Ballechin 2005 The Ultimate Rare Reserve 14 yo

 

 

 

58,2°

Distillery : Edradour - Highlands 

Burgundy Wine Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Van Wees 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 50 ppm

 

 

 

Edradour is said to be the smallest distillery in the Highlands, with less than 100,000 liters of alcohol per year. They still allow themselves to exploit two brands, the one that bears the name of the distillery, and Ballechin, which brings together peated bottlings, up to 50 ppm. This one spent 14 years in a Burgundy wine cask, before being released in 269 copies. Rare Reserve is a sub-range of The Ultimate collection, which brings out very old things, this one is by far the youngest. It celebrates the 1001st The Ultimate bottling.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The influence of wine is quite rich, plum compote, pears, raspberries, leather, dried fruits, nuts. Nice peat, a little oily, filthy as it should be. It's mellow, and not too sweet, so much the better. Watermelon, dragon fruit, damson. On the palate, it is very red fruits, strawberries, dry earth, rather vegetal. Pomegranate and blackcurrant. Intense spices, paprika, nutmeg, clove. Pleasant finish, charcoal and earth, engine oil and still some red fruits, blackberries and blueberries. Cashew nut. Heather.

 

In Short, 

Very cask-driven, which is often the case with this distillery. That said, it's still decent here. It's neither sour nor too sweet, the distillery markers remain. The peat is very strong, it makes you think of Laphroaig or Port Charlotte. All in all a good winey whisky, unfortunately the price has become too high.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Ride - Leave Them All Behind

Hellyers Road 2004 Peated 16 yo

 

 

 

61,7°

Distillery : Hellyers Road - Australia

American Ex-Bourbon Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Slightly Peated

 

 

 

Hellyers Road is a micro-distillery which began to produce in 1999 in the depths of Tasmania, just on the other side of the world. Its production does not exceed 120,000 liters of pure alcohol per year, which is very little. It's been about five years since it started to be known in Europe, and its reputation is enormous. Here we have a 16-year-old aged in a single American Bourbon cask, and sold exclusively in France via La Maison du Whisky, under the French Connections label. 192 bottles were filled. Only detail that is not mentioned, the peat rate remains an enigma, but I estimate it at around 20 ppm. Please note that there are several Peated Hellyers Road distilled in 2004, but this is the only one to be bottled at this age.

Let's Taste It : 

A fairly fruity, farmy profile, delicate candied lemon, meringue, and very dry hay. The peat is not too strong, earthy, very well integrated. Yellow fruits, cereal fragrances, good depth. Summer scents, which are not bothered by peat, it's rare. On the palate, it's a little more conventional, but well made, a bit coastal and salty, delicate and sparkling fruits, apricot, white plum. Very nice and very long finish, more farmy, biscuity, a little creamy. Ripe wheat.

 

In Short, 

It's great. A very original profile, farmy, earthy, but also very fruity, even sweet. What I like the most, it's that there's nothing to do with Islay, and even with Scotland. It has his own identity. Not how I imagined Tasmania either, but this is a good surprise. Moreover, when it came out, the price was nearly o.k. Now, more or less three years later, it's a bit too expensive for my likings, but you can still order it if you are less reasonable than me. 

Score : 90

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                          Josh Meloy - Already Dead

Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Glenmorangie - Highlands 

Ex-Bourbon Barrels

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

After A Tale of Winter and A Tale of Cake, the series had to be continued. Dr. Bill Lumsden therefore had the idea of A Tale of The Forest, a whisky made with smoked barley using woodland plants. More precisely juniper berries, birch bark and heather blossoms, married with a little peat. The process is original and enticing, but that's no reason to hide the number of bottles produced, or the possible use of dyes. The label and box are illustrated by Thai artist Pomme Chan, who was inspired by the tropical forests of her country.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is interesting, quite fresh, with mellow lemon and pine needles. Sweet and dusty smoke. Nice oak, sand, red fruits, wild strawberries, blackberries, but it's a little unbalanced. A certain minerality, in a dry environment. On the palate, it's very average, the alcohol stands out, some forest fragrances, but barely. Coniferous. A little gasoline. The finish disappears very quickly, it hasn't arrived yet that it's already gone. Bark, some nuts. Heather.

 

In Short, 

The idea was good, but the whisky is less so. I liked the nose, despite some flaws, but the mouth and the finish seemed to me to be of poor value. I don't recommend buying it, maybe if you have the opportunity to taste it during a fair, it's better.

Score : 81 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Nanna - Godzilla

Caol Ila 2011 Scottish Roadsign Edition N°13 9 yo

 

 

 

59,4°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

Bourbon Barrique

Independent Bottling 

By Flickenschild Gmbh & Co. 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask

Bottled in 2020

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Whizita.de is a German online site where you can place great orders, unfortunately they no longer deliver to the European Union. It belongs to a company called Flickenshild Gmbh & Co, and it seems they have been bottling for more than 20 years. In particular this series of Scottish Roadsign Edition, which totals 14 expressions in Single Cask, started in 2017. This is the N°13, it is a 9 year old Caol Ila with a classic aging, and the Roadsign is a warning for crossing badgers. 298 bottles were put on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Salty freshness, embellished with an ashy and dusty smoke, like a forest fire. Behind, a bourbon roundness, but light. The tide is soft, seaweed is rare. Limestone, the rock scratches the skin. Seafood, mussels and razor clams. Palate a little light, but velvety. A vanilla pod coats the peat and seawater. Spices a little too strong, cumin and black pepper. Long and quite powerful finish, mainly iodized. Earthy coal. Green tea. A wedge of lemon. 

 

In Short, 

It is a product that does not have a very good reputation, and I must say that unfortunately it is justified. It's good, but it lacks character. The nose and the mouth are very simple, a little too spicy, only the powerful finish catches up. An expression that will not go in the books, and besides, it was very difficult to collect some elements about it, now that it is sold out.

Score : 85

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Maid of Ace - Bone Deth

Compass Box Ultramarine The Extinct Blends Quartet

 

 

 

51°

Distillery : Caol Ila, Girvan, Glendullan, Cameronbridge, Speyburn, Glen Ord, Miltonduff, Clynelish, Teaninich, Dailuaine - Islay, Highlands and Speyside

1st Fill and Refill Bourbon Barrels, 1st Fill and Refill Sherry Butts, Recharred Hogsheads, Custom French Oak Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Compass Box 

Limited Edition 

Blended Whisky

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 6 ppm

 

 

 

This Ultramarine which came to us last year has caused a lot of ink to flow. The first of a range that pays tribute to the old Blends of the end of the twentieth century, it is the result of a complex maturation supervised by James Saxon, which mixes Sherry and Bourbon, grain and malted barley, with very old products it seems. No less than 10 distilleries were involved, and the list is probably not complete, because there are parcels whose origin has not been revealed by the company, yet a champion of transparency. 5430 bottles were made. If you want to guess which old-fashioned Blend is targeted, just look at the label, set with a beautiful blue veil, and remember that John Glaser, before creating his own company, worked for Johnnie Walker.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Nice salinity. Some seaweed, foam, kelp, but discreet. Nice sea breeze, it's fishy. A grilled trout with almonds. Salt crusts, as on some beaches. Thick, moist peat, very present but not invasive. Then I smell the grain, grilled corn, puffed rice. Nice soft breadth. On the palate, it's mellow at first, between vanilla and oyster juice, some tingling spices, long and coastal finish, still some salt but it's more fruity, more milky. It is sandy and a little grainy, always balanced.

 

In Short, 

They worked hard on the influence of the Caol Ila distillery, to build a kind of salt castle, both subtle and very balanced. Well done,, however, have you seen the price? Nothing to do with the quality of the product if you ask me.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Belle and Sebastian - Lazy Line Painter Jane

Compass Box Flaming Heart 7th Edition

 

 

 

48,9°

Distillery : Laphroaig, Caol Ila, Talisker, Highland Park, Glen Elgin, Balmenach, Clynelish, Deanston, Teaninich, Benrinnes, Allt-à-Bhainne, Glen Ord, Dailuaine, Miltonduff, Ardbeg- Islay, Highlands, Speyside

Recharred Hogsheads, 1st Fill and Refill Bourbon Barrels, Custom French Oak Casks

Independent Bottling

By Compass Box 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured 

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

The 7th edition of the Flaming Heart was crafted by James Saxon. The goal was to highlight the fruit in a unit where peat is important. Since the 1st edition in 2006, this is what is sought, but here it is particularly insistent. Mainly 4 distilleries are involved, Laphroaig, Caol Ila, Talisker and Highland Park, but also the cask bottoms of 4 other Compass Box expressions, the Flaming Heart 6th Edition, the Peat Monster Arcana, the Nectar 15th Anniversary, and the old recipe from The Spice Tree. That makes a total of 15 distilleries! I don't know if each is recognizable in this mix. 9606 bottles are on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Straight avay, the Sherry and a forest character, undergrowth, heather, oak, with beautiful pieces of bark, moss, black and greasy earth. The peat is full and smooth. The influence of Sherry gives damson, cherry clafoutis, a few blackberries. It's quite pulpy, but not excessive. The Bourbon is felt rather on the palate, it's soft, a bit of vanilla, many nuts, cranberry tart, then a long and beautiful finish, not explosive, quiet but which does its job. Burning chestnuts, hot coals, refreshing earth. Bay leaf, thyme, clove.

 

In Short, 

I really liked this forestry and fruity nectar. It's a success, it's pleasant, better in my opinion than the previous edition. But the price is well above what it's worth in terms of quality. It's a pity.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Meat Puppets - Flaming Heart

Compass Box The Peat Monster Cask Strength Origin Story

 

 

 

56,7°

Distillery : Caol Ila, Laphroaig, Clynelish, Teaninich, Dailuaine - Islay, Highlands, Speyside 

Refill American Oak Hogsheads, Bourbon Barrels, Puncheons, Custom French Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Compass Box 

Limited Edition

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 36 ppm

Twenty years already! Twenty years since The Peat Monster flooded the Whiskey market and helped popularize peat among connoiseurs. The first version was actually called Monster and was prepared at the request of the Park Avenue Liquor Shop in New York City. And, after 4 limited editions and numerous special releases, here is the most recent, a Cask Strength bottling to celebrate the anniversary of this famous expression. 9126 bottles are on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

So Laphroaigish, with beautiful drippings of vanilla and pastry cream, mille-feuilles, a well-smoked, metallic and stony peat that is very recognizable, but wouldn't there be also a touch of Caol Ila ? With iodized, marinated, algal character, foam and salt ? Perfect balance, superb marriage. On the palate, it's very sweet, surprisingly, after such a radical nose. Silky, velvety, it flows all by itself. A very fatty vanilla and very ripe white plums, banana and honey. In the finish, a certain violence, it is peppery, cloved, very intense and strong. And then long, to make you dizzy. With lots of seafood, and a salty touch.

 

In Short, 

Well done! I think this one is just perfect. Priority is given to Laphroaig, but Caol Ila also plays his part. It is typical of Peat Monster, heavily peaty, and at the same time very easy to drink. Exactly the kind of contrast I like. The price is a little high, but I am seriously considering a purchase.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Devilskin - Never See The Light

Compass Box The Peat Monster

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Caol Ila, Laphroaig, Clynelish, Teaninich, Dailuaine - Islay, Highlands, Speyside

Refill Hogsheads and Custom French Oak Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Compass Box 

Core Range 

Blended Malt 

Launched in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 36 ppm

 

 

 

The Peat Monster is Compass Box's monster, their figurehead, their best-selling whisky, and a name that spans many bottlings. From the very first Peat Monster, which was actually called Monster, launched in 2003, to the Cask Strength 2d edition launched twenty years later, there are countless expressions bearing this name. Initially, there were 4 limited editions launched at regular intervals, along with many rare things or in Cask Strength. But in 2019, The Peat Monster is integrated into the Signature Range, the classic Compass Box range, with a new recipe essentially based on two distilleries, Caol Ila and Laphroaig. It is this one that I am reporting on today. Even if new Batches are launched every 3-4 months, the recipe remains the same, as well as the label designed by Marc Burckhardt.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Beautiful dry, herbaceous peat. Earth with a full ashtray next to it. It's metallic too, with nails, car wrecks. We're at a junkyard, engine oil puddles here and there. Thick smoke over it, but the fruit is there too, white plums, creamy vanilla. The whole is quite round, well balanced. Ripe wheat. On the palate, pleasant soft peat, the spices rise, pepper, nutmeg, clove, it remains very engaging, slightly woody, then it's the finish, long, explosive, coffee and cola, charcoal.

 

In Short, 

Despite the name, I wouldn't call this a Monster. Its quality is on the contrary that, although very peaty, it remains drinkable and pleasant. This is probably the most peaty expression I know, which is not aggressive. In the mouth, it is quite sweet. This is its strength. John Glaser, when he talks about it, insists on its "drinkability", and that is absolutely true. They made a nice monster, even cute. It's a tour de force, and therefore a classic, that you absolutely must have if you're a fan of the genre.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Aerosmith - Walk This Way