Poit Dhubh 8 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islands and Speyside

Sherry and Bourbon Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By Pràban na Linne

Core Range 

Blended Malt 

Unchillfiltered

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

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

 

In Short, 

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

Score : 82 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ellijai - Bad Timing

Mac NaMara Port Cask Finish

 

 

 

40° 

Distilleries Officialy Unknown - Islands and Speyside

Bourbon Casks and Port Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Pràban na Linne Limited 

Core Range 

Blended Scotch

Launched in 2023

Unchillfiltered

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

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

 

In Short, 

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

Score : 83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Valentina Bausi - Awareness

Mac NaMara Madeira Cask Finish

 

 

 

40°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islands and Speyside

Bourbon Casks and Madeira Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Pràban na Linne Limited 

Core Range 

Blended Scotch  

Launched in 2019

Unchillfiltered

Lightly Peated

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

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

 

In Short, 

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

Score : 83 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Villa Ada Posse - Rabbia e Amore