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Sampling The Gladstone Axe Malt Whiskies – Drams With An ‘Edge’!

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Sampling The Gladstone Axe Malt Whiskies – Drams With An ‘Edge’!

Fine wine and spirits company, Biggar and Leith recently launched an exciting new brand: The Gladstone Axe Malt Whisky. Named after four-times Prime Minister, William Gladstone, the whisky is a modern twist on classic Scotch. There are two expressions in the range – The Gladstone Axe American Oak and The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe, both bottled in an iconic bottle which tells the story of William Gladstone 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. The whiskies were created in honour of William Gladstone by his great-great-great Grandson, Elwyn Gladstone, Founder of Biggar and Leith and Malfy Gin.

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

Gladstone Axe Whisky – American Oak and The Black Axe

With growing interest in blended malt whiskies amongst younger consumers globally, The Gladstone Axe presents an exciting opportunity as an approachable, mixable malt blend for a new generation of whisky drinkers.

‘Gladstoneaxe’ has kindly sent me a couple of samples to try. Thanks gladstoneaxe.com / @gladstoneaxe!

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

Tasting Notes – American Oak Blended Malt Whisky (41%)

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

Palate: Sweet popcorn and toffee.

Finish: Smooth, light finish with some growing peppery spice.

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

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

Nose: Buttery popcorn with a little smoke.

Palate: Sweet popcorn and faint wisps of smoke.

Finish: Black treacle blended with some spicy punch ending in tobacco dryness.

Overall: Of the two The Black Axe is nicest taken neat – I think because of the subtle smokiness.

These two drams make an excellent choice as a mixer whisky. Either one makes for a nicely satisfying ol’ fashioned – I know ‘cos I tried ’em!

RRP: £32 for a 70cl bottle ABV: 41%

Available from Amazon:-

The Gladstone Axe American Oak

The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe

Instagram: @gladstoneaxe

Website (coming soon): gladstoneaxe.com

Many thanks to gladstoneaxe.com / @gladstoneaxe for sending the samples!

Sampling Dekanta Japanese Whiskies – Limited Editions – Unlimited Flavours!

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Three Very Special Whiskies!

Last Wednesday night’s @TweetTastings was a rare treat as we got to sample the wares of Dekanta Whisky which is one of the largest specialist retailers of rare and fine Japanese whisky online. They Offer global delivery with a range of more than 10000+ whiskies!

The tasting was once again ably hosted by Steve from The Whisky Wire and the whiskies sampled were:-

  • Dekanta Whisky Asaka AOI Edition – Japanese Single Malt Whisky
  • Dekanta Whisky Kigai – Japanese Single Malt Whisky
  • Dekanta Whisky Kyoyu – World Blended Whisky

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 #DekantaWhisky on Twitter.

So, what did I think?

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

Tasting Notes – Dekanta Whisky “Asaka” AOI Edition – Japanese Single Malt Whisky (51%)


Celebrating Dekanta’s Fifth Anniversary

Distilled 27-06-2017; Bottled 13-07-2020
Non-chill-filtered and no artificial colour
Matured for 3 years in a first-fill Bourbon barrel
Cask no. 17172

Released in June 2020, the dekanta Aoi Edition was only the second single malt release, and the first single cask, to come from Asaka distillery.

This release was named ‘oi’, which is the Japanese word for blue, so chosen because of the symbolic significance the colour holds in both Japanese and US culture.

Only 343 bottles available.

Nose: Buttery sweet fruits – mainly apple. Fragrant lychees which is a revelation! The nose becomes very floral with promises of cane sweetness on the palate. Add in some biscuit, candied rose-petals and pear drops for an amazing nose that gets sweeter the longer it’s left.

Palate: Yep! The cane sweetness is there as promised in the nose! Robust mouthfeel with lychees, rose and syrupy apples.

Finish: Such a savoury finish where the palate gets all peppery and spicy coupled with a woody, tannin finish!

Overall: If you’re after a smorgasbord of flavours in your whisky then this dram will not disappoint!

£194.99

Tasting Notes – Dekanta Whisky “Kigai” – Japanese Single Malt Whisky (60%)


Celebrating dekanta’s Fourth Anniversary

Distilled at Eigashima distillery 14-12-2011;
Bottled June 2019
Finished in Japanese Mizunara wood
Non-chill-filtered and no artificial colour

Channelling the spirit of the Samurai, while paying tribute to the origins of Japanese whisky in the Scottish whisky industry.
This whisky spent time maturing in a cask freshly emptied of Scotch whisky from the closed Port Ellen distillery, before being finished in a cask of Japanese Mizunara oak.

Only 352 bottles available.

Nose: Very savoury and slightly smoke n’ peaty which makes me crave snacks! Some woody, sweet apples but that Marmite savoury is still there! You can also add in soy spice, liquorice and brown sugar to complete a feast of the senses!

Palate: Satisfying mouthfeel. Savoury smoke and sweet in equal measure! Smooth liquorice and some peppery spice.

Finish: Hard to believe but I’m now getting creamy chocolate on the finish – what a dram!

Overall: Such a different dram to the Asaka AOI Edition! More savoury and smokey with less sweetness but there’s such a range of flavours you could nose and sample for hours!
£506.99

Tasting Notes – Dekanta Whisky “Kyoyu” – World Blended Whisky (52%)


Celebrating dekanta’s Sixth Anniversary

Blended and Bottled in Japan in June 2021
Non-chill-filtered and no artificial colour

The Kyoyi is dekanta’s inaugural World Blended Whisky, built around the concept of sharing.

Japan and Scotland have a long-standing friendship that has lasted through the ages. Taking its name from the Japanese word ‘to share’, the Kyoyfi is an ode to that partnership – featuring 26 Year Old whisky from three of Scotland’s best distilleries, expertly blended with young whisky from three of Japan’s rising stars.

Only 260 bottles available.

Nose: Creamy, buttery, strawberry biscuits …. with added cream! More fruty ice cream – now with shortbread dipped in! Followed on with tangerines, blood oranges & slow-cooked, sugary, caramel pears. It then heads toward a more tropical nose. To finish up there’s mustiness, shoe polish and wood varnish notes!

Palate: Caramel toffee with a light creamy texture – Yum! Sweet pears and oranges with some robust savouriness.

Finish: Liquorice, creamy chocolate with growing peppery spice – what a joy!

Overall: What can I say? Another stunner!

£272.99

My Favourites On The Night

Out of the three, I think it’s got to be:-

1. Kigai
2. Kyoyu
3. Asaka AOI Edition.

But I wouldn’t shut the door in your face if you turned up with any one of them!

So many flavours with these whiskies – the flavours just go on and on. Remarkably I also think there’s still more to discover!

Many thanks to Steve at The Whisky Wire (@TheWhiskyWire / @TweetTastings) for a great evening and of course, Dekanta Whisky (@DekantaWhisky) for sending such glorious, generous samples!

My fellow Tweet Tasters on the night were:-


@TheWhiskyWire @ocdwhisky @whiskyrover @Jotterface @WhiskyGeekPete @ReviewsWhisky @MaltMusings @whiskyRubhach @whisky_jamie @Whisky_And1 @VJOsgood @GaryMills01 @DramofWar @WhiskyWings @FiremanTone @SpiritAndWood @StillSurreal @Sake_Baku @LeaskPatrick @MaltBox @MrEdwardMilner @WhiskyWithMolly @ManyMilesWhisky @PhilScott101 @sprungatom @MaltWhitson @LeedsWine

The SMWS June Virtual Tasting – Sampling Five Whiskies – “Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These!”

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The SMWS June Virtual Tasting!

Last Thursdays I had the pleasure of attending The SMWS June Virtual Tasting on Facebook!

Host Madeleine Schmoll was joined by Society favourites: Andrew Reid and Andrew Park to guide us through the five spectacular drams in this month’s Discovery Pack. All of the whiskies in this Edition have two things in common: they are sweet in nature and all were matured in ex-bourbon barrels which make for excellent Whisky Cocktails!

The drams tasted on the night were:-

■ Cask No. 39.209, Apple aperitif
Speyside, 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel, 9 years old, 56.5%

■ Cask No. 73.121, Meemaw’s Moonpie
Speyside, 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel, 9 years old, 58.1% ABV

■ Cask No. 36.164, Bittersweet Xmas stocking treat
Speyside, 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel, 11 years old, 59.6%

■ Cask No. 35.269, Banana balaclava
Speyside, 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel, 16 years old, 60.8%

■ Cask No. 10.204, Pineapples ahoy
Islay, Refill ex-bourbon barrel, 15 years old, 56.8%

You can also still Buy the Pack we sampled: £35.00

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

■ Cask No. 39.209, Apple aperitif



Speyside, 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel, 9 years old, 56.5%
Distillery: Linkwood



Nose: Crisp, crunchy apples, toffee fudge and wisps of vanilla.

Palate: Sugar cane sweetness, apples, coconut and tropical notes with toffee in there as well – altogether lovely!

Finish: Palpably fiery but softened with smooth sweetness. ‘Tis a long finish as well!

Overall: It certainly is what it says on the tin (or bottle) and that is … tasty apples!
£52.00

■ Cask No. 73.121, Meemaw’s Moonpie



Speyside, 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel, 9 years old, 58.1% ABV
Distillery: Aultmore



Nose: Woody and sweet, with green apples, but the nose is quite muted really.

Palate: Rich, buttery mouthfeel, cooked apples with caramel sweetness and creamy chocolate – Gorgeous!

Finish: Rich, peppery and sweetly smooth with a slight tannin dryness near the end.

Overall: An excellent, flavoursome dram at a fantastic price – GO BUY!
£52.00

■ Cask No. 36.164, Bittersweet Xmas stocking treat



Speyside, 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel, 11 years old, 59.6%
Distillery: Benrinnes



Nose: Very slow burner this one but eventually it releases woody, sweet, tropical and orange notes.

Palate: Sherbet sweetness with fruity tropical sweets – aka starburst – with the main emphasis being on orange. I also picked up shades of chocolate which was most welcome!

Finish: Peppery and tannic dry but, as always with this dram selection, that ever present sweetness.

Overall: Not a traditional Xmas style flavour to me but everybody else thought it was classically Christmasy – which I thought was a bit weird!
£51.70

■ Cask No. 35.269, Banana balaclava



Speyside, 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel, 16 years old, 60.8%
Distillery: Glen Moray



Nose: Creamy banana, lilt-like tropical fruits with some white oak.

Palate: Intense cane sweetness, wood sap (sandalwood the tasting notes say – which is a new one on me!) accompanied by chocolate.

Finish: Sharp, peppery woodiness, coupled with syrupy apple – which is a nice way to finish!

Overall: The ABV of 60.8% is, surprisingly, not in-your-face noticeable in this whisky, which makes it an amazing and very drinkable dram!
£75.00

■ Cask No. 10.204, Pineapples ahoy



Islay, Refill ex-bourbon barrel, 15 years old, 56.8%
Distillery: Bunnahabhain



Nose: Oily and coastal … but … tropically oily and coastal!

Palate: Sherbet sweetness with an orangey, choccy, smokey, peat, tropical tang!

Finish: Slightly antiseptic and smooth at the end with a coastal, salty vibe.

Overall: An interesting, and tasty, take on a classic smokey whisky. Tropical woodsmoke – who would have thought it? But it works!
10.204 is not available to buy – But – See All That The SMWS Has To Offer!

On the night I most enjoyed Cask No. 35.269, Banana balaclava – so different!, followed by 73.121, Meemaw’s Moonpie but it’s really hard to choose between the high standards of the SMWS drams!

Many thanks to SMWS (@SMWSUK) for such an enjoyable evening and for sending the 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.

Sampling Jura’s ‘Distillery Cask Fèis Ìle Edition 2021’ – A Festival Of Flavour!

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The Jura Distillery Manager’s Tasting!

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Jura Distillery Manager’s Tasting last Sunday as part of their online Fèis Ìle events.

We were there to celebrate the launch of Distillery Cask Fèis Ìle Edition 2021. A special single cask release which, for the first time, will support the vital annual Jura Music Festival!

The Distillery Cask Fèis Ìle Edition 2021 proved to be very popular and sold out within the hour. Good news as a donation of £25 from each bottle sold will help to honour Jura’s favourite island event of the year, the Jura Music Festival.

During the tasting we were treated front and back with some fantastic folk punk and then we had a tasty cocktail courtesy of ‘The Gate’ consisting of their handmade cocktail with lime, orange and ginger beer. Very refreshing and an excellent palate cleaner.

Then the fun really began – we were treated to some drams to sample which consisted of:-

  • Jura Aged 21 Years – “Time” – Travel Retail Exclusive
  • Jura Fèis Ìle Distillery Exclusive Cask 2019
  • Jura Fèis Ìle Distillery Exclusive Cask 2021

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

Tasting Notes – Jura Aged 21 Years – “Time” – Travel Retail Exclusive (46.7%)

Jura Aged 21 Years – “Time”

Matured in American White Oak ex bourbon barrels, before being finished in ex-peated malt casks.

Nose: Toffee and green apples while reminders of a dusky library linger in the background.

Palate: Cane sweetness with caramel, vanilla and green apples.

Finish: Very smooth with some peppery spice blending in with grapefruit dryness.

Overall: A very civilised dram with some sweet, toffee and fresh fruit flavours – certainly worth taking a trip for!

Tasting Notes – Jura Fèis Ìle Distillery Exclusive Cask 2019 (56.5%)

A heavily peated 17 year old sherry butt filled in 2002.

Distilled: 27th. March 2002
Bottled: May 2019
Non-chill filtered and natural colour.

Nose: Peaty, smokey, BBQ flavours very much to the fore with a lovely coastal feel!

Palate: Liquid peat smoke with some added liquorice and treacle.

Finish: It’s spicy and sweet at the end with generous pepper and peat woodiness and a hint of salt.

Overall: I always love a smokey dram and this one doesn’t disappoint!

Tasting Notes – Jura Fèis Ìle Distillery Exclusive Cask 2021 (57.1%)

Jura Fèis Ìle Distillery Exclusive Cask 2021

18 Years old, unpeated whisky. Fully matured in a refill ex-sherry butt from Jerez, Spain.

Distilled: 30th. October 2002
Bottled: May 2021
Non-chill filtered and natural colour.

Nose: Sweet apple with pear and tropical fruits. Toffee arrives later on.

Palate: Very tropical with added apple, cane sugar sweetness, orange and chocolate.

Finish: Some punchy peppery spice that sure adds some Oomph! Shades of salt at the end.

Overall: A completely different dram to the 2019 – the 2021 is a sweeter, lighter, tropical fruit whisky.

Though punchy it’s very smooth and very enjoyable! Some tasters added water but I wouldn’t personally – I love it as it is!

Many thanks to jurawhisky.com (@jurawhisky) for sending such a glorious tasting pack!

Jura is also available to buy from these Whisky Merchants:-


About Jura:

Jura is an island nestled off the West Coast of Scotland. With only one road, one pub, one whisky distillery and 212(ish) people, Jura is as beautiful as it is remote.

The distillery was established in 1810 and reborn in 1963 to revive the community.

Inspired by our history and our island home, we create single malt with a true passion for the craft of whisky making.

Sampling Two New Whisky Exchange ‘Exclusives’ – Balblair 2005 & Arran 1996 – Rare Summer Treats!

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More Whisky Exchange ‘Exclusives’!

The Whisky Exchange has released two more drams in it’s popular ‘Exclusives’ range!

First up is an ex-bourbon-matured Balblair 2005. Wonderfully fruity and a release that truly shows off a side of the distillery that is often overlooked.

The second dram is a 1996 Vintage Arran – matured in what The Whisky Exchange thinks was a wine cask – Arran’s records apparently are a bit spotty back in the early days of filling, and the exact cask type isn’t known!

The Whisky Exchange has kindly sent me a sample of each one to try (Thanks @WhiskyExchange!)

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

Tasting Notes – Balblair 2005 – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (46%)

Balblair 2005


Region: Highland
Matured in a single cask
Cask Number: 213
Bottled: 2021

Not chill-filtered
Natural colour
180 bottles available

The Balblair retails at £145

Nose: Gorgeous aromatic fruits! Ripe & ready pears, green apples topped off with cane sugar syrup.

Palate: Sweet pears and apples, a little liquorice and shades of blackcurrant.

Finish: Punchy spice tempered with those pears. Grapefruit adds some dryness at the end.

Overall: Another quality dram from The Whisky Exchange’s ‘Exclusives’ range that doesn’t disappoint. The fruit flavours are the highlight of this dram – those pear aromas are amazing! A fresh, light whisky that’s perfect for the Summer – and long may the Sun shine!

Tasting Notes – Arran 1996: 24 Years Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (53.4%)

Arran 1996: 24 Years Old


Region: Island
Matured in a wine cask (possibly!)
Cask Number: 757
Bottled: March 2021

Not chill-filtered
Natural colour
273 bottles available

The Arran retails at £199

Nose: Powerful spiced orange that really dominates the nose – but only in a good way! Toffee with slight hints of smoke.

Palate: Rich mouthfeel, lots of orange, sweet vanilla, and plump fruits.

Finish: A little pepper to add to the finish but in the main it’s the initial palate that continues through to the end.

Overall: A beautiful dram! Incredibly morish and satisfying. It’s a rare treat at the price I know – but what a treat!

Once again, many thanks to The Whisky Exchange (@WhiskyExchange) for the tasters!

Sampling Kilchoman’s ‘PX Sherry Cask Matured’ – A Limited Edition – With No Limits In Flavour!

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Kilchoman’s ‘PX Sherry Cask Matured’ – A Limited Edition!

Kilchoman has scored another first, namely ‘PX Sherry Cask Matured’, a PX (Pedro Ximénez) Sherry Cask Matured limited edition!

Some may already have tasted the single cask releases matured in PX from Kilchoman, but this will be the first general release, available worldwide.

Recent releases of Fino and Oloroso sherry matured whisky from the distillery has shown how each individual style of sherry has added its own unique character to the Kilchoman spirit. Pedro Ximénez, commonly referred to as PX, is a sweet sherry that adds waves of richness and intensely sweet flavours to the whisky.

This first edition of the PX Sherry Cask Matured is a vatting of 33 casks in total, 9 fully matured casks and 24 finished in Pedro Ximénez for between 12 and 18 months. These casks were combined to produce 12,000 bottles at a strength of 47.3% abv.

Kilchoman PX Sherry Cask Matured is bottled at 47.3% ABV and is now available worldwide!

Pedro Ximénez casks aren’t always the easiest to work with. That was why we decided on a combination of full maturation and finishing, to balance the distinct PX influence with that of our spirit.

I’m delighted with the result; big and bold but with a delightful poise and balance of flavour.
– Anthony Wills: Kilchoman Founder

Kilchoman Distillery sits nestled amongst the traditional buildings of Rockside Farm on the north-west coast of Islay. Famous as Islay’s Farm Distillery, the distillery’s barley fields stretch west to the shores of Machir Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Established in 2005, Kilchoman is unique in many ways, most notably for their 100% Islay range, Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt. True to Islay’s rich farm distilling heritage, Kilchoman uses local Islay cut peat, slowly distilling by hand, maturing in traditional dunnage warehouses and bottling on site without colouring or chill-filtration.

Kilchoman PX Sherry Cask Matured is bottled at 47.3% ABV and is now available worldwide – RRP: £74.94

Kilchoman has kindly sent me a sample to try. (Thanks kilchomandistillery.com / @Kilchomanwhisky!)

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

Tasting Notes – Kilchoman PX Sherry Cask Matured Limited Edition Islay Whisky (47.3%)

Nose: Plump, stewed fruits with inviting wisps of peaty smoke. It’s accompanied with a salty coastal tang which is a delight! Later on there’s sherry, chocolate and toffee caramel at the very end.

Palate: More of those tempting stewed fruits but this time there’s cherries as well. Hints of mint and menthol with sherry and chocolate adding to the fun!

Finish: Smooth, long and very warming with peppery smokiness and strong underlying tobacco.

Overall: The smokiness builds up over time and makes an excellent partner for the sweeter side of the dram.

Another very enjoyable whisky from Kilchoman – they are really spoiling us!

Kilchoman is available to buy from these Merchants:-

Many thanks to kilchomandistillery.com (@Kilchomanwhisky) for sending me the sample!

About Kilchoman

Kilchoman Distillery is a small family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots. Anthony and wife Kathy have been joined by their three sons; George, James and Peter.

Kilchoman produces its 100% Islay single malt from barley which is grown in fields surrounding the distillery and completes every stage of the whisky-making process at the distillery, including traditional floor malting. Kilchoman is the only distillery in Scotland to do this.

Since the first bottling was released in 2009, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a high quality Islay Single Malt Whisky with these notable awards:

– Kilchoman’s exceptional quality was recognised at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC) when Anthony Wills was named Master Distiller of the Year 2013.
– In 2016 both core expressions won major awards with Sanaig named Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky – no age statement at the IWSC and Machir Bay came first as Best Islay Single Malt Scotch in the International Whisky Competition.
– Machir Bay was also awarded a Gold Medal in 2015 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) with Loch Gorm being awarded a Silver Outstanding Medal and 100% Islay a Silver at the prestigious awards.
– Kilchoman won Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, only three years after the first bottling was released.

Sampling Seven Seals Whisky New ‘Zodiac’ Releases – Drams That Are Out Of This World!

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Seven Seals – challenging preconceptions about the maturation and categorisation of Single Malt Whisky!

Highfern.com now have available two new releases from Swiss distillery Seven Seals Whisky as part of their the new Zodiac line!

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

The first two releases are The Age of Scorpio and The Age of Aquarius. 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

Robert from Highfern has very kindly sent me some samples to try (Cheers Robert!)

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

‘The Age Of Aquarius’

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

Limited edition in different batches of 365 bottles.

£69.00 per 500ml at 49.7%, presented in wooden gift boxes.

Nose: Creamy toffee with woodsmoke which builds and builds. Crisp, green apples make an appearance followed by sherried fruits.

Palate: Sherried fruits, toffee, dark chocolate, hints of mint – a flavoursome combo!

Finish: Warming spice which grows more intense. This is coupled with faint traces of woodsmoke, charcoal and tobacco.

Overall: A dark beast that initially hides it’s light under a bushel – it builds into some fine flavours and leaves a lingering woodsmoke, charcoal and tobacco on the palate.

Very tasty indeed!

‘The Age Of Scorpio’

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

Limited edition in different batches of 365 bottles.

£69.00 per 500ml at 49.7%, presented in wooden gift boxes.

Nose: Rich, red wine, fruity blackcurrant accompanied by summer fruits and creamy vanilla. Wood aromas top it all off!

Palate: Very smooth and creamy with liquid toffee, blackcurrant and red wine.

Finish: The palate continues with some spice but it’s not too heavy. A little astringent at the end.

Overall: A very fine, fruity, dram that explodes on the tongue and doesn’t let up at all!

Two very different, fine drams that demonstrate a wide range of flavours – out of this World in fact – Oh, and very morish to boot!

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

Seven Seals Whisky is also available to buy from these Merchants:-

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 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%,
Angels’ Nectar Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Islay Edition 47%.

Sampling A Whisky Exchange Exclusive: Kichoman 2007, 13 Year Old – A Real Special ‘K’ – And It’s Available From Today!

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Kichoman 2007, 13 Year Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive!

The Whisky Exchange has, today, released another one of their Exclusives – namely a Kichoman 2007, 13 Year Old!

Aged Kilchomans are few and far between so it’s a real treat when they release a 13 year old.

So what goodies are on offer? Here are the details:-
Kichoman 2007, 13 Year Old
Region: Islay
Made with barley peated to 50ppm
Matured in a single, first-fill bourbon cask – number 197 (18/7/2007)
Bottled: 25/2/2021
Bottled at cask strength of 53.9% ABV

Not chill-filtered
Natural colour
204 bottles available

Kilchoman Distillery is a small family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots. Anthony and wife Kathy have been joined by their three sons; George, James and Peter.

Kilchoman produces its 100% Islay single malt from barley which is grown in fields surrounding the distillery and completes every stage of the whisky-making process at the distillery, including traditional floor malting. Kilchoman is the only distillery in Scotland to do this.

The Whisky Exchange has kindly sent me a sample to try (Thanks @WhiskyExchange!)

Only 204 bottles are available!

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

Tasting Notes – Kichoman 2007, 13 Year Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (53.9%)

A 2007 Kilchoman single malt bottled in February 2021 exclusively for The Whisky Exchange after 13 years in a single ex-bourbon cask.


Nose: Sweet woodsmoke with fragrant peat. Fresh coastal notes. Attractive, crunchy, green apples. Later on it melds into toffee and vanilla.

Palate: Full-bodied mouthfeel. Dark, sweet peat with wisps of woodsmoke and green apples. Following on there’s mint on the highnotes and dark chocolate.

Finish: Biting spice and heady pepper – but it’s alright – that sweet vanilla woodsmoke saves those tastebuds! This then gives way to charred wood and burnt embers with a little dryness.

Overall: This 13 year old has some very satisfying peat notes and flavours and it’s a mighty fine dram for it! It’s aged well and developed lots of character and body.

I love Kichoman – I love this Kichoman even more than usual – it’s a real special K!
£125

Once again, many thanks to The Whisky Exchange (@WhiskyExchange) for the taster!

Sampling Two Whisky Exchange Exclusives: Glenfarclas 15 & 21 Year Olds – Speyside Whisky Perfection!

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The Glenfarclas 15 & 21 Year Old Whisky Exchange Exclusives!

I’ve been lucky enough to be sent a pair of samples from The Whisky Exchange’s “Exclusives” Range. Namely drams from the great Glenfarclas distillery: a 15 year old bottled at 100º proof (57.1%) and a 21 year old bottled at 95º proof (54.2%)!

The Whisky Exchange has worked with Glenfarclas since the early days of the online retailer, not only selling their great whiskies, but also selecting and bottling single casks and small batches.

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

The Glenfarclas 15 Year Old

Tasting Notes – Glenfarclas 15 Year Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (57.1%)

A fruity Glenfarclas single malt bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange after 15 years in sherry-seasoned oak.


Nose: Sweet sherry with plump sultanas and raisins. Then it gets all vanillary with baked apple coated in brown sugar.

Palate: Richly toffee sweet with more plump raisins and that baked, sugared apple detected in the nose makes a welcome appearance!

Finish: Intensely spicy with more fruit leading to a dry finish.

Overall: That ABV is a beast – almost knocked my mouth out! I didn’t try it with water though – I preferred it’s full strength, no-nonsense approach!
£74.95

The Glenfarclas 21 Year Old

Tasting Notes – Glenfarclas 21 Year Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (54.2%)

A rich and fruity 21-year-old Glenfarclas single malt bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange after 21 years in oloroso sherry seasoned oak.

Nose: Banofee pie, fresh apples, wisps of tropical fruits. After a spell the nose leads to sugary, plump raisins, creamy toffee, vanilla and sherry – rather nice!

Palate: Gorgeous thick mouthfeel. Sweet cake spices including cinnamon. There’s fruit cake plus, minty, dark chocolate.

Finish: Sweet finish with a lighter spiciness than the 15 year old – but it still makes itself noticed! Pronounced, dry bitterness at the end with some salt.

Overall: Another great Glenfarclas dram!

£125

Many thanks to The Whisky Exchange (@WhiskyExchange) for the tasters!

Sampling A Whisky Exchange Exclusive: The Caol Ila 2005, 15 Year Old – Get Ready For A Taste Bud Treat!

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The Caol Ila 2005 15 Years Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive!

The Whisky Exchange has released another one of their Exclusives – namely a Caol Ila 2005 15 Years Old!

This 2005 Caol Ila single malt was matured in a single refill sherry hogshead for 15 years, before being bottled in January 2021 by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Connoisseurs Choice range – exclusively for The Whisky Exchange.

Here are the details:-
Caol Ila 2005 15 Years Old
Region: Islay
Matured in a refill sherry hogshead #301507
Bottled: 06/01/2021

Not chill-filtered
Natural colour
266 bottles available

Gordon & MacPhail was established in Elgin, Scotland in 1895 and has always been a family owned and family run business.

They carefully select casks of whiskies from more than a hundred Scottish distilleries, many of which have since stopped production or simply vanished entirely.

Their ranges include Discovery – aimed at categorising Scotch whisky’s many facets and introducing new drinkers to new tastes in a manageable way – to the exclusive Private Collection and the iconic Connoisseurs Choice allowing them to cater for drinkers at every point on the Scotch whisky spectrum, from beginners to true connoisseurs.

The Whisky Exchange has kindly sent me a sample to try (Thanks @WhiskyExchange!)

“A glorious mix of orchard fruits and peaty smoke!”

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

Tasting Notes – Caol Ila 2005 15 Years Old – Whisky Exchange Exclusive (57.5%)

Nose: Fruit and smoke battle it out in a friendly fashion! There’s wisps of woodsmoke and peat mixed with fresh orchard fruits, mainly apple, with some additional sweet, sherry notes – glorious!

Palate: Wonderful mix of orchard fruits and peaty smoke! Sweet sherry with shades of toffee and some zingy mint.

Finish: Fiesty spice with some serious punch to it! It’s tempered though with fading smoke and vanilla sweetness.

Overall: A great selection of flavours wrapped up in a very enjoyable dram. I love the combination of fruit and smoke – making for a fantastic taste bud treat!
£120

Once again, many thanks to The Whisky Exchange (@WhiskyExchange) for the taster!

Tags

10 Year Old 12 year old 15 Year Old 40% 43% 46% 1980 Ardbeg bottle bottled bottling bourbon Bowmore Caol cask casks distillery douglas Glen Glenfarclas Glenlivet Glenmorangie gordon Highland Island Islay laing Laphroaig Lowland Macallan macphail malt range rare refill scotch sherry signatory single Speyside Springbank strength whisky year years

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