Whisky Exchange New Releases
Hint - they are superb!!!
It is not often I get sent a set of whiskies that personally sing to me, and that I love each and every one. This is one such set and I hope is a precursor of what is to come. They are all extraordinary in their own way and spot on perfect for winter. The Whisky Exchange is always on-point but I feel these are particularly special.
Glenburgie 1996 28 year old Connoisseurs Choice 54.8% - £275 From The Whisky Exchange
It is never not special to taste whisky of such an age statement, and especially so from a distillery I have only had younger expressions from. The nose is like a wet forest floor with mushroom, sweet chestnuts and caramel. The palette is medium bodied but really packs a punch and builds and builds in flavour. It is fragrant and far more tropical in the mouth with mango, lychee, papaya all present. This is seriously good!
Millstone 2010 12 year old 53.2% - £87.95 From The Whisky Exchange
This is my first taste of Millstone which comes from the Netherlands. In a blind tasting I would have it as a Scotch. On the nose there is caramel, apple and maple. The palate is full, and rich with dried fruits, nuts and even bacon making an appearance. This is a brilliant PX cask sherry to add to your collection and serve blind to friends.
Blair Athol 2007 16 year old The Seasons Winter 55.1% - £110 from The Whisky Exchange
A deeply satisfying nose of polished wood, old px sherry, cinnamon and clove. The palate is sweet yet savoury and packed with flavour. I got over cooked apple crumble with custard, meat juices and hazelnuts. This is delicious and hard to put down with so much going on. It is like opening a bag of dried mixed fruit and stem ginger, raisins and apricots and storing them in a cigar box. I love this.
Orkney 2013 10 year old The Seasons Winter 57% - £69.95 from The Whisky Exchange
This has a very dark mahogany colour suggesting maturation in a sherry cask. The nose does not suggest any differently. The smoke is almost hidden behind the dried fruit and prunes but then break through in perfect harmony. The palette is very full, sweetn and powerful. This is no shrinking violet but a powerhouse of flavour. Think damsons, tobacco, vanilla, caramel and roast beef juices. Outstanding value for money.
Laphroaig 2015 8 year old The Seasons Winter 66% - £79.95 From The Whisky Exchange.
A nose of burnt smoke, toffee apple, candied orange peel and vanilla. The mouthfeel is full, as you might expect from a whisky coming in at 66%, and oh so tasty. It is decadently rich but with balanced smoke and dried fruit. If you love peat, then this has to be on your shelf.
