In October 2024, I found myself in Winnipeg, enjoying a relaxing evening with friends, cracking open the Whisky Warehouse No 8 quartet – sweet! Talk turned to how our open whisky bottles sit in our respective cupboards for years – with our infrequent imbibing. This led to an offer to refill the 20 ml bottles emptied from our tasting with a few “take-home” presents.

I perused the familiar drams in their well-stocked whisky cabinet, selecting whiskies all previously tried… The concept was simple – consider ones where I could easily craft an interesting compare and contrast experience with related expressions.

From France, Benjamin Kuentz’s Aveux Gourmands 46%. And my pairing choice? My 2024 London Whisky Show pick was from Woven with their Homemade expression. It was appealing because its salty butterscotch reminded me of the Aveux Gournands – or at least that was my impression at the Show!

My actual tasting experience? Interesting! Beginning with the Woven, I got the salty caramel element that first triggered the link between these two whiskies. However, when contrasted with the delicious, sweet, salty yumminess of the Aveux Gournands, the Woven Homemade was a touch bitter.

Six Isles 43% – literally a blend of whiskies from six Scottish Islands – Orkney, Skye, Mull, Jura, Islay, Arran. As it is a blend, I initially planned to try with a different Woven blend. However, the whisky universe had other plans, and instead it featured in a lovely evening comparing this standard expression with a special Port finish one!

I then picked a Highland with the lovely Clynelish 14 year 46% to compare with the 12 year old 2023 London Whisky Show Festival bottling! Whilst the fest bottle has been opened in India, the mini has yet to reach Mumbai…

The Balblair 16 is such a classic! And no longer available. For this one, I have my eye on comparing it with David’s 2025 spring Chorlton release – also a 16-year-old bottled at cask strength. As the Chorlton is in London and not prioritised for bringing to India for another year or so, this pairing will simply have to wait too!

Curious to learn more? You will simply have to be patient til the pairing opportunities occur!

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