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| Hello, that is one in every of our (virtually) every day tastings. Santé! |
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Could 9, 2025
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A quartet of
OB Balvenie and IB Burnside
There’s by no means been any proof that Burnside blended malts had been teaspooned with Glenfiddich or Kininvie, however the AI had no hassle illustrating the method. We imagine it isn’t removed from the reality – we have at all times suspected the Dufftown Scrabble Membership had a hand in it…
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Balvenie 12 yo ‘Golden Cask’ (43%, OB, +/-2024) 
Ex-bourbon cask, however alas, completed in rum-seasoned wooden. An actual pity—we love Balvenie in pure ex-bourbon, however you by no means know, maybe they didn’t use Don Papa this time… Color: gold. Nostril: effectively now, the basic younger Balvenie model is right here—cake, quince, mirabelle, vanilla and acacia honey—and the rum stays comparatively discreet. Doubtless not Hampden, most likely Cuban as ordinary? Mouth: no, that is good, positively, very simple, very comfortable however not with out spine, with honeyed touches past the various plums and ripe apple, plus just a few earthy hints—perhaps that’s the rum talking. Additionally a little bit of banana, although ripe banana does seem in Balvenie with out the necessity for added rum. End: not very lengthy however nice, extra herbaceous and honeyed directly. Solely the aftertaste is somewhat bitter—what a wee disgrace. Feedback: ultra-decent.
SGP:551 – 83 factors. |
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Balvenie 15 yo ‘Madeira Cask’ (43%, OB, +/-2024) 
This too is solely a Madeira end, however we all know that Madeira and malt whisky can do a correct Jagger/Richards. Color: gold. Nostril: oh certainly, Madeira and malt, this works. Actually charming, virtually coastal, with pretty roasted pistachios and walnuts, a touch of camphor, driftwood, seaweed, mustard-and-sesame crackers (totally killer) and some little cider apples. A really fairly nostril, effectively executed. Mouth: that is actually good, with hints of damp soil, tobacco, nonetheless these killer crackers, plus just a few actually dry raisins and black tea. Very amusing salty touches. End: not everlasting however at all times recent and saline, with these nut/mustard combos typical of some Madeiras. Feedback: a wise ending. If solely this type of stunt inspired the uninitiated to take a more in-depth curiosity in correct Madeira!
SGP:462 – 86 factors. |
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Sideburn 31 yo 1992–1993/2025 (53.6%, Decadent Drams, Decadent Drinks, 1st fill and refill bourbon, 461 bottles) 
The chap on the label reminds us somewhat of the singer from Slade, doesn’t he? Cum on Really feel the Noise… I imply the Nostril… Color: mild gold. Nostril: very emblematic—mirabelles, apples, quince, vanilla, not-too-ripe banana and tiny hints of mint and sorrel. With water: a marvellous ocean of yeasts and beer notes, softened by vanilla. Mouth (neat): past the zestiness, there’s a inexperienced, virtually brutal facet that’s somewhat uncommon for Balvenie and calls immediately for water—so right here we go Balvenie, Cuz I Luv You… With water: sure, there we’re, it feels virtually Seventies in model. I’m severe. Yellow fruits, stones, little herbs, Wulong tea, chamomile, quinces… End: simply the identical, and it goes on for fairly some time. Feedback: not an ultra-demonstrative child, however this blended malt couldn’t be any nearer to the pure home model of its predominant distillery (that’s proper, that’s proper…)
SGP:551 – 89 factors. |
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Burnside 35 yo 1989/2025 (53.8%, Le Gus’t, fino cask, cask #3912, 310 bottles) 
Pay attention intently—it might appear that is the oldest Burnside ever bottled. And what’s extra, it’s from a fino sherry cask, so maybe we’ll get some flor? Contemporary walnuts for certain… Color: mild gold. Nostril: one stops, displays, and sure, the core profile of the bottom distillery is true right here, enhanced with delicate fino touches. So, inexperienced walnuts and watercress, mingled with apples and quinces, somewhat damp ash, faint whiffs of eucalyptus, and a really effective flint-and-chalk combo. Very good freshness after 35 years—the enjoyment of casks that know the way to behave. With water: similar once more, simply with somewhat extra lower grass. Mouth (neat): oh wonderful! Mint, camphor, mirabelles, apricots and quinces. The right improbability of an previous refill cask—magic triumphing over method (sure, S.). With water: a full arrival of tinned fruits—greengages, peaches, pears, grapes, papayas… All of it carried by fantastically elegant bitterness. End: lengthy however now extra restrained once more, natural, austere. Briefly, it had already stated what it got here to say. Feedback: very elegant, in no way extravagant. Nothing extra so as to add.
SGP:561 – 90 factors. |
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