Signatory Vintage is now getting a lot of attention for their sherry-driven 100 Proof series. Most of them offer a lot of flavour for a modest price. However, for the releases we’re looking at today (an exclusive partnership with The Whisky Exchange), they’re focusing on the quality of bourbon casks.
The series includes Clynelish, Linkwood and Mortlach. Note that prices are on the higher side here, as if bourbon casks are now the premium exception.
Clynelish 17 yo 2008 (53,1%, Signatory Vintage ‘Bourbon cask series’ for The Whisky Exchange 2025, barrel #800073)
Nose: a clean nose, with fresh fruits like peaches and pears. There’s also a nice chalky note and a hint of wet rocks, but a slightly lower amount of waxy notes than I was hoping for. Light floral hints and eucalyptus. Then fresh almonds, a subtle hint of honey and subtle coconut shavings.
Mouth: vibrant fruity hints again, with a pleasant tart side (green apples, limes, kiwis) couple to mild vanilla and sweeter banana ice cream. Now the waxy character is bigger, always nice. Still some mineral notes and light pepper. Then hints of honey and whiff of sun lotion, and a bit of camphor in the distance.
Finish: medium length, lemony and waxy, with some green, leafy hints.
I wasn’t totally convinced after the nose, with more sweetness and less waxy notes than I was hoping for. However it started growing on me on the palate, so it ends with a nice score. Already sold out at The Whisky Exchange.
Linkwood 16 yo 2008 (58,7%, Signatory Vintage ‘Bourbon cask series’ for The Whisky Exchange 2025, barrel #800064)
Nose: quite sweet and rounded, even a little buttery at first. Plenty of apple juice here, with a little kiwi, lemon candy and nice mentholated hints. Then subtle floral notes (fresh laundry and elderflower) along with some lemongrass.
Mouth: honeyed and spicy. Sweet caramel with white pepper, apples, tangerines and mirabelles. Some elderflower again. Then also light grassy notes, ginger and a touch of resin. More lemon candy, light caramel and shortbread, even a slightly tropical touch. Overall quite punchy and bright.
Finish: medium long, still a bit grassy, but also showing vanilla and more acidic fruits.
This one had more complexity than you’d think after a first sip. Bright and easy fruits, but lots of intricate subtleties that make this really attractive. A bit of an insider pick. Still available from The Whisky Exchange. Score: 89/100
Mortlach 21 yo 2003 (58,3%, Signatory Vintage ‘Bourbon cask series’ for The Whisky Exchange 2025, barrel #800225)
Nose: one of these cleaner Mortlachs. Rich pears and mirabelles, hints of dandelions and honeydew. Grows richer, with a bit of butter pastry, sweet chalk and apple compote. Light flowery notes and lime, as well as a synthetic sugary touch.
Mouth: more weighty now (in line with Mortlachs meaty reputation) but still showing nice pineapple candy, green banana, honey and gorse flowers as well. Marzipan and vanilla cookies. Perhaps a little more wood than the two others as well, but in a fairly creamy way – no excessive spice.
Finish: medium to long, quite rounded again. Some custard and a little toffe with jammy stone fruits.
Also pretty great – I’m not the biggest fan of Mortlach’s heavy style but I’m really happy with this one. Complexity and roundness combined. Who would have thought the Clynelish would be overtaken by both other whiskies? Available from The Whisky Exchange. Score: 89/100