Knowing we were in for a sherry trio with the Edradour and GlenDronach, we deliberately decided to start with a light ‘appetizer’ mini from Speyside.
And the whisky?
Speyside 12 year 40%
Here is what we found…
- Nose – Phospherous like we just lit a match, sharp alcohol, then prunes, slightly musty, light herbs of perhaps basil, rosemary, juniper and a hint of pine, was there an elusive whiff of apple? olives? Or just a sliver of toffee caramel before sliding into turpentine then back to a generic sweet…
- Palate – Thin and watery… 40% just doesn’t give it enough ‘oomph’. Very dry and a bit bitter. One likened it to the dryness the way your tongue feels after chomping down on a mouthful of dry crackers.
- Finish – Was there one? Perhaps the lightest dash of cinnamon before disappearing?
Overall it was completely nondescript. Like a generic Speyside without anything that distinguished it remarkably and a few elements that were not entirely appealing. We really had to push ourselves to find much.
I felt exactly the same when I went to research to find out more about this particular bottle.
We know it is a single malt, from Scotland, specifically Speyside, matured for a minimum of 12 years and bottled at 40%.
The bottle also shares:
The cool, clean waters of the River Spey, beloved by generations of fly fisherman, are at the heart of Scotland’s whisky-making tradition.
But beyond that?
Erhm… nothing except you can buy a 700ml bottle for $40 at Marks and Spencer in the UK.
- You can taste the history in each distinctively creamy sip, redolent with notes of mature vanilla and warm, spicy cinnamon.
- About this bottle: This smooth Speyside classic is made using time honoured, traditional methods that haven’t changed for over 130 years. In the heart of north-eastern Scotland runs the fast- flowing waters of the River Spey. On whose banks, it’s cool clean waters are at the heart of the country’s treasured and esteemed whisky making tradition.
- Allergens: Sulphites
I’m not kidding…
After the spectacular surprise from The Whisky Exchange with their Edition No 1 Speyside 10 year, this was a complete let down.
What more should we know about this whisky?
Other miniatures sampled:
- July minis – Tomintoul 10, 16, 27 year 40%
- August minis – Tomatin Legacy, MacPhail’s Orkney 8 year (Highland Park), TWE Speyside +Islay
- September minis – Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 years 40%, Edradour Caledonia 12 year 43% + Glendronach 18 + 21 year 46%
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