Archives for June 21, 2017

Compass Box / The Double Single

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland.
ABV: 46%
Unit: 70cl
How many components are required to create true complexity in a Blended Scotch Whisky?
For Double Single, instead of using many tens of component whiskies we have used just two – one single grain whisky and one single malt whisky (hence the name). Both are beautiful liquids in their own right but we believe they are elevated above the sum of their parts when combined in the correct proportions.
Such thinking runs strongly counter to the blending strategies evident in the larger, commercial Blended Scotch releases that dominate the whisky market worldwide, where many dozens of components can often be found within a single blend.
So why do things differently?
We believe that when using components of the highest quality, less is often more. That the interaction between a single grain and a single malt can be every bit as good – better even – than either a more complex blend or the component tasted on its own.
Above all, share & enjoy.
John Glaser, Whiskymaker
Availability: Limited Edition release of 5,838 bottles worldwide.
Bottled: March 2017.
Flavour Descriptors: The blending of the two component whiskies in The Double Single allows the sweet caramel flavours of the grain whisky to complement the fruity and herbal flavours of the malt, giving the final blend a creamy vanilla character overlaying a delicate ethereal malt whisky character.
Recommendations:  The combination is a deeply satisfying yet versatile whisky, perfect served as a rich aperitif before a winter’s dinner, or as a rewarding post-prandial any time of year.

Edradour Ballechin Double Malt Double Cask (La Maison du Whisky 60th Anniversary)

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Highlands.
Unit: 70cl.
ABV: 46%
Unveiled as part of La Maison du Whisky's 60th Anniversary celebrations, this expression from Edradour combines their single malt aged in Sherry casks and their peated single malt (which goes by the name of Ballechin).
Nose: Spicy oak, leading towards burnt oak and dark chocolate.
Palate: Oily malt, dried fruit and slightly coastal peat smoke.
Finish: Floral malt begins to take control on the finish, with final wafts of warming embers.

Auchentoshan / 2001 La Maison du Whisky / Artist #6

Summary: Country/Region: Scotland/Lowland.
Distillery: Auchentoshan
District: Lowland.
Bottler: La Maison du Whisky.
Age: 10 Year Old.
Distillation Date: 2001
Bottling Date: 2016
Maturation: Bourbon.
Alcohol: 43.6%
Volume: 70cl
Cask Number: 8000108
An indie bottling of single malt Scotch whisky from the Auchentoshan distillery from La Maison du Whisky's Artist range. It was distilled in 2001 and aged in a single bourbon barrel until 2016 (though bottled with an age statement of '10 year old' – all of these Artist bottlings feature an age statement of the closest 5 years rounded down). Only 68 bottles were produced.
Nose: Grassy mint, milk chocolate, a hint of blackberry and cardamom.
Palate: A clean, silky spirit, featuring notes of lemon peel, redcurrants and caramel.
Finish: Medium length, with fresh fruit lingering.