Wemyss 15yo “The Hive” (46%, OB, Hogshead, 396 Bts., 2009)

“Each cask that is chosen for bottling is representative of the best characteristics of its regional origins and only the best casks are chosen by our Nosing Panel, which is chaired by Charlie Maclean. This strict selection process limits the number of casks which are of the exceptional quality required to be elevated into this range.”

“The Hive Single Highland Scotch Whisky” Distillery unknown. The nose takes a moment to open up and then the aromas arrive; some slight green notes right off  and then….it’s somewhat retrained. Good, but retrained, light fruit and some hints of floral notes. Also hints of barley, some winey notes and some oak spice. Subtle. The taste is much different from the nose with lots of flavour in the form of malt, oak spice, fruit (oh crap, this is the same as the nose), grapefruit, citrus and cocoa. It’s actually very good which is a relief after the restrained start on the nose. The finish is malty with wine like characteristics and some good malt moments. It’s quite long and clean, not off notes and then some really excellent dark chocolate and another burst of malt. It’s very long.

A single malt that builds from nose to finish. Well done Charlie! Many thanks to Al and Maggie for the sample.

$114 at Hi-Time in California

Score 84 points