The Hearach Batch 9, 46%

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From a venerable family-run distillery operating since 1836 (Glenfarclas) to a new community-run player from 2015 with Harris Distillery, our evening was full of delightful contrasts!

Their origin story is simple – a desire to preserve the Island of Harris community facing declining population and limited career prospects. Hence the idea of distillery:

In 2015, the distillery started life with just 10 people and an ambition to double in number over the next five years. Today, we’re proud to say we employ over 50 permanent staff, a highly significant number in an island of fewer than 2000 inhabitants.

As a catalyst for positive change within our community, we continue to work with purpose, bringing new life to our island and supporting its aspirations to survive and thrive as we move forward together.

And now, less than 10 years from founding, a bottle found its way to Nurnberg for an evening of exploration…

The Hearach 4 years (January 2024) HE 00009 24 46% 12,385 Bottles ~Eur 80

  • Nose – Barnyard, farm-like in a good way – think farm fresh fragrances, winds over wheat fields, sweet grass, barley, and then awash with a maritime breeze, burnt cake, and wood smoke
  • Palate – Super sweet and a bit vegetal, think green veggies, it had a youthful fresh exuberance, peppers, perhaps even a bit herbaceous, a hint of mineral, tobacco leaf, a bit rustic, salty, shifting into campfire embers
  • Finish – Salty cinnamon candy
  • Water – Oh my goodness! Makes it even sweeter! Like candy sweet, transformed from peat to super duper sweet!

The bottle was quite beautiful, however, what matters more than the packaging is the liquid. We were overall optimistic, it may not be the style for everyone but worth seeing how the team at The Hearach take things from here!

After our session, I did a wee check to see what the folks at Hearach have to say about this particular batch 9. Conveniently with the label details, one can find tasting notes by Gemma McNally Tarbert, Isle of Harris:

“I get a light, fresh sort of woodsmoke on the nose straight away, it reminds me of campfires at Scarista beach on those long summer nights we get in Harris. I get cereal notes, and spiciness on the palate, a sort of pepperiness like rocket leaves. There’s not much smoke when I sip it, but there’s a nice clean greenness instead. A little water makes it very sweet, like the sticky toffee pudding I bake myself at home with dates. It’s smooth and there’s so many lovely flavours unfolding.”

Whilst I didn’t find sticky toffee pudding, the cereal, pepperiness like rocket leaves – now that she mentions it – rings true!

What more do we know? Well, it is ex-Bourbon, Olorosso and Fino with 12,9 PPM. Also for this specific batch, Mike Donald, Chief Story Teller had this to say:

“A new year is underway and the first bottles of our whisky in 2024 have begun to be filled. We are deep into a Harris winter and fat snowflakes have been falling thick and fast across our island, transforming the landscape into beautiful patchwork of dark gneiss and bright ice. Many of us live at the end of long and winding narrow roads so it’s a slow start to proceedings as staff struggle to reach the distillery in the bad weather. But, we bottle batch number 9 with all the hands we can muster and the new white neck seals applied to every stopper fittingly match the snow which continues to float from our Harris skies”

And there you have it – our introduction to yet another new player in the whisky market. With it becoming so crowded and the winds of tightening wallets around the world, one wonders how The Hearach will fare longer term. Already on to their 16th batch, with this core expression joined by a pricier 100% Oloroso expression, time will tell!

What else did I try that September evening in Nurnberg?

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Bowmore 18 year Oloroso Cask 43%

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We closed our evening with an Islay dram from Bowmore! These days, having an OB (official bottling) and “adult” whisky above 18 years is a bit of a rarity for me in a home tasting which tend to be No Age Statements til early teens. Make it an Islay and woah?! What’s going on here folks?

It also has been some time since I sat down properly with a Bowmore, so this was indeed a treat to finish off a rather enjoyable evening in Nurnberg with a theme of “Bring your bottle!”

Bowmore 18 year Oloroso Cask WB146494 43%

  • Nose – Peat and sweet and how! Nothing shy about this one! All the lovely sherry dark stewed fruits and swirl of peat, was joined by leather and tobacco – delicious!
  • Palate – Equally powerful on the palate, yet balanced with a complex maturity, the plummy fruits rollled about with a gentle smoke, jammy and mouth-watering
  • Finish – Nicely carries through

Don’t laugh, but my first notes were “Why hello! I am indeed a Bowmore. And welcome back!” It was a classic Bowmore and also a great reminder of exactly what one would expect from this distillery. After so many drams that evening, this was a perfect powerful close – even at a mere 43%. A very good choice!

The official tasting notes may be brief but work for us!

  • Breathe In: Creamy caramel toffee, with ripe fruit and smoke aromas
  • Sip: Incredibly complex, with beautiful soft fruit and chocolate balanced with a light smokiness
  • Savour: The long and wonderfully balanced finish

And there you have it! A quick tour through some of the interesting drams experienced in a September evening in Nurnberg?

As for more brushes with Bowmore? Read on!

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Glenfarclas (2004-2017) 59.4%

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Glenfarclas remains one of the few long-standing family-run distilleries that have equally kept consistent with their house style – known to be quite generous in the use of sherry casks. You won’t find a light afternoon dram – instead, Glenfarclas delivers a more robust experience. The kind of dram you would enjoy to warm you up on a cool winter evening, mayhaps by a crackling fire.

We are no strangers to Glenfarclas and yet always delight in exploring “just one more”! Especially if it so happens to be a vintage cask-strength expression.

Glenfarclas 13 year (2004 / 2017) 59.4%

  • Nose – Lovely! Christmas market in liquid form! A gorgeous sherry, warming with dark fruits of figs and dates, generous sweet spices of ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, which were joined by cocoa, like a chocolate, dried fruit, and raisins bar
  • Palate – At first it greeted us with a sparkling spice, deepening into dark fruits, balanced, rich with considerable substance. Beneath all the swirling sherry was both oak and a sprinkling of brown sugar. In short – yum!
  • Finish – More of that rich chocolate, though now more mocha with a faintly bitter coffee tweak

Overall we found it a terrific example of a quintessential classic sherry. Most enjoyable, a solid performer that performs really rather well. I was reminded of the Whic.de Clubflasche from 2009 – which is a compliment! However, the price difference is considerable! This 2004 is no longer available except on auction for ~150 vs the ~60 I paid for the 2009!

Talk turned to the overall whisky character. It was just as expected – a perfect winter dram to cosy up and enjoy! Many thanks to our contributor and the company!

What else did I try that September evening in Nurnberg?

And past brushes with Glenfarclas? There have certainly been a few!

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Knockando 18 year (1996) Sherry 43%

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Truth be told, we are much more familiar with Highland Knockdhu distillery offerings that go by the name AnCnoc, than Diageo’s Knockando distillery in Speyside. Both were set up in the late 1890s, both are considered on the smaller side with 1.3 – 1.5 milllion liters produced per year, however, in terms of character and positioning, they are in quite different spaces. To put it into perspective, an 18 year old Knockandu is still largely used for blends and will set you back around Eur 65. Whereas an anCnoc 18-year-old single malt is in the range of Eur 94 – 149!

Knockando 18 year (1996) Sherry 43%

  • Nose – Starts off very fruity with plums, then starts to shift into coffee cream, with more time it reveals a nuttier quality and even some minerals
  • Palate – A lovely spice, clear sherry influence with some mocha, malt, almonds and oak as well
  • Finish – Quite spicy for a mere 43%

The folks at Knockando describe the 18 year old as being “Woody & Fruity” – for which I would tend to agree.

What else did I try that September evening in Nurnberg?

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Nurnberg’s Bring your bottle!

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Ah… September in Nurnberg… a time of cooler evenings, bursts of summery sunshine that slips into fall. In a departure from our Nurnberg’s Whisky Explorer format, just a few of us gathered to share some interesting bottles from our respective whisky cabinets. With such an extended array of offerings, we did not sample all but instead focused on a few that caught our fancy.

So, what did some folks explore?

As for me? My attention veered to drams not previously sampled:

It was a lovely relaxed evening with friends. A perfect sharing over an interesting array of whiskies from Scotland to Europe and India.

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Gordon + MacPhail’s Glenburgie 26 year 56.8%

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Our Nurnberg Whisky Explorers group were super duper fortunate to have an extra special treat! One member was so enchanted by trying the Glenburgie 26 year at The Village that when he wanted to celebrate a new role this is how he chose to do it! And lucky us, to share it!

Glenburgie 26 year (1995 – 27/04/2022)  1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Puncheon Cask No 6349, Batch 22/090 56.8% (Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice) 564 Bottles ~Eur 295

  • Colour –
  • Nose – It began with a nuanced and elegant aroma, light spice with kumquat sweet and sour citrus, joined by allspice and pink peppercorns, all in beautiful harmony. As it opened, we noted apricot, red apple peel, deepening over time. From light and fruity to old dark wood furniture with heavy furnishings, then back to fruity – this time marmalade!
  • Palate – Simply wonderful! Hazelnut coffee cream, wonderfully balanced with a gorgeous mouthfeel. By the 3rd sip, it began to settle into a heavy fruitcake with  delicious dates, nuts, and raisins, complex and satisfying.
  • Finish – Sigh…. one to just savour!

We were entranced. Talk turned to how the last sunbeam of the evening glances on the water. A bit fanciful yet sometimes a particularly good dram inspires flights of fancy!

I too had a teasing opportunity to try a wee sample in 2022 at Paris Whisky Live. Whilst well beyond my budget, it was one of those rare treats I dearly wanted to try again. So am VERY grateful it was possible to revisit at home in a leisurely setting. Even more, a generous sample was shared which enabled me to share it in London with a favourite tasting companion. I took no further tasting notes – simply enjoyed it.

So what else did we try in our special Glen themed evening?

I openly admit that I have a weakness for Glenburgie – particularly those from 2000 or earlier.

Live around Nurnberg, Germany, and are interested in joining our Nurnberg Whisky Explorer private tasting group? Just comment here with the best way to reach you! 

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Signatory’s Glenlivet 17 year 62.3%

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Before the summer break, our Nurnberg Whisky Explorers group held an evening devoted to special “Glens” – not your ordinary every day “Glens” but the “top shelf” variety!

I generally think I’m not very snobbish about my single malt. Yes I prefer quality but I’ve also been known to enjoy a value for money dram too! When it comes to Glenlivet, I’ve mostly experienced the standard fare with the occasional exception mixed in for good measure. So when this bottle was offered for our special Glens evening, I was curious but had no big expectations.

Glenlivet 17 year (15/08/2006 – 21/11/2023) 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt, Cask No 900806 62.3% (Signatory Vintage) Bottle 74 of 599 ~Eur 128.50

  • Colour – Dark gold
  • Nose – Mmmmm fruity! Followed by wet leaves after a heavy rain, quite mellow, sweet with a medium dark wildflower honey, a warm perfume shifting into dark plums combining fresh forest scents – marvelous! The longer we contemplated the nose, the more it evolved – dark fruits, chocolate, and behind the berries was a citrus twist! Then toast with marmite…
  • Palate – Wow! Sherry and how! Strong and full, with real substance… rolling around, it built on the aromas with a combination of dark fruits and mocha
  • Finish – Long and really incredibly satisfying

Overall we were impressed. The aroma without water had a beautiful evolution from light to dark, inviting and enticing us to give it more and more time to open up. Whereas on the palate, there was no mystery! It was clear that we were sipping a 1st fill Sherry – more intense, flavourful, and forceful than anticipated from the nose alone… however, this should be expected at a powerful 62.3% ABV! One person described the palate as crashing waves (brandung)!

This is not a lightweight and yet also has some serious highlights too! So we were curious, what about the impact of adding some water? It was like having two whiskies in one!

  • Nose – Malty and citrus, ground coffee and dates, resin and English marmalade
  • Palate – Much more approachable but in some ways not quite as interesting
  • Finish – Remains with a hint of red licorice joining

We set this whisky aside and revisited to find the one with water had clearly veered towards the sweet side – candied apple, bubblegum, marshmallow, pear – delicious!

Alas I could not find any official tasting notes from Signatory – this particular edition was from an earlier batch than currently available. Suffice to say, it was indeed a 1st fill Sherry Butt and truly an unexpected treat.

A clear reminder – do not underestimate the big boys! They are big for a reason and equally have a prodigious range of casks – so no surprise there are gems to be found.

What else did we try in our special Glens-themed evening?

  • A revisit of Chorlton’s Glentauchers 8 year and 14 year
  • Glenburgie 26 year (1995 – 27/04/2022)  1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Puncheon Cask No 6349, Batch 22/090 56.8% (Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice) 564 Bottles

Curious about other Glenlivet tasting experiences? Read on…

Live around Nurnberg, Germany, and are interested in joining our Nurnberg Whisky Explorer private tasting group? Just comment here with the best way to reach you! 

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Whisky Lady’s Top 5 Popular Posts (that may surprise you!) 2nd edition

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As part of reflecting back on the last few years and a new milestone of 1,500 whisky posts, I continue to be amused by this blog’s top whisky content… What is it about these posts that attracts so much attention?

My 1st edition of the Whisky Lady’s Top 5 Popular Posts was in January 2020. And now? Only one post remains in the top 5 today.

So, without further fanfare, I give you the latest, if not greatest, Whisky Lady’s Top 5 Popular Posts as of August 2024!

#4 Party Whisky – Amrut’s MaQintosh (Mar 13, 2015)

Previously, this was the “all-time” most popular post. For a whisky that I’ve purchased only once and have had a few times at parties. I feel compelled to buy another bottle just to refresh the photo (one of my all-time WORST whisky pictures!).

20150111_Maqintosh

MaQintosh (WhiskyLady.co)

#5 Happy Whiskies – Bhutan’s K5 vs Misty Peak (October 23, 2017)

Bhutan makes whiskies? Yes, you may indeed be surprised that they do! One of our intrepid Whisky Ladies of Mumbai traveled in 2017 to bring back two whisky blends – K5 and Misty Peaks.

Our conclusion was that, while neither was remarkable, there was an easy-drinking, approachable quality that simply makes one “happy”- much like the touted “happiness quotient” for which Bhutan is also known.

And there you have it, the 2024 edition of this Whisky Lady’s Top 5 most popular posts!

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Whisky Lady’s 1,500 Posts Celebration!

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Sometimes milestones come with great effort and focus, and others simply arrive with time. When I reached 100 posts with 100 whiskies, I couldn’t believe it was possible. Then 200 posts, 300 posts, 500 posts, followed four years ago by the 1,000 post milestone!!!

Today, I welcome you to the next mega milestone – 1,500 posts! Wow!

What has sustained me is being very clear about my purpose. I share whisky-tasting notes as a chronicle of experience and impressions, not for any professional motivation. This is a personal indulgence as a counterpoint to a demanding yet rewarding day job.

I see myself as an avid amateur, not an expert, preferring accessibility over snobbery, and am very grateful for the generosity of a few kind souls who have enabled me to try drams well beyond my means!

There have been a few events or whiskies hosted by distilleries or groups – when this happens it is always acknowledged with opinions remaining unbiased – reflecting what I think and the people joining such tastings with me.

And I have never been alone in this journey. Most of my explorations are anchored by a tasting group. I have been joined by friends from around the world, entertained by TRUE experts, supported by sample swaps, and more!

Here are a few “stats” gathered along the way:

  • My highest posting activity was from 2016 – 2018 when I was part of 3 remarkable tasting groups in Mumbai, India; Our original and now defunct group, the evolving  Whisky Ladies of Mumbai who have rebounded post-COVID and our Bombay Malt & Cigar gents who still meet despite being scattered around the globe!
  • Top posting month was December 2020 with 32 posts when I challenged myself to get through an entire Advent Calendar! It was a malty marathon indeed!
  • My Farewell 2020 post was a very personal update about a year challenging for many – and yes I did make it to India by traveling on New Years eve, paying a fortune to be followed by being sequestered in a quarantine hotel for a week!
  • With my primary home shiting from India to Germany, my content and audience have taken on a more European element, whilst still remaining true to my desi foundation!
  • Over the years, over 185,000 unique folks have dropped by… including a dedicated core who keep coming back post after post, year after year – you know who you are – thank you!

I will admit that I have lost count of how many whiskies I’ve explored over the years, however, you can find a relatively complete listing here: Whiskies by Country / Region. And my Top 10 most memorable malts you won’t find anywhere remain unchanged!

Thank you for taking the time to drop by, read, engage, and reach out!

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A generous gift with Der Schnapsstodl!

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2024 has professionally been a year of change! Whilst still with the same company, my role and team changed significantly. The old gang knew I have a certain penchant for a nice dram or two… hence got together to send me off with a generous gift from a speciality spirits store!

What did I get? Quite a mixed group of different options:

  • Fettercairn 10 year Vintage Cask No 18 46% (Mossburn) ~Eur 54
  • Glen Moray (Elgin Classic) Chardonnay Cask Finish 40% ~Eur 25
  • Glasgow 5 year Oloroso Finish 51.5% (North Star) ~Eur 86
  • Rozelieures Le Parcellaire Clay Limestone 43% ~Eur 70
  • St Kilians Terence Hill “The Hero” Blended Malt Mild 46% ~ Eur 40
  • Christian Drouin Le Gin Calvados Cask Small Batch 2022-K No 1250/2850 42% ~ Eur 32
  • Albfink Dry Gin 40% ~Eur 27 from Finch Distillery

All good things come to those who wait, so tasting notes will be spread out in the coming months (or years!) as bottles are opened in various tasting sessions.

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