Aged Malts from Redacted Bros.: 10-Year Islay and 19-Year Blended Beauty – K&L Scotch Whisky News
A Pair of Stunning Aged Malts from “Redacted Bros.”
Highly limited gems not long for our shelves…
No one is quite sure how the Dornoch Distillery’s Thompson brothers, Simon and Phil, gain access to such incredible, old stocks from Scotland’s best distilleries at such unbelievable prices, but the secret is out on the quality. Their “Redacted Bros.” label is now a go-to source for some of the most unique and best-priced aged spirits in the market. The two bottlings on offer today are proof positive of the versatility, value, and incredible character in this line. The Caol Ila 10 Year Old Refill Hogshead is an utterly pure, age-stated expression of this Islay icon, and the 19 Year Old Blended Malt Sherry Cask gives a resounding testimonial on how good the style can be when the right juice is involved. Built from spirits no younger than 19 years (with most significantly older and likely named Macallan, Glenrothes, etc.), it’s an undeniable collector’s item at under $80. Scotch whisky fans should stock up though, because we expect these gems to move as fast as anything else from the Thompsons, if not faster.
*These items are expected to arrive for pickup or delivery by late summer 2021
We couldn’t be prouder to be partnered with the Thompson brothers to bring their incredible hand-selected, independently bottled, single-cask single malts to the US market while we wait for their own spectacular single malts to mature. The brothers have made connections with all the major suppliers of good quality malt throughout Scotland, so while many new independent bottlers are paying high broker premiums for access to interesting stock, the boys up at Dornoch seem to have access at incredibly reasonable prices to solid blue chip stocks. We’re not entirely sure if that’s because of their good relationship with distillers or if their bootstrap business model allows them to operate with much leaner margins, but we tend to see incredible value and quality in each bottling. This fabulous cask of Caol Ila, unmuddled by overly active oak, is the perfect expression of purity from this Islay stalwart. Expect vibrant aromas of ocean breeze, citrus oil, smoky malt, and a creamy note that balances the wild seaside flavors. On the palate, plenty of kick with an oily texture—juicy and rich—tangy lemon peel, crunchy oyster shell, and a salty peat smoke throughout. A stupendous value for a wonderful malt that never disappoints.
This unbelievable cask of blended malt is very mysterious. Supposedly sourced from Edrington stocks, the vintage date represents the age of the youngest spirit in the blend and much older malts are likely included. So, this should be a blend of Macallan, Glenrothes, Glenturret, and any number of other distilleries, married in a sherry butt and for some insane reason not used in any of the group’s numerous blended products. The low proof may be the result of some reduction during blending, although the richness and complexity would imply that the lower proof may be the result of older spirit being included. In either event, this represents some of the most exciting stock we’ve come across in years and offers a nicely balanced, highly mature example of why blending malt is an absolutely wonderful idea! Particularly when those blending it forget to use it and sell it to our friends for next to nothing.
