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg. On the palate, it is very mellow, gingerbread, chestnut cream, maple syrup, dried fruit, candied fruit, slivered almonds, powerful spices, black pepper, cloves. Liquorice, pine honey, a few drops of coffee. Long and powerful finish, explosive, where rare cereals are overwhelmed by spices and caramel, dark chocolate, brown tobacco crumbs, buttered bread. Roots still black with earth.

 

In Short, 

It's different from the regular Macallan range, more lively, more fruity, more intense. If you appreciate this distillery, you really must try it. It's very well made, but above all it's original and varied. The price is of course a challenge, but given the distillery's reputation, it could be worse. Those who can afford it should go for it, it's an excellent bottling. 

Score : 90 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Explosions in the Sky - Your Hand in Mine

Linkwood 1995 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon 30 yo

 

 

 

51°

Distillery : Linkwood - Speyside

1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Among the gems selected by La Maison du Whisky from Signatory Vintage's cellars for its new Artist range, this Linkwood finished in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead produced 339 bottles. The label features a work entitled Compassion by Stenjwa Luthuli. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

We have a fresher, more woody sherry, with wild strawberries, various citrus fruits, forest fragrances, holly, moss, bay leaves, molasses and acacia honey, cooked fruits, greengages, pears, almonds and lychees. On the palate, it is more peach and mango, with toasted cereals, crushed wood, roasted hazelnuts and ginger, relatively subtle spices, cloves and nutmeg. Powerful and very long finish, dates, raisins, figs, mahogany and cinnamon, vanilla and dark tobacco, a grain of redcurrant and a pinch of salt. 

 

In Short, 

An excellent Linkwood. It doesn't quite have the usual flood of fruitiness associated with this distillery, but it's not far off. Above all, the sherry gives it a velvety texture, honey and sweetness, with woody, herbal and indulgent notes, all beautifully balanced. Unfortunately, the price is far too high for this humble servant. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           whyohwhy - hori

Mortlach 1989 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon Over 35 yo

 

 

 

44,2°

Distillery : Mortlach - Speyside

2d Fill Sherry Butt 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

This is the oldest Sherry bottling in the 15th release of the Artist range. The cask is a 2nd Fill Sherry, which gives us hope that it will not be particularly overpowering and that it will offer a fair marriage with the distillate. 250 bottles are being released, primarily for the French market. The label features the artwork Untitled by Stenjwa Luthuli. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, chocolate fondant, crushed fruits, blueberries, cherries, raspberries. Warm wax, blood orange, toasted nuts, pine needles, creamy vanilla, slivered almonds, salted butter caramel, soft toffee, pears in syrup. On the palate, blackberries, white peaches, liquid honey, candied fruit, dark chocolate and even coffee, a wide variety of spices, cinnamon, saffron, white pepper. The finish is wonderful, Corinth raisins, shortcrust pastry, woody wax, candied ginger, grilled bacon, a touch of dust a bit dirty, a few grains of cereal, cola, cocoa bean. 

 

In Short, 

This is an exceptional whisky, where the patina of time reveals an extraordinary variety of flavours, which nevertheless blend together in a balanced and subtle whole. It comes close to the best that sherry can offer in the world of whisky: a robust but refined product, softened by a whole host of delicious notes, including chocolate, pastry, fruit, wood, and even forest and meat. I would remind you that Mortlach uses 2.81 distillations, which increases the finesse and smoothness of the liquid. In other words, it is a masterpiece, at an extremely high price, but that doesn't even shock me. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Soft Machine - Backwards

Benrinnes 1997 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon Over 25 yo

 

 

 

52,3°

Distillery : Benrinnes - Speyside

Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Amongst the fifteenth release of the Artist range, which is very varied this year, this Benrinnes catches the eye. Aged at least 27 years, it has spent its entire maturation period in a Sherry Hogshead, and everyone knows that Benrinnes pairs very well with Sherry. 221 bottles are promised to the public, primarily on the French market. A work entitled Emotional Connection, by Stenjwa Luthuli, is featured on the label.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Mellow and deep sherry, dates, Amarena cherries, floor wax, freshly tanned leather, salted butter caramel, wildflower honey, prunes and figs. Some forest scents, lichen and moss, mushrooms, creamy vanilla. On the palate, it is slightly more woody, with liquorice and dark chocolate, coffee beans, red fruit coulis, blood orange zest, marzipan and cooked fruit. Powerful spices, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cumin. Quite a long, explosive finish, pine resin, oak bark, argan oil, pipe tobacco. Yellow fruits, bananas and pears, toasted and indulgent cereals. 

 

In Short, 

It's everything you'd expect from a Benrinnes aged in a sherry cask, with something extra: a slightly dirty, woodsy, even earthy character. It's obviously very well made, with lots of varied flavours, but all consistent. It's just missing that little something to make it truly excellent. The price is really scary. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Boys Go To Jupiter - Handstand

Ardmore 2009 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon 15 yo

 

 

 

57°

Distillery : The Ardmore - Highlands

1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Once again selected from casks stored in Signatory Vintage's warehouses, this 15-year-old Ardmore was finished in a first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead, yielding 337 bottles. The artwork chosen to adorn the label is entitled Identity Demands, by Sthenjwa Luthuli.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A beautiful and thick sherry, enhanced by a slightly charred, dry and earthy peat. Red fruit coulis, blackberries, blueberries, pie crust with a pinch of sea salt, elegant smoke and toasted cereals, hot bacon and caramel, apricots and redcurrants. On the palate, creamy honey, a few drops of oil, fermented fruit, rare beef steak slightly charred in places, ginger, dried banana, various spices, cloves, black pepper. Long and explosive finish, liquorice, still-smoking cigar ash, coffee and dark chocolate, a few exotic fruits rubbed on varnished wood, semi-salted butter, malted barley.

 

In Short, 

This is a very well-made sherry, thoroughly successful, with a touch of originality. There are also coastal notes and some remnants of the distillery's profile, but the balance is still very good. The price is a little high, but fans of sherry and the distillery will find it well worth it.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lor3l3i - Ghost

Ben Nevis 2015 Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon 10 yo

 

 

 

58,3°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

This year, the Artist range is launching not one, but two series. The first was Something in the Water, created in collaboration with Elixir Distillers. The second is this one, The Dark Side of the Moon, created with the assistance of Signatory Vintage. And I'm starting with this 10-year-old Ben Nevis, finished in a first-fill sherry butt. 655 bottles were filled, and the artwork decorating the label is by Sthenjwa Luthuli and is untitled.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A sherry at its best, with syrupy red fruits, blueberries, cherries, redcurrants, exotic wood, a drop of balsamic vinegar, subtle mineral notes and liquorice, blood oranges, dark melting chocolate, black damp earth, a hint of pepper, terracotta, dates and saffron. On the palate, liquid honey, argan oil, coffee, blackberry jelly, raspberries and wild strawberries, orange blossom. Spices mingle with wood. Very slightly vinous finish, chestnut cream, dry leaves, bark, dried apricots, red fruit paste. Pan-fried mushrooms with parsley.

In Short, 

An intense, dark and foresty sherry, it's difficult to identify the distillery's profile, but that doesn't matter because it's really good and original, dirty, full of personality. Ben Nevis whiskies always have something extra, and in this case, the cask is truly excellent. A few more years and it would have been truly great, though. As for the price, it's reasonable, so buying it would be no shame.

Score : 89

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Etta Marcus - Teenage Messiah

Caol Ila 1984 Artist #15 Something in the Water 40 yo

 

 

 

51,3°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Sometimes you get lucky and come across genuine antiques, such as this Caol Ila, undoubtedly the pinnacle of this year's Artist range, having spent 40 years in a previously used hogshead, allowing the distillate to shine. Only 99 bottles have been produced, making it a true rarity. The artwork chosen to illustrate it is Meandering Through Relationships I, by Radhika Surana.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very fresh nose, concentrated coastal character, lacey iodine, abundant sea spray, seaweed and sea breeze. Very light but present peat, which adds depth. Oysters, razor clams, fresh sardines, scallops. Coarse sea salt, sprinkled with lemon, grapefruit and a dash of vanilla. A few herbaceous and mineral notes in the background, slate, reeds, peppermint. Very subtle floral fragrances, wispy smoke. On the palate, it is oily, full of mineral salts, very balanced. On a layer of peat, bottarga, bulgur wheat, salicornia, sweet cereals, almond paste, lard. Very discreet spices, nutmeg, white pepper. The spices become stronger on the finish, which is endless, explosive, the salt leaning slightly towards mint, acacia honey, lemon zest, liquorice. Then, soot and charcoal bring back all the peat and smoke.

 

In Short, 

It's truly magnificent, we really have all the essence of Caol Ila, incredible depth and complexity, and it goes in all directions. It is one of those wonderful whiskies whose tasting is more of a journey than an appreciation. The price, on the other hand, is as high as the International Space Station, it's really reserved for an elite.

Score : 92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Michelle Gurevich - Feel More

Laphroaig 2005 Artist #15 Something in the Water 20 yo

 

 

 

49,6°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

This Laphroaig underwent a completely straightforward maturation in a Bourbon Barrel. How will the distillate assert itself after this? Only 155 bottles were released for sale, the angel's share is significant. The label features Radhika Surana's artwork Meandering through Relationships III.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Typical Laphroaigish nose, crystalline peat and powerful iodine, sea spray, medicinal notes, some pulpy white fruits, even exotic ones, vanilla and mirabelle plum, a generous dose of citrus, captivating smoke, tar and cold ashes, seductive mineral notes, slate, chalk, but this time it's also a bit herbaceous, dry grass, cut hay, and the wood is quite present, roasted nuts, mahogany. On the palate, it's honeyed, with almond milk and green olive. Rich citrus, milk chocolate, then thick, dry and earthy peat takes over. Spices are not very expressive, but give it personality. The finish is not quite explosive, but rather long nonetheless, a large pinch of salt, cloves, coffee, some dried fruit, dates and figs. Crushed chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

It's very good, but not quite what I was hoping for. Although it has all the perfect characteristics of this distillery that I love, I feel it lacks punch and aggression. Perhaps the alcohol content is a little low, but I felt something was missing, despite a very successful nose. However, the price is extremely high, so it will be difficult to convince us that it's worth it.

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Katatonia - For My Demons

Ardbeg 2000 Artist #15 Something in the Water 25 yo

 

 

 

55,4°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

Oloroso Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

Old Ardbegs are becoming increasingly rare, which is why this one is such a blessing. Distilled at the turn of the century and placed in an Oloroso Sherry Butt, it sat untouched for 25 years before being transferred into 224 bottles. The label features Radhika Surana's artwork Relationships Through Lichens III.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sherry marries peat, and this becomes floral, honeyed, caramelised. A coastal character that imposes itself, limestone, iodine, sea spray, smoke that is powerful despite the age, thick, suffocating. Soot and apricots, charcoal and Williams pear, roasted nuts, candied dates, lilies, irises. Velvety, silky palate, tarte Tatin dusted with icing sugar, liquid honey, lychees, almonds, vanilla cream, then the peat rises, thick, oily, herbal, even medicinal, mossy, smoked bacon, hot asphalt, almost sweet spices alongside. Endless finish, explosive throughout, ginger, a drop of tar, roots still full of earth, fried onions, dark chocolate.

 

In Short, 

A very fine Ardbeg, truly superb at times, a total success I would say, with no flaws whatsoever. The peat is intense, but it does not mask a whole subtle world that mingles, between coastal character and lusciousness, some floral fragrances and dried fruit. The sherry is not at all powerful, it enhances the distillate rather than hiding it, perhaps it was a refill cask. Unfortunately, the price is astronomical, but I can consider myself very lucky to have dipped my lips into it once.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Kauan - Leave/Let Go

Bunnahabhain 2011 Artist #15 Someting in the Water Over 10 yo

 

 

 

56,2°

Distillery : Bunnahabhain - Islay

Refill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 40 ppm

 

 

 

Selected from among the gems stored in the warehouses of Elixir Distillers, this peated Bunnhabhain was aged for 10 years in refill bourbon barrels before being bottled in 272 bottles. It is at least 13 years old, although the label only specifies ‘Over 10 Years’. The artwork chosen to decorate it is Meandering Through Relationships II, by Radhika Surana.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Airy nose, delicate coastal notes, iodine, limestone, sea breeze, sea spray, a hint of fish. Citrus and mirabelle plums to complement this, sliced lemon, juicy pears, and finally the peat rises, full of coal and fuel oil, cold ashes, slightly herbaceous. On the palate, it is greasier, even oily, with crème fraîche and candied fruit coated in smoke, dried herbs, salicornia, earthy notes, lively spices, cumin and cloves. The finish is fairly long, not quite explosive, cooked mushrooms, dark chocolate, milky vanilla, wet rock, a pinch of salt and wisps of smoke.

 

In Short, 

A very good peaty Bunnahabhain, but I didn't find it particularly original. I think Bunnahabhain lags a little behind the other Islay distilleries when it comes to peat. They don't manage to add that touch of genius found elsewhere, and it's clear here. That said, it's a very pleasant whisky for fans of this profile, although too expensive in my opinion.

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :  

 

                                           Cold Union - Drown Me

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

Bowmore 1995 Artist #15 Something in the Water 30 yo

 

 

 

45,5°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

This year, La Maison du Whisky has gone all out with its Artist range. It is divided into two series, the first of which is dedicated to Islay and is entitled Something in the Water. And we get straight to the heart of the matter with this 30-year-old Bowmore, which has been matured in a simple Refill Hogshead. Only 220 bottles have been unleashed into the wild. The label features a work by Radhika Surana entitled Transformation.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Fine peat softened by floral notes, lily, jasmine, volcanic dust, bitumen, bursting with tropical fruits, mango and pineapple. Soft white peaches, juice-dripping pears. Velvety woodiness, blond tobacco leaf, coarse sea salt and limestone, seaweed and sea urchins. On the palate, it is honeyed and rocky, set with various fruits, papaya, apple compote, treacle, with traces of vegetation and a hint of spice. Almond milk, well-salted cashews. Long and intense finish, lychees and citrus, dried banana, chewing tobacco, iodine and sea spray, forest undergrowth, greasy earth, subtle liquorice.

 

In Short, 

A superb Bowmore, one of the best I have ever tasted. The distillate appears in all its purity, not in the least disturbed by the cask. At the same time, it is perfectly balanced, endless smoothness, a deeply memorable finish despite the low alcohol content. The price is extravagantly high, but that did not prevent it from selling out in a matter of weeks. A fine performance. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lisa O'Neill - The Wind doesn't Blow This Far Right

Benrinnes 1996 Artist Collective #3.1 22 yo

 

 

 

51,4°

Distillery : Benrinnes - Speyside

3 Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

In the early days of the Artist Collective range, which was born in 2017, you could find these sorts of suitably aged gems. Here we have a blend of 3 Hogsheads that have marinated for at least 22 years, and the number of bottles produced is not known. The label features an art work by David Crunelle entitled Intarsia (what does it mean?)

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Creamy honey, accompanied by a minty freshness. Some sprigs of straw. Ethereal vanilla, quartz crystals. Yellow plum pulp, melon, mashed banana, grapefruit. Greedy cereals, it's floral, jasmine, primrose, courgette flower. Light but robust wood in the background, a hint of smoke. On the palate, lemon zest, creamy flan, tarte Tatin, candied lychees, coconut. Toasted wheat, untreated wood, sawdust. Long finish, not too violent, but very well managed. Green tea, fir resin, maple syrup. Fried mushrooms with a knob of butter, slight touch of bitterness. Asparagus. Artichoke hearts.

 

In Short, 

Benrinnes is a distillery I appreciate, but this one is truly impressive. The floral notes add complexity to a totally balanced nose, the palate is perfectly intense, and the finish is as long as a goods train. It's an excellent bottling, albeit a little expensive, but for connoisseurs it's worth the sacrifice.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sea Lemon - Crystals

Jura Distillery 1991 Artist #11 30 yo

 

 

 

54,1°

Distillery : Isle of Jura - Islands

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

As part of the 11th Batch in the Artist range launched each year by La Maison du Whisky to coincide with the Whisky Live Paris event, this Jura has reached a very interesting age. The maturation process is very straightforward, and only 110 bottles are on sale, which is bound to attract connoisseurs of this highly underrated distillery. The label features the work of art Cinnamon Sugar by artist Catherine Ludeau.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Whiffs of yellow tea, vinous touches, sweet wine, quince and medlars, fluffy sand, a pinch of sea salt, ethereal vanilla, hints of camphor, lemon tart. Sesame seeds with walnuts and chickpeas, bubbles of liquid honey, crème caramel, marrons glacés. On the palate, orange marmalade, dashes of curry, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom. Chicken stock, cedar resin, dried raisins. Quite a powerful finish, but very well controlled, charcoal chips, soy sauce, macerated wheat, crème brûlée. Well-salted cashew nuts.

 

In Short, 

It's truly excellent, and I'm very close to classifying it as a classic. It's certainly the best Jura I've ever drunk, and in my opinion there aren't many that do it better. The price is obviously excessive, but given its age and the limited number of bottles produced, that's to be expected. To be reserved for those who are crazy about this distillery.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Yamma Ensemble - Apple of My Eye

Macallan 1991 Artist #14 Rothes Glen Over 30 yo

 

 

 

55,2°

Distillery : The Macallan - Speyside

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfitered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is undoubtedly the most talked-about bottle in the Artist #14 range, released on the occasion of the Whisky Live Paris 2024. It's a Macallan that is at least 32 years old, which makes it extremely rare - only 94 bottles have come out of cask. On the other hand, it was aged in a Bourbon Barrel, which is original, given that Macallan has made Sherry its tradition.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very velvety on the nose, with fruit paste, but also fresh fruit which adds a lovely fullness, mirabelle plums, ripe pears, white peaches. Intense honeyed notes, fermented berries, orange marmalade, quince jam, sprinkled with cinnamon, curry. On the palate, vanilla bean, sultanas, some exotic fruit, bananas, prickly pears, then well-integrated but lively spices, cloves, nutmeg. Very long finish, full of liquorice and ginger, damp roots, some cereals, barley, millet, bark, puffed rice, egg yolk.

 

In Short, 

It's incredibly good, I must say, with that velvety smoothness typical of the distillery, and a very wide range of flavours. On the other hand, the price is astronomical, and at that price I prefer a Brora or a Port Ellen. You rarely have the opportunity to buy at that price, and if you do, you take something else. As proof, the product is still available for sale today, more than six months after its launch.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Albert Cummings - Lonely Bad

Benromach 2002 Artist #14 Legendary Distilleries 22 yo

 

 

 

55,5°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside 

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Another Benromach, this time aged 22 years in 1st Fill Sherry Cask, selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the Artist #14 range on the occasion of the Whisky Live Paris 2024. 329 bottles have been produced for the French market as a priority. The label features a work of art by Logovarda entitled Sans Titre 4. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very fine sherry, slightly woody, sandalwood, tanned leather, candied apricots, mahogany wood leaves, pine cones, dark chocolatey prunes, dried figs, crushed walnuts, the whole sprinkled with cinnamon. Delicate peat in the background. The palate seems a little light, with dried white fruit, mirabelle plums, ginger, salted butter caramel, and discreet citrus fruit. The spices rise gently, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves. Very satisfying finish, long, powerful but subtle, cocoa powder, saffron, cereals, blond tobacco, dried raisins, balsamic vinegar. Cold ashes.

 

In Short, 

This one caused quite a stir at the Whisky Live, and it was the one to taste, it seems. The nose is in fact particularly delicious, very nuanced and woody, with a Sherry that is not at all overpowering but very present. But I found the palate a little clear, so I don't fully share the general enthusiasm for it. The finish, on the other hand, is very good. Still, the price is excessive, so despite the product's reputation, some copies are still lurking on sales shelves.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Henrik Freischlader - Lonely World

Laphroaig 2013 Artist #14 Rothes Glen 10 yo

 

 

 

61,9°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay 

Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

Among the rarities on offer from the Artist #14 range at Whisky Live Paris 2024, this Laphroaig was the talk of the town. Only 10 years old, it retains the vigour of its youth, and ageing in a Bourbon Barrel gives the distillate free rein to express itself. Only 237 bottles are on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Stifling smoke, very greasy and vegetal, tall damp grass, reeds, thick peat tinged with chalk, spongy earth. Behind, medicinal notes, disinfectant, betadine, bandage, ointment. Finally, some fruity flavours, a hint of lemon, discreet vanilla, soon invaded by masses of iodine and coarse sea salt. Beautiful maritime fullness, drifting onto ginger. It's peaty and spicy on the palate, nettles, rocket, earthy touches, liquorice and mirabelle plums, root spices, nutmeg and cloves. Very powerful finish, very spicy, deeply peaty, ginger, hazelnuts, green apples, shortbread biscuits.

 

In Short, 

This is an excellent Laphroaig, which will delight fans of the profile, a real bomb, but complex at the same time, where power takes nothing away from subtlety. It has everything you need for a memorable Laphroaig: violent peat, herbal notes, iodine, this feeling of being in hospital, but here it's sublime. It's reminiscent of 10 Yo Cask Strength, but much better, purer in a way. Unfortunately, the price is totally out of line, not that much although, as it's now sold out just about everywhere.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Deadletter - Credit to Treason