Monthly Archives: September 2023

Whisky Lady – July to September 2023

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Summertime in Deutschland – how glorious! A highlight this year was kicking off a new Whisky Tasting Group – based in Nurnberg! We started in July and then met again in August and September – wow! I also managed to FINALLY catch up on writing up tasting notes from previous travels and whisky events – fun! What can I say? While others go for holidays on the beach, I settle down with my laptop and scribbles to craft chronicles of tasting adventures!

We kicked off with a Gordon & Macphail’s Discovery series.

With a bonus calibration dram of Glen Grant – The Major’s Reserve! What a brilliant idea to consistently begin each session with an amiable dram to prime the senses for whiskies to come.

We followed this with a Glenmorangie Vertical – exploring the impact of different cask finishes on a delightful “base” whisky.

We had another bonus this time too – contrasting the Quinta Ruban with Cragganmore Distiller’s Edition (2005/2018) Double Matured (Port Finish) 40%. 

This was followed by a focus on sherry bombs! We went big and bold with:

During my June trip to Canada, I had fun with a tasting set from Germany’s St Kilian with a friend.  

  1. St Kilian Signature Edition ‘Thirteen‘ (2016/18/19 – 2022) 53.9% – Not tried so that it could be experienced together with its deconstructed set!
  2. St Kilian Grave Digger Berry Metal 40% (Liqueur) – Saved to bring to Canada… described as an incredibly potent berry wow! (with a “kick”) 

Summertime also provided an opportunity to crack open a few miniatures like:

This was joined by recollecting an unexpected yet very special tasting evening  – where I could share my enthusiasm for exploring whiskies with dear colleagues who have become friends over the years of close collaboration. 

This experience inspired me to get back into “minis”. And whilst I haven’t yet cracked it open yet, I have ready and waiting for the next “round” of mini explorations not one but TWO new Whisky Calendars – the 2022 (on sale!) and the 2023!

It took a while, but I finally finished notes from Paris Whisky Live with the Lagg Masterclass and Arlett Whiskies from France. 

Phew! This quarter was SUCH a full round-up!

Curious to know more? Check out a few more summaries:

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Speyside Sherry Bombs! Glenfarclas, Aberlour x 2, Glendronach

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Our Nurnberg International Whisky group is on a roll! After kicking off with the delightful Gordon & MacPhail’s Discovery series, and then exploring the impact of cask finishes with Glenmorangie and Cragganmore, we decided to go big and bold with a focus on sherry bombs!

We didn’t have a calibration dram, so the remainder of the Gordon & Macphail’s Aultmore 10 year 43% made the rounds of the table… I may need to pick up something simple and affordable to keep on hand for future sessions!

And then we got down to sherry business! We decided to start with a special Germany-exclusive Glenfarclas 12 year before moving on to the Aberlour 16 year, then taking a small peat and sweet detour with the cask strength Benromach, before closing with another cask strength whisky – the Aberlour A’Bunadh. It was a good choice to anchor with a pair of Aberlour’s and contrast with two additional distilleries.

Curious to read what we discovered? Read on here….

And what is next for our Nurnberg tasting group? In October, we plan to focus closer to home with a few drams from Germany – I can’t wait! Then in November, we’re tentatively thinking of checking out a few Indian whiskies, nicely timed around Diwali. Fun fun fun to come!

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Speyside Sherry Bombs! Benromach 2010 58.5%

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Our Nurnberg International Whisky spent an evening devoted to Sherry whiskies – including this Benromach Peated expression! Over the years, I’ve quite enjoyed a few Benromach expressions – with the Gordon & MacPhail team’s commitment to quality with their distillery, consistent with their independent bottles.

Benromach (2010) Cask Strength, 1st Fill Sherry Batch 1, 58.5% 

  • Nose – Campfire, burnt wood, stone cottage next to the sea, heavy wet clothing, star anise then you could catch hints of sherry notes
  • Palate – Has a punch to start – a bit brash and sharp, then shifts into dark chocolate, smooth, sweet, spicy, and a bit savory too
  • Finish – Cinnamon spice
  • Water – Yes! Brings out the dark berries and chocolate even more, much nicer and in better harmony
  • Revisit – We returned after some time to find loads of meat, smoked ham, and crispy bacon, quite umami… where were you hiding earlier??

We found the peat sweet stronger on the nose than the palate. Our bottle contributor confessed that when it was 1st opened, the peat was a bit overwhelming and unbalanced – described as “chaotic.” Interestingly, what we found long after setting the dram aside was more in keeping with the freshly opened bottle – with the meaty elements.

Which just goes to show how important it is when tasting more complex or challenging whiskies to give it time to open in the glass and perhaps also revisit it in different settings.

Curious about more Benromach experiences?

Our evening exploring sherry whiskies also explored:

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Speyside Sherry Bombs! Aberlour 16 year + A’bunadh Batch 77

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In our newly formed Nurnberg International Whisky tasting group, one member is a total Aberlour fan! So much so that he enthusiastically and very generously offered to “anchor” an evening dedicated to Sherry with two Aberlour expressions!

  • Aberlour 16 year (AB16 2-22) 40%
  • Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 77 (22 March 2023) 60.8%

For those not familiar, Aberlour is known for its consistent use of ex-Olorosso sherry casks.

The last time I had a 16-year-old Aberlour, it was a very special evening featuring whiskies hand-filled at the distillery by our host, who was a brilliant whisky brand ambassador in India for some select Scottish distilleries. So it was a treat to finally try the standard 16-year, which is a blend of American oak casks and Sherry oak casks.

Aberlour 16 year Double Cask Matured (AB16 2-22) 40% 

  • Colour – Deep dark amber, almost ruby!
  • Nose – Gentle at first, very juicy with generous dark ripe fruits – think warm dates
  • Palate – A sparkle of sweet spices! Some cinnamon, cloves and a hint of ginger.. this was soon joined by rich chocolate with a hint of salted caramel, delicious!
  • Finish – Slight bitter cacao

It was simply delicious! Rich yet not overwhelming, utterly enjoyable just “as is!”. This led us to remark how astounding it is to have such robust flavours at a “mere” 40%. For those who are accustomed to cask strength or at the lower end a “connoisseur” strength of 46%, whiskies at 40% can come across as a bit insipid. Not this one! Even though the label did not specify 1st Fill, it was clear this must be the case – at least for the Sherry part of the ex-Bourbon / ex-Sherry cask combination.

Depending on where you buy and which batch, you can still find an Aberlour 16-year in Germany for between Eur 61 – 78.

As for the next? For years, Aberlour’s A’Bunadh was a favoured cask-strength sherry bomb, readily available at Changi International Airport in Singapore. It was also quite affordable – great value for a superb dram – typically quite an intense sherry “bomb!”

Fast forward a decade, and Aberlour is still producing different batches of their cask strength A’bunadh – known to be sherried and intense! However, it has been joined by a spin-off expression A’bunadh Alba for those who are after an intense ex-Bourbon cask experience instead.

What did we think of the “Original” sherry expression?

Aberlour A’Bunadh Batch 077 (22 March 2023) 60.8% 

  • Colour – Dark burgundy with bright amber and ruby gem tones
  • Nose – There is no question this whisky was matured in sherry casks, however, it was surprisingly mild! In addition to the standard sherry elements, there was creamy milk chocolate, joined by a dusting of bitter cacao, some nougat and chocolate ganache, topped with caramel vanilla ice cream… beneath all of this sweetness was a rum-like coffee liqueur
  • Palate – Mmmm…. simply marvellous! Soft and divinely dessert-like, rich and robust, yet not too intense – a perfect balance. Some marinated jammy dark fruits, raisins, nuts, mocha, creamy buttery biscuits, dessert in a glass!
  • Finish – Sooo good! A delightful spice, chocolate, joined by cinnamon, berries and closes with a nutty element
  • Water – For many, it made the whisky even more accessible

What a treat! I was so happy to revisit this Aberlour expression. In many ways, I think this is even better than some of the ones I tried a few years ago!

One described it as an Opera torte – once mentioned, the description stuck! Why? As every element in the cake fit! From the layers of almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup to the ganache and coffee French buttercream slathered between the layers, and then covered in a chocolate glaze.

What about the official tasting notes? Here you go!

  • Nose – Aromas of mixed spices, praline and spiced orange harmonising with rich, deep notes of Oloroso Sherry
  • Palate – Orange, black cherries, dried fruit and ginger spiked with dark bitter chocolate and enriched with Sherry and Oak. Full-bodied and creamy
  • Finish – Robust and intense with bitter-sweet notes of exotic spices, dark chocolate and oak

And what would this expression set you back? Currently, it can be purchased in Germany for Eur 75.

Curious about other tasting experiences with Aberlour? Read on:

Our sherry evening also featured:

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Glenfarclas 12 year (2009) 46%

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It has been a while since I picked up a Glenfarclas – one of those familiar friend whiskies that are a staple of any well-stocked bar. Now I will admit to having a soft spot for Glenfarclas – as they have remained a family-owned independent distilllery – across several generations – six and counting! So when I spotted this special release just for Germany I was lucky to get a bottle before it sold out!

Glenfarclas is known for using sherry casks and has kept a consistent range of expressions over the years – not veering into wild experimentation – instead sticking to tried and true traditional methods and maturation approaches.

This is why I thought it fitting to include this expression in our sherry evening in Nurnberg… and where we started our tasting evening!

Glenfarclas 12 year (2009/2021) 46% (Whisky.de Clubflasche)

  • Nose – Unmistakable sherry nose yet balanced, caramel, figs, dates, some sweet spices, raisins, a bit of sulfur/rubber with licorice, some maritime elements with a salty touch… overall light spice, sherry sweet with enough other elements going on to make it interesting
  • Palate – Much subtler than expected, nutty, and most enjoyable, perhaps even a hint of fresh tobacco leaf, it isn’t heavy yet quite well-rounded, and there is some oak joining the slightly salty nuts
  • Finish – A bit of spice lingers
  • Water – Not necessary but opens up nicely with!

While sometimes Glenfarclas can have an edge (especially the 105!), this one was smooth and satisfying. The longer it spent in the glass, the more enjoyable it became. With the revisit after sampling other sherry drams, we concluded it is simply a solid performer.

I purchased this whisky in October 2021 from whic.de for Eur 60.

Curious about other Glenfarclas experiences?

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Kirsch Scotch Whisky Adventskalender 2023

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I hadn’t even cracked open a single bottle in the Scotch Whisky Advent Kalendar 2022, however, I was so impressed with the selection that when I spotted the 2023 edition being released in September, I couldn’t help but add it to the cart!

Kirsh Scotch Whisky Advent Kalendar 2023

  1. Elements of Islay Blended Malt, Cask Edit 46% (Elixir)
  2. Lochlea 46%
  3. Raasay Sherry Finish 52%
  4. Glencadam American Oak Bourbon Barrel 43%
  5. Orchard House 46% (Compass Box) – Previously tasted!
  6. Sherry Blended Malt 55.8% (Berry Bro’s)
  7. Glasgow 1770 Triple Distilled “Smoooth & Vibrant” 46%
  8. Port Askaig 100′ Proof 57.1%
  9. Ben Nevis 8 years (2013) Reserve Casks 48% (Single Malts of Scotland)
  10. Glancadam 15 years 46% – Previously tasted in 2017
  11. Isle of Skye 8 year 40%
  12. Teaninich 8 year (2014) Bourbon Hogshead, 1st Fill Koval Rye Cask Finish 46% (Murray McDavid)
  13. For Peat’s Sake Peated Blended Malt 40% – Also in an earlier tasting set
  14. Dailuane 13 year (2009) 46% (Signatory Vintage)
  15. The Peat Monster 46% (Compass Box) – It’s been awhile! Last sampled in 2017 & before that 2014
  16. Nc’Nean Organic (Batch 8) 46% – Previously tried batch 7
  17. Benrinnes (2009) Vin Santo Barrel Finish 54.3% (Berry Bro’s)
  18. The Six Isles Voyagerr Blended Island Whisky 46% – From my 2013 archives
  19. Invergordon 11 years Single Grain (2011) Bourbon Hogshead, 1st Fill Koval Rye Cask Finish 46% (Murray McDavid)
  20. Glen Elgin 12 year (2009) 46% (Signatory Vintage)
  21. Glenwyvis (2018) 46.5%
  22. Bunnahabhain Staoisha (2013) Single Cask 56.9% (Berry Bro’s)
  23. GlenAllachie 10 year Cask Strength (Batch 8) 57.2% – Sampled Batch 7 at Paris Whisky Live
  24. Darkness 10 year Sherry Casks 65.2% (Atom Brands)

The day the calendar arrived was also our September Nurnberg International Whisky Tasting night – turns out another member also plans to buy the same! Clearly, I’m not alone in appreciating exploring drams this way!

PS – I purchased this from Whic.de for Eur 99.

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Cragganmore Distiller’s Edition Port Finish 40%

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Our Nurnberg International Whisky group continued our journey with a quartet from Glenmorangie, exploring the impact of different finishes on the same ‘base’. This was joined by an extra – a Cragganmore Port finish to compare with the Glenmorangie Port finish.

After warming up with the Glenmorangie 10 year “The Original” ex-Bourbon finish, followed by the Glenmorangie 12 year “The Lasanta” Sherry Finish, we then turned to the Glenmorangie 14 year “Quinta Ruban” Port Finish.

We then paused before continuing to the Nector D’Or. And that is when one of our tasting companions pulled out a different Port Finish whisky to compare with the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban – the Cragganmore (2005/2018) Distiller’s Edition Port Finish 40%.

This wasn’t my 1st time trying either Cragganmore or even their Port Finish. Whilst primarily providing liquid for Diageo blends, I’ve tried both official bottlings and one from an independent bottler Most recently was a terrific evening in Berlin with a more recent version of this very Distillers Edition (2008/2020) 40% expression, and tried as a duo next to a Benromach. Another time, was a Scotch Malt Whisky Society dram – 14 year “Eastern Promise” (1 Oct 2002) 56.8% (SMWS 37.85).

What did we think?

Cragganmore (2005/2018) Distiller’s Edition Port Finish 40%.

  • Colour – Dark amber (possibly aided by coloring)
  • Nose – It started with apples – very young green ones that aren’t quite ripe, then shifted into a vague fruity aroma that combined sweet and sour
  • Palate – Quite light, a touch of spice and oak, soft with the barest hint of peat
  • Finish – Sweet peat

With the Glenmorangie, the Port finish added a depth of character that was almost entirely missing here. Perhaps on its own, it would have made more of an impression. Whereas side-by-side, it alas did not stand out.

Now let’s be honest here, “Distiller’s Edition” can often be code for mass-production release trying to sound fancy. In the case of Cragganmore, they do ensure their version is dated, so you can compare slight variances by year. Based on my experience with the 2020, I’d say the later avatar had a bit more “oomph!” than the 2018 expression.

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Glenmorangie Whisky Finishes Tasting Set

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Our Nurnberg International Whisky group continued our journey with a tasting set quartet from Glenmorangie, exploring the impact of different finishes on the same ‘base’. This was joined by an extra “bonus” – a Cragganmore Port finish to compare with the Glenmorangie Port finish.

Bucking the trend towards mostly no-age statements, the Glenmorangie standards typically disclose their age. Their Master Distiller – Dr Bill Lumsden shared in a previous tasting the work that goes into bringing consistency to each expression, often including barrels that are much older than the stated year.

  • 10 year “The Original” 40%
  • 12 year “The Lasanta” Sherry Finish 43%
  • 14 year “Quinta Ruban” Port Finish 46%
  • Nectar d’Or Sauternes Finish 46%

The original Glenmorangie 10 year old was released more than 175 years ago by our founders. It’s famous for its mellow tones and delicacy of flavour.

Glenmorangie 10 year “The Original” 40%

  • Nose – Delicious pears, ripe peaches, lemon, heather, honey, a lovely perfume, and a touch of vanilla, as it opened further there was even a bit of bubblegum
  • Palate – Honey sweet, hint of spring, floral, more warm peach, touch of orange, beautiful balance
  • Finish – Light bitterness

It was like welcoming back a familiar yet long-lost friend. It had been far too many years since I’d enjoyed The Original. Such a classic – refined, nuanced, and simply delicious! There is a lovely elegance about the Glenmorangie 10 year.

Again remembering a previous tasting experience led by Bill Lumsden, I recalled how he shared that the 10-year is truly the foundation for all his expressions and experiments. Aged in ex-bourbon casks, it has a light – even delicate – a character that is mild enough to be versatile.

I’ll admit that I keep forgetting how reasonable alcohol prices are in Germany. A mere Eur 35?? Can that really be? Some suggested this might make a good ‘calibration‘ whisky, however, it would also be a tough act to follow!

And yet that is exactly what we did… followed up The Original with The Lasanta – to explore the impact of just 2 additional years and time spent in ex-Sherry barrels….

The Lasanta 12 years old has been matured it in bourbon and sherry casks, transforming it into a mouth-watering odyssey bursting with rich spiciness and sun-drenched sweetness.

Glenmorangie 12 year “The Lasanta” Sherry Finish 43%

  • Nose – Initially greets you with wood, spice, then sweetness, juicy plums, and over time, opened into a lovely chocolate mocha
  • Palate – Dry, a bit spicy, what we could best describe as chewing tobacco, soft plums, juicy raisins, a hint of ginger
  • Finish – Warm sweet spices with more of that mouth-watering mocha

We quite enjoyed this one – particularly how it is a terrific contrast with The Original. We found the sherry certainly made an impact – and yet it was a lovely layering on top of a beautiful base. After 10 years in ex-bourbon casks, much like The Original, this was followed by 18 – 36 months in ex-Olorosso and PX sherry casks.

Here’s what the folks at Glenmorangie have to say:

This whisky is Dr Bill’s attempt to bottle the magic of sunset, with its endless horizon of reds, oranges and purples.

The Lasanta begins with our giraffe-high stills, which yield a deliciously delicate and fruity spirit. Next, we mature it in bourbon and sherry casks for 12 years, transforming it into a mouth-watering odyssey bursting with rich spiciness and sun-drenched sweetness.

It radiates with raisins, honeycomb and chocolate-covered hazelnuts lightened by cinnamon breezes.

Each time you watch the sunset, you see something different – this is how it is to drink Lasanta.

Next up was a shift from Sherry to Port casks from Portugal with the Quinta Ruban….

The Quinta Ruban 14 years old has been matured in port casks. It has incredible flavour combinations. Walnut and black pepper. Mandarin orange and melted marshmallow.

Glenmorangie 14 year “The Quinta Ruban” Port Finish 46%

  • Nose – Chewy! One found hot rubber, a touch nutty, some pepper, then as it spent more time in the glass revealing rich dark fruits
  • Palate – Oily, ginger, pepper, spicy, chocolate, more of that nutty element, some sweet spices, and something else not so easy to define…
  • Finish – Long and strong, chocolate mint

This one takes a bit of time to open up. I remembered it being one of the 1st Port finishes that I really enjoyed – the kind of whisky you want to have in your glass when curling up in an old leather chair with a warm fire, good music, and simply relaxing.

Here’s what the folks at Glenmorangie have to say in their official tasting notes:

  • Colour: Dark gold with a ruby tint.
  • Nose: Dark mint chocolate and Seville oranges mingle with sandalwood and walnut, with a spicy finish of pepper and nutmeg.
  • Taste: Mint chocolate and walnuts envelop the palate, laying the foundations for rose, Turkish delight, and sweet Seville oranges.
  • Finish: Long-lasting, silky aftertaste leaving dark chocolate mints and traces of orange.

What stood out for me was the reference to Turkish delight. Later that evening we enjoyed nutty Turkish delight – absolutely spot on!

We then took a short break from Glenmorangie to compare the Quinta Ruban with a Cragganmore Distiller’s Edition Double Matured Port Finish 40%. Let’s just say it was interesting to contrast and compare, however, the Glenmorangie was the clear winner – a much more interesting and rewarding expression!

Our evening closed with their no-age-statement Sauternes finished Nectar d’Or.

Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or is like sending your senses on holiday to a French pastry shop, where the air swirls with sweet scents, balanced by a soft drumbeat of spice. A truly incredible whisky.

Glenmorangie “Nectar d’Or” Sauternes Finish 46%

  • Nose – Boiled sweets, light yet somehow missing some of the nuanced, complex character of The Original, as it opened – could find a bit of caramel cream
  • Palate – Fruity without it being easy to determine one in particular – like a mixed fruit pie, mixed in were some nuts, cinnamon spice, honey, and ginger
  • Finish – An aftertaste of candy – back to the boiled sweets!

My first reaction was “Citrus, wherefore art thou?” My prior recollection of this expression was of a delightful interplay between citrus and sweet – like a delicious lemon tart. Don’t get me wrong – this is still a fine dram, but I missed what I remembered which had various citrus elements – from kumquat to an Indian sweet lime mosambi.

It could also be tasting order. Most found this rather robust, it was not the delicate elegant 10 year. However, it also didn’t have the richness added by the Sherry or Port. The Sauterne’s sweet white wine influence was more subtle, making this more like the “desert” of our tasting evening.

Overall what a treat to try a Glenmorangie flight like this!

Curious about other Glenmorangie experiences? Then read on…

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