Decadent Drinks re-introduced the identify Outdated Orkney in 2023, with a really good 2009 bottling from a primary fill bourbon barrel. In the present day we’re attempting the 2 bottlings that got here later (properly, not counting the 2003 classic for Whisky Present 2024).
Outdated Orkney 19 yo 2004 (53%, Decadent Drinks 2023, refill hogshead)
Nostril: the dirtier facet of Highland Park, with fallen leaves, a little bit of gunpowder and meaty notes. Hints of steel instruments. Loads of vegetal notes too, like moss and kelp, together with natural notes. Heather and heather honey, with delicate citrusy sharpness after some time. Not numerous peaty notes, as an alternative extra of a waxy, fatty profile with coastal parts.
Mouth: honey sweetness, blended with natural notes and extra peat than the nostril advised. Delicate resinous touches, with some candle wax and leather-based. Mid-palate it develops a candy nuttiness in addition to a peppery and salty kick. Nonetheless a whiff of sulphur, however it doesn’t hassle me a lot because it’s extra in direction of a basic charred / smoky observe. Mildly bitter herbs and orange peels as properly.
End: lengthy, natural, with delicate salty notes, grapefruit and a few peppery warmth.
Not essentially the most thrilling choose ever from Decadent Drinks, in my view. The soiled and leafy facet makes it arduous to give attention to the extra engaging parts just like the waxiness and coastal hints. Bought out, I imagine.
Outdated Orkney 21 yo 1999 + 2003 (52,9%, Decadent Drinks 2024, bodega sherry butt + refill hogshead)
Nostril: extra elegant this time, with a properly balanced layer of sherry (or fairly previous sherry brandy) rounding it off. A whiff of waxed oak. Then some purple apple, a little bit of rhubarb and delicate salt. Earthy notes, flints and comfortable medicinal echoes within the distance. Once more solely delicate peat.
Mouth: previous model whisky. The sherry is including good complexity. Walnuts, heather, salt and natural tea, with a mildly biscuity edge and a few raisins. Black pepper, wooden oil, hints of damp hessian material. Then faint eucalyptus and camphory touches. Hints of tobacco and matchsticks within the background.
End: lengthy, with minty freshness, natural drops and previous model ale.
Nonetheless a little bit of a cussed dram, though the sherry is unquestionably an asset right here, balancing a few of the robustness. Not as waxy because the 2004, however excellent whisky. Obtainable from Decadent Drinks or Royal Mile Whiskies for example. Rating: 89/100
