Category Archives: Scotland

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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A dash of Islay – Bunnahabhain 10 year + Staoisha 5 year

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My explorations from a 2019 Whisky advent calendar are picking up pace! Each dram from this calendar was from a single cask, each unique, one-of-a-kind. This time I picked a pair of Bunnahabhains from Islay.

I decided to begin with the Bunnahabhain 10 year – anticipating that it would be without peat followed by the Staoisha 5 year. Named after Loch Staoisha on the Isle of Islay, when bottled as Staoisha, it is a signal that there is peat added to the mix.

Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old 2008 (cask 12663) 48% (Clan Denny, Douglas Laing)

  • Nose – That typically sweet, sour, and saline quality that greets you with most Bunnas! Alongside the fresh sea breeze comes sweet cake, a drizzle of honey, and a faintly nutty undertone with vanilla
  • Palate – Gentle and approachable, light spice joins tinned pineapples and more of that salt – quite pronounced
  • Finish – Continues with the sweet, spicy, and salty character…

A promising start and time to shift to the next expression…

Staoisha 5 Year Old 2013 (cask 940) 59.3% (The Single Cask) 258 Bottles

  • Nose – Now there is the peat! Smokey, fruity – especially the pineapple – which transforms from tinned to grilled – yum! Some bananas there too, opening into a medley of stewed fruits. Return to the nose again to discover that peat, sweet, with cinnamon, and spice. Also with a health dash of salt. Lovely!
  • Palate – Initially a mild bonfire of spice and peat that swiftly gentled. It was delicious – like warm sweet bread.
  • Finish – Cinnamon spice

There is no mistaking the peat in this one. It was really rather fabulous – a warm embrace.

I’m no stranger to this distillery… here is a sampling of other Bunnahabhain‘s sampled over the years…. many of which have age statements:

And a few more “modern” expressions without an age statement:

From time to time, you can also find other whisky-related updates and activities on:

More Minis – Nc’Nean, Tipperary, Gulliver’s 47

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Continuing my wee whisky mini explorations, I turned to a combination of two different sets… mixing up countries and styles!

For Nc’Nean, this mini came after I’d already purchased a full bottle with thoughts to bring it back to Mumbai for the Whisky Ladies. I knew it would be young but had been impressed with meeting the women leading the way with this fresh new independent distillery – committed to sustainable production, carbon-neutral, using recycled glass for the bottles, and most importantly passionate about crafting a fine dram in harmony with our planet.

Nc’Nean Single Scottish Malt Batch 7, 46%

  • Colour – Light gold
  • Nose – How delightfully fresh, fresh barley, light orange citrus
  • Palate – Initially prickly then gentled, quite young and active, some ginger, tinned pineapple, honey sweetness with something a bit rustic, tannins belying a wine cask influence? If yes, it was subtle and balanced
  • Finish – Waxy, a touch bitter like roasted nuts, light spice, a touch of orange oil

The challenge with tasting minis is that sometimes it simply isn’t enough! I was glad that I have a bottle to explore another time at leisure with friends.

I then shifted gears from Scotland to the Emerald Isles…

Tipperary 8 year Red Wine Cask Finish, Cask RC00117, 59.5%

  • Colour – What colour! A bright ruby
  • Nose – Bold blackberries, spice
  • Palate – Brash, a bit harsh and spicy, with some strong oak undertones, tannins and juicy red berries, like chewy red gummy bears
  • Finish – Sweet and tart at the same time, oak spice chasing

If Nc’Nean had a subtle hand, here there was no mistaking the use of a red wine cask with the Tipperary. So heavy, I wondered if it could have been finished in a decidedly “wet” cask leaving some wine behind? There is nothing shy about this whisky!

Whilst the Irish distillery is undisclosed, the folks at Tipperary have started their own distillery and in time will be putting out their own whisky. In the interim, this bottling of another is retailing for Eur 68.

And then on to a third country – England – with a lightly peated dram from The English Whisky Company:

Gulliver’s 47 Single English Malt 47%

  • Colour – Pale white gold, nearly translucent
  • Nose – Fresh sea breeze and smoke, angel food cake, citrus, layers of soft peat
  • Palate – Delightful! Gentle sweet peat, apples, buttery, lovely malty, most
  • Finish – Sweet tobacco leaf, lingering cinnamon

I really enjoyed this one – rolling around the palate – the peat was subtle yet satisfying. A rather nice dram.

What more do we know? It was aged in bourbon casks from Jim Bean, with the brand inspired by Samuel Gulliver an explorer who brought wines, spirits and liqueurs from around the world back to 18th century Britain. You can find this for Eur 60.

What fun to mix and match tasting from two new distilleries and one brand with a distillery to be!

From time to time, you can also find other whisky-related updates and activities on:

Kirsch Scotch Whisky Adventskalender 2022

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In the spring of 2023 I was preparing for a trip back to India. Part of my preparations was to pick up a set of whiskies for our Whisky Ladies – more specifically That Boutique-y Whisky Company: World Whisky Blend, Cotswolds, Macduff, English Whisky Co. We rather enjoyed that exploration!

Along with it I also picked up another tasting set – Roggen (aka Rye) Revolution with whiskies from Denmark: Stauning Rye & El Clásico, Finland: Kyrö Malt Rye & Wood Smoke Rye, Germany: Stork Club Straight Rye & Full Proof Rye

Yet the ultimate was a rather remarkable set of 24 miniatures from Kirsh. As I still have a few minis from my 2019 Drinks by the Drams – Single Cask Advent Calendar, it will likely be a long time before I get around to tackling this set – however it is there ready and waiting to be explored.

Kirsh Scotch Whisky Advent Kalendar 2022 

  1. Sherry Blended Malt 44.2% (Berry Bro’s)
  2. Black Bull Peated Edition 50% – Also received as a “bonus” dram
  3. Inchgower 13 years (18 Feb 2008/29 June 2021) Cask No S801500/S801502 46% (Signature)
  4. The Spaniard 43% (Compass Box) – Previously tasted in 2018
  5. Glasgow 1770 Peated 46%
  6. Glen Spey Dimensions 11 years 54.8% (Duncan Taylor)
  7. Edradour 10 year 40%
  8. Glencadam American Oak Reserve 40%
  9. Ballechin 15 year SBCS 59.4% (Germany exclusive)
  10. Nc’Nean Organic 46% – Tried with another mini set
  11. Unnamed Speyside 12 year (23 Feb 2009 / 29 Nov 2021) Cask DRU 17/A197 #6 46% (Signature)
  12. Raasay 46.4%
  13. Speyside Blended Malt 44.2% (Berry Bro’s & Rudd) – A teasing taste at London’s Whisky Show 2022
  14. Benrinnes 9 year (30 June 2021 / 4 Juen 2021) Refill Butt 307210, 46% (Signature)
  15. Caol Ila 10 year Reserve Cask Parcel No. 7 48% (Single Malts of Scotland) Angel’s share 13.3%, selected by Oliver Chilton
  16. Pulteney 12 year (27 May 2008 / 27 April 2021) Sherry Finish (33 months) Cask No 16, 56.6% (Signatory)
  17. Artist Blend 43% (Compass Box) – Curious it it’s more like the Glasgow or Great King Street or Experimental expressions?
  18. GlenAllachie 15 year 46% – Tasted as part of a special online tasting with Juliette 
  19. Askaig 8 year 45.8% – Let’s see how it compares with earlier expressions
  20. Glen Moray Small Batch 12 year (2021) 46% (Berry Bros & Rudd)
  21. Ben Nevis 7 year (17 Oct 2013 / 6 Aug 2021) Hogshead Cask No 420 + 425 46% (Signatory)
  22. Glencadam Reserva Adnalucia 46%
  23. Old Ballantruan Speyside Glenlivet ‘The Peated’ 50%
  24. GlenAllachie (2009) Cuvee Cask Finish 55.9%

Curious to know more? Me too! However, don’t be surprised if I take a year or more to crack open and share tasting notes.

PS – I purchased this for 76.75 plus shipping.

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A pair of single casks – Glen Spey and GlenAllachie

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A few years ago, I enthusiastically purchased a Whisky advent calendar – all single casks, each unique. This was my special “welcome to Germany” gift. Slowly but surely over the years, I’ve opened a couple more, typically a pair at a time.

After a bit of a break, it was high time to crack open a few more… this time a pair from Speyside…

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Jan 1997/Nov 2018) cask 12952, 51.1% (Douglas Laing Xtra Old Particular), 256 bottles

  • Nose – Waxy, coconut oil, raw banana peels, barley mash, light spice… after some time, a hint of salty toffee
  • Palate – Started off with a real spicy chili kick, a bit sweet and sour
  • Finish – Bitter with the spice lingering, tapering into sweetness
  • Water – Brings out a spicy fruity mix – jackfruit

Not sure what I was expecting, however, the more I sipped, the more I enjoyed it.

Douglas Laing tasting notes:

The nose is sweet and lively with chocolate covered coconut, juicy barley and gentle spice. The palate reveals layer on layer of vanilla alongside creamy toffee and warm sponge cake, and the long finish has a mellow oak quality, with marshmallows and caramelised sugar.

Remarkably, Master of Malt still has it in stock – for a ‘mere’ Eur 220!

GlenAllachie 13 year (25 Oct 2005 / 13 Jun 2019), Cask 901062, 65.1% (Lady of the Glen) 368 bottles

  • Nose – Such a bouquet! Fruity, floral, then creamy, nutty, malty, yummy! Reminded me of juicy fruit gum! Then shifted into old over-ripe fruits, mascarpone
  • Palate – Resinous, herbal, then chocolaty, nutty, buttery, stewed fruits
  • Finish – Long, strong with a bit of nutty bitterness
  • Water – Definitely add! Brightens and lightens without losing the spike kick

What a character! There is something also a bit different about this one. I’m not sure if it was the Marsala finish or something else, but it’s tough to pin down… and that’s what makes it fun.

What more do we know? It was matured in a single bourbon hogshead and then finished in Marsala Wine Butt from Sicily.

The folks at Master of Malt had this to say:

  • Nose: Floral malt, vanilla biscuits, and milk chocolate Maltesars, with caramelized nuts.
  • Palate: Apricot jam on fresh toast with lots of melted butter, vanilla cream, and nougat.
  • Finish: Dried fruit, namely more apricot, with toasted walnut and vanilla pod.

Would I agree? Certainly!

Once upon a time, this whisky retailed for Eur 96, however suspect you won’t find it so easily now.

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Paris Whisky Live 2022 – Lagg Masterclass

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I’ve made no secret of my love affair with Arran whiskies – cemented by time spent on the Island visiting both the Lochranza and Lagg Distillery. So at Paris Whisky Live, I jumped on the opportunity to explore further…

Our guide was Mariella Romano, who joined the group in 2019, and the focus of the Masterclass was to introduce the new expressions from their Lowland Lagg Distillery.

So what did we try? A trio of 1st releases with:

  • Batch 1 – Lagg 3 year 1st Fill Bourbon Cask (Summer 2023) 50%
  • Batch 2 – Lagg 3 year (30 month ex-Bourbon, 6 months Olorosso) 2023 50%
  • Batch 3 – Lagg 3 year (30 month ex-Bourbon, 6 months Roja Red) 2023 50%

We began with the Lagg 3 year 1st Fill Bourbon Cask (Summer 2023) 50% 50 PPM

  • Nose – Herbal notes to start, young, fresh mash, clean and sweet with a grassy rather than medicinal peat, a hint of heather and puff of smoke
  • Palate – Very promising, creamy with a citrus zest
  • Finish – Nicely lingers, more so than I had expected from such a young dram

What we tried was literally bottled the week before! It then officially launched in France on Oct 1, 2022 (after Paris Whisky Live!) as an inaugural limited summer release. Mariella shared that they see their peat as more “Aberdeen west coast style”, gentler than the robust peat monsters some Islay distilleries produce.

She also shared how the idea for Lagg’s full focus on peat began with their experiemnt’s with their Lochranza distillery peat expressions – like Machrie Moor and their Cask Strength. Since deciding to set-up the Lagg distillery, they have stopped producing any new peat expressions at Lochranza.

Next up was the Lagg 3 year – 30 month ex-Bourbon, 6 month Olorosso finish (2023) 50% also 50 PPM.

  • Nose – Mmmmm a chocolaty sweet peat, richer than the 1st dram with loads of dark fruit sherry notes, raisins and sweet spices
  • Palate – Very smooth – the sherry finish works wonderfully with the peat
  • Finish – A lovely cinnamon finish

Delicious! In this case, it was initially matured in bourbon casks before being finished for an additional six months in 55 liter ex-Oloroso sherry casks for 6 months. Mariella also mentioned how they used Concerto barley and peat from the North East of Scotland.

She then shared a virtual tour of the new Lagg distiellery (after some small technical hiccups!). While many interesting stories were shared, one element was the contrast between the “mountain” pure water at Lochranza distillery and Lagg distillery’s use of a borehole with distinctly different taste. Another is how important it is to have the significantly expanded space for cask storage at the new facility.

Mariella also shared that while Lochranza (Arran) whiskies are sweet and easy drinking, the intent for Lagg is not just peat but also a deliberately ‘harsher’ quality.

And with that we moved on to the last whisky, closing with Lagg 3 year – 30 month ex-Bourbon, 6 months Rioja Red 2023 50%:

  • Nose – Dry nutty element, sweet cinnamon, a bit herbal
  • Palate – Curious character – some minerals? Also a bit fruity – mostly dark berries, some oak
  • Finish – Wine followed by a cinnamon finish like the Olorosso

The peat in this was quite subtle – and the ex-Rioja red wine Firkan was a bit curious – particularly on the palate. I wish I had tried this with a bit of water, as have a feeling this one needs to open up a bit to reveal its full character.

It was terrific to have a chance to explore these early Lagg expressions. I’m curious to see how they evolve in the coming years.

In the meantime, I remain a complete fan of Lagg’s big sister Lochranza:

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