Rapid fire whisky notes is our way of working through our backlog of samples (see volume 3). Simple assessments with concise tasting notes.
Dailuaine 11 yo 2011 (52%, Asta Morris 2022, bourbon cask, 320 btl.)
N: pears and caramelized apples, with toffee and typical candle wax. Also sweet porridge, almonds and sweet lemon. M: sweet and creamy, with hints of lemon cream and pear, white pepper, caramel latte, dried grasses and wax. F: quite long but nicely rounded. 〉〉〉 A great waxy texture, and a nice mix of fruits and caramel sweetness. Good value: why is this still available in stores?
Aibhainn Dearg 10 yo ‘X’ (46%, OB +/- 2022)
N: dusty barley notes, dried herbs and apples. Also paraffin and engine grease, with subtle maritime nots. M: sweet barley water, bready notes, pears, alongside hay, heather and wood spice. Hints of wet cardboard in the background. F: medium length, on dusty oak, honey and kelp 〉〉〉 Our first encounter with Abhainn Dearg wasn’t particularly pleasant. This is better, but still not a future classic. Score: 70/100
Fettercairn 2009 (50,6%, Liquid Art 2022, 140 btl.)
N: sweet pear, nougat, peach, yellow plums, lemon candy, honey and vanilla. Sweet and rounded, with a hint of dried grass and white rum in the background. M: still fruity, on peach, melon, fresh plums and mashed banana. Creamy vanilla custard and light oak spice. F: quite long, still sweet and fruity, with mild cinnamon and pepper. 〉〉〉 A perfect daily drinker. Still seen at Care for Craft Spirits. Score: 87/100
Glenburgie 25 yo 1994 (55,5%, Gordon & MacPhail ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ 2020, refill sherry hogshead #10064, 176 btl.)
N: slightly boozy, like a rum & raisin dessert. Apple crumble, vanilla, polished wood, hints of brown sugar and marmalade. Then orange peels, dried apricot, hints of Amontillado and mild spice. M: rich and fruity start, on apricot, berries, golden raisins and oranges. Some coffee, candied ginger, cinnamon and sweet oak. F: long, sweet and spicy. Pepper, Jaffa cakes and honey. 〉〉〉 Highly intruiging nose, complex and richly textured on the palate. A winner. Probably sold out (?) but watch out for older sister casks that are still out there. Score: 89/100
Linkwood 10 yo 2012 (46%, Signatory Vintage ‘Un-Chillfiltered’ 2023, first-fill Oloroso butt finish, cask #201 + 203)
N: dates and raisins, with a slightly synthetic / metallic hint and a whiff of lavender. Some raspberry, rosé wine, toffee and chestnuts. Marmalade and shortbread. M: still a bit hit-and-miss. That metallic note is back, alongside walnut skin, red berries and cocoa. Hints of orange peels, liquorice and tobacco as well. F: medium length, on toffee, figs and herbs. 〉〉〉 Certainly not perfect but it’s quite cheap so maybe our expectations were too high. Score: 83/100
Williamson 2014 (46%, Berry Bros ‘Small Batch’ for Kirsch Import 2023, Batch #1, hogsheads, 1109 btl.)
N: tarry ropes, dried seaweed, smoked kippers and hints of wood logs. Immediately coastal, but not hugely medicinal and mildly peaty. Burnt herbs. Subtle pear sweetness underneath. M: bonfire ashes and charcoal, hints of banana sweetness, mezcal and dark chocolate. Tarry notes and black peppercorns. F: quite long, with more ashes, herbs and a vague sweetness. 〉〉〉 Proper young Laphroaig, already offering much more advanced notes than just raw peat. Score: 87/100
Thomson Whisky – Manuka Smoke (53,9%, OB for Kirsch Import 2023, single cask #141, 284 btl.)
N: mild, dry wood smoke without any medicinal component except for a little mint. Burnt grass. Cinnamon and cedar wood, pleasant honey and caramel sweetness. M: still plenty of peppermint, with a firm woody note. Then a herbal bitterness, heavily infused tea, aromatic / floral touches and a pinch of salt. F: quite long, ashy, with roasted nuts and oaky bitters. 〉〉〉 Nice nose but the wood is loud and slightly bitter on the palate. Score: 81/100
Shh.. ecret Islay 21 yo 1999 (59,8%, The Whisky Jury 2021, refill barrel, 250 btl.)
N: fresh sea spray, eucalyptus and iodine. Burnt rosemary, wool and lemons. M: sharp, but showing a very nice citrusy side, alongside warm bonfire smoke, black pepper, a hint of wasabi, camphor and ashes. Something of floss candy too. F: long, on warm smoke, vanilla, brine and pepper. 〉〉〉 It seems I forgot to review this one while it was still available… shh… don’t tell Joeri. Score: 88/100
Williamson 9 yo 2012 (60,5%, Whisky Picnic Bar ‘Just Dram It’ 2022, refill butt, 267 btl.)
N: whiffs of buttermilk, then bacon, lemon and seaweed. Nutty notes, lemons and seaweed. M: very drinkable considering the ABV. Sweet malt, sweet peat, with baked apple, barbecued meat and warm ashes. F: long and sweet, with hints of cocoa, roasted herbs and lingering smoke. 〉〉〉 Rather simple, but nicely combining sweetness and smokiness. Score: 85/100
Starward 5 yo 2016 (59,3%, OB for Whivie.be & The Bonding Dram 2021, fortified wine barrel #1855, 222 btl.)
N: a lot of fresh wood dust, with light yeasty notes. Settles down on red fruit candy, grapefruit, leather and mint leaf. Some chestnut and cinnamon powder too. M: quite thick, with woody heat (not unlike bourbon whiskey). Then pepper, plummy notes, raisins, walnuts and caramel sweetness. F: long, spicy with more dried / candied fruits. 〉〉〉 Overall a rather loud whisky. There’s a sherry-like character but it’s dominated by heavy wood and sweetness. Very New Worldish. Better than sister cask #1870 for LMdW though. Score: 85/100