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Sampling Seven Seals Whisky ‘Zodiac’ Releases (Part 2) – Truly ‘Stars’ Of The Dramming World!

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‘The Age Of …..’

Robert from Highfern.com recently sent me two more samples from Swiss distillery Seven Seals Whisky. They make up part of their Zodiac line which was first released earlier in the year!

In the same way as the zodiac in astrology describes different traits of the human character with different virtues, likewise the Zodiac line from Seven Seals features single malt whiskies which demonstrate particular qualities.

There has been a number of releases in the range including The Age of Scorpio and The Age of Aquarius. (Which I sampled in an earlier blog post) As per previous releases from Seven Seals, these whiskies have been produced by finishing Swiss Single Malt Whisky using Seven Seals innovative accelerated maturation process.

Developed by Dr Dolf Stockhausen this new patented technique for maturing whisky is efficient, quick, and environmentally friendly, without sacrificing quality, aroma or character and aims to challenge preconceptions about the maturation and categorisation of Single Malt Whisky.

For more on the Seven Seals method, please see this intro from Dr Dolf Stockhausen on youtube

So, as said earlier, Robert from Highfern very kindly sent me two more samples to try – ‘The Age Of Leo’ & ‘The Age Of Taurus’ (Cheers Robert!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

The Age Of Leo

Tasting Notes – ‘The Age Of Leo’ Single Malt Whisky (49.7%)

Nose: Richly sherried with additional porty notes. Thick, rich toffee coupled with luxurious creamy chocolate. Add some woody aromas for a great nose!

Palate: Creamy rich toffee and chocolate with plump, syrupy raisins. Also shades of coffee.

Finish: Initially muted but then growing spice joins forces with slightly woody flavours.

Overall: A gorgeous dram which shows it’s quality in every nosing and sip!

The Age Of Taurus

Tasting Notes – ‘The Age Of Taurus’ Single Malt Whisky (49.7%)

Nose: Sweet smokehouse peat with charred wood and caramel smoke – divine!

Palate: The nose is mirrored on the palate plus there’s some nice toffee.

Finish: Chilli spice, antiseptic cleanliness and licorice gather to provide a very satisfying finish!

Overall: A sweet and savoury delight with it’s sugary and smokey flavours – a delightful combination!

Many thanks to highfern.com (@HighfernLtd) for sending me such glorious samples!

A Selection of Seven Seals Whisky is available to buy from these Merchants (but they are going fast!):-

About Seven Seals Distillery

Seven Seals Distillery is a small, committed company in the innovative production and marketing of spirits!

The main focus of the company is on whisky production and the company is committed to innovation in spirits production, outstanding quality and simplifying the production of whisky and rum in particular.

Seven Seals shortens the time of production without losing quality, aroma or character and strives to improve production both ecologically and economically.

Seven Seals is pushing new boundaries, especially in finishing!

“Time doesn’t matter – time matters”
Time is far from being the main aspect of finishing, taste is the decisive factor.

Highfern Ltd

· Highfern Ltd are the proprietors of Angels’ Nectar Whisky and importers of Langatun Whisky, Seven Seals Whisky, Smögen Whisky, Strane Gin & Kinghaven Rum.

Alongside the Cairngorms Edition, Angels’ Nectar also offer Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – Original 40%, Angels’ Nectar Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – Rich Peat Edition 46% and Angels’ Nectar Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Islay Edition 47%.

The SMWS Advent Calendar is BACK for 2021!

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The Society Advent Calendar is BACK for 2021!

New Arrivals From The Scotch Malt Whisky Society!



“SMWS Advent Calendar 2021”

£160.00

Qty left: 293

The Society Advent Calendar is BACK for 2021!

Count down each day of December with a special 25ml dram, when you can look forward to a different flavour experience every day. You’ll find single cask and grain whiskies, a couple of Single Cask Spirits surprises and some exclusive special label bottlings that you might not have tried before.

Each day’s whisky will be explored online throughout December, so order your calendar now to be part of the experience!

Sampling “Orchard House” Whisky From Compass Box – Plot A Course For This Fruity Harvest!

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“Orchard House” Blended Scotch Whisky!

Compass Box has released an extension to their signature range with the addition of Orchard House (£42 RRP, 750ml; 46% ABV)!

This whisky sets itself apart from the rest of the core range: not only does it use malt spirit sourced by Compass Box nearly a decade ago, but the lighter oak influence allows the fruit-forward style of these spirits to express themselves. This makes it a standout all-rounder in the brand’s line up of blended malt Scotch whiskies.

Where the ‘Orchard House’ flavour profile sits in relation to other Compass Box Whiskies

Orchard House is our first core range whisky produced almost entirely from whiskies we have aged since the day they were distilled. In a sense, it’s more ‘our whisky’ than anything we’ve made before.

We are so proud of this. Something new, something different for us. Something joyful. And delicious!
– John Glaser: Compass Box founder and whiskymaker

The majority of the recipe is made from stocks of spirit purchased from distilleries renowned for their fruit-forward flavour. These spirits are then aged in a variety of casks, with the resulting blended malt Scotch whisky creatively aligned with the artistry and innovation which Compass Box is known for.

The core whiskies used to produce ‘Orchard House’

Orchard House brings aromas of apples, pears, and peach with hints of pineapple, Earl Grey tea, and peat. On the palate the blended malt Scotch whisky offers notes of apple juice, banana, honey, and strawberry, with oily textures and subtle peat. The finish is layered with vanilla, hints of cocoa powder and creaminess.

The whisky is very approachable: light in style but full and concentrated in character. James Saxon, lead whiskymaker on this project, recommends enjoying Orchard House on the rocks. It will also ably partner with amber and pale ales.

The stunning artwork was created by strangerandstranger.com

Additionally, the Orchard House bottle is adorned with some fantastic artwork, created by strangerandstranger.com. With Christmas in mind, Orchard House is sure to excite whisky-lovers and newcomers alike!

Compass Box has kindly sent me some Orchard House to try. (Thanks @CompassBoxWhiskyCo (Instagaram)!)

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

Flavours Galore!

Tasting Notes – “Orchard House” Blended Scotch Whisky (46%)

Nose: Orchard fruits with apple most prominent and some sugary sweetness. There’s citrus, mainly orange, accompanied by toffee. Some herbal mint and tropical fruits make an appearance later.

Palate: Sugary, cane fruity sweetness with rich, creamy toffee, vanilla and those tropical fruits make themselves pleasantly known!

Finish: Hints of tropical fruiiness and smooth, gently growing, spicy finish with which is a little dry at the end.

Overall: A goto whisky for sure and one that didn’t disappoint! There’s plenty going on flavour-wise and an excellent choice for those new to quality whiskies. And it’s devilishly morish to boot!

I tried Orchard House on the rocks and James Saxon – you were correct!
– A solid, fruity, slightly savoury flavour that stands up well to dilution.

What’s in a name? There were plenty of suggestions for this whisky before ‘Orchard House’ was finally selected!

Compass Box is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Once again, many thanks to @CompassBoxWhiskyCo (Instagaram) for sending me the sample!

ABOUT COMPASS BOX

We are Scotch whiskymakers. This word ‘whiskymaker’ is our word – it does not appear in a dictionary. And for 20 years we have been relentlessly focused on reinventing Scotch whisky, with every new blend designed to help make the world of whisky a more interesting place. Of course, we have not done it on our own. We have collaborated with some of the world’s most visionary bartenders and designers to really push the boundaries of what is possible. We have won more awards for innovation than any other producer in Scotland because we are always experimenting. Always looking for sparks of creativity that will deliver something totally compelling, yet completely surprising. Whiskies that just must be experienced. This vision motivates us as whiskymakers. Our blends are consistently rated equal to or better than the great single malts of Scotland by the most respected voices in the industry. Six-time Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year. 2020 Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame Inductee, John Glaser, Founder of Compass Box.

JOHN GLASER, WHISKYMAKER

American ex-pat John Glaser is the founder and head whiskymaker of Compass Box, the boutique Scotch whisky blending house widely recognised in the industry for their innovative approach to the creation and enjoyment of whisky. John began his career on a path to become a winemaker, before re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as a Marketing Director for Johnnie Walker in London. With a desire to do things differently, John started Compass Box from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000 in order to bring the joys of Scotch whisky to more people. From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most compelling whisky companies, re-imagining the standards for quality and style in the industry. In 2020, John was inducted into the Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame. Two decades later, Compass Box now has two blending rooms in London, a team of 20 working internationally and stocks of maturing whiskies in Scotland. In 2020, Compass Box celebrates its 20th anniversary. With a forward-looking approach and unrelenting focus on creativity and integrity, John and his team continue to take forward his mission to make the world of Scotch whisky a more interesting place.

New Arrivals From Edencroft – Kentucky Owl, Compass Box, Deanston, Longrow & Tomatin Whiskies!

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Kentucky Owl / Batch 10 Bourbon.
£235.00

New Arrivals

Kentucky Owl / Batch 9 Bourbon.
Kentucky Owl / Batch 9 Bourbon.
£237.50
Country: American
Region: American
Age: 
Strength: 63.8%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: USA/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Bourbon.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: The Wiseman's Bourbon.

CASK NUMBER: Batch 9

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 11595

ABV: 63.8% Vol.

A blend of different bourbons aged 15, 14, 12, 7, and 6 years. A bakery shop nose offers confectioners’ sugar and warm cherry pie. On the palate, wild strawberry and cooked fruit notes of baked apples and raspberry tart meld with tiramisu and black pepper, all well-balanced against leather and oak. The finish offers chocolate spice, raspberry, cinnamon, bitter almond, and lightly roasted coffee beans. Powerful but balanced, and superbly well-integrated. (10,314 bottles).

Reviewed by: David Fleming (Summer 2020) Whisky Advocate 94 Points.
Kentucky Owl / Batch 10 Bourbon.
Kentucky Owl / Batch 10 Bourbon.
£235.00
Country: American
Region: American
Age: 
Strength: 60.1%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: USA/Kentucky.

CATEGORY: Bourbon.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: The Wiseman's Bourbon.

CASK NUMBER: Batch 10

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 14030

ABV: 60.1% Vol.
Longrow / Peated & 18 Year Old Single Malt Twin Pack.
Longrow / Peated & 18 Year Old Single Malt Twin Pack.
£155.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Campbeltown
Age: 
Strength: 46%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Campbeltown.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Springbank.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

BOTTLED: 27.02.2017

ABV: 46% Vol.

Longrow Peated offers those who enjoy a heavily peated whisky the chance to enjoy a lingering smoky taste that travels through the senses like the smoke billows from a kiln.

NOSE: Very creamy, vanilla custard. The smoke develops and toasted marshmallows, herbs and rich fruits appear over time.

PALATE: Incredibly well balanced – rich and creamy with a slight medicinal hint. The smoke is always present and washes over the palate in waves.

FINISH: The gentle smoke lingers and lingers.

———————–

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Campbeltown.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Springbank.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

ABV: 46% Vol.

Dark and slightly mysterious, the 18-year-old Longrow has a complex nose that unearths a peaty aroma reminiscent of dunnage warehouses.

NOSE: A complex nose: Sweet fruits, citrus, peaches and orange zest at first before a gentle earthy peaty aroma reveals itself.

PALATE: Rich and very, very tasty. Well balanced. Dark chocolate, creamy coffee and gingerbread to the fore, followed by rhubarb and vanilla custard.

FINISH: Long and sweet, a hint of typical Longrow peat smoke combined with more chocolate and some dried fruits.
Deanston / 16 Year Old 2002 Organic Oloroso.
Deanston / 16 Year Old 2002 Organic Oloroso.
£100.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 50.6%

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highlands.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Deanston.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Limited Edition.

DISTILLED: 18th December 2002.

AGE: 16 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Organic Oloroso Cask Finish.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 528

ABV: 50.6%

Inspired by the Industrious Spirit of their founders, the senior blender finished this unique single malt for 2 years in organic oloroso sherry casks. But first he watched patiently, letting it mature peacefully at the heart of the historic distillery for 14 years. The result is a golden dram that offers heady notes of honeyed oak & chocolate-covered toffee.

Limited to 3492 bottles, this deliciously distinctive organic-certified limited edition offers a sweetly lingering finish in every drop.

COLOUR: Light amber gold.

NOSE: Dried fruit, honey, toffee, with hints of sweet malt and citrus.

PALATE: Dried fruit, with hints of toffee and chocolate, honey, rich oak, sweet malt and subtle citrus and spice.

FINISH: Lingering dried fruit and honey.
Deanston / 17 Year Old 2002 Organic PX Cask Finish.
Deanston / 17 Year Old 2002 Organic PX Cask Finish.
£140.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 49.3%

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highlands.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Deanston.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Organic PX Finish.

DISTILLED: 2002

BOTTLED: 2020

AGE: 17 Years Old.

CASK TYPE: Organic PX Finish.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 3102

ABV: 49.3%

Limited to 3102 bottles, this new release is only the 3rd Organic whisky ever launched by Deanston. Deliciously sweet and a product of their 100% natural process, this is not one to miss.

This limited edition single malt represents 17 years well spent, made with organically sourced barley, the first 14 of which were spent in whisky refill casks. During the finishing, it developed a delicious sweetness, with notes of caramel, maple syrup and sherry soaked raisins.

COLOUR: Burnished copper.

NOSE: Very dry, slightly sulphury notes roll back to reveal sweet dried fruits, raisins and dates.

PALATE: Sweet caramel, mouth coating maple syrup, mixed candied peel and sherry soaked raisins

FINISH: Long sweet finish, fading to honeyed cashews.
Deanston / 17 Year Old 2002 Pinot Noir Cask.
Deanston / 17 Year Old 2002 Pinot Noir Cask.
£110.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 50%

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highlands.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Deanston.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Pinot Noir Finish.

DISTILLED: 13th December 2002.

AGE: 17 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Pinot Noir Finish.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 5604

ABV: 50%

One of the new limited editions, this is the first time using this type of cask for Deanston whisky.  Limited to 5604 bottles, this 17 year old single malt is light and crisp with a delicious malty creaminess.

ABOUT 2002 PINOT NOIR CASK: Given that Pinot Noir grapes are good enough to make Champagne, that most regal of sparkling wines, we hoped Pinot Noir casks might be worthy of creating a finish for our soft and honeyed malt. And you know what? They most definitely are. Notes of vanilla, citrus and sweet white wine are delivered with a zing so zesty, you can practically hear them.

NOSE: Light and crisp, orchard fruits followed by creamy vanilla and oak, giving way to a subtle hint of green grape.

PALATE: Dry, acidic, slight maltiness with a rich hit of tannin.

FINISH: Long acidity, giving way to a milk malty creaminess.
Tomatin / 12 Year Old Cognac Cask Edition.
Tomatin / 12 Year Old Cognac Cask Edition.
£65.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 46%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highland's.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Tomatin.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: Cognac Edition.

DISTILLED: 2008

BOTTLED: 2020

AGE: 12 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Cognac Cask.

ABV: 46% Vol.

Distilled on 16th May 2008, this whisky is brimming with fresh fruit and floral flavours with subtle notes of lavender and Scottish heather. On the palate there are hints of cranberry, orange zest and rose water with well-balanced spices. The French oak provides a finish which is long, with notes of Earl Grey tea and poached pears. 
Tomatin / 13 Year Old Fino Sherry Cask 2006.
Tomatin / 13 Year Old Fino Sherry Cask 2006.
£82.50
Country: Scotland
Region: Highlands
Age: 
Strength: 46%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Highland's.

CATEGORY: Single Malt.

DISTILLERY: Tomatin.

BOTTLER: Distillery Bottling.

BOTTLING SERIE: UK Exclusive.

DISTILLED: 2006

BOTTLED: 2020

AGE: 13 Year Old.

CASK TYPE: Bourbon Casks, Fino Cask Finish.

CASK NUMBER: 39350 & 39351

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 1691

ABV: 46% Vol.

Bottled exclusively for the UK, this limited edition is a vatting of two casks (39350 & 39351) which were distilled at the Tomatin Distillery on 10th November 2006, and moved to the finest Spanish Fino Sherry butts on 12th November 2015.

Fino’s bright flor and nutty flavours along with Tomatin’s malty backbone and fresh fruits are in perfect harmony. Notes of baked apple and almond cake, toffee sauce and lemon are followed by some more savoury flavours of freshly baked sourdough, olive oil and baking spice resulting in a silky yet fresh finish.
Compass Box / Menagerie.
Compass Box / Menagerie.
£110.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Blended
Age: 
Strength: 46%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Various.

CATEGORY: Blended Malt

WHISKY COMPOSITION: Laphroaig, Mortlach, Glen Elgin and Deanston.

BOTTLER: Compass Box.

BOTTLING SERIE: Limited Edition.

BOTTLED: 01.2021

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 7741

ABV: 46% Vol.

Whisky is full of life. Scotland especially is home to many different species of spirit, from heavy to light, fruity to smoky, and pungent to ethereal. Certain whiskies taste that little bit wilder than others, and Compass Box have brought together some of these strange and beautiful creatures to create their Menagerie.

They have focused on parcels of malt whisky that in addition to their fruity or spicy charms have something animalic about them just beneath the surface. This is a whisky of mossy woods as opposed to floral meadows; Menagerie is what you put into the hipflask ahead of a Tuscan truffle hunt.

Building on chocolaty and meaty malt whisky from the Mortlach Distillery, they have added whiskies of a citrusy and earthy nature from the Deanston Distillery. The Highland Malt Blend – aged for a number of years in custom French oak barrels – lends a brooding spiciness, while malt whiskies from the Glen Elgin and Laphroaig distilleries bring musky tropical fruit and tarry smoke, respectively.

Rather than a raucous zoo, bringing these specimens together has created harmonious flavours and textures. Gentle notes of spiced honey, toffee and roasted peach are the flavours on which Menagerie’s wild creatures leap and soar.
Douglas Laing / Timorous Beastie 18 Year Old Batch 2.
Douglas Laing / Timorous Beastie 18 Year Old Batch 2.
£85.00
Country: Scotland
Region: Blended
Age: 
Strength: 46.8%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Various.

CATEGORY: Blended Malt.

DISTILLERY: Dalmore, Blair Athol and Glen Garioch.

BOTTLER: Douglas Laing.

BOTTLING SERIE: Timorous Beastie.

BOTTLED: 2017

STATED AGE: 18 years old.

NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 7258

STRENGTH: 46.8% Vol.

Love love love the funny label (my cats love it too). This baby’s said to be a vatting of Blair Athol, Dalmore, and Glen Garioch. Which rather makes sense, doesn’t it.

COLOUR: straw.

NOSE: malty, I’d say. That was the easy part, then I’m finding orchard fruits, apples and plums, then breads, then oatcakes, then crème brulée. We remain close to the barley and even to the ground, which is just fine.

MOUTH: really good, as good as a middle-aged ‘natural’ vatting of shy-ish malts can be. Bread, brioche, malt, more oats, sour apples, and touches of oranges. That may be Dalmore. The body’s good.

FINISH: medium, very malty, barleyish, and natural. Beer in the aftertaste. Comments: totally natural malt whisky, integrally malt-forward, with nothing in the way (peat, sherry, oak, wine, whatever). The 21 yo had more asperities, but that’s normal, this one’s only 18. Vive la nature!

TASTING NOTES: Serge Whisky Fun.

Jameson Unveils “Black Barrel Proof” – 50% ABV – And Available In Time For Christmas!

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Jameson Black Barrel!

Hot on the heels of its recent ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ trophy at the 2021 International Spirits Challenge, Jameson is launching a 50% ABV, or 100-proof, limited edition of its triple-distilled Black Barrel whiskey – great to gift (and even better to keep) this Christmas!

Jameson Black Barrel Proof is made from pot still and grain whiskey matured in a combination of American oak, sherry casks and double charred ex-bourbon barrels to give an even deeper flavour experience.

Uniquely, this expression will be bottled at 50% ABV and without chill filtration. The result is a rich, smooth expression that showcases the benefit that the tradition of barrel charring can add to the world’s favourite Irish whiskey.

Uniquely, this expression will be bottled at 50% ABV and without chill filtration!

Jameson Black Barrel is a triple distilled blend of our small batch grain and traditional single pot still Irish whiskey and boasts a robust spiciness, with flavours of butterscotch and fudge.

Paying tribute to the cooper’s skill, maturing a portion of our whiskey in double charred barrels brings out sweet and spicy characteristics in abundance as it penetrates deeper into the charred oak.

Like every family, Jameson is made up of individual characters with their own distinct personalities. Bottling Jameson Black Barrel at a higher strength is a great way to accentuate the already beloved characteristics of this unique whiskey to create a totally new experience for whiskey enthusiasts.

So, if a full strength whiskey that’s bursting with aromas of toffee and fudge, complemented by a spicy character and a rich vanilla finish, sounds like it’s for you – or maybe even for someone you know – then you’ll find that Black Barrel Proof is a great addition to the Jameson family this Christmas. Slainte!
– Kevin O’Gorman: Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller

Set to appeal to whiskey fans seeking to explore a more intense flavour experience this Christmas, the limited-edition release of Jameson Black Barrel Proof will be available online at JamesonWhiskey.com and via select outlets in Ireland and at Dublin Airport from early November at RRP of €60

Best served in a cocktail or maybe over ice, but always with friends!

Tasting notes by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman:

Nose: Butterscotch sweetness and creamy, toffee, fudge aroma.
Taste: Rich smooth taste with a deep intensity and dialled up spicy notes, complemented by vanilla sweetness.
Finish: Smooth and rich finish with a hint of vanilla lingering on the palate.

Jameson Products are also available to buy from these Merchants:-

Twitter Tasting The Gladstone Axe Malt Whiskies – Sampling At The Edge!

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The Gladstone Axe – which one was my favourite on the night?!

Last Wednesday nights @TweetTastings, hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire, gave us the opportunity to sample the two styles available from The Gladstone Axe!

The malts sampled were:-

  • The Gladstone Axe “American Oak”
  • The Gladstone Axe “The Black Axe”

Fine wine and spirits company, Biggar and Leith recently launched The Gladstone Axe Malt Whisky and it is named after four-times Prime Minister, William Gladstone.

The whisky is a modern twist on classic Scotch and the two expressions in the range – American Oak and The Black Axe – are both bottled in iconic bottles which tells the story of William Gladstone, but in a contemporary way.

The whiskies have been carefully selected from the Highlands and Islay to create two easy-drinking smooth blends made up of 14 single malts and were created in honour of William Gladstone by his great-great-great Grandson, Elwyn Gladstone, Founder of Biggar and Leith and Malfy Gin.

Gladstone Axe Whisky – American Oak and The Black Axe!

If you want to catch up on what all the tweet tasters had to say you can view their comments by searching for the hash tag #TheGladstoneAxe on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

Here are my tasting notes … and the one which was my favourite on the night!

Tasting Notes – The Gladstone Axe “American Oak” Blended Malt Whisky (41%)


The Gladstone Axe American Oak is aged and finished in American Oak Bourbon barrels and blended from whiskies from 14 different Highland and Islay single malt distilleries.


Nose: Creamy toffee and vanilla, woody oak and all coupled with buttery popcorn.

Palate: A thin mouthfeel with some sweet popcorn and vanilla toffee. I was also getting quite a new-make spirit vibe with this dram.

Finish: Smooth, light finish with quite a peppery spice as well as very inviting savoury pastry!

Overall: Quite untamed with an attractive rough n’ ready palate!

Tasting Notes – The Gladstone Axe “The Black Axe” Blended Malt Whisky (41%))


The Black Axe has a higher proportion of Islay malts to add just a touch of smoky character!


Nose: Buttery popcorn (as before) but this time with wood and a little smoke!

Palate: A light dram. Sweet vanilla toffee with liquid smoke and wisps of licorice.

Finish: Black treacle blended with some spicy chilli punch ending in tobacco dryness and a little sulphur.

Overall: Of the two The Black Axe is nicest taken neat – I think because of the subtle smokiness (which I’m a sucker for!)

My Favourite On The Night

Out of the 2, I think it’s got to be the The Gladstone Axe “The Black Axe” but both these drams will make an excellent choice as mixer whiskies!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and The Gladstone Axe (@gladstone_axe) for sending the samples and without whom!

The Gladstone Axe range is available from:-

Instagram: @gladstoneaxe

Website (coming soon): gladstoneaxe.com

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-


@TheWhiskyWire @MaltMusings @ReviewsWhisky @sprungatom @CEVokins @MrEdwardMilner @whiskeychap @FiShoop @AndyatDram @StillSurreal @WhiskyWings @whiskyRubhach @FreshPrinceRob @SpiritAndWood @MaltBox @Jotterface @RealDramRob @WhiskynWhiskers @LeedsWine @ForTheDram @Sake_Baku @WhiskyWithMolly @GentlemanGrimm @rodbodtoo

Sampling The SMWS “Virtual Tasting” Drams – Whiskies That Allow You To Have The Best Of ALL Worlds!

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Five spectacular drams!

Well, here it is at last – my review of The SMWS September Virtual Tasting – (I know you’ve been wondering where it was!)

Due to circumstances beyond my control (dreaded I.T. issues!) I was unable to tune in to the event, held on 30 September via Facebook.

However, I did manage to view the event later on ‘catch up’ and watch Madeleine Schmoll and Society favourite Mads Schmoll guide us through five more spectacular drams!

The drams tasted on the night were:-

■ Cask No: 35.293, “Late night pantry raid”

■ Cask No: 41.140, “Raindrops on pine cones”

■ Cask No: 82.35, “Jammin with apfel strudel on a beach”

■ Cask No: 68.60, “Sunshine on cream cakes”

■ Cask No: 53.376, “Rekindled Romance”

So, what did I think? Here are my tasting notes …

■ Cask No: 35.293, “Late night pantry raid”



Cask Type: 1st fill ex-Sauternes barrique

14 years old

58.1% ABV

Distillery: Speyside, Glen Moray



Nose: Sweet and syrupy with plump fruits and buttery sweetcorn. Liquorice adds an attractive addition to the nose.

Palate: Sweet, luscious mouthfeel with stewed fruits, caramel, liquorice and all on a sherried palate!

Finish: Basically, a continuation of the palate with the addition of some very nice mild spice.

Overall: A lovely finish, topping off an equally lovely start. Interestingly, the high ABV is not over powering at all which just goes to show that a high alcohol strength won’t always blow your head off!
£70.00

■ Cask No: 41.140, “Raindrops on pine cones”



Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

12 years old

56.5% ABV

Distillery: Speyside, Dailuaine



Nose: Woody, sweet fruits and some pleasant, slightly porty notes with chocolate.

Palate: Sherbet sweetness rich with toffee and plenty of fruity alcohol Oomph! There’s also some new make spirit popcorn taste lurking in the background.

Finish: Again, as before, the flavours established in the palate forge along nicely but with the addition of a bit more chilli than the previous dram.

Overall: Plenty going on with this dram and all of it is good!
Not available to buy – But – See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

■ Cask No: 82.35, “Jammin with apfel strudel on a beach”



Cask Type: 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead

8 years old

64.4% ABV

Distillery: Highland, Glencadam



Nose: Lemon sherbet sweets with digestive biscuits, coupled with caramel and light toffee.

Palate: Cane sweetness with heavy plump stewed fruits, citrus and toffee.

Finish: Super spicy finish with a lemoney tanin finish.

Overall: Loved the citrus with this dram and together with the sugar and spice it made this whisky very nice!
£49.00

■ Cask No: 68.60, “Sunshine on cream cakes”



Cask Type: Recharred hogshead

9 years old

59.8% ABV

Distillery: Highland, Blair Athol



Nose: A slow burner this one but after a while there’s butterscotch, sherry, creamy cherry coconut. Add together furniture polish and dusky rooms and you have a cracking nose!

Palate: Thick, creamy mouthfeel with sherried fruits and chocolate cherries with coconut – Yum!

Finish: Some poppy chilli joins in the fun for the dryer finish – which is short but does invite another sip!

Overall: Hiding it’s light under a bushel this one was initially but it eventually revealed it’s secrets. I can see why this has sold out – a top notch dram!
Not available to buy – But – See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

■ Cask No: 53.376, “Rekindled Romance”



Cask Type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

11 years old

57.1% ABV

Distillery: Islay, Caol Ila



Nose: Oh! One of my favourite aroma profiles! Smokehouse savouriness, sweet peat, charred wood and salty sea air – glorious!

Palate: Sweet, burnt wood with a tasty charred aftertaste joined with creamy caramel. The palate is also accompanied by some interesting antiseptic and herbal flavours.

Finish: The palate continus with growing spiciness, antiseptic and herbal flavours and a dry tanin and tobacco finish.

Overall: A great balance of a sweet dram and peaty smokiness which really satisfies the palate.

With quality drams from the SMWS you don’t have to settle for an either / or flavour profile. You can have the best of ALL worlds!
£69.00

I most enjoyed 53.376, “Rekindled Romance” which is still available to buy, followed by 68.60, “Sunshine on cream cakes” which, sadly, isn’t (though I can see why!)

Many thanks to SMWS (@SMWSUK) for such an enjoyable set of samples!

About The SMWS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a club unlike any other.

As well as being a place to connect with other like-minded whisky lovers, they are also internationally renowned for their mission: “to provide our members with an adventurous and fun journey of discovery of the world’s widest collection of single cask whiskies.”

Conceptualised in the late 70’s and established in 1983, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, now 35 years old, has branches and partners bars in 19 countries globally. The Society has a selection of over 500 casks every year, each cask yielding a few hundred or less whisky bottles which are unique to that cask.

Rather than name their Whiskies after the distillery, the Society has a coding system. The Society also creates fantastic tasting notes summaries for their Whiskies and other bottles. The whiskies are straight from the cask single malt, undiluted, without chill-filtration or colouring at cask strength.

More recently the Society has been named Independent Bottler of the Year in Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Independent Bottlers’ Challenge (IBC) competition.

New ‘Isle of Raasay’ Whisky Arrivals At Edencroft!

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Isle of Raasay / Hebridean Single Malt Batch 2.
£45.00

New Arrivals

Isle of Raasay / Hebridean Single Malt Batch 2.
Isle of Raasay / Hebridean Single Malt Batch 2.
£45.00
Country: Scotland
Region: IsleofRaasay
Age: 
Strength: 63.5%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Isle of Raasay.

RELEASE DATE: September 2021

ABV: 46.4%

PEAT LEVEL: Barley 48-52ppm | Residual in Bottle est. 12ppm.

PRESENTATION: Natural colour, non-chill filtered.

CASK TYPES: First fill ex-Rye Whiskey, virgin Chinkapin oak, and first fill Bordeaux red wine.

SPIRIT TYPES: Isle of Raasay peated & unpeated spirit.

BARLEY VARIETY: Concerto.

YEAST TYPE: Distillers’ Yeast.

WATER SOURCE: Isle of Raasay Distillery 60 metre well on site – Tobar na Bà Baine.

FERMENTATION TIME: 3 and 5 day fermentations.

SPIRIT CUT POINT: Narrow cut point.

CASK FILLING STRENGTH: 63.5% abv.

DISTILLED: 22/11/2017 – 27/02/2018

VATTING: 23/07/2021 to 16/08/2021

BOTTLING: 17/08/2021 to ongoing.

MATURATION & BOTTLING: Isle of Raasay Distillery.
Isle of Raasay / Hebridean Single Malt Batch 1.
Isle of Raasay / Hebridean Single Malt Batch 1.
£45.00
Country: Scotland
Region: IsleofRaasay
Age: 
Strength: 63.5%.

Summary: 

COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Isle of Raasay.

RELEASE DATE: May 2021

ABV: 46.4%

PEAT LEVEL: Barley 48-52ppm | Residual in Bottle 6ppm.

PRESENTATION: Natural colour, non-chill filtered.

CASK TYPES: First fill ex-Rye Whiskey, virgin Chinkapin oak, and first fill Bordeaux red wine.

SPIRIT TYPES: Isle of Raasay peated & unpeated spirit.

BARLEY VARIETY: Concerto.

YEAST TYPE: Distillers’ Yeast.

WATER SOURCE: Isle of Raasay Distillery 60 metre well on site – Tobar na Bà Baine.

FERMENTATION TIME: 3 and 5 day fermentations.

SPIRIT CUT POINT: Narrow cut point.

CASK FILLING STRENGTH: 63.5% abv.

DISTILLED: 03/11/2017 – 06/04/2018

VATTING: 23/07/2021 to 16/08/2021

BOTTLING: 19/04/2021 to 3/05/2021.

MATURATION & BOTTLING: Isle of Raasay Distillery.

Bushmills Launches “The Causeway Collection” Madeira & Port Casks!

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The Causeway Collection!

Bushmills has launched The Causeway Collection 1991 Madeira Cask and The Causeway Collection 2000 Port Cask!

Only 2,322 bottles of the red gold 2000 Port Cask are available with an RSP of £260, while just 738 bottles of the highly sought after, antique gold coloured 1991 Madeira Cask will be going on sale, priced at £695, making these exceptionally rare casks a dream to gift and better to own!

George the Poet Mpanga enjoying The Bushmills® Irish Whiskey Causeway Collection!

The Causeway Collection hits the right flavour notes for someone who knows their whiskey craft. The Causeway Collection of rare, limited edition Irish single malt releases is inspired by the natural wonder and mythical tales of the UNESCO World Heritage site the Giant’s Causeway.

Just a stone’s throw from Old Bushmills Distillery the Giant’s Causeway has been a source of inspiration to Bushmills’ Master Distillers for centuries. The Causeway’s extraordinary hexagonal columns, each unique but perfectly locked together, much like the unique and extremely rare casks of Irish single malt selected to create The Causeway Collection.

Bushmills rich heritage in craftmanship and storytelling inspired George the Poet (pictured above) to write ‘Singular Tales’, an ode to Bushmills and the joy of sharing stories whilst enjoying an award winning Irish single malt.

The Causeway Collection 1991 Madeira Cask

For the Irish single malt whiskey collector in your life!

The Causeway Collection 1991 Madeira Cask is aged for over 13 years in a mix of oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels before going through an unrivalled maturation period of 15 years in first-fill Madeira casks. The resulting Irish single malt is rich with a deep, sweet, fruity character and overtones of creamy pralines and black coffee, ideal for sipping in front of the fire.

This is the perfect gift for luxury Irish single malt collectors – it’s made to be enjoyed too of course!

Stockist: The Whisky Shop exclusive

ABV: 50.2%

RSP: £695

The Causeway Collection 2000 Port Cask

Looking for something extremely rare and different?

Available from the beginning of November, The Causeway Collection 2000 Port Cask is an unparalleled Irish single malt having spent its entire life in rare first-fill ruby port casks. After an incredible 20 year maturation in wine casks from Portugal, this whiskey is imbued with big, bold and luscious red fruit flavours.

The fortified port wine cask adds waves of sweet, caramelised toffee notes, balanced by a hint of sweet chilli making for an ideal after dinner, creamy Christmas treat!

Stockist: Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange

ABV: 54.1%

RSP: £260

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