And the best for last…..
Serge Valentin is the owner of one of the most distinctive moustaches in the world of Whisky, a founder of ‘Malt Maniacs’ and the man behind whiskyfun.com. The variety of topics covered and Whiskies tasted, and the style and quality of the tasting notes, keep us feverishly awaiting the next update. Many Whisky writers have informed us, but few also entertain as much as Serge. Here Serge details his favourite Berrys’ Own Selection
bottlings from his extensive collection.
1963/1978 Glen Grant, Single Speyside Malt, 43%
Extraordinary nose: old walnuts, Vin Jaune and sultanas, also notes of orange and honey, and antique furniture. In the mouth, it’s almost like a very old Tokaji – fantastically raisiny. It’s also got notes of mead, chocolate and crème caramel. Some roasted hazelnuts and a slight mintiness gives it a superb zing. Fab old Glen Grant! The finish is ‘as long as a day without bread’, as we say here. Still very nutty and raisiny, candied but nervous and never ‘thick’. 94 points for this old wonder.
1965/1977 Longmorn, Single Speyside Malt, 43%
The nose starts on bitter chocolate and high-class coffee and goes on with walnuts, leather polish and balsamic vinegar and then gets meatier with whiffs of soot. Very delicate, very complex, like an old wine that’s been aged particularly well. On the palate, sumptuous attack, big and full with excellent balance. Fantastic notes of oranges, mint, liquorice, wood, cinnamon, apricots, walnuts, tobacco… and who knows what else! Amazingly complex. The finish really does ‘the peacock’s tail’. Sumptuous old young Longmorn, and it’s only a 12- year-old! 93 points.
1953/1975 Talisker, 43%
Some smoke but discreet at first, and then it grows, together with something animal and resinous characteristics as well as lemon balm. Then gets really seasidy with a little liquorice. Keeps developing with coal and hints of bitter oranges. Really beautiful! In the mouth, a very structured oaky backbone and silky tannins, lots of body and herbal teas. Then the spice arrives. Very little peat or even smoke. Goes on with oranges, dried tangerines and liquorice, getting bolder with time, to the point where it tastes like a 100%
proof Whisky. Excellent finish, with smoke and dried tangerines. Pure pleasure. 92 points.
1977/1999 Laphroaig, Single Islay Malt, 43%
Truly coastal, with puffs of sea breeze, clams, oysters… Then it’s back to citrus and pepper… The balance is perfect. Old books and candle wax and wool. In the mouth, a little softer but then it gets really bold. Very salty with a taste of oysters with lemon juice and pepper. Surprisingly assertive. Much more medicinal, with something like cough syrup, tarry and herbal. A long and medicinal finish with a signature on grapefruit and white pepper.
Very excellent. 92 points.
1970/2001 Glen Grant, 55%
The nose is sherried at first with notes of coal, ham, wild mushrooms and flowers and stout. In short, rather masterly. And what a superb ‘rancio’! Excellent in the mouth and very complex. Caramel, all sorts of red fruits, bananas and raisins. A kind of freshness that’s always welcome in these old Sherry monsters, even hints of tropical fruits. Also, roasted nuts, several kinds of fruit liqueurs and cake. And the finish is long, not rubbery, bitter, sour or tannic but just excellent! 92 points.
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