I used to be fairly shocked to see the newest batch of The Whisky Company bottlings contained three Port casks. I double-checked, after which as soon as extra, however sure: three Port casks. I don’t assume there have been many Port examples from this bottler (no, Port Ellen doesn’t rely), and now we’re getting three directly!
I’m not a fan of purple wine casks and Port is usually nearer to purple wine than sherry as an example, usually overpowering the spirit.
Deanston 17 yo 2008 (52,1%, The Whisky Company 2025, Ruby Port barrique, 164 btl.)
Nostril: typical purple fruits, like redcurrant and cassis, together with delicate potpourri and peonies. A pleasant sourness of Kriek beer, with figs. Then additionally a citrusy high notice (lemon peel), with slightly rose pepper and a whiff of contemporary mint.
Mouth: now the winey aspect is greater, with extra grape skins, cranberries and a calmly bitter edge. Nonetheless a excessive acidity, with bitter cherries, goji berries and under-roasted espresso. Inexperienced pepper, rosemary, raisins and lightweight tannins. Even a touch of salted nuts.
End: medium size, with a pleasant sweet-sour steadiness, only a trace of cocoa and extra purple fruits.
A pleasant nostril and even the palate is sort of good, with a average sweetness and a balanced bitter aspect. One of many higher Port maturations I’ve had not too long ago. Nonetheless a little bit of ‘designer’ whisky although, a bizarre alternative coming from TWA. Accessible in a large collection of retailers.
Braeval 16 yo 2009 (50,9%, The Whisky Company 2025, Tawny Port barrique, 280 btl.)
Nostril: Tawny must be drier, nevertheless it feels sweeter than the Deanston. Raspberry and strawberry, reasonably jammy at first after which transferring in the direction of dried fruits. Figs and dates, with hints of Muscovado sugar and a gentle spiciness. Hints of natural tea on high. You get an actual sense of Port right here.
Mouth: again to the vinous character, together with the roughness and the (gentle) natural bitterness. Black peppercorns, fruit stems and blood oranges, together with cranberries and oversteeped rosehip tea. Some tannins. Hints of vermouth as nicely.
End: fairly lengthy, however much more winey, with a bittersweet edge and pepper.
Not unhealthy, much less acidic than the Deanston, however I can’t assist feeling the wine and the whisky are preventing one another. As within the Deanston, every part is okay on the nostril however much less pleasurable on the palate. Rating: 80/100
Remind me to have a phrase with Carsten – I’m certain he was attempting to show one thing, however I’m probably not getting it to this point.
Croftengea 19 yo 2006 (49,5%, The Whisky Company 2025, Tawny Port barrique, 162 btl.)
Nostril: A deep peatiness, with sooty notes and ashes, hints of worn leather-based, burnt Mediterranean herbs and hints of mint / menthol. Then hints of cassis and strawberry jam, in addition to cranberry juice and lightweight caramel. Whiffs of sandalwood and lightweight balmy nortes. All good.
Mouth: a very nice steadiness. The sooty, ashy smoke doesn’t overpower, nor the Port. Greater than sufficient creamy fruitiness, purple berries (raspberry, cherry) however even some calmly tropical components. Then some leathery notes, contemporary figs and raisins.
End: medium to lengthy, with darkish smoke, barbecued fruits and a gentle natural edge.
This I’m getting. There’s an ideal steadiness of fruits, smoke and wine, with not one of the disturbing winey notes. Peat is solely a blanket for the wine, if balances the sharpness and gives the required counterweight. In case you insist on Port casks, then that is the one to go for. Rating: 89/100
