It took being back in Bombay on a break to catch up, sharing tasting notes about the “bonus” dram from our January Scottish Regions explorations. Whilst I had anchored the evening with the standard “four” aka Campbeltown, Highland, Islay and Speyside, we were joined by a gent who had a perfect addition from the unofficial 5th whisky region – Island!
Island – Highland Park 14 Year (23 Oct 2003 / 1 Nov 2017) Hogshead No 739 57.9% (Whisky Broker). Bottle 54 of 237. ~GBP 60
- Nose – Wet leaves and sea spray, there was no doubt this was a maritime style dram with a hint of peat. We found it quite vegetal – reminiscent of a rural setting with cow dung patties baking in the sun. There was also wet stone, mineral… and yet as it continued to open, new elements came to play. We then found heather, lavender, a potpourri with oregano, rosemary… It then shifted further into chargrilled lemon rind. What remarkably interesting and evolving aromas!
- Palate – After some time, we went in…. A LOT is happening here! It is delicious, sweet, balanced peat, tannins, tobacco, even a minty leafy herbal quality.
- Finish – Carries on in the same vein, with the tobacco joined by herbal influences.
What a dram! It was so good to be reminded why Highland Park was once such a favourite. And if this is any indication of what Whisky Broker bottles, I should keep an eye out for more!
What else did we try?
- Lowland – Lindores Abbey MCDXCIV (1494) Commemorative First Release (2021) Cask Bourbon, Sherry, Wine Barrique 46% This new Lowland distillery piqued my curiosity years ago with this particular purchase was prompted by my attending the 2023 Masterclass at The Village
- Highland – Clynelish 12 year (17 May 2011/2023) 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel #880297 56.4% (2023 Whisky Show Bottle) This was our 2023 London Whisky Show festival pick! Over the years, we’ve become increasingly partial to the waxy lemony sweet dessert quality of most Clynelish drams.
- Speyside – Mannochmore 10 year (2008/2018) Batch 16.0708.16 56.1% (Mossburn Vintage Casks No 16). I’ve started to be on the “hunt” for more whiskies from this distillery – enjoying its fruity character! This time, it was from Mossburn, another independent bottler, with their Vintage Casks series No 16.
- Islay – Bunnahabhain Ma1 (2015) 54.2% (Elements of Islay). This Elements of Islay dram was purchased nearly a decade ago in Singapore alongside Whisky Live. It has been impatiently waiting for its moment in the sun ever since!!!
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