On the Whisky Truthful in Germany, a few weeks in the past, Maltbarn offered its newest batch of whisky bottlings. A couple of of them have labels that seek advice from well-known music albums, and these are those we’ll be making an attempt first.
There are acquainted names, as Maltbarn tends to launch related casks (or elements of casks) a number of instances over the course of some years. Nevertheless there’s additionally Glen Mosset – a reputation that we’ve solely seen with Maltbarn thus far, if I’m not mistaken. It seems to be the disguise of Benromach.
Glenlossie 29 yo 1995 (49,2%, Maltbarn 2025, bourbon cask, 156 btl.)
Nostril: very fragrant, with loads of candy pears, winery peaches, quinces, in addition to some extra tropical notes (bananas). Later it strikes in direction of apricots with waxy undertones (crayons). Just a little chamomile tea as properly. Then additionally a touch of ladies’s cream, one thing blossomy that you just get in very outdated bourbon casks. A fantastic profile.
Mouth: sunflower oil blended with lemon juice, one thing gristy and inexperienced banana. Candy at first, however the grassy aspect of the spirit makes it transfer in direction of bittersweet notes. Grapefruit, a chalky contact, some inexperienced tea and ginger. A touch of quinine?
End: not too lengthy, however crisp, properly mixing mint, lemon peels and a few oaky sweetness.
Just about consistent with the Glenlossie 1992 they launched a few years in the past. A superb profile with the seductive aspect of lengthy ageing but in addition a punk edge. Precisely.
Aberlour 22 yo 2003 (52,7%, Maltbarn 2025, sherry cask, 193 btl.)
Nostril: orchard fruits – apples, peaches, candy and bitter berries. Some walnuts, honey and delicate candy leafy notes. Only a trace of leather-based and cedar wooden maybe.
Mouth: similar feeling. Balanced sherry notes, like berry sweetness, inexperienced walnuts and delicate hints of tobacco. Then some hazelnut, citrus peels, peppery notes, a really gentle cherry notice and a slowly rising drier aspect (outdated wooden).
End: good size, with extra nutty and leafy notes and a pleasing trace of apple peelings.
I get the concept: an outdated fashion of sherry with a number of rustic components, but in addition a pleasant stability. Now it’s all completely clear however possibly not as distinctive as some others. Rating: 86/100
Longmorn 16 yo 2008 (53,4%, Maltbarn 2025, sherry cask, 177 btl.)
Nostril: nice, with apricot sweetness, stewed plums and apples, stem ginger and hints of sultanas. Then there’s a lightweight syrupy (late harvest) notice beneath which provides weight. Some spherical vanilla notes, orange sweet and oaky spices too. After some time it turns into markedly nutty.
Mouth: an identical mixture of wealthy fruity notes, each contemporary and dried. Apricots within the lead, with raisins and yellow plums. Baking spice follows carefully (pepper, ginger, clove) and nearly takes the higher hand. Then some poached apple and a little bit of cinnamon.
End: lengthy, now the nutty aspect takes overly fully. Hazelnuts, milk chocolate and a touch of mocha.
At first I assumed this bottling would spotlight the fruiy aspect of Longmorn, however the sherry takes over ultimately. Good complexity right here. Rating: 87/100
Glen Mosset 11 yo 2013 (54,6%, Maltbarn 2025, bourbon cask, 154 btl.)
Nostril: frivolously smoky, with some oak dusting and hay, outdated apples and oranges, in addition to a mossy undertone and ferns. Then oily notes and outdated metallic instruments, together with charcoal and chiffon leather-based. Lime peelings and mushy herbs too. Good.
Mouth: delicate citrus fruits (largely grapefruit), however that is extra about paraffin, ashes and a few chalk. Then extra natural notes, a delicate coastal edge (brine) and mineral smoke. Leafy notes, a bitter contact and hints of parsnips. Proper when it fades a honeyed / fruity flash seems.
End: medium to lengthy, barely muddy, again to minerals and natural extract, with delicate ashy hints.
According to the official releases, in order that’s excellent news already. Beautiful mineral sharpness, natural notes and really delicate smoke. Could I counsel this as an alternative choice to Springbank? Rating: 89/100
