Special Releases 2018: tasting notes 2/2

Part two of our overview of Diageo’s Special Releases 2018. In case you missed it, check the Special Releases 2018 – part 1.

 

 

Inchgower 27 yo 1990 (55,3%, OB ‘Special Releases’ 2018, refill hogsheads, 8544 btl.)

Sometimes known as the ‘Manzanilla of Speyside’ for its light and coastal profile.

Nose: although there’s certainly a light fruitiness (lime, bergamot), it is more on the oaky side, with slightly fragrant notes (whiffs of potpourri). Fresh oak shavings. Ginger and pepper. Shortbread. Also a little marzipan.

Mouth: fruitier and creamier now. Peaches, apples, honey and pineapple cubes. Then back to this oak character with cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as hints of fruit tea and walnuts. Just a slightly savoury, salty edge.

Finish: medium, drier, nuttier and a touch leathery.

Good, but slightly quirky. Perhaps too much oak influence, or maybe it suffered from the line-up. After the Pittyvaich this failed to convince me entirely. Around € 300 (TWE / TWB).

Score: 86/100

 

 

 

Cladach (57,1%, OB ‘Special Releases’ 2018, blended malt)

This blended malt includes Diageo’s coastal distilleries: Caol Ila, Clynelish, Inchgower, Oban, Lagavulin and Talisker. Different types of casks were put together.

Nose: coastal indeed. The core profile seems to be a kind of sweet Lagavulin with more medicinal notes. Sherried Laphroaig, ha! Bandages and menthol. Wet seashells, cold ashes, toffee and hints of barbecued meat. Ripe citrus. Sweet liquorice candy. Crushed peppercorns. This is complex and beautifully composed.

Mouth: bonfire smoke, sweet wax and peach compote. Medicinal notes again, honey and a whiff of salted caramel. Lime, ginger. Peaty, with a good dose of sherry.

Finish: long, slightly drier and more mineral, with fading citrus and charred oak.

This is a belter of a blend that has enough layers to keep you interested for a long time. Around € 175 (TWE / MoM).

Score: 88/100

 

 

 

Talisker 8 yo (59,4%, OB ‘Special Releases’ 2018, first-fill ex-bourbon casks)

A nod towards the Talisker 8 from the 1970s. It was confirmed that this is a one-off release, unlike the Lagavulin 8 Years for instance, mostly because Talisker already has a wider range.

Nose: I’m struck by the mentholated aromas that come out first, nice. Hints of antiseptic (more than in other Taliskers), the trademark pepper and medium peat. After airing it becomes more fruity (limes, pineapple), with more vanilla and toffee as well.

Mouth: lots of power! Very sweet (apple, butterscotch, gooseberries) with lacquered meat, black pepper and some sea spray. More balanced with water.

Finish: long, minty and toasty.

Quite modern and young, this lacks the layered complexity of the recent batches of the 10yo and 18yo, but it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The ideal Special Release for those on a budget: around € 80 (but sold out in most places).

Score: 87/100

 

 

Then there were two bonus drams that weren’t planned. However there was only a sip available, so only some rough impressions, I’m afraid.

 

Carsebridge 48 yo 1970 (43,2%, OB ‘Special Releases’ 2018, single grain, 1000 btl.)

Plenty of polished oak, marzipan and a rummy side. Also big notes of vanilla latte. Crème brûlée, sweet grains and stewed fruits on the palate. Bananas. Some barbecued pineapple and leather as well.

I believe this was my first Carsebridge, but I’ve had many similarly aged grains. This is top-notch but also very expensive: around € 800 (pretty much sold out).

Score: 89/100

 

 

Caol Ila 35 yo (58,1%, OB ‘Special Releases’ 2018, refill American oak hogsheads and refill butts, 3276 btl.)

Very waxy, silky nose, with earthy tea, polished oak and many tiny notes (mint, subtle smoke, coastal notes, lemon balm, dried flowers…). Much more punchy on the palate: lemon and peat, a sharper kind of coastalness, waxy oak and mentholated notes.

As good as we expected. Very sophisticated, the King of this year’s Special Releases. Around € 750 (TWE / MoM).

Score: 91/100

 

 

Conclusion? A really cosy event (thanks Timon and Arno) and very good to excellent whisky, with no exceptions. If money is not an issue, get the Caol Ila 35 Years. For the best quality for money, get the Pittyvaich 28 Years. If you’re on a budget, go for the Talisker 8 Years.