Ben Nevis 1984 Single Cask Exclusively for La Maison du Whisky 28 yo

 

 

 

55°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

1st Fill American Oak Bourbon Barrel and Refill Sherry Hogshead Finish 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2013

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

When the distillery was acquired by the Nikka Group in 1989, they explored the warehouses and came across a whole batch of casks distilled in 1984, the contents of which they decided to transfer into Sherry Puncheons, which they considered to be of a higher quality. However, there was a limited supply of sherry puncheons, and eventually they transferred the last cask, this one, to a refill sherry hogshead in October 1998. As a result, this whisky spent 13 years and ten months in a bourbon barrel, and just 15 years in a refill sherry hogshead. The finishing period was longer than the initial maturation. The Sherry cask number is 98/35/14, which initially led me to believe it was three casks rather than just one. But it is indeed a Single Cask, it’s just that the cask number is a bit odd. This cask was subsequently selected by La Maison du Whisky to be divided into 247 bottles and reserved primarily for the French market. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A walk in the forest: thick bark, acorns, ferns, dark, damp earth. Chocolate fondant, sticky caramel, dates and dried bananas. Enchanting woody notes, with hints of lacquer and varnish, acacia honey, peach stones and walnuts. On the palate, it’s more restrained, the oak has been glazed, the fruit is stewed and cooked, vanilla pudding. The spices are subtle yet intense. A fairly long finish, where the oak comes to the fore, resin cream, pine cones, chickpeas, light herbaceous notes. Raisins, a few sweet and syrupy notes. Bread fresh from the oven.

 

In Short, 

The nose is quite wonderful, with a distinct character, it’s a recognisable Ben Nevis, but it has something extra, I can’t quite put my finger on it, a waxy quality, notes of red fruit jam. The palate and finish are less distinctive, but very pleasant. So this is a top-quality Ben Nevis, yet another one, which you can still find on the La Maison du Whisky website, though at a completely ridiculous price. 

Score : 90 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Elanor Moss - Fixer

Clynelish 1971 Mission Cask Strength Series 36 yo

 

 

 

51,5°

Distillery : Clynelish - Highlands

Bourbon Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Murray McDavid

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2007

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

I got my hands on a drop of this nectar the other day, and although it’s tricky with such a small amount, I’ve written a tasting note that aims to do it justice. It’s a Clynelish from the very early days – let’s not forget that this distillery began production in 1968. I’m not, of course, referring to the old Clynelish, the one that was renamed Brora after its name was stolen from it, and which closed in 1983, only to be miraculously revived 38 years later, but that’s another story. I’m talking about this distillery which is only 58 years old, that replaced another and took its name, because the latter was deemed too small and it would have been too expensive to renovate. It is therefore one of the earliest Clynelish whiskies, and one of the oldest, because a 36-year-old whisky isn’t something you find on every street corner. The maturation process is very simple, which puts the distillate centre stage, and only 265 bottles exist. And that’s when collectors go wild. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A powerful and luscious fruitiness, dates, grapes, soft bananas, Reine-Claude plums, and an exotic touch of mango and papaya, which clashes with a mineral hardness, flint, even granite. Baked apples, buttered and toasted bread, runny honey, warm wax, melted chocolate, liquorice, elegant oak, gunpowder. On the palate, the fruit blends with herbs, chives, black pepper, dried bananas, figs and candied lemon, juicy oranges and mandarins. Chocolate cake, sweet almonds. A very long, seemingly endless finish, oaky, peach stones, braised walnuts, earthy, tinder, black berries, and of course fruity, dried apricots, apple slices, candied plums. Tobacco crumbs on the retro-olfaction.

 

In Short, 

It’s quite fashionable to criticise Murray McDavid for his sometimes bizarre finishes, but they should be awarded a medal for services to humanity in recognition of bottlings such as this one. The nose is a fruity and honeyed explosion, with a distinctive touch of wax and flint. On the palate, it’s like velvety oil, and the finish is absolutely magnificent. This is a Clynelish very different from those we drink today, far less waxy and more fruity, with a more pronounced minerality. A piece of history, then, as well as a whisky of the very highest quality. If you decide to acquire this one, you’ll need a great deal of luck, and a banker with a sense of empathy, which is as rare as a flying hedgehog. 

Score : 92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                   To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                  Steve Rothery Band - White Pass

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

Bowmore 1997 NS Cask Series 015 10th Anniversary Sansibar 24 yo

 

 

 

52°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Refill Sherry Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By North Star Spirits

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

I’ve always said that I’m very interested in North Star Spirits, this bottler founded in 2016 in Glasgow by Iain Croucher, but I’ve just realised that this is only the second product I’ve tasted from their warehouses. It’s true, though, that they’re a bit of a hidden gem and don’t make many appearances at whisky fairs. At the same time, they don’t need to, as their reputation is second to none. Here we have a 24-year-old Bowmore matured in a refill sherry cask, 326 bottles have hit the shelves. Sherry-cask Bowmores are rarer these days, this one is here to show us just how much of a shame that is. It was released to pay tribute to another bottler, a German one, Sansibar, which was celebrating its 10th anniversary at the time. Now that North Star Spirits is also 10 years old, I hope Sansibar returns the favour. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Monstrously balanced sherry, with a touch of ash and charcoal, intoxicating smoke, crushed red fruits, a hint of fermentation, cherries, blueberries, visciole, varnished mahogany, raisins and acacia honey. Slight medicinal and mineral notes. Bay leaf, tannins. On the palate, it is almost viscous, syrupy, amarena, fiery spices, apricot stones, orange marmalade, lemon zest, lychees. The finish is quite oaky, powerful, flint, smoky bark, slices of grapefruit, chunks of granite, baked apples, cinnamon, coffee grounds. Black and damp earth, mushrooms.

 

In Short, 

I have a friend who told me that Bowmore whiskies matured in sherry casks shouldn’t even exist, he really ought to try this one, where the sherry brings out some distinctive characteristics of the distillery. The smoke and charcoal become more pronounced, the oak even more elegant, the herbaceous notes more pronounced, and the fruit is balanced by delicate mineral notes. It’s truly top-class. Although it was released nearly five years ago, you can still find it here and there at a prohibitive price, but perhaps die-hard fans will find a way to get their hands on it, and they won’t regret it. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Grace Cummings - Fake

Bowmore 2001 The Character of Islay Whisky Company 18 yo c. 11714

 

 

 

55,4°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay

Refill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By The Character of Islay Whisky Company 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

This independent bottler’s existence was short-lived, four years at most, but each of its releases is legendary. This is particularly true of the Bowmore whiskies, which alone account for a third of the company’s production. This 18-year-old whisky was matured in a single refill bourbon cask, with a total of 184 bottles produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Iridescent iodine, sculpted limestone, with a lovely sea breeze, seaweed and exotic fruits. Dried hay, very fine and light peat, marine character, accompanied by oysters and razor clams. A very subtle trace of vanilla. Damp rock, sea foam, surf. Grapefruit and pineapple. On the palate, the fruit is more pronounced, citrus, banana, yellow plums, white peaches, but the maritime character remains strong, scallops, mussels, a few spices, varnished wood. The finish is long and gradually builds in intensity, lime zest, bamboo, nutmeg, dried tobacco, lumps of charcoal, beach sand, a pinch of bitterness.

 

In Short, 

It’s obviously excellent, and I’m actually convinced that it’s thanks to bottlings like this that Bowmore has once again become a leading distillery. It used to rely too heavily on original casks, sherry, wines of all kinds, and people had forgotten the quality of its spirit. In my view, it was this company that released these Bowmores in simple refill bourbon casks and restored the distillery to its former glory. That said, the price is still high for what it is, making it suitable only for die-hard fans and the very wealthy. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                     To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                     Milton Andersen - Lilac Flowers

Bowmore 2010 Milroy's 15 yo

 

 

 

53,7°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay 

Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Milroy's of Soho

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 25 ppm

 

 

 

Right now, there are a number of independent bottlings from Bowmore on the market, at much more attractive prices than in recent years. Notably this one, aged 15 years, 7 months, and 24 days, which was matured in a single Bourbon barrel that must have allowed the distillate to truly blossom. Milroy’s of Soho is a long-established company, dating back to the 1960s, and it produces only a small number of bottlings each year. This time, it has partnered with The Whisky Agency to launch this Bowmore, which will thus be showcased to its fullest potential. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Creamy nose, lemon pulp, pastry cream, a shovelful of iodine and seaweed, grapefruit, fluffy peat, gravel, a dash of vanilla and pineapple, half-burnt dry hay. Molasses. It’s rustic, almost country-style, Gavottes and coastal notes. On the palate, the citrus is just as prominent, with a peaty undertone, slightly woody, pulpy plums, syrupy bananas, crumbs of charcoal, fairly subtle spices. A very long finish that evolves slowly, lemon tart, shortbread cookies, lime zest, asparagus, a pinch of salt. Volcanic soil full of minerals.

 

In Short, 

I’m slightly disappointed by the nose, which is unstable, sometimes a bit earthy and rustic, and other times pure Bowmore, coastal, subtle, and slightly herbaceous. On the other hand, on the palate and in the finish, it’s exactly what I was hoping for, lots of citrus and even exotic fruits, along with a delicate peatiness. Overall, I’m not sorry I picked up this bottle, and I think it will improve with age, the minor flaws on the nose will certainly fade away. The price is quite reasonable, it’s nice to find an affordable Bowmore again. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ethan Gold - I'm Always Sad

Bruichladdich 2010 Micro-Provenance 14 yo c. #0808

 

 

 

58,8°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay

2d Fill Virgin Oak Cask

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Among the countless Micro-Provenance releases, a range of diverse curiosities launched by the distillery in the 2000s, this one is reserved for the French market. It has been matured in a second-fill virgin oak cask that previously contained whisky from Bruichladdich. The barley used is Optic, which is rare enough to be worth noting. This is a winter barley variety created in 1989, which was dominant in the 1990s but has now fallen somewhat out of favour. As the spirit was distilled on 14 April 2010 and bottled on 31 March 2025, it is almost 15 years old, give or take 14 days. I wonder why it took over a year to put it on sale. 292 bottles have been produced, distributed exclusively to the 14 French shops that are part of the Laddie Crew.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A slightly minty, evanescent nose, yet it is quite fruity too, mirabelle plums and bananas, iodine and sea salt, toasted bread, drops of caramel, vanilla extract and floral honey in the background, beaten eggs, parsley, coconut. A dash of citrus. The palate is rich and smooth, lychee, pastry cream, butter brioche, lovely spices. Bread dough, malt biscuits. A long, explosive finish, full of grains and cooked fruit, particularly wheat, light wax, young and freshly cut wood, dried flowers.   

 

In Short, 

I really liked it, the Optic barley imparts more subtle, fruity and honeyed flavours, whilst the influence of the cask emphasises the wood and the grains. It’s just what this spirit needs, as it’s already very grainy and delicately briny. A fine achievement. That said, I found the price a bit steep, so I opted for another bottle, which I’ll only be allowed to talk about from tomorrow onwards. Having said that, if I hadn’t had to choose, I might have ended up giving in to temptation after all. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                   Mandrake Handshake - The Change and The Changing

Kilchoman 2015 Single Cask Release Collection Itinéraires Part 1 10 yo

 

 

 

54,1°

Distillery : Kilchoman - Islay 

1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Hogshead 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 50 ppm

 

 

 

On the occasion of Whisky Live Paris 2025, Kilchoman launched two bottlings designed to be included in the Collection Itinéraires as part of a priority sale in France. The first is this one, the product of a 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Hogshead, in which the precious liquid stayed for ten years, 1 month and ten days, which yeldied 318 bottles. The design on the label pays homage to the Sleeping Giant, a rock formation of three cliffs, on the Atlantic Coast of Islay. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry is very intense and sweeps all before it, salted butter caramel, dried apricots and dates, raspberry coulis, dragon fruit, smoke rich with soot and earth, fresh truffles, a hint of exotic fruit, and a touch of citrus. On the palate, the same profile emerges, notes of blood oranges, blackberry and redcurrant jam, dark tobacco, thick, mossy and herbaceous peat, powerful spices, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper. The finish is long and full-bodied, dried banana, burnt rubber, hot tarmac, cherry clafoutis, subtle cereal notes, heather honey.

 

In Short, 

This is a typical sherry cask whisky, with a very pronounced peaty character, where the distillery’s distinctive profile is somewhat lost, but it’s very well made and intense. You have to like sherry, of course, but otherwise there’s nothing to complain about, except perhaps the price, which is a bit high for what it is.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Spurv - Som Skyer

Kilchoman 2006 Single Cask Release Collection Itinéraires Part 2 18 yo

 

 

 

48,1°

Distillery : Kilchoman - Islay 

Refill Bourbon Barrel

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 50 ppm

 

 

 

On the occasion of Whisky Live Paris 2025, Kilchoman launched two bottlings designed to be included in the Collection Itinéraires as part of a priority sale in France. The second is this one, the product of a Refill Bourbon Barrel that held the precious liquid for 18 years, 6 months and 24 days, yielding 161 bottles. Until 2007, the distillery used peated barley sourced from Port Ellen, before growing its own barley. This release is therefore special in that it was made using barley sourced from elsewhere. The design on the label pays homage to Kilnave Chapel, a ruin located a few kilometres north of the distillery on Islay, near Loch Gruinart. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Woody and grainy peat, a hint of slightly medicinal iodine, where ether blends with the sea breeze, a mineral character with limestone and quartz, and grassy herbs. The influence of the Bourbon brings a delicate fruitiness, hazy citrus, and a few floral notes. An evanescent palate, where wisps of peat settle over grapefruit pulp, milky vanilla and coconut. It is chiselled, coastal, rocky, and the spices are also present. A very good finish, long and powerful, on sage and aniseed, egg custard, rice pudding, slate and cut hay, gravel, dried peat.

 

In Short, 

In my opinion, this is an excellent Kilchoman, one of the best. The alcohol content isn’t particularly high, and it’s perfectly integrated. The distillery’s character is intense, and the finish is perfectly balanced. It feels as though you’re on Islay on a slightly rainy spring day. The only downside is the relatively high price, which dampens the enthusiasm somewhat.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           I Häxa - The Well

Kilchoman 2011 Single Cask Release Distillery Exclusive 13 yo

 

 

 

51,4°

Distillery : Kilchoman - Islay

Bourbon Cask

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 50 ppm 

 

 

 

This one is a 13-year, 9-month and 11-day-old single cask, matured in a Bourbon cask, intended solely for sale at the distillery shop. It’s surprising that they thought to take a bottle back to France to let people try it, given that only those who made the trip to the distillery could buy it. But it’s a nice gesture on their part. 240 bottles have been released for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Fluffy vanilla, whipped egg whites, a burst of citrus, and powerful mineral and chalky notes. The peat isn’t very strong, but it’s still very much present, sooty smoke, a sea breeze, crystalline iodine. On the palate, it is honeyed, slices of lemon and crème brûlée, a few subtle fruits, and a good layer of peat, with well-controlled spices. A long and explosive finish, shortbread biscuits, coarse sea salt, dates and raisins, bananas, almond milk. Fairly clear wisps of smoke. 

 

In Short, 

A fine Kilchoman, typically matured in Bourbon casks, with a not-too-strong peatiness, it’s dangerously appealing. This is what they should be doing more often, straightforward maturation that allows the power of the spirit to shine through, a Single Cask that reveals all its complexity, and sufficient age to give it body. The only slight drawback: the price, a bit steep for what it is. The only reason to resist buying it. Oh no, there’s another one: you have to travel 1,350 km to get your hands on a bottle! 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             The Sugarcubes - Deus

Inchmurrin 1973 Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength 37 yo c. 3380

 

 

 

44,3° 

Distillery : Loch Lomond - Highlands 

Refill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2010 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Having opened in 1966, the Loch Lomond distillery was only seven years old when it distilled this whisky, but it already had the straight-necked stills used to produce Inchmurrin, one of Loch Lomond’s many brands. The result of this distillation was then aged for 37 years and 5 months in a Refill Bourbon Barrel, and when the cask was emptied, there was only enough left to make 149 bottles. It is worth noting that there is a Sister Cask, distilled and bottled on almost the same day, Cask 3381. Both were presented at Whisky Live Paris in 2010, for priority sale in France. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A full-bodied and fresh nose, slightly vinegary, balsamic, wood and warm chestnuts, damp bark, dried dates, liquorice, warm earth, cooked mushrooms, followed by evanescent vanilla, a few fruits, a hint of iodine, herbaceous notes, reeds, tall grasses. On the palate, chestnut cream, prunes, there is a lovely character, fermented blackberries, not overly strong spices, black pepper. A long, powerful, explosive and deep finish, earthy roots, cola, dried sage, peppermint leaf, aniseed, heather. 

 

In Short, 

A lot of people say that Inchmurrin is herbal, and it is, but I find it’s mainly forest-like, and I quite like that. Amidst the mushrooms and bark, you can sense the freshness of a clearing, the fruit notes are there but very subtle. There’s a character I hadn’t noticed in the few Inchmurrins I’ve tasted, and a lovely spring-like freshness. It really is an interesting and original bottling, though it’s completely impossible to find at the moment. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                               Vraell - Guitar Meditation VII

Ardbeg 1978 Spirit of Scotland 22 yo c. 454

 

 

 

53°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

Bourbon Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2000

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

As you only live once, I treated myself to a few centilitres of this rare find in a specialist bar. It really is a piece of history, apparently, back then, Gordon & MacPhail went by the name of Speymalt Whisky Ltd, and the type of cask isn’t specified anywhere. However, it is indeed cask-strength, which wasn’t all that common at the time. As for the peat level, it varied back then, ranging from 40 to 80 ppm, as the distillery malted its own barley until 1980. It is, of course, impossible to know how many bottles were released. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :   

Light yet persistent peat, grainy and mineral, quartz and gypsum, with coastal notes, sea spray, dried seaweed, rubbed citrus, crystalline vanilla, lace-like iodine, coconut cream, cigarette ash, untreated wood. Very smooth and oily on the palate, citrusy, a few yellow plums, brown sugar, slightly minty or even aniseed-like spices, ginger, lychee. An extremely long and full-bodied finish, molasses, raisins, waxed wood, dried bananas, charcoal nuggets, chlorophyll, peppermint leaves. 

 

In Short, 

Old whiskies are always expensive, but they’re not always brilliant. That said, this one is still an excellent product, very old-school, meaning it has a lovely balance and a subtle minerality. The peat isn’t strong—around 30 ppm, I’d say—but the bottle has certainly been open for years, and it was almost finished. No jarring flavours, just a hint of charcoal on the finish, and plenty of fruit, especially on the palate, it really was a different distillery back then. Lots of elegance, restraint and complexity, yet not overly intense, it’s easy to drink despite being 22 years old. In short, a lovely experience, but not a mind-blower. The bottle can still be found, provided you’re prepared to empty your savings account. I’d advise waiting for it to come up at auction if you absolutely must have it, the price will be more reasonable. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            mesh - This World

Caol Ila 1990 Whiskyland Chapter Twenty-Eight 35 yo

 

 

 

44,5°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Refill Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm 

 

 

 

The truly legendary Caol Ilas are those from the early 1980s, but I’m certainly not going to turn this one down either, distilled in 1990 and matured for 35 long years in a refill hogshead, before being bottled in a run of 226 bottles. With this new range, named Whiskyland and launched in 2024, Angus MacRaild and Iain MacClune, founders of Decadent Drinks, are truly working wonders. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The peat is quite powerful given the age of the whisky – the first surprise. It’s medicinal, fuel oil and kerosene, beautifully balanced by coastal, cliff-like and quartz notes, along with airy iodine, there’s still a tremendous amount of character – the second surprise. Shades of citrus, a very light trace of vanilla, gravel, the cask seems to have left very little of its mark – the third surprise. On the palate, it’s the opposite, thick honey, pulpy fruit, with a touch of exoticism, banana, pineapple, white peaches, mirabelle plums and very ripe yellow plums, the peat is barely detectable, the spices very subtle, it’s incredible. A massive, endless finish, candied lemon, sea spray, Breton biscuits, olive oil, crème brûlée, a drop of tar, mille-feuilles. 

 

In Short, 

It’s absolutely insane, one of the best Caol Ilas I’ve ever tasted, and certainly the one that best represents the distillery. It has it all, the distillery’s pure character with its coastal notes, a peat that’s fiercely intense and uncompromising, but also beautifully integrated fruit and magnificent nuances. Truly a piece of history, probably better than the few Caol Ilas from the 1980s that I’ve tasted. As for the price, it’s commensurate with the exceptional character of the whisky, boundless. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                 To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                  Eivør - Healer

Tamnavulin 1991 Whiskyland Chapter Thirty-One 34 yo

 

 

 

48,7°

Distillery : Tamnavulin - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is one of the most recent releases in the Whiskyland range, launched in 2024 by Decadent Drinks. It is a Tamnavulin distilled in 1991, before the distillery closed in 1995 and before it was taken over by an Indian consortium and reopened in 2007. It is therefore a testament to a distillery that no longer really exists, as after 12 years of closure, it is rare for whisky to be produced exactly the same way. Furthermore, it is the product of a first-fill sherry hogshead, so it is set to be a rich and fruity spirit. 208 bottles saw the light of day. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :   

Deep and dripping sherry, poached damson plums, clafoutis, fermented cherries. It is mellow, with candied and dried fruit, macerated grapes, damp wood, pine resin, treacle, stuffed figs, blood oranges, blueberry tarts, Tabasco. On the palate, the fruit is more luscious, plums, caramel, redcurrants, mandarins, strawberry coulis, it is thick, even sticky. Very pronounced and intense spices. A powerful, very long finish, earthy, woody, hot chestnuts, caramelised onions, dark chocolate and coffee, sweet potatoes, dragon fruit. 

 

In Short, 

It is indeed a Sherry Bomb, but it remains relatively well-balanced. There’s a lovely woodiness throughout, and it avoids any sulphur or even rancio notes. From the nose to the finish, I found it superb. Nothing beats a fine sherry, and this one is truly exceptional. The price is steep, but it reflects the quality and rarity of the product. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Joe Zawinul - Orient Express

Laphroaig 2015 Old Islay 10 yo

 

 

 

52°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm 

 

 

 

Angus MacRaild and Iain MacClune, who founded Decadent Drinks in 2020, have launched a new range called the Islands Hopping Series. The concept involves travelling from one island to another across the British archipelagos and experiencing their most iconic whiskies. The first was a 21-year-old Bowmore released in February, the second a 20-year-old Ledaig (Old Mull), the third a 21-year-old Bunnahabhain, and this is the fourth, a 10-year-old Laphroaig aged in a single first-fill bourbon cask, slightly diluted to 52% ABV. Angus told me that at cask strength it was around 57–58% ABV. In the tradition of the Old Orkney range, these bottlings are called Old Islay. The aim is no doubt to revive old-style whiskies. For this one, 301 bottles are being released.  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Right from the start, a gritty smokiness, a very pronounced coastal character, iodine, sea spray, seawater, seaweed, the tide, kelp, and a huge medicinal note, bandages, disinfectant, Betadine, melted plastic. There is indeed a whisper of vanilla and some yellow fruit in the background, but it’s subtle. The whole is very well crafted and very balanced, a bit austere, mineral. On the palate, it goes even further, the medicinal intensity is still there, peat, salinity, oysters and limestone, perhaps a hint of lychee and coconut, not overly strong spices, clove, grey pepper. A very long and explosive finish, gravel, soot, liquorice, a few dried fruits steeped in medicine, burnt rubber, roots. 

 

In Short, 

It’s so quintessentially Laphroaig, so typical of the distillery that there’s nothing else to say, except that despite its divisive flavours and aromas, it seems very well-balanced, easy to drink and almost self-evident. Yes, there is something old-fashioned about this whisky despite its boldness, or at least reminiscent of the old whiskies as we imagine them today. As for the price, it is high for a 10-year-old, but the quality is there, it tastes significantly older. I didn’t hesitate for long before picking up a bottle. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Jon Henrik Fjällgren - Old Paths

Mortlach 2005 Decadent Drams 20 yo

 

 

 

50,1°

Distillery : Mortlach - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The company, founded in 2020 by Angus MacRaild and Iain MacClune, released another Mortlach last year, distilled in the same year. This one is therefore the sister cask, but slightly older. What makes them special is that they have been matured in first-fill bourbon casks, which is quite rare for this distillery. This cask yielded just 179 bottles. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is immediately fruity and juicy, with very ripe yellow plums, honey in abundance, and pronounced waxy notes. Soft brioche, banana, pineapple, royal jelly, caramelised onions, sugared porridge, vanilla cream. On the palate, it is quite smooth but very oily, citrusy, lemons of various colours, kumquat, peanut butter, butter biscuits, rather rare spices. A lovely finish, which lifts slightly but remains fruity, this time more candied, mirabelle plums, apricots, quinces, shortbread biscuits, discreet cereals. 

 

In Short, 

An astonishing whisky, which bears no resemblance whatsoever to the distillery’s usual style. It’s not just the influence of the Bourbon, I’ve already drunk Mortlach whiskies matured in Bourbon casks and they weren’t like this. Mortlach is robust and deep, here it’s smooth and mellow, it’s more like a Benrinnes or a Blair Athol. But there’s also plenty of fruit, it’s very pleasant to drink, although it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The price is a bit high, perhaps even too high in my opinion, but enthusiasts and the curious with deep pockets might be tempted to give it a go. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Son Lux - Flickers

Glenturret 1990 Whiskyland Chapter Twenty-Nine 35 yo

 

 

 

41,5°

Distillery : The Glenturret - Highlands 

Refill Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

It has been less than two years since the Whiskyland collection was launched, and we are already at chapter 29. And each time, these are very mature whiskies, sourced from exceptional casks. Here, a 35-year-old Glenturret, having spent its entire youth in a refill hogshead, allowing it to express itself fully. Except that a good portion of the alcohol has already evaporated, in fact it was time to bottle this one. 231 bottles were nevertheless taken from the cask. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Liquid honey, waxed wood, malted cereals, pine resin, spring freshness, buttered brioche, subtle floral notes. Creamy citrus, fresh exotic fruits, a pinch of iodine, hand cream. Slight minerality. On the palate, it is creamy and oily, an elegant woodiness, egg yolk, yellow plums, then fairly pronounced spices, nutmeg, clove. A very long finish but not particularly powerful, candied mirabelle plums, very ripe bananas, crushed wheat, more wax, cookie dough, a drop of caramel. 

 

In Short, 

The nose is superb, the rest is excellent, but its lack of power is still somewhat noticeable. It’s a truly beautiful bottling, showcasing the very essence of a distillery that remains all too little known. The price is, of course, very high, which is hardly surprising given its age. What can one say? We’d rather be millionaires. 

Score : 90 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Little Willie John - Made for Me

Tamdhu 2016 Duich Copper & Oak Series III 9 yo

 

 

 

60,3°

Distillery : Tamdhu - Speyside

Refill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Fib Whisky Limited 

Limited Edition

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The company was founded in 2017 under the name Kilrymont Distilling, before being renamed Fib Whisky Ltd in 2021. It is run by two brothers, Iain and Andrew Mundy, who are always keen to experiment with new finishing techniques. But here, nothing too daring, a simple Refill Bourbon Barrel does the job, yielding just 54 bottles, sold exclusively in the UK. The other half of the cask was used for another bottling, finished in a Madeira Barrique this time. It is rare to find a Tamdhu without Sherry, which is why this one is so interesting. Like all the company’s labels, it was designed by Orla Stevens. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sweet fruit, intense wax, citrus and white peach, lemon tart, pineapple cake, vanilla cream, scrambled eggs. Lovely freshness, spring dew, shards of limestone, steamed rice. On the palate, fresh almonds, juicy pears, lychee, coconut, argan oil, pronounced spices, cloves, black pepper. A long and powerful finish that develops slowly, damp earth, oak bark, chocolate, light coffee, very subtle bitterness, drops of honey, varnished wood, artichoke heart, diced green apple.

 

In Short, 

I really like the nose, it’s reminiscent of a Clynelish but without the peat, with plenty of fruit, like a Glenburgie. The finish is very powerful but quite well integrated. The price was very reasonable, making it a real bargain, but unfortunately, it’s nearly completely sold out now. I haven’t tasted the sister cask finished in Madeira, but frankly, I think they should have bottled the whole cask without any finishing.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Lola Bates - Girl's Girl

Amrut 2014 Special Limited Edition Selected by La Maison du Whisky 7 yo

 

 

 

60°

Distillery : Amrut - India 

Ex-Bourbon Cask and Brandy Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The famous Indian distillery has released nearly 100 Special Limited Editions, but only a few have been selected by La Maison du Whisky for priority sale on the French market. This one has been finished in a brandy cask, which is rather unusual. 150 bottles have been made available for sale. The spirit has not been chill-filtered or coloured, however I doubt it is cask strength – at exactly 60% ABV, that would be a strange coincidence. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A lovely balance right from the start, fruit preserved in brandy, grapes in liqueur, macerated cherries, flaked almonds, lychees, raspberry coulis, peppers marinated in oil, strawberry cake, shortcrust pastry, acacia honey, heady floral notes, cherry blossom, damson plums. On the palate, it leans more towards jam, blackberries and redcurrants, with some dried fruit, creamy vanilla, brioche. Quite pronounced spices, slightly minty. A powerful, long and explosive finish, more leafy, bay leaves, black pepper, candied fruit, soft caramel. Touch of mango.

 

In Short, 

This is a truly fine Amrut. To be honest, I’ve never really been convinced by this distillery, but this bottling has won me over. The nose is a true work of art, the palate is perfectly fruity, and the finish is long and explosive. It’s a real success. However, it’s sold out almost everywhere, and when you do find it, the price is quite high, so it’s best reserved for fans of the profile. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Sahalé - Djinn

Orkney Sponge 2005 Edition 002 16 yo

 

 

 

55°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Refill Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

In the early 20th century, there was a distillery on the main island of the Orkney archipelago, located in the town of Stromness and bearing the same name. It closed in 1928, almost a hundred years ago. It produced a whisky marketed under the name Old Orkney, and it is to this that Angus MacRaild wishes to pay tribute with his Old Orkney range, which he also occasionally refers to as Orkney Sponge. Eleven Old Orkney whiskies have been launched by Decadent Drinks, and this is the second. Having spent 16 years in a single Refill Hogshead, it yielded 341 bottles. It is not Cask Strength, it has been slightly diluted. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Orange peel and juicy grapefruit, slices of lime, lemon cake, there’s plenty of citrus here. Intense yellow fruits, gently weathered wood, thick honey, a hint of peat, liquorice stick, a few mirabelle plums and Reine-Claude plums. Ripe apricots, bananas, a trace of exotic fruits. Light mineral notes, but becoming increasingly pronounced. On the palate, a dash of creamy vanilla, brioche, rum baba, more citrus, rather pleasant spices, cinnamon and benzoin. A long, powerful, explosive finish, candied fruit, shortbread biscuits, cooked egg yolk, a pinch of salt, quartz.

 

In Short, 

A very fruity, very citrusy Highland Park, with a slight patina and very subtle peat. I didn’t find it particularly well-balanced, it seemed to me that the fruit was a bit overpowering. But it’s a good whisky, intense, full of character, not quite as ‘old school’ as the marketing claims, I actually find it quite modern. Unfortunately, it’s sold out everywhere, which is a shame as the launch price wasn’t bad. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Black Maze - Love