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| Hello, that is one in all our (virtually) day by day tastings. Santé! |
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February 24, 2025
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A little bit of enjoyable all over the world,
hoping for peace
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As a result of there’s a lot enjoyable on the planet proper now, isn’t there? It reminds us of the Coluche-Pratchett theorem, sadly an increasing number of correct as of late “To calculate the IQ of a crowd, take the IQ of the dumbest particular person and divide it by the variety of its members.” Fortunately, this doesn’t apply to whisky lovers, whisky retailers, sommeliers, whisky merchants and brokers, nor, in fact, the distillers who, in the long run, diligently and professionally craft the means for us to overlook. Come on, let’s hold our fingers crossed and stick collectively, beginning with France, as typical…
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The official model, apparently disputed by a quantity
of New York bartenders, claims that Donald T. has
at all times been teetotal. It’s shocking, on this context,
that Elon M.’s AI ‘Grok’ would produce this type of
picture with out batting an eyelid, is it not. (Grok). |
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Moon Harbour ‘Dock 1’ (45.8%, OB, France, +/-2024) 
First matured in ex-Sauternes casks, adopted by 6 months in casks from Château La Louvière, a well-regarded, barely finances Pessac-Léognan producer of each reds and whites. It’s not specified, however one imagines these have been crimson wine barriques. Virtually everybody makes use of ex-wine casks these days, it’s mad (I do know, I hold saying that). Color: apricot. Nostril: nice, marked by the wine, with an abundance of fruits and fruity brioches, fruitcakes, fruit jams and fruit sweets, then mushy acacia honey and a few candied fruitcake. Mouth: the wooden from the casks exhibits extra right here, with inexperienced pepper, a contact of chilli, and fairly a little bit of kirsch. Some bell pepper too, possible from the cabernet. End: of medium size, extra herbaceous, with notes of amaro. Feedback: wine-sky, however good wine-sky. No shock actually, the distillery is in Bordeaux.
SGP:651 – 83 factors. |
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Off we go, to Mexico… Questioning if the distillery is to the east, on the Gulf of Mexico.
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Prohibited Ley Seca 3 yo (40%, OB, Mexico, +/-2024) 
Offered a bit like all these new rum manufacturers that reference previous centuries however didn’t even exist ten years in the past. That is 100% malted barley whisky. I’m undecided if, given the identify, this teenager has any hyperlink to ‘El Ron Prohibido’, a really, very poor rum, additionally from Mexico. In any case, it seems to be produced by the tequila makers Corralejo, primarily based in Guanajuato, removed from the Gulf of Mexico. ‘Ley Seca’ means ‘dry legislation’, so, prohibition. Color: gold. Nostril: like Abasolo, a Mexican corn whisky we actually preferred, this Ley Seca exudes aromas of recent lime and fennel, each vivid and beautiful, together with some Wulong tea and delicate earthy touches that work relatively properly. In the event you push it a bit, you would possibly even discover faint hints of agave. Mouth: a bit candy and liqueur-like however, on this case, the 40% ABV is a blessing. Nougat and citron, but in addition a good bit of plain sugar. Missing in texture although, which is a disgrace. End: brief and candy. Screams for plenty of crushed ice. Espresso liqueur. Feedback: it’s a pity, the nostril was pretty, however the palate tires rapidly. Undoubtedly wants ice to chop by way of the sweetness.
SGP:740 – 65 factors.
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Bivrost ‘Yggdrasil 2024’ (46%, OB, Norway, sherry and STR, 9,009 bottles, 2024) 
Some ‘Arctic Single Malt Whisky’, made by the Aurora Spirit Distillery in Lyngseidet, working since 2016. Mentioned to be the northernmost whisky distillery on the planet, situated on the 69th parallel, properly above the Arctic Circle. From what I collect, the barley used is native (!), yielding 4 instances lower than the standard barley employed in Scotland, in response to Dave Broom in Whisky Magazine. Myken, which we’ve tried a number of instances and actually preferred, isn’t all that distant, at the very least from right here. Color: gentle gold. Nostril: nation bread, lemon, weissbeer, poppy seeds and juniper, inexperienced apple and smoked fish, with the affect from the wine casks being pretty restrained—fortunately—although a couple of notes of raisins do emerge. Mouth: an amusing begin with ginger beer and a barely dusty notice (spelt?), earlier than heading into a mixture of pumpernickel, juniper and speculoos, all moistened with lapsang souchong. End: medium size, relatively earthy and fairly peppery. Feedback: a unusual whisky, in all probability fairly younger. I discover it good and inspiring. Makes you surprise if the warehouse is heated.
SGP:452 – 78 factors. |
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Ki.One ‘Batch 2’ (40%, OB, South Korea, bourbon, +/-2024)
The earlier Ki.One we tasted (WF 83) was bottled at 46%, however this one has misplaced fairly a couple of levels. It comes from first fill bourbon and virgin American oak, which we at all times discover a bit difficult at decrease strengths, so let’s see. Color: gentle gold. Nostril: oh no, that is properly honeyed, with mashed banana, eucalyptus, orange liqueur, mint and, most significantly, not an excessive amount of vanilla. A lightweight contact of ginger liqueur too, echoing that Norwegian we simply tasted. Mouth: very uncommon, completely full of tinned peaches and apricot liqueur, to the purpose the place there’s virtually nothing else. Then once more, we do like tinned peaches and apricot liqueur. A really enjoyable whisky with that aged liqueur vibe from the wooden. End: the vanilla lastly bursts by way of! A great deal of it, together with nougat and apricot jam. Feedback: spectacular liqu… I imply whisky. I actually like this, and what’s extra, the wine casks have been left properly alone this time.
SGP:730 – 83 factors. |
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Braunstein 2010/2023 ‘The Dentist’s Alternative’ (50.1%, OB, Denmark, oloroso sherry, cask #170829.317) 
I do surprise why so many dentists from the Nordic international locations love whisky… Maybe they offer their sufferers half a litre earlier than attending to work? Thanks, Jesper! Color: darkish crimson amber. Nostril: full-on Rivesaltes, Banyuls, PX, previous mosto… It’s all relatively excessive, however in the long run, it comes collectively superbly, virtually like a Jackson Pollock. Black earth, previous walnuts, dried figs, gingerbread and pipe tobacco within the background. Danish tobacco, in fact (Davidoff’s Danish combination—if I recall appropriately). With water: extra potting soil and even a little bit of backyard peat (no smoke), adopted by a return of the oloroso, which feels fairly ‘cream’ right here. Mouth (neat): think about dipping a slice of pumpernickel into darkish honey. Then you definitely sprinkle it with pepper and nutmeg, adopted by raisins and little bits of dried apricot. With water: add some grated orange zest, a splash of cumin liqueur, and some slivers of cured ham. End: lengthy, spicier, with an increasing number of candied ginger and clove. Or what we name ‘gingerettes’, a dreadful identify but it surely’s the ginger model of orangettes. A peppery and bitter aftertaste. Feedback: I consider the end is its weaker spot, however every little thing else is solely very good.
SGP:661 – 87 factors. |
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Smögen 10 yo (57.1%, Decadent Drams, Sweden, 166 bottles, 2024) 
Bravo! First matured for 8 years in ex-Madeira hogsheads, then 2 years in a refill hogshead, presumably to coax out extra refined tertiary aromas. Only a guess. It’s the Cognac methodology—beginning with recent or lively casks, then transferring to refill—the alternative of what whisky people normally do, in search of further flavouring on the finish relatively than the beginning of maturation. Sure, I’m repeating myself once more, however right here we’re feeling pretty assured… Color: gold. Nostril: it’s at all times the precision that impresses us most with Smögen. You could possibly sum it up in two traces (who stated that will be higher, eh?) Lemon, lime, sea water, closely ashy peat, then sauna oils (although we’re not in Finland) and a shocking camphor notice over smoked biltong. With water: only one complete, a unified entity, pure Dasein. Mouth (neat): unbelievable sensation of smoky, spicy citrus liqueurs. That’s it. With water: holy moly, the identical however with seawater (drawn offshore—simply kidding). End: lengthy, this time with touches of previous walnuts and mustard layered over every little thing else. Feedback: I spent fifteen minutes looking for the Madeira, solely to seek out it proper on the finish. Actually, that’s borderline provocative.
SGP:556 – 90 factors. |
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One final one, with somebody who may have been very helpful proper now.
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Bimber ‘Winston the Statesman’ (57.9%, OB, England, Shoulders of Giants, Spanish oloroso, cask #473, 302 bottles, 2024) 
With Sir Winston, it couldn’t probably be ex-bourbon, may it? Perhaps a champagne cask? Didn’t he say, “In victory I deserve it; in defeat, I want it,” echoing Napoleon, in response to the students? Color: deep gold. Nostril: it kicks off boldly with chocolate, prunes, toffee, then a relatively rustic armagnac, like a traditional Ténarèze. A powdery aspect too, with hints of musk (apologies) and even a contact of Chanel N°5. With water: it will get even higher, bursting with all kinds of raisins and dried figs. Mouth (neat): very highly effective, very spicy, loaded with bay leaves and extra toffee, adopted by dried currants and toasted pecans. The entire thing leans an increasing number of in direction of deep roasting. With water: as soon as once more, water works wonders right here. A raisin curry. End: lengthy, following the identical flavour profile. Feedback: a Churchill that loves water—who would’ve thought? Should’ve been a really ‘moist’ sherry cask.
SGP:651 – 88 factors. |
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Whisky, peace, love and understanding!
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The Port Charlotte Case, Half 4
We’re nonetheless very removed from the top…
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Port Charlotte 21 yo 2003/2024 (53.4%, The Best Malts, Metropolis Landmarks, bourbon barrel, cask #664)
Color: straw. Nostril: completely good, the quintessential 2003 profile, similar to the elegant Acla Choice bottling we sampled simply two days in the past. Upon verification, the cask quantity is certainly the identical, confirming it as the exact same immaculate Port Charlotte. Magnificent purity… merely flawless. Mouth: identical feedback apply—it’s a Port Charlotte of exceptional precision. And, in fact, it’s good. End: likewise. Feedback: one is perhaps tempted to match labels, however let’s chorus this time. A grand and impeccable PC, each bit as phenomenal as anticipated, that’s all.
SGP:566 – 91 factors. |
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Port Charlotte 14 yo 2001/2016 (46%, The Cooper’s Alternative, bourbon cask, cask #1016, 350 bottles)
The proprietors of The Cooper’s Alternative, The Classic Malt Whisky Co, have already given us many very good peated Islay whiskies, together with some exceptional PE and CI… and even some L*******n. Color: pale white wine. Nostril: this time, we start with carbolineum and a medley of varied shellfish, earlier than transferring on to almond milk, shoe polish, and a contact of mezcal. Impeccable. Mouth: intensely saline and closely peated on the palate, virtually like taking a cigar from the unsuitable finish. However worry not—the lemons and apples arrive swiftly to set issues proper. The decrease power, in comparison with a CS, by no means seems like a problem. End: lengthy, nonetheless full of ash. Suppose Lapsang Souchong forgotten within the teapot, adopted by limoncello and a salty tang within the aftertaste. Feedback: very spectacular. They honestly nailed their peated whisky on the primary try at Bruichladdich.
SGP:457 – 88 factors. |
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Let’s keep in mind that even the very first Bruichladdichs have been (relatively frivolously) peated in 2001, earlier than they determined to go for unpeated.
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Port Charlotte 20 yo 2001/2021 (54.9%, Maltbarn, bourbon cask, 135 bottles)
Color: white wine. Nostril: metallic notes this time, extra on aluminium utensils earlier than the arrival of metallic polish, naturally, together with lemon and grapefruit. Loads of chalk and damp clay. With water: extra floral now, with jasmine and chalk. Mouth (neat): superbly exact, ashy, peppery, salty, and lemony. Hints of bacon and smoked fish, then surprisingly, some candied sugar notes. With water: edging in direction of the fashion of Islay’s east coast, with crab, oysters, and easily fresh-pressed apple juice. End: lengthy, recent, and chic, highlighting the acquainted parts of the best mid-aged peated malts. Feedback: very refined, this PC feels a contact rounder—probably as a consequence of a relatively lively cask in any case.
SGP:656 – 89 factors. |
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Port Charlotte 19 yo 2004/2024 (59.1%, Relaxation & Be Grateful, LMDW Basis, Uncommon Assortment, oloroso sherry hogshead, cask #R082580014)
We’re anticipating a bit of monster right here… Color: darkish amber. Nostril: following within the footsteps of the younger 2003 Blackadder, which means a peat-and-sherry combo that works as seamlessly as Jagger & Richards within the Exile period. I do know, and Mick Taylor. And the controversies involving Jagger. Oh overlook, solely pre-boomer stuff. Smoked Mars bar, toffees, maple syrup, scorching chocolate, used engine oil, cigars, and a contact of miso. No clashes, it’s unstoppable. With water: extra recent leather-based, a touch of secure, aged meats, and wildly uncooked chocolate. Mouth (neat): a whisper of leather-based and tobacco, then orange liqueurs and sweets full of mint cream. Mint cream sweets, completely deadly. Then an increasing number of black pepper. With water: the tobacco and pepper return, alongside a contact of hen broth. End: lengthy, meaty, chocolatey, virtually cussed. Fairly bittersweet general. Feedback: a monster squared (peat monster meets sherry monster).
SGP:576 – 90 factors. |
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Port Charlotte 16 yo 2006/2023 ‘Rock’ndaal’ (50%, OB, Feis Ile 2023, Refill Wine and Sherry butt, 2500 bottles)
Color: gold. Nostril: not vinous in any respect—quite the opposite, recent fir wooden, smoked oils (sesame), a contact of Chardonnay, and hints of mead. All superbly balanced. With water: recent bread dough and orange cake, hurray! Mouth (neat): glory to refill casks! There are certainly touches of strawberry yogurt and blood orange, however the commanding forces stay lemony, peaty, peppery, and saline all through. With water: excellent, well-balanced, virtually straightforward. The following neatest thing after a refill bourbon. End: not everlasting, however recent and typical. Raspberry chocolate ganache within the aftertaste. Feedback: we have been a bit of cautious upon seeing the phrase ‘wine,’ however then we noticed ‘refill.’ A beautiful composition that has preserved the distillate.
SGP:656 – 87 factors. |
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We estimate that there are nonetheless about 25 PCs to observe up on. Is that alright with you?
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