Signatory Classic is now getting a variety of consideration for his or her sherry-driven 100 Proof collection. Most of them provide a variety of flavour for a modest worth. Nevertheless, for the releases we’re taking a look at as we speak (an unique partnership with The Whisky Alternate), they’re specializing in the standard of bourbon casks.
The collection contains Clynelish, Linkwood and Mortlach. Word that costs are on the upper aspect right here, as if bourbon casks at the moment are the premium exception.
Clynelish 17 yo 2008 (53,1%, Signatory Classic ‘Bourbon cask collection’ for The Whisky Alternate 2025, barrel #800073)
Nostril: a clear nostril, with contemporary fruits like peaches and pears. There’s additionally a pleasant chalky word and a touch of moist rocks, however a barely decrease quantity of waxy notes than I hoped for. Gentle floral hints and eucalyptus. Then contemporary almonds, a delicate trace of honey and delicate coconut shavings.
Mouth: vibrant fruity hints once more, with a nice tart aspect (inexperienced apples, limes, kiwis) couple to delicate vanilla and sweeter banana ice cream. Now the waxy character is greater, at all times good. Nonetheless some mineral notes and lightweight pepper. Then hints of honey and whiff of solar lotion, and a little bit of camphor within the distance.
End: medium size, lemony and waxy, with some inexperienced, leafy hints.
I wasn’t completely satisfied after the nostril, with extra sweetness and fewer waxy notes than I hoped for. Nevertheless it began rising on me on the palate, so it ends with a pleasant rating. Already offered out at The Whisky Alternate.
Linkwood 16 yo 2008 (58,7%, Signatory Classic ‘Bourbon cask collection’ for The Whisky Alternate 2025, barrel #800064)
Nostril: fairly candy and rounded, even just a little buttery at first. Loads of apple juice right here, with just a little kiwi, lemon sweet and good mentholated hints. Then delicate floral notes (contemporary laundry and elderflower) together with some lemongrass.
Mouth: honeyed and spicy. Candy caramel with white pepper, apples, tangerines and mirabelles. Some elderflower once more. Then additionally mild grassy notes, ginger and a contact of resin. Extra lemon sweet, mild caramel and shortbread, even a barely tropical contact. General fairly punchy and shiny.
End: medium lengthy, nonetheless a bit grassy, but additionally displaying vanilla and extra acidic fruits.
This one had extra complexity than you’d suppose after a primary sip. Shiny and straightforward fruits, however numerous intricate subtleties that make this actually engaging. A little bit of an insider choose. Nonetheless accessible from The Whisky Alternate. Rating: 89/100
Mortlach 21 yo 2003 (58,3%, Signatory Classic ‘Bourbon cask collection’ for The Whisky Alternate 2025, barrel #800225)
Nostril: one in all these cleaner Mortlachs. Wealthy pears and mirabelles, hints of dandelions and honeydew. Grows richer, with a little bit of butter pastry, candy chalk and apple compote. Gentle flowery notes and lime, in addition to an artificial sugary contact.
Mouth: extra weighty now (in step with Mortlachs meaty repute) however nonetheless displaying good pineapple sweet, inexperienced banana, honey and gorse flowers as nicely. Marzipan and vanilla cookies. Maybe just a little extra wooden than the 2 others as nicely, however in a reasonably creamy means – no extreme spice.
End: medium to lengthy, fairly rounded once more. Some custard and just a little toffe with jammy stone fruits.
Additionally fairly nice – I’m not the most important fan of Mortlach’s heavy model however I’m actually pleased with this one. Complexity and roundness mixed. Who would have thought the Clynelish can be overtaken by each different whiskies? Obtainable from The Whisky Alternate. Rating: 89/100
