This was a bottling from Diageo’s special 2023 bottling release:
55% ABV
$150.00
Glendullan distillery in Speyside is under the ownership of Diageo and their spirits are mainly used for blends.
Singleton series has Single Malt releases of 12, 15 and 18 year.
Also dubbed the Silken Gown, This 14 year is a 2023 special release by Diageo bottled at Natural cask strength.
Cask Type: Chardonnay de Bourgogne French Oak Finish.
Nose: Some grass, apples, honey, apricots
Palate: The mouthfeel here is a surprisingly dense. At full bore it is drinkable, though it does feel like it needs some loosening up. Apricots and gummy peach rings are the major notes that come to mind. There is also something a bit earthy and dark, almost as if it is lurking behind the brighter fruit notes. Adding water and the mouthfeel transitions to being more milky than dense. The apricot and gummy peach ring notes really take the reins here and are very dominant.
Finish: Medium to long in length. A bit of oak spice, some more of those gummy peach rings, and mineral water wrap things up.
Bladnoch is a lowland distillery and is the southernmost distillery in Scotland situated on the banks of River Bladnoch.
Founded in 1817 by brothers John and Thomas McLelland.
Over many years of ownership changes the distillery was closed and reopened nearly a dozen times, most recently it was reopened in 2000 and after briefly going into administration in 2014 and was then purchased in 2015 by an Australian yogurt mogul millionaire and whisky enthusiast.
2022 release 14 year old single malt matured in Oloroso Sherry casks meticulously hand selected by Bladnoch master blender Dr. Nick Savage.
Aromas of Oak spice, raisins and sultanas(dried grapes), orange peel and milk chocolate complemented by notes of fruit cake, raisins, cinnamon, dried fruit and creamy chocolate throughout the palate. This is sure to be a tasty dessert like dram.
Introducing our Midleton Very Rare 2023 Vintage Release
Since 1984, each Master Distiller of Midleton Very Rare uses their eye for detail, their passion for quality whiskey and their exemplary skill to create the pinnacle of Irish whiskey—our special vintage release.
The latest chapter of this renowned collection is adorned with the signature of our Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman. After months of exploration, O’Gorman crafted a balanced blend of rare and hand-selected single pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys from Midleton’s exclusive inventory to create this truly special release.
Matured in lightly charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels, the Midleton Very Rare 2023 Vintage Release delights with decadent flavours and a tantalising aroma. The aroma, taste and finish of this whiskey will enliven the palates of those new to this collection while taking the seasoned whiskey collector on a journey through an exciting exploration of taste.
Notes courtesy of Middleton’s website. Unfortunately our notes and details we not properly recorded during our March tasting session as we got a little out of control in the name of celebrating St. Patricks’ Day!
ABV 40%
Aroma: Opens with an intricate medley of fruits including nectarines, ripe melon, green apple, and apricot. A solid foundation of pot still spices, showcasing notes of freshly peeled ginger and crushed peppercorns, work in tandem with the aged grain’s perfumed notes of dried flowers and delectable golden syrup. The oak continues to reveal itself, adding notes of vanilla, combined with a honeycomb sweetness and freshly roasted coffee beans.
Taste: Luscious at first with succulent fruits and a distinctive creaminess along with a herbal quality akin to camomile tea. The pot still spices add depth and intrigue as they weave amongst the floral grain qualities found lingering throughout. The charred oak’s influence continues to build over time creating additional complexity as the wood-derived spices complement the ever-present fruits of candied orange and dried apricot.
Finish: The fruits and pot still spices build to a crescendo before giving way, leaving the final say to the oak tannins and antique grain whiskey.
Verdict: If you are in the market for a truly exceptional high end Irish whiskey tasting experience,than this is your bottle. Just wow! Certainly worth it on all accounts.
It’s March! In celebration of St. Patricks Day month our whisky ambassador Chad made a few fantastic Irish whiskey choices for the month. Up first is an expression from JJ Corry called the “Hanson”. It’s availble at the LCBO for $99.15.
I’d recommend taking a tour of JJ Corry’s website for their extensively detailed story behind the “Hanson”.
Blended Irish whiskies from around Ireland aged from 5-11 years, bottled at 46% ABV.
Nose: Rich and deep notes of vanilla fudge and toasted coconut speak of the bourbon influence. Top notes of griddled pineapple and lime give a fresh zing.
Palate: A lively start with bright, green apples, toasted coconut continuing from the nose. The influence of fresh oak is clear; with rye grass developing to lemon grass.
Pronounced Glen-alla-key, they are one of the few remaining independent distilleries led by iconic master distiller Billy Walker. They proudly present the Glenallachie 15 Year old with natural colour, non chill filtered and bottled at 46% abv. (Pictured on left above)
Colour: rich mahogany, surprisingly dark as labelled as natural colour
Nose: waves of heather honey, dark chocolate and figs. Notes of fruit cake, mocha and a wisp of cinnamon
Taste: fig syrup mocha and treacle toffee, followed by dark chocolate, sweet spices fused with ginger and the finish
This expression was a crowd favourite forsure. Lovers of sherry cask matured whisky will be sure to enjoy this expression. Available here in Ontario, currently in stock at the LCBO. Have a look and find out for yourself. Cheers!
Gordon and Macphail Independent bottled at Cask Strength 51.1 % ABV
This Highland Park 1989 30 Year Old was bottled once again by Gordon and Macphail at a cask strength 51.1 % ABV. Finished in refill Sherry butt casks. This specific version was filled in 1989 and then bottled on March 20, 2019.
Nose: Toffee and coffee bean aromas with a citrus tinge
Palate: Pepperiness backed by orange zest, dark choclate and warming spices
Finish: Long and fruity, smooth sherry warmth, hint of charred oak smoke
It’s not too often we venture into the realm of 30 Year old single malts, but once again we were able to find this gem of an independent bottling from Gordon and Macpail for a reasonable price point whish isn’t too bad when you have a group of people contributing to the purchase. This was the highlight of the night for our 16 year club anniversary. Highland park has long been a club favourite and this expression did not disappoint. A must try for all lovers of Highland Park whisky. Shout out to our whisky procurement point man Chad Nagle, the line up to celebrate our 16 year club anniversary was absolutely fantastic. Cheers to all!
Also a Gordon and Macphail independent bottling at 46%
This Linkwood 25 Year was also bottled indpendently by Gordon and Macphail and was sourced for $389.99. This expression was finished for 25 years in refill sherry casks. Normally 99% of Linkwoods whisky is used for blended malts like Johannie Walker and J&B, so Linkwood single malt bottlings are fairly rare to come by. Plus like the Mortlach we felt the value for a 25 Year bottling was excellent.
Nose: Baked apple, raisins, sherry sweetnes and licorice
Palate: sweet spiciness, warm pepper, touch of cinnamin, citrus fruits and a little smokiness
Finish: smooth warmness, nuts and lingering oak, sheery cask finish characteristics all over this one
Again, the value cost for the flavour on this one is amazing. 25 Year old single malt prices are out of touch across the board. Having a bottle of Linkwood at our 16 Year anniversary is a throwback to our inaugural tasting when we had a Linkwood. Nice to see things come full circle 16 years down the road.
Gordon and Macphail independent distillery label series bottling at 46%
Mortlach was the first legal distillery in Dufftown and is named after the ancient parrish where the town is located. This wonderful expression was matured in both sherry and bourbon casks during it’s 25 year slumber!
Regular 25 Year bottlings of Mortlach are priced in the $1000 range, so this independent version from Gordon and Mcphail was a fantastic value at $389.95.
Nose: Rich and full bodied backed by sherry and whisps of orange marmalade. Brown sugar, vanilla and toffee
Palate: Apricots, candied fruit, smooth and creamy mouth feel
Finish: Medium warm fonish, not over powering, slightly dry from the classic sherry maturation, linger of light charred oak for additional body
Certainly one of the favourites from our amazing 16 Year anniversary line up. Recommended that if you can find a bottle to pick it up based on fantastic taste and value proposition of this 25 year old gem.
Bottled at 54.5% on October 7, 2009 with Refill American Hogshead barrels Exclusively for Calgary Co-Op and wines. Bottle donated by member Lee Snetsinger
Nose: Peppercorn, strawberry jam, pear and baking spices
Palate: Vanilla, rich malts, citrus, marmalade
Finish: Dry, warming cocoa with a backing of toffee apples
The wonderfully fruity nose whets the appetite for more. Unfortunately the fruity taste of the nose is missing. The taste is initially a bit sour with a heavy presence of spicy wood which at the cask strength makes sense. Backed by the presence of dry sherry and dark fruits. Berries, plums and a hint of orage are merried together to offer a beautifully well rounded flavour profile.
Balblair distillery is one of the favourites of Lee Snetsinger’s and their bottlings never disssapoints. The cub was quite happy to be able to try out some of Lee’s favourite.
What a way to add to our 16 year tasting extravaganza, thanks Lee!
This Edradour bottling was aged 10 years and a day in 7 different ex-bourbon casks. Here are some of the tasting details on that bottle:
Nose: Vanilla Bean, butterscotch with spicy oak and floral aromas, would recommend comparing before and after addign a drop or two of water
Palate: Full bodied and robust with intense sweet and fruity notes. Vanilla is paired with fresh herbs and spicy oak. The drop or two of water helps to tone down the strength of the alcohol and opens up the flavours
Finish: Medium length, subtle sweetness with warm floral notes
Once again another fine offering from Edradour which specializes in smaller batch offerign and fnishes like this example, quite a way to kick off our 16th anniversary tasting!
