2 years in New American Oak and 1 year in ex-Bourbon barrels from Texas’ Balcones distilling.
I didn’t get many tasting notes on this extremely unique Single Malt whisky by way of Calgary. In my searches I came across a fantastic write up by Park Whiskey Society. Figured they wouldn’t mind if I add a link to their detailed and extensive write up on this wonderful whisky. Thanks to them for sharing their expertise! Have a look!
This 2nd Canadian whisky taster this month hails from way up north in the Yukon Territory. One could say that Two Brewers Distillery has started another gold rush, this time in liquid form!
(Whitehorse, YT)
46% ABV
$106.00
This delightful expression offers a lighter take on the Two Brewers Classic, approachable for all but each morsel tinged by complexity. A gentle ride for some, an exhilarating chase for others.
Flitting and flickering through the nose, delicate and enticing. The prominent aroma of fresh hewn oak hides hints of soft-fleshed fruits that better reveal themselves as the dram rests. Raw sugar sweetness leads across each sip joined by green peppercorn and bright melon and a lingering oaken finish.
The Single Malt Canadian whisky market is here and is here to make a statement.
This month we have Three Single Malt Canadian whiskeys on tap.
In a small niche market which Glen Breton had typically only played in has now become a boom on Canada’s beautiful West Coast up to Yukon Territory across the Prairies to the 100th Meridian(where the Great Plains begin).
Are we ready to take on the global single malt market dominated by Scotland? Not yet, however, us Canadians are not scared of our foes and we thrive on commitment and excellence in every endeavour we choose to take on.
This is just the beginning for our Home and native land and its Single Malt whisky industry.
Friday June 28th we can sit back, relax and enjoy some Canadian ingenuity in liquid form. Whether the whisky is good or bad it won’t matter because after the last drop is gone, Canada is still the best country in the world!
Taste: Bold, sweet and spicy, creamy caramel malt, baking spice, the oak is balancing
Finish: Salinity, joins the sweet malt and tasty oak.
The club felt this one was bang on and most represented a true single malt scotch version, just one that was distilled and aged right here in Canada on Vancouver Island. What a fantastic bottling and taster that all enjoyed. Oh Canada!!
For May 2024 monthly taster we were lucky to find a special release through our own member Lee. Thanks for the sourcing of the fantastic Bruichladdich Black Art 6.1 version!
Cask Strength at 46.9% ABV, 1990 vintage at 26 years old, 100% unpeated malted barley, matured on Islay, non-chill filtered. 1 of 18,000 bottles world wide. Only 17,999 remain!
Nose: Aromatic malt that reaches your nose even as the glass sits on the table. Black cherries, ripe bananas, green pears and other stone fruit. Spicy butterscotch and burnt orange peel. White chocolate, nutmeg and leathery depth.
Palate: Wood is definitely present, but is more balanced than expected given the age. The play between whisky and wood is a powerful one, with a lot of flavor and character behind it. It is a dance of savory vanilla, tingling spice and sweet dark fruits.
Finish: So smooth and lingering. Leaves you wanting a 2nd, 3rd and 4th sip. Just a fantastic whisky and version of the Black Art series. Looking forward to trying another version at some point!
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.
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!
