It’s going to be a long hot summer with the latest Authentic collection release from Cadenhead’s. Single cask malts from Scotland & England with a rather special single cask Rum from France make this release one to watch! A rare and big Islay deliver the smoke and peat of Islay, while the English whisky 8 years old has a hit of campfire elements with an English twist.
Before we head into the tasting notes including the London Tasting Panel’s additions, lets look at one of the distilleries in this release.
After a few years operation and changes in owners, expansion plans lead to the distillery having a new still house built. Sadly a fire engulfed the site before it had time to open again in 1878.
As time moved on, the distillation continued with their two stills, which both operated till 1966. In the same year the still house grew in size from two stills to six and even further site expansion took place in 2014/2015. Ord has always made a quality malt whisky as both; a single malt and a major component of some of the worlds biggest blends.
We have always liked the range and quality of distillate made at the famous distillery, because they deliver a finely balanced and exciting stories of taste. For instance, subtle citrus notes, coca and hints of honey in the core of the distilled spirit are only one of the few wonderful elements which Ord provides. Also each cask then adds the final layer of taste depending on how active the oak is. Our new 10 year old is delivering across the palate in much the same way as some of our past 12 year old drams of the previous seasons.
Here in London we prefer to do blind tastings, as it makes one concentrate on the actual flavour above all else. We have occasionally been tricked by the young whiskies from smaller distilleries, which sometimes might have been overlooked. Time after time, we have become wiser and more knowledgeable regarding younger malts and once again this newsletter contains a few new exciting young ones.
My advice is simple; you ought to look a little deeper into the whiskies, those at first sight might not be the rarest, trendiest or oldest, but might have the potential to become a future classic.
THE NEW RANGE!
ARDBEG 24 Years Old Distilled 1993 54.6% – 70CL – Islay 138 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
NOSE: Wet coal, barbecued bananas, buttered toast
(LTP) NOSE: very Islay with charcoal and smoked cheese, some fruity notes but generally typical Islay
PALATE: Stewed rhubarb, woodiness with some a little spice
(LTP) PALATE: Kind of sweet fruity notes coming in but this almost burning embers and all spices add to the great mix on the palate.
FINISH: Wet smoke, burning wood, faint ash notes and liquorice toffee.
(LTP) FINISH: Warming smoke and peat some sharp edges that catch the side of the palate before a more dark berry and smoked fruit notes kicks in. A fuller mouth feel than most Islay’s
With the Ardbeg being so rare its going to be 1 bottle per customer! Before we process an order we will check the data for bottles on hold in other shops to avoid issues around customers missing out while others get more than 1 bottle.
BALMENACH 13 53.5% 2005 (Young and balanced) 294 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
NOSE: Red apple peel, lemon zest and ripe kiwis
(LTP) Very rich and fruity nose with some tangy citrus and autumnal orchard fruits
PALATE: Freshly cut grass, strawberry & raspberry yoghurt
(LTP) A clean start to the palate with sweet cut grass some berries and a rather enjoyable creamy mid palate leading to some soft red fruits like strawberry and pomegranate.
FINISH: Elderflower, gooseberries
(LTP) Wow a sudden impact here of soft white fruits a little ripe apple and tangy fruits with a little sweet & sour jelly sweets
BENRINNES 14yo 56.9% 70CL – 294 BOTTLES IN THE WORLD Single Malt Whisky from Speyside 294 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
Nose: Salted caramel, warm milk chocolate with hazelnuts.
(LTP) The nose gave us a very sweet flavour with baked apple and tropical fruits to add to the salted caramel and chocolate notes.
Taste: Peaches & mango with vanilla yoghurt. Dry oat biscuit & root ginger.
(LTP) Again that fruity nose is arriving on the palate with what we felt was a hint of sweet light smoke like richness. Fresh baked biscuits and oatmeal.
Finish: Ginger nuts, clementines & barley water.
(LTP) The finish is sweet and spice with the added bonus of some sweet fruity notes like apple and peach. This is a great all round dram that will be perfect for seasoned and new whisky drinkers alike.
BLADNOCH 26 YEARS OLD 49.3% 1992 – 70CL – LOWLAND SINGLE CASK 246 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
NOSE: Heavy floral notes e.g. roses watermelon and peaches
(LTP) A rather surprising full nose with lots fruity and rich aromas like castor sugar dusted Turkish delight, sweet juicy summer fruits.
PALATE: Real vanilla, green tea, spicy dried pears and very smooth
(LTP) A good start with creamy vanilla and scones some fruity peach and pear drops add to the most incredible tasting lowland we have had for some time.
FINISH: Beeswax, forest honey with orange oils and more green tea
(LTP) This is a good finish with citrus and creamy honey like notes the hints of green tea on the bottle notes can really be found in the finish along with the mid palate especially on a second round sip as this dram grows with each pour.
Bladnoch distillery is now fully operational with some great whiskies coming from this iconic lowland distillery. This new 26 year old single cask has an amazing layered taste profile. Ideal for anyone looking for a great tasting summer malt or pre dinner dram.
CAMERONBRIDGE 34 YEARS OLD 50.3% 1984 – 70CL – VINTAGE SINGLE CASK GRAIN 180 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
NOSE: Dried plums and apricots, clove oil and hints of cardamon
(LTP) Amazing rich smooth nose for sure, lots of rich damson and peach notes, glazed apricots a little mint like richness and spices.
PALATE: Raisin butter, vanilla, burnt sugar, sponge cake and butterscotch.
(LTP) Danish pastry rich and yes smooth! Mouth coating creamy with hints of vanilla and crispy waffles
FINISH: Big sweet finish, with grapefruit and rye spices
(LTP) The finish mingles in perfect harmony with the mid palate before its becoming tangy citrus with a rich oak complexity.
A truly amazing Cameronbridge rare vintage delivering a classic whisky that will deliver on taste for all whisky fans.
The ENGLISH Distillery Co. 8 Years Old 61.9% 2009 – 70CL – Peated English Whisky 228 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
NOSE: Smoky , ashy notes with smoked salmon and citrus notes.
(LTP) Wow this is english whisky? Everyone wanted us to confirm this several times! Smoke and peat from the off in the glass, bonfire ashy with a subtle fruity tone.
TASTE: Autumnal forests, medicinal peaty notes with lots of menthol.
(LTP) The warming smoke from the nose is here on the palate, Soft fruits like ripe pears, some berries but not over sweet just perfectly balanced on the palate.
FINISH: Long dry-smoke finish with growing lemon thyme and dried herbs
(LTP) A stunning whisky finished off with coastal notes wet rope seashells hens and spices with a final hint of ash and peaty notes.
So you think you have had a peated whisky before well don’t miss out on this stunning peated English whisky.
GLENFARCLAS 1988 30 years old 50.9% Vintage Speyside single Cask 222 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
NOSE: Peppermint tea, red apples, hints of tobacco and dry grass
(LTP) A lovely aroma of sweet mints and apples an almost dusty bonded warehouse aroma.
TASTE: Vanilla, toasted brown bread, hints of old leather and red apples
(LTP) Balanced with rich tea biscuits and fresh baked sponge with hints of maple syrup, some old style flavours are here like leather bound books and fruit cake.
FINISH: Strawberry shortcake, apricots and pears.
(LTP) Another stunning vintage with more rich fruits in the finish vanilla and fresh cream with some sweet spices.
GLEN MORAY 25 YEARS OLD 52.5% 1992 – 70CL – VINTAGE SPEYSIDE 204 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
NOSE: Zest of orange, dark chocolate, lychee and almonds
(LTP) Very velvety aromas like chocolate and crispy wafer, Jaffa cake honey and nutty with a touch of sweet oak.
PALATE: Oregano, strawberries, brambles and caramel wafers
(LTP) Very very rich with toffee and caramel, some spice edges and sweet orchard fruits.
FINISH: More zesty notes, with toffee and hints of dried earth
(LTP) A balanced finish rounds off this amazing Glen Moray, a fresher finish with some soft fruity citrus notes, whipped fudge and a hint of dunnage warehouse richness take us to the end of this long dram.
One to watch with this stunning Glen Moray 25 On taste it will be hard to beat as it delivers taste and balance. As an after dinner dram its perfect with the richness and complexity you would enjoy on much older whiskies than even this 25 years old.
GLENROTHES 2001 16 YEARS OLD 52.6% – 70CL – CLASSIC SPEYSIDE SINGLE CASK 210 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
NOSE: Floral and fruity. Fresh strawberries, green apples and a touch of lemon zest
(LTP) Avery sweet start to the nose, red fruits, strawberry jam creamy Victoria sponge cake, orchard fruits with some zesty notes coming through.
PALATE: Brown sugar, butterscotch on poached pears
(LTP) This is another cracking Rothes with a rich creamy mid palate some soft fruits and hints of whipped toffee and popcorn.
FINISH: Walnuts with chewy toffee, dried almond with baked apple crumble
(LTP) A perfect finish for a perfect dram, lots of creamy richness from the mid palate glide across the palate to delivery some sweet hints of pear and apple with a sweet pastry crust, and a soft Pantone fruit cake ending.
Glenrothes has now become a must have Speyside pushing aside some other more famous distilleries that have become out of reach for the majority due to high demand! Lets hope this distillery keeps its secret a little longer. Glenrothes whiskies suit most highland Speyside fans thanks to the hight quality liquid they produce.
LINKWOOD 2006 11 YEARS OLD 59.3% – 70CL – SPEYSIDE SINGLE CASK 294 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
NOSE: Light, citrus, yuzu (Asian citrus fruits) and floral notes.
(LTP) Classic Linkwood with the most delightful fruity aroma, creamy like vanilla ice-cream lemon curd.
PALATE: Honey, more exotic fruits, over ripe bananas and hints of vanilla pods.
(LTP) Incredibly rich and smooth from the start with rich fruits vanilla pod and some creamy citrus notes.
FINISH: Soft spices, ginger with drying vanilla and marshmallows.
(LTP) The finish is a perfect balance between the nose and the palate that leads to the most balanced palate you might ever want, spice ginger honey and creamy to the last drop.
ORD 2008 10 YEARS OLD 58.3% – 70CL – HIGHLAND SINGLE CASK 264 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
NOSE: Wood spice, autumn leaves, pressed apple juice
(LTP) The nose is rather interesting as it opens in the glass with no water the wood comes through with just a single drop of water the nose changes with a burst of tropical fruits and pine oil.
PALATE: Pomegranate, passion fruit and pineapple
(LTP) Superb richness with the tropical fruits across the whole palate, some red berries and soft fruit juice.
FINISH: Slightly drying, vanilla pods, wood shavings
(LTP) The finish has arrived with the same quality as the nose and palate, the hints of creamy vanilla and some sweet oak lead the taste to think the dram is older than 10 years!
Great as an after dinner dram for those of us who find the smoke and peaty styles a little over powering yet rich enough for those of us who do like fuller flavours to really enjoy this dram.
KILKERRAN 11 58.1% 2007 Sherry Butt matured Campbeltown Single Malt. 564 BOTTLES WORLD WIDE
his is a fist time single cask under the Cadenhead Range of whiskies.
NOSE: Milk chocolate fruit & nut, prunes and a hint of smoke
(LTP) Rich coca and berries on the nose with lots of flavours pushing forward with the hint of sweet smoke adding the most interesting layer to the nose.
PALATE: Oily, gentle wood spice, touch of smoke continuing
(LTP) Oh Campbeltown richness for sure with sweet smoke and hints of soft peat, chocolate and spices give a rich balance to the palate.
FINISH: Dark cherry, honey, golden raisin, mixed nuts.
(LTP) As expected the finish is amazing rich and nicely complex with hints of creamy nutty flavours with dark dried fruits.
LONGROW 18 YEARS OLD 46% VOL PEATED CAMPBELTOWN – 2017 RELEASE
Ok this might not be new given it was originally released in 2017 but those good folks in Campbeltown managed to get us a few more cases
NOSE: refined creamy fruity aroma to start with. Sea salt seaweed followed by pine cones, wood shavings and honey.
Palate: Rich and creamy with subtle peat and juicy sweet flavours. Salted popcorn, Tofu, Butterscotch and Vanilla. Tobacco leaf, wood shavings and Black Forest gateau.
Finish: Pecan nuts followed by soft peaty embers with rich almost creamy notes with a superb dark chocolate and earthy notes.
And finally lets look at the rest of our favourite drams some you know about some you might have missed.
From time to time we sell out of our original allocation so we get an availability list that might have a few bottles or cases we can get back in to fill our shelves, in 2016/17 we had a few weeks of rather empty shelves so the team in Scotland set about fixing the situation for our London shop customers.
The following are limited stocks but still available via our web shop.
LINKWOOD 1987 30 YEARS OLD 57.2% – 70CL – REFILL SHERRY CASK
MACDUFF 1989 29 YEARS OLD 55.1% – 70CL – REFILL SHERRY CASK
PORT DUNDAS 1988 29 YEARS OLD 50.7% VOL – 70CL – BOURBON HOGSHEAD CASK- CLOSED DISTILLERY Another truly outstanding dram.
CREATIONS 2007 10 YEARS OLD 59.2% – 70CL Light, Creamy, Vanilla Batch 4 Blended Grain (Voted No 1 during the club night blind tasting)
PAUL JOHN 2011 6 YEARS OLD 56.3% VOL – 70CL – FROM GOA INDIA The 2nd release from Cadenhead’s delivers a twist on the 5 year old from 2017, 1 year in Campbeltown has pushed this to another level.
GLEN SPEY – GLENLIVET 2001 16 YEARS OLD Authentic Collection – 54.7% – 70CL – SPEYSIDE A deeper tasting dram.
CALEDONIAN 1987 30 YEARS OLD 48.5% – 70CL – RARE SINGLE CASK GRAIN Demolished Distillery. One for those seeking rare and very tasty future classics
Thats it for the summer and the 2017/18 season. We will be back with a whole new range around September 26th just as we head into the new Autumn season (The Fall for our cousins across the pond).
We can’t say just yet whats coming but lets just say one thing that might help! The release will be a memory of summer flavours that will delight you for the new season.
If you guys need anything or would like us to check on archive stocks email us at info@whiskytastingroom.com
Cadenhead’s London
