I’m all the time shocked that ‘new’ releases from Whisky AGE become bottled in 2024 and even 2023. Then once more, it should take a while earlier than bottles are delivered in Taiwan, after which a bit longer earlier than samples attain Europe once more.
Immediately we’re having a number of the most up-to-date Whisky AGE releases, but additionally a couple of that return longer. Most of them are middle-aged whisky from lesser identified distillers. A few of these bottles are nonetheless out there, higher examine with the Whisky AGE distributors.
Jura 16 yo 2006 (54,2%, Whisky AGE 2023, bourbon barrel #8001643, 214 btl.)
Nostril: a inexperienced and pretty mossy begin, together with dried grass and stony hints. Hints of porridge, lemon juice and lime peelings, possibly a touch of rhubarb. A little bit of weissbeer. Mustard, earthy notes, freshly minimize herbs and metallic polish too. Not very traditional, however nothing overly funky both.
Mouth: extra funky now, with loads of sunflower oil, extra mustard and loads of waxes and paraffin. Then white pepper, an virtually peaty and rubbery aspect and a very good dose of bitter extracts. Salty walnuts and grapefruits too. Additionally a floral, virtually perfumed component and a few tannins.
End: medium, fairly austere, with some zesty bitterness, pepper, paraffin and a barely medicinal edge.
A troublesome dram, beginning slightly clear however selecting up funky flavours alongside the best way. Fairly consultant for the distillery, however just for grown-ups, I’d say.
Pulteney 16 yo 2007 (55,3%, Whisky AGE 2023, bourbon barrel #700732, 217 btl.)
Nostril: an analogous clear / austere aspect, albeit extra approachable. Extra rhubarb, inexperienced apple, lemon peels and kiwi. Inexperienced walnuts. Then decidedly coastal, on sea air, chalk, ink and herbs. Aperitif model.
Mouth: lemons and grapefruits, each the juice and the peels. The citrus mixes with grassy notes, some inexperienced tea and an analogous bitter edge, possibly gentian. Some chalk. Seems Jura and Wick are nearer than I believed. Very zesty and dry, with some earthy turmeric as nicely.
End: medium, on salty notes, ale, a little bit of natural bitters and inexperienced eau-de-vies.
It appears they’ve a candy spot for these austere drams in Taiwan. The whisky itself is all however candy although, and requires the best mindset. Very refreshing although, in a means. Rating: 86/100
Glentauchers 15 yo 2009 (54,6%, Whisky AGE 2024, first fill bourbon barrel #800647, 233 btl.)
Nostril: right here the summery, fruity aspect comes out. Nonetheless a bit inexperienced, however extra on peaches, inexperienced melons, inexperienced apples and lightweight honey, with some vanilla beneath. Hints of gardenia and honeysuckle. Contemporary almonds and a refined mixture of ginger and nutmeg.
Mouth: vibrant and welcoming. Extra lime, inexperienced apple, pear sweetness and lightweight vanilla custard. Only a trace of white pepper and inexperienced tea, including some spicy warmth. A little bit of uncooked malt as nicely. Then hints of nutmeg, lemon zest and shortbread within the background.
End: medium, with inexperienced tea, aniseed, drops of limoncello and a bit extra zesty notes.
Extra (orchard) fruit right here, though nonetheless including a few of that greener, zestier character that we additionally discovered within the first two. We’re undoubtedly onto the preferences of this bottler. Rating: 86/100
Craigellachie 15 yo 2009 (54,2%, Whisky AGE 2024, ex-Caol Ila hogshead #305228, 283 btl.)
Nostril: the Caol Ila is simple to note. Contemporary lemon and lime, together with some unripe pineapple. Mild smoke arrives early, together with some roasted nuts and black pepper. There’s additionally a light mineral aspect of sunflower oil and graphite.
Mouth: now the ashy smoke is taking the lead – gently, however apparent. Actually it turns into exhausting to tell apart the unique distillery. Lemons, hints of hay and grass? Then additionally cardamom, refined leafy notes and crushed mint.
End: medium, on a mixture of grapefruits and ashes.
Not a nasty thought, this. The Caol Ila leaves a noticeable footprint, including ashy notes to an honest base spirit. It’s the most fascinating whisky on this session, which principally had robust drams, I have to add. Rating: 87/100
