Laphroaig Càirdeas 2024 Cask Favourites 10 yo

 

 

 

52,4°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay

1st Fill, 2d Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrels and Quarter Casks, Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 43 ppm

Every year since 2008, a Càirdeas has been offered at the end of the Feis Ile, but this year it's something special. It's the 30th anniversary of the Friends of Laphroaig association, so this one is 10 years old, which is already great. What's more, they've combined the two most acclaimed Càirdeas of the past, the 2019 Triple Wood and the 2021 PX Casks Cask Strength. The result is this Cask Favourites, which is apparently not Cask Strength but slightly reduced. In fact, there doesn't seem to be an Oloroso Casks finish like in the Triple Wood, so it's more like the PX Casks Cask Strength, but less powerful, and 10 years old. No indication of how many bottles are available.

Let's Taste It : 

Smoke in fine ashes, with everything that makes Laphroaig, a medicinal touch enhanced by Pedro Ximénez Sherry, chewy charcoal, garnet and muscatel grapes, a drizzle of melting chocolate, gooseberry and raspberry juice, but just a few drops. A touch of honey. Full ashtray. The balance is just perfect. On the palate, it's silk, but soaked in spongy peat and motor oil. Liquorice stick, candied quinces. Lignite behind, and the spices, especially pepper, appear after a long time. Long, virulent finish, rough coal, ash pate. Red fruits and gas oil, chalky earth, full of gypsum. Burnt wood, cola.

 

In Short, 

It's magnificent from start to finish. The best Càirdeas in my opinion, and in fact the best rated on Whiskybase at the moment. Everything is wonderfully balanced, very fruity, with the typical peatiness still quite present. It has to be said that the Càirdeas 2021 PX Casks Cask Strength was already my favourite, and this one has a very similar profile, but is older and therefore even more subtle. So it's only natural that I like this one even more. The price doesn't seem so high, and I wonder whether I won't buy a second bottle before it runs out.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Hana Piranha - The Devil Always Pulls Through

Kilkerran 8 yo Cask Strength Sherry Cask Matured 2024

 

 

 

57,4°

Distillery : Glengyle - Campbeltown

Oloroso Sherry Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated from 12 to 15 ppm

This is already the 10th Batch of this annual limited edition, which has sometimes been biennial, launched in 2017. It is aged in Oloroso Sherry casks, and is the 5th to have undergone this maturation, there are 4 aged in Bourbon casks, and 1 aged in Port casks. We don't know how many bottles were produced, but certainly more than 10,000.

Let's Taste It : 

Very gourmand sherry, vergeoise, genoise, brown sugar, caramel éclair, and behind, beautiful dry smoke, hay is burnt, with vanilla and a touch of iodine. Shortbread biscuits, but with the air of the sea, as if soaked in foam. A zest of lemon adds freshness. Breton cake with orange blossom. On the palate, it's a little watery at first, then becomes denser, dry vanilla, high herbs, and the spices rise, white pepper, liquid honey, peanut butter, and finally a long, barely explosive finish, hazelnut cream, buttered corn, sweet almonds.

 

In Short, 

Absolutely marvellous, the distillery has really taken things up a notch with this Batch, with its bold, perfectly balanced profile. Only the palate is a little off, slightly watery at first. It's a shame, because otherwise this would be a truly exceptional bottling, especially at this price, which is still relatively reasonable, given that this bottle is highly sought-after. Every year, it becomes a little harder to find.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                           Fairport Convention with Sandy Denny - Who Knows Where the Time Goes?

Springbank 12 yo Cask Strength Batch 25

 

 

 

57,2°

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown

70% Bourbon and 30% Sherry Casks 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

This is the 25th batch of the 12 yo Cask Strength, which has now become almost as hard to find as the Local Barley or the Longrow 18 yo. This limited edition was launched in 2010, at first there were two batches a year, and now we're happy when there's one. Impossible to know how many bottles were produced. 

Let's Taste It : 

Melting brown sugar drowned in caramel, dates, dried figs, liquorice, at first we're in the Sherry, then more typical hallmarks appear, iodised freshness, fresh hay, young wood, all with a few blackberries and varied plums. Very light, enticing smoke, blocks of charcoal deep down. On the palate, it's liquorish, with fermented fruits, a hint of vanilla, woody bitterness, coffee in a percolator, with a square of dark chocolate, spices that aren't too strong, nutmeg and pepper. The finish is long, woody, caramelised, with cocoa beans, ginger and a variety of other spices.

 

In Short, 

I found it very gourmand, marked by the Sherry, the influence of the Bourbon is barely perceptible, the palate especially is very successful, it's like jam. On the other hand, the nose needs time to settle, at first it's alcoholic and not very complex, then the smoke rises and gives a very nice balance, the sensation of alcohol disappears. It's a great success. Obviously, if you can find a bottle without paying too much, you're a champion. As far as I'm concerned, I was really lucky.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Kirk Fletcher - Silver Spoon

Ben Nevis 2019 100 Proof Edition #1 4 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

Refill Oloroso Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Heavily Peated

 

 

 

The 100 Proof range was launched at the beginning of 2024, with this heavily peated Ben Nevis, aged just 4 years to retain its ardour. The exact peat content has not been disclosed here, but in my humble opinion it is at least 40 ppm. This violence is softened by ageing in Oloroso Sherry Butts. The alcohol content has been reduced to the traditional 100° Proof, which guarantees great power. A total of 2988 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Beautiful peat, not as violent as all that, enticing, seductive, with a hint of sweetness, soft caramel and notes of iodine. Some spice adds a touch of madness. Bubble tea, iced coffee, crushed white grapes. A few drops of wax. Barley sugar, juicy mirabelle plums. Light dancing smoke. Mouth with a good dose of peat, it's malty, lemony, a bit cereal-like, then the pepper rises, quite strongly. Smooth liquorice, followed by a powerful, explosive, charcoal finish, melted dark chocolate, hazelnuts, cola, black radish. Some roots, perhaps ginger.

 

In Short, 

No less than you'd expect, with a peat that's quite violent and present, but not overpowering. You'll find the Ben Nevis markers and the soothing influence of Sherry. It's very nice, I'd recommend buying it for any peat lover, it's still available on a few sites.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened Whhile Sipping :

 

                                           Stoned Jesus - I'm The Mountain

Talisker Special Release 2023 The Wild Explorador

 

 

 

59,7°

Distillery : Talisker - Islands 

1sr Fill Bourbon Barrels and White, Tawny, Ruby Port Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 22 ppm 

In a break with tradition, the 2023 Talisker Special Release is not aged. Since 2001, Diageo has released around 28 Talisker Special Releases, and they were all aged, first from 20 to 30 years, then, from 2018, from 8 to 15 years. And this year, no age. Suffice to say, it was a disappointment for all Talisker fans. What's more, finishing in port casks risked distorting the distillery's profile. As a result, sales did not live up to expectations. But I still wanted to make my own opinion, so I took a sample. Unfortunately, there was no indication of how many bottles had been produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The suavity of port, enhanced by a charcoal and enticing smoke. Red grapes, damsons, melting chocolate. Fresh figs. Smoked ham. Pomegranate seeds. Heather earth. Perhaps a touch of iodine and a hint of the sea. Silky on the palate, full of coffee, pepper and cumin, dark chocolate. Peat in the background. Long and powerful finish, damp bark, more chocolate and spices, shoe polish, nutmeg, earthy undertones, vegetal notes, forest undergrowth.

 

In Short, 

To be honest, it's very good, and above all very well done. The port blends very well with the peat, which seems to be more prominent than usual. It's very fruity, and deep at the same time. On the other hand, there are very few of the distillery's typical character traits, and it lacks a little complexity. As for the price, it's far too high for a product like this, and I wouldn't recommend buying it, except in 20cl bottles, if it's still available. But if you get the chance to taste it, don't hesitate.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Lacrimosa - Nach dem Sturm

Secret Orkney 2010 100 Proof Edition #15 14 yo

 

 

 

57,1° '(100° Proof)

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islands 

1sr Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts and Bourbon Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm 

As part of the brand new 100 Proof range created by Signatory Vintage less than a year ago, this Secret Orkney, which is of course a Highland Park, caught the eye of the most curious. Firstly because it is the oldest whisky in the range, and secondly because it comes from an officially secret distillery, which was something new. As with the other bottlings in the range, the Sherry has pride of place, and the reduction to the traditional 100° Proof promises great intensity. We don't know how many bottles were produced, but it's in excess of a thousand.

Let's Taste It : 

Fine and grainy smoke, light but very fruity sherry, with juicy white grapes, candied quinces, dried apricots, vinous touches, but then this is rosé wine. The peat gives the whole thing fullness. A drop of water brings out the smoke. Fine balance at the end. On the palate, the fruits blend smoothly on the tongue, with just the right amount of pepper. Then the spices rise, cloves, cumin and nutmeg. The finish is long and pleasant, almost explosive, and slowly settles, with smoky wood, mossy bark, a few black berries, almost sparkling, macerated fruits, medlars, morello cherries, damp leather. Chasselas grapes.

 

In Short, 

I think this is one of the best products in this range, which has become popular among whisky lovers. It's one of the highest rated on Whiskybase and one of the oldest. The sherry is not overpowering and adds just a hint of very pleasant sweetness, which works very well with the peat. The Highland Park profile is clearly recognisable. I'd advise any enthusiast to buy it, especially as the price is very attractive.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Leeaav - Puppet

Bruichladdich 1992 Cadenhead's Authentic Collection Cask Strength 22 yo

 

 

 

53,3°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay

Bourbon Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By William Cadenhead Limited 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2015

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

You'll find some great stuff when you dig through Cadenhead's huge catalogue. Here is a 22-year-old Bruichladdich aged in a single Bourbon Hogshead that produced 222 bottles. Cask strength and not chill filtered, this whisky comes from a relatively recent period, but one that we already regret.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is delicately woody, young wood and freshly cut straw, topped with caramel, peanut buttercream, vergeoise, then it becomes maritime, with big whiffs of ocean and fresh butter, foam, fish scales, juicy mirabelle plums, banana, toasted wheat. Calissons d'Aix-style almonds, ground genoise, egg yolk. Custard, with lots of vanilla. A touch of salt. Palate slightly peppery at first, on a silky background, then intensifies, greengages, not too ripe pears, sweet bitterness, asparagus and green apples. The finish is quite violent and very long, with a  good intensity over time, artichoke heart, a pinch of sea salt, vegetal notes, watercress, dill, chives, chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

First of all, I recommend adding a small drop of water to allow the juice to develop. Having taken this precaution, the nose is magnificent, in three stages: first peanut butter, then a maritime character, and finally fruit and cereals. And the palate is not to be outdone, let alone the finish; a real explosion of flavours and spices. In short, if you get the chance to try this bottle, don't hesitate. You can still find it at auction, or on a few websites, but at a price that makes you cringe.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Kaz Hawkins Band - Because You Love Me

Caol Ila 2015 Signatory Vintage 8 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Bourbon Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

I had the opportunity to taste this one about a month ago, and I've been waiting for it to be officially released before talking about it. But I'm getting tired of waiting, and it won't be the first time I've been interested in a bottle that hasn't been released yet. The thing is, there's a lack of information here, because it doesn't really exist yet, we don't know how many bottles have been made, for example. But we do know the age, about 8 years and 5 months, and the nature of the cask, Bourbon Hogshead, after all that's the main thing.

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

This is fresh, young and vigorous. Powerful, charcoal-laden, pervasive and beautiful smoke. Balanced by a creamy and pastry-like vanilla, a lemon zest and ripe mirabelle plums. Peat in the background, with maritime notes, tide, fresh fish, foam, sea spray, seaweed, kelp. On the palate, a certain velvety sweetness, citrus freshness, banana, drops of honey, relatively powerful spices. Quite a long finish, with American tobacco, walnuts and hazelnuts, clods of earth, and a few more dollops of smoky peat.

 

In Short, 

A very successful Caol Ila, where the fruit balances well with the peat. On the other hand, I found that the maritime notes were a bit in the background. Very pleasant overall, despite the reduction. Let's hope the price is in line with the quality of the product. 

Score : 87  

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Vintage Trouble - Blues Hand Me Down