We’ve been on a bit of a “Chorlton” journey… I’ve become a complete fan of David’s cask choices, his gorgeous labels and so over the last few years I’ve done my best to snag a nice set or two with plans of having a few special tastings.

Last week I was supposed to be enjoying these beauties… carefully collected as a special 60th birthday celebration which was postponed a few times as we struggled to organize a gathering across countries. Finally the night was planned in London, flights booked and the bottles ready and waiting to be opened! And then along came a rather unpleasant bout with COVID…. sigh… So whilst I missed the evening, considerable enjoyment was reported along these lines:

• Glen Elgin 12 year 56.6% – A lovely appetizer dram
• Tormore 28 year 42.4% – One of those rare remarkable whiskies
• Bunnahabhain 18 year 53.4% – Really stood out
• Plus a bonus bottle purchased by our birthday boy – the Orkney 22 year 53.4% (aka Highland Park) which also made quite the impression!

Hopefully, in a few months, there will be an opportunity to get to London and quite possibly snag a wee sample to experience myself!

Thanks to shipments finally making it to Europe, I have these lovelies with me in Nuremberg;

• From April 2022 releases: Mannochmore 13 year 59%, Caol Ila 11 year 60.4%
• From December 2021 releases: Staoisha 8 year 59.9% (aka Bunnahabhain)

Whereas I’m not sure when I will be united with these waiting for me in London or Paris:

• From December 2021 releases: Ledaig 12 year 55.5%, Speyside (Glenrothes) 13 year 64.6%
• From the May 2022 releases: Faemussach 21 year 56%, Teaninich 12 year 54.2%, Benrinnes 14 year 55%

However, I won’t be sampling these anytime soon! Not being very patient, I’m left with memories of previous tastings…

However rather than long for what I can’t try, here is a quick summary of those from Chorlton’s La Nouvelle Vague series I have had the pleasure of trying:

• Mannochmore 12 year 58.7% – A delightful summery dram. 
• Orkney 15 year 57.1% – Outstanding! A kaleidoscope of aromas then a richly complex palate and stellar finish 
• Croftnegea 13 year 53.9% – Delightful with such a contrast between the aromas and palate, quite dynamic on the nose and subtle yet lovely on the palate 
• Orkney 22 year 53.4% (aka Highland Park) – A rare treat… something to linger over and enjoy

And from Chorlton‘s earlier L’Ancien Régime series:

• Blair Athol 12 year 56.6% – Nurnberg lebkuchen of chocolate and gingerbread in a glass!
• Ruadh Maor 8 year 62.5% (aka Glenturret) – Seasoned meats and fried snacks…. a chameleon quality that evolved differently in each glass
• Mackmyra 12 year 50.2% – Fresh, clean, cherry wood and honey
• Miltonduff 9 year 58.3% – Creamy dessert with fruits, breakfast cereals… in short delicious!
• Miltonduff 11 year 62.0%  – Great contrast between fruity nose and surprisingly rich palate
• Orkney 9 year 63.1% (aka Highland Park) – Copper, minerals, salted caramel, and smoke, all beautifully balanced
• Tomintoul 14 year 57.6% – Jammy cookies and cakes with sweet spices

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