Adelphi’s 18yo Liddesdale Islay (46%, Batch release No.1, 2962 Bts., +/-2012)

Bottled from 5 refill European oak ex-sherry butts, the Liddesdale is the third whisky in Adelphi’s limited edition single malt range. A bottling from Adelphi the independent bottler without disclosing the distillery although there is a clue; ISLAY. On the nose…well quite frankly it’s a lot like Springbank and to be precise it‘s a lot like Hazelburn with some good oak spice, wet cotton and a distinct lack of peat smoke; there is also some very nice dried fruits however the similarity to Hazelburn is quite striking. None the less the aromas are very good. The taste is quite gentle but again shows no peat however the fruit (and now some good malt) along with some chocolate all combine to make for an excellent taste; this is really very good. And sherry but subtle. The finish is very long and active with a good tussle between malt and the fruit with a little of the cocoa mixed in for good measure.

Not very complicated but very good none the less. If forced to guess one would have to say Bunnahabhain but it’s just a guess and it could be a Bruichladdich too….either way or which ever way it’s very drinkable.

$86

Score 88