The second bottle in the line up for our 14th anniversary celebration: Lost Distilleries of Scotland.
Imperial 23
Category Archives: Whisky of the Month
Posts of each month’s taster!
Strathisla 2008
Treacle Toffee! That elusive yet common tasting note appears in force for this independent bottling from Gordon & MacPhail’s “Distillery Labels” series. Strathisla is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands (founded in 1786 under another name). It is also now considered home to Chivas Regal. This bottle was sourced direct from Scotland. I liked it enough to finally figure out what exactly treacle toffee is… 46% ABV.
Old Pulteney 18
Signatory Vintage North British 1991
A tasty 28-year whisky from North British, one of few dedicated grain distilleries in Scotland. It’s a big place, located right in the City of Edinburgh and established in 1885. I don’t think it can be classified as a mind-blowing bottle, but I am very appreciative of the chance to try something off the beaten track, a sherry-aged grain whisky! (FYI that means a whisky made with at least some grain other than malted barley). I think it works. 46.2% ABV and one of 461 bottles. $250, sourced from The Whisky Barrel.
Ardbeg Wee Beastie
The Old Malt Cask Tormore 26
In September, ETKW hit the road and attended KW Oktoberfest at Bingeman’s, but not before sampling another unique Speysider – again a new distillery to the Club. Tormore 26 was distilled in 1988 and aged until 2015 in a sherry butt. Vanilla, oranges, butterscotch and malty flavours. Only 183 bottles were produced. 50% ABV. $280, sourced from Alberta.
The Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch No. 4
What a damn fine whisky! Tun 1509 Batch No. 4 was acquired by the club after a few members “unofficially” enjoyed a bottle of Tun 1509 Batch No. 5 on vacation. Batch No. 5 hit the spot with a heavy sweet sherry and bourbon influence, while Batch No. 4 backs off on the spirit influence and highlights more American oak aged whisky. There were mixed feelings among those lucky enough to sample both as to which was preferred (I am hands down team No. 5!). An excellent tasting experience all around, the Tun series offerings (the previous run being 1401) have been around for quite some time, a style that involves marrying numerous casks of specially selected whisky in a large vessel, “the Tun”. 51.7% ABV. Acquired for $650 on the secondary market. One of those rare finds where you’d easily spend the money again.
Deanston 2006 Cream Sherry Finish
July highlighted a double-header Deanston tasting, a Highland Distillery. Cream Sherry was another interesting offering, with a little heat from the high alcohol content, big legs, lots of dried fruit, all sorts of caramel and all the lovely sweetness you’d expect from Oloroso Sherry. Overall, the Cream Sherry finish definitely had the edge over the Pinot Noir for the club. 54.2% ABV.
Deanston 2002 Pinot Noir Finish
July highlighted a double-header Deanston tasting, a Highland Distillery. The Pinot Noir finish is part of Deanston’s 2020 Limited Edition Series. An interesting offering, somewhat acidic with a red fruit character from the wine cask. Overall, the Cream Sherry finish definitely had the edge over the Pinot Noir for the club. 50% ABV.
Carn Mor Glen Keith 1992
Glen Keith is another Speyside distillery that is new to us, and what a treat at 28 years old! Such a lovely presentation and an even lovelier bourbon barrel aged whisky inside, offered as part of the Carn Mor “Celebration of the Cask” series. Vanilla, caramel, apples and peaches, oh my! Thoroughly enjoyable and one I wish I could find again. Cask Strength at 55.6%. Sourced from Alberta and long sold out.