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| Hello, that is one in all our (virtually) day by day tastings. Santé! |
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December 16, 2024
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A couple of joyful blends from Scotland
Let’s see what we’ve received. For instance, this well-known aperitif…
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Johnnie Walker 12 yo ‘Black Label’ (40%, OB, +/-2024) 
Johnnie Walker ‘Black’ and Chivas Regal, each proudly carrying their age statements (humorous that, isn’t it) are the symbols of ‘deluxe’ Scotch for a lot of the planet. It’s solely pure that we give them a go every so often, even when the final time we tried Johnnie Black, it didn’t have a lot in frequent with what it was again within the Sixties. No age statements again then, however a stellar stage (WF 91) simply to say… Color: deep gold. Nostril: toasted bread, toasted oak, a little bit of contemporary malt, some vanilla, then a contact of cardboard and contemporary sawdust, adopted by a bit puff of peat smoke re-emerging and hints of crushed strawberries. Mouth: you possibly can name it peaty, however there’s additionally a layer of apple compote and caramel, with a faint earthy edge. The construction’s not as gentle as you would possibly anticipate. End: not very lengthy, however you get some marmalade, a little bit of coconut, and a malty aftertaste that’s only a wee bit salty. Feedback: it’s nonetheless at WF 78. Make no mistake, that’s an excellent rating for such a extensively distributed mix.
SGP:362 – 78 factors. |
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St Bridget’s Kirk ‘Solera Launch Batch #3’ (48.5%, Hannah Whisky Retailers, blended malt, oloroso end, 218 bottles, 2024) 
On the planet of whisky, the time period ‘solera’ can imply all types of issues, from easy ‘dwelling vats’ or ‘perpetual blends’ to correct methods with interconnected criaderas or casks, which appears to be the case right here. Both approach, this phrase at all times makes us lengthy for an additional journey to Andalusia. Batch 2 was excellent (WF 85), as was the amarone end (sure, Serge right here) … Color: straw. Nostril: a younger, fruity, and cheerful malt that begins on ripe apples and brown sugar, strikes by way of pears and gooseberries, reaches beeswax with a mild smokiness, after which exhibits cherries and some contemporary biscuits. Some amaretti and a contact of fruity beer. Mouth: fairly full-bodied, firmer on the palate, spicier too, smokier, with pretty pepper and people contemporary fruits once more, alongside a little bit of wax. Hints of orange zest and a contact of ginger. End: reasonably lengthy, on pepper and liquorice allsorts. A barely saline, virtually coastal character comes by way of afterwards. A faint contact of bitter sherry. Feedback: this is a wonderful mix, for my part—agency, pretty full-bodied however very effectively balanced.
SGP:562 – 85 factors. |
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A Good Previous-Customary Christmas Whisky 15 yo (54.8%, The Whisky Alternate, 2024)
Delighted to style this one on time for as soon as, reasonably than being my standard late self—it might have been far too apparent right here. Notice, this can be a single malt. Color: deep gold. Nostril: an avalanche of raisins, little truffles, outdated walnuts, changing into more and more dry regardless of a touch of outdated grain whisky (coconut), although, after all, there’s none in right here. Cloves and darkish chocolate. With water: a number of touches of truffles and morels, a reasonably indulgent fruitcake, humus, and lifeless leaves… This child loves water. Mouth (neat): even higher than the nostril, in correct GF type, wealthy, barely thick, on prunes and thyme infusion, then espresso and chocolate. With water: the prunes return, alongside cloves, cumin, and a little bit of fir honey. It actually does scream Christmas, certainly. End: lengthy, nonetheless wealthy and superbly spiced. You may’t assist however consider a really Germanic mulled wine. Feedback: that is wonderful and really very ‘Christmas’. Apparently, Santa’s reindeer get by way of fairly a bit of these items on Christmas Eve (one wants a conclusion, in any case).
SGP:661 – 87 factors. |
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Maiden’s Mix 25 yo 1999/2024 (44.6%, Classic Bottlers, blended Scotch, cask #6, 652 bottles)
Right here’s a type of ex-Edrington blends which have piqued the curiosity of many, most questioning if it’s actually only a ‘blended Scotch’, whether or not there’s Macallan in it, and in that case, in what proportions. I don’t suppose anybody has reached any definitive conclusions, and I doubt we’ll threat it this time both. Color: gold. Nostril: it’s extra coastal and smokier than pure Macallan, with a reasonably splendid earthiness (mosses, lifeless leaves, wild mushrooms) and touches of grilled bacon too. Then comes a little bit of tar, cigars, hints of hoisin sauce, pu-ehr tea, and bergamots… It solely grows extra advanced over time. You get a faint whiff of outdated grain as effectively, it appears, however is there actually any. A tiny contact of coconut. Mouth: a slight bourbon notice to start out, then darkish beer, raisins, gingerbread, and a extra pronounced ‘outdated grain’ character on the palate (coconut cappuccino, very Starbucks-esque). Just a little cola. End: pretty lengthy, although this time it leans towards outdated column rum. High quality rum, after all. Feedback: on the nostril it feels very ‘malt’, whereas on the palate it’s a bit extra ‘mix’. Both approach, it’s wonderful.
SGP:651 – 87 factors. |
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There are 4 in whole, let’s strive a second one…
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Maiden’s Mix 25 yo 1999/2024 (44.6%, Classic Bottlers, blended Scotch, cask #7, 654 bottles)
Naturally, given the dimensions of those batches, we’re speaking butts. Color: darker gold. Nostril: this time it’s extra about toffee taking cost, fruitcake, chocolate, darkish nougat, and some pretty metallic touches (like an outdated copper kettle from granny’s kitchen). Then there’s a touch of cedarwood and outdated instruments from the again of the storage. Mouth: it’s very near cask #6 on the palate, any variations are minimal. The cola notice comes by way of properly ultimately. End: a beautiful size, on natural teas and, as soon as once more, some very tremendous rum. You significantly consider a well-known Bajan rum. Feedback: nothing right here would justify awarding a distinct rating to this one. We stay firmly on the prime of the blends.
SGP:651 – 87 factors. |
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Peatsmoke on Gorgie 5 yo (57.1%, Watt Whisky, blended Scotch, 618 bottles)
That is 42% 5 yo peated malt plus 58% 12 yo North British. So, 5 yo peated malt… (ha). Color: gold. Nostril: I’d swear some points remind us of Johnnie Black, solely with extra energy, extra knack (how does one fireplace himself?) You get the sensation one thing’s about to occur as soon as water is added, however for now, it’s nonetheless a bit mild. With water: burning hay and straw, sheep suet, engine grease, gravel, basalt, but in addition some grist. Mouth (neat): a beautiful rooty facet, gentian, celery, even beetroot… All wrapped up in honey and orchard fruit compotes. The peat appears to remain a bit hidden, however you may really feel its presence ready within the wings… With water: right here it comes—seawater, lemon, ashes, pepper, kippers, iodine… It’s unimaginable, the facility of water on whisky. I’ve observed an entire development of tasting whisky with out including a single drop of water, however I discover {that a} disgrace. Properly, this is a wonderful whisky as soon as lowered to, let’s say, 45% vol. Roughly talking. End: higher and higher! The malt has crushed the grain. Feedback: a sketch-like whisky—now there’s one thing new. Enjoyable and wonderful. And probably the very best use of younger grain whisky.
SGP:566 (with water) – 87 factors. |
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Since we’re having younger ones…
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Blended Malt #1 2017/2023 (51.6%, Reduce Your Wolf Free, oloroso sherry butt, 333 bottles) 
Color: white wine. Nostril: some sort of waxier Islay peater, plus ripe apples and pears ‘from some other place’. The coastal facet grows stronger over time, as does the peat. An exquisite bitter cherry notice, brine, anchovies, tapenade… With water: oh, how stunning, we’re on the coronary heart of the malt. Mouth (neat): wonderful. Good punch, peat and lemon, plus aniseed and inexperienced apples. Nothing to throw away. With water: brined olives! However the place do these olives come from? End: lengthy, razor-sharp. Salty, smoky, near the malt. Feedback: it’s a bit just like the cousin of the younger Watt mix—very totally different, however in spirit, they’re shut.
SGP:466 – 88 factors. |
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Taraansay Mix 14 yo 2007/2021 (58.1%, Whiskyjace, Artwork Version No.9, bourbon) 
Superior collage-y label right here. Color: white wine. Nostril: gentle type, on vanilla, melon and coconut, plus a bit hay. Maybe not solely dwelling as much as the grace of the label for now. With water: it turns into very mild and jogs my memory a little bit of Black Barrel, that not-so-successful experiment (in contrast to the remaining) from William Grant. Mouth (neat): the grain takes the lead right here, there doesn’t appear to be a lot malt in sight. Coconut liqueur and fairly a little bit of ethanol and wooden. With water: a lot better, it turns into creamier, sweeter and softer. Corn and vanilla sugar. End: a contact of lemon brightens issues up a bit. Feedback: we’ve tasted issues ten thousand instances higher from Whiskyjace, however I’ll admit the label is elegant. Nonetheless, this stays respectable sufficient, truthfully…
SGP:630 – 75 factors. |
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Turntable ‘Observe #6 – All My Life’ (46%, Turntable Spirits, blended Scotch, 2024)
That is Balblair, Benriach, Glenallachie, Knockdhu and North British in ex-bourbon, Limousin and oloroso wooden. Very Rolling Stones certainly (you say All My Life is by the Beatles? What Foo Fighters?) Color: gold. Nostril: simply an higher mix. Good candy and fruity malts, shortbread, vanilla, butterscotch and scones. We’ll have a double espresso, please. Mouth: identical impression, ripe fruits, pear cake, delicate malt, all types of truffles, banana bread, a contact of honey, a bit orange… End: pretty lengthy, as balanced as… let’s say, Simone Biles on the uneven bars. Espresso cream and maple syrup. Feedback: a way of ‘center floor’ and ideal stability. The little North British doesn’t have a lot to say on this affair.
SGP:551 – 85 factors. |
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Turntable ‘Paradise Funk’ (46%, Turntable Spirits, blended Scotch, 2023)
One other daring mixture of distilleries and casks, it appears we’ve received Benrinnes, Blair Athol, Invergordon, Knockdhu, North British, and a ‘secret’ Speyside (secret = who cares, actually). Anyway, nothing funky in right here, no Islay, no Jamaican. As for the paradise, we’ll see about that… Color: gold. Nostril: funky? It’s extra like chamber music. Vanilla, melon, apple, barley, and buttered pancakes. Mouth: a lot better on the palate however nonetheless very malt-forward, with not a lot funk. It suffers a bit as compared with the Foo Fighters, even when it’s completely respectable now. End: not very lengthy, with a reasonably gentle texture dominated by candy grains. A barely earthier and even medicinal notice seems within the aftertaste, however it’s a bit late. Feedback: extraordinarily appropriate, however it lacks a transparent route and, frankly, any funk. In brief, it’s neither Kool & The Gang nor Parliament (nor our expensive Common White Band).
SGP:641 – 79 factors. |
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Turntable ‘Smokin’ Riff’ (46%, Turntable Spirits, blended Scotch, 2023)
Inform me that is peated… Proper, there’s Caol Ila, Craigellachie, Knockdhu and North British. Let’s shortly see what North British’s maize can do towards Caol Ila. We’re not even cask varieties. Color: amber gold (eh?). Nostril: effectively, after all—engine oil, oyster shells, dried seaweed, ashes of all types, a field of cigars and a seaside campfire. Mouth: effectively performed! The proportions work brilliantly, with darkish honey (sturdy in flavour), toasted brioche, touches of liquorice, mint and tar, and a little bit of grapefruit sneaking in, a small gherkin, an oyster, a bit inexperienced pepper, and a caper… End: extra of the identical for fairly some time. Feedback: someday we’ll have to construct a monument to Caol Ila’s glory. Very good, this peated mix, with a riff worthy of Jimmy Web page. Proper, let’s spin Achilles Final Stand… I do know, John Bonham…
SGP:565 – 87 factors. |
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Blended Scotch 20 yo 2002/2023 (44.9%, Hogshead Imports, refill butt, 589 bottles) 
Typically it’s good to not know what’s inside—it looks like a vacation (ha). Color: gold. Nostril: very malty, additionally very a lot on dry sherry, espresso, tobacco, nuts, then mint, white chocolate, hazelnut halva, and coconut… Ah, that have to be the grain, which progressively takes increasingly more significance over the malt. Section in, part out. Mouth: the grain takes the lead instantly this time. Frappuccino, vanilla cream, toasted macadamia nuts, coconut balls, and white chocolate. A couple of small bits of candied orange zest assist consolidate the feel. End: of medium size, with that rum-like notice we’ve present in a number of others. Feedback: it loses a little bit of steam over time, however it’s nonetheless an excellent mix. That stated, I most well-liked their wonderful 18 yo 2005 from a number of months in the past (WF 85).
SGP:541 – 83 factors. |
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A final one and after ‘Hogshead’, ‘Oxhead’…
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Blended Scotch 26 yo (44.9%, Oxhead Whisky Firm, Dram-Addicts, sherry butt, cask #117359, 2024)
As I perceive it, this accommodates Bunnahabhain, Glenlivet, Glenrothes, Highland Park, Macallan, Invergordon and North British. Shocked there’s Glenlivet. 70% malt, 30% grain, excusez du peu. The label, in the meantime, stays very rock and roll—undoubtedly a bit ‘Pink Floyd’. Let’s head to the darkish facet… I nonetheless keep in mind the band driving previous our home of their open Cadillac, escorted by the Hells Angels on Harleys (51 years in the past, for heaven’s sake! Seems like yesterday…) However why am I telling you this?… Color: pink amber. Nostril: very mild and, above all, admirably compact, on madeleines and nougat. There are a great deal of micro-aromas behind all that, however I’ll persist with the madeleines and nougat. Mouth: oh! The molecules let free—hints of steel, tobacco, bay leaf, a wide range of honeys, oils, essences, roasted nuts, truffles and biscuits, cane sugar, praline and toffee, toasted wooden, chilly espresso, chicory… Not all the things is ideal, however the complexity of this mix—very “Edringtonian”—makes it virtually “Ellingtonian” (S., you’re fired). End: medium size. The grains come by way of a bit extra (aroma however with out a lot texture), however it’s too late, we’ve already made up our thoughts. Feedback: many of those outdated blends find yourself in Asia—right here in Singapore—proof, if ever wanted, that our buddies have wonderful style.
SGP:650 – 89 factors. |
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It had been a very long time since we had tasted a lot blended Scotch whisky.
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