The WhiskyDudes have a membership programme which gives you access to certain bottles. We’re trying a Benrinnes, Blair Athol and Ardmore which are available as a set or individually.
In my previous review of Whiskydudes releases I made a comment that value-for-money bottlers are often resorting to finishes and small casks to make their whiskies stand out from the crowd. I received a passionate reply from them, explaining why they are making these choices and that they’re monitoring everything very well. It’s good to see there is one plain refill barrel this time.
Benrinnes 16 yo 2009 (52,3%, Whiskydudes for members 2025, refill hogshead + Fino quarter cask #3041291, 79 btl.)
Nose: this if fun. There are tart apples and hints of unripe peaches, but also hōjicha tea (roasted tea stalks rather than leaves), bread dough and a sour acidic edge. Then dried wildflowers in the distance (maybe chamomile) along with mint and almond, which does remind us of Fino. Light hints of vanilla and sawdust as well.
Mouth: some cider apples and yeasty notes. Other than that, no in-your-face Fino character. Still quite sour, with a pleasant sourness, some citrus zing and no overdose of woody vanilla. Hints of ale, plain malt, subtle white pepper and ginger, along with a salty edge and hazelnuts.
Finish: medium to long, with more citrus zest, a drying chalky note and a little damp wood.
I feared the quarter cask finish would overtake the spirit, but this is well dosed. And we’re getting some proper Fino notes, which is always a lot harder than for other types of sherry. Good one.
Blair Athol 17 yo 2008 (54,2%, Whiskydudes for members 2025, Oloroso firkin finish #300990A, 45 btl.)
Nose: classic hints of raisins, orange peels and some golden syrup. Also a discrete herbaceous quality and a sense of old wine barrels. Maybe a hint of dunnage floors. Then nutty notes underneath and a whiff of overripe melon.
Mouth: the fruitiness is interesting. There’s still some melon but now also a distinct grape note. Combined with peppercorns this gives it a winey profile, more Port-like at times. Also a hint of toast, chestnut and a leafy / grassy element. Some green walnut and darker hints of dried figs towards the end.
Finish: medium length, mostly on spicy notes. Pepper, clove, with leafy hints.
Quite nice again, although it feels less balanced than the Benrinnes. Less clasically Oloroso as well, but maybe it’s just the small cask that makes it different. Score: 84/100
Ardmore 17 yo 2008 (52,3%, Whiskydudes for members 2025, refill ex-bourbon barrel #703400, 103 btl.)
Nose: a pristine style, close to Caol Ila sometimes. Bandages and iodine, with broken branches, minerals, sweet lemons and mild beach bonfire. Underneath there is pear and pineapple sweetness, with a drizzle of honey, some kelp and spearmint.
Mouth: now it moves towards Laphroaig, so to speak. More peppery peat, firm medicinal notes, along with a hint of mustard. Just a hint of pineapple again, perhaps a drop of Riesling too. Salted caramel. Then back to sooty smoke and some radish.
Finish: long, sharper, with slightly bittersweet herbs and some grassy notes. Back to sweet peat in the end.
Just very good. Although it isn’t mentioned on the label, this should be one of these ex-Laphroaig casks. A succesful marriage. Score: 87/100