They say good things come in threes and today’s dose of deliciousness is a trio of Malt Single Cask Series expressions – incredible single cask Scotch whisky bottlings from some of Scotland’s most exciting distilleries. And yes, that includes a Port Ellen!
We love independently-bottled spirits. Someone – in this case, our ace buying team – has gone out of their way to pick out and purchase each cask because it’s got a real point of difference. Want to experience a whole different aspect of a distillery’s character? Check out independently bottled single casks. They act as a snapshot in time – quirks and eccentricities blended out in a brand’s usual vatting and marrying processes shine through. Each is unique – and in the case of these three, our latest Master of Malt Single Cask Series releases, downright delicious.
Some of the more eagle-eyed readers will note that not all of these are strictly brand new – our brilliant Bruichladdich expression actually hit the virtual Master of Malt shelves in July. But the group sits so pleasingly together that it would be a crying shame to not give them a turn in the spotlight. Can you tell we’re just a little bit fired up about these beauties? Feast your eyes and tease your taste buds with these delectable drams!
Tasting notes for Bruichladdich 15 Year Old November 2001 – Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Nose: Nutty nougat, cherries, applewood smoke, pine resin and Lilt. Subtle salinity.
Palate: Oily hop and toasted teacake notes arrive first, before a slow rumble of charred oak-y spices appear. Tobacco leaf, tangy gooseberry and milk chocolate appear after a few minutes in the glass.
Finish: Rich tobacco again, now with cedar and a whisper of pineapple.
Tasting notes for Springbank 25 Year Old December 1991 – Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Nose: Opens with a buttery, slightly burnt caramel note. Then it’s all about the honeycomb, cranberry and breakfast tea leaves, and a gentle aromatic menthol.
Palate: This one’s more about a toasty vibe than the gentle peat: think slightly burned olive bread followed by the menthol vibe. Then a woodworking quality comes through, with orange oil furniture polish prominent. Cracked black peppercorns with a toffee and Christmas cake sweetness develops after a few minutes in the glass.
Finish: Long, with a trail of spice, dark fruits and toffee.
Tasting note for Port Ellen 33 Year Old March 1983 – Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Nose: An amazing combination of red fruits and baked goods – pain au chocolat with red cherry. Also, toffee, remarkably fresh orange notes, buttery leather, a sage, herbal quality, and an earthy, warming peatiness that underpins everything without overpowering.
Palate: An opulent, velvety mouthfeel that’s bursting with rich toffee and shortbread, stewed strawberry and raspberry notes. Christmas cake elements also sneak in – and then the remarkable swoosh of bonfire ember peat. There’s a dark, high-cocoa percentage chocolate bitterness to it, too.
Finish: Long, lingering and luxurious. The vibrant cooked dessert quality goes on and on, and then there’s the comforting sense of just-blown-out birthday candles. A celebration in a glass.
For even more tastiness, check out the full Master of Malt Single Cask Series range.
