With seven new wonderful whiskies to choose from, picking the perfect present may be puzzling. Focus on the flavour profiles and dig deep into the tasting notes and you’re sure to find the perfect gift for giving – especially to yourself!
AND FOR EVERY BOTTLE PURCHASED UNTIL DEC. 24, WE’RE DONATING $10 TO BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS CANADA!
11 years old; 1st fill barrel; 60.5%; Young & spritely
Fresh and green; eucalyptus and melon-cucumber smoothie followed by buttered croissants, whilst strawberry, basil and mint whizzed through the mouth neat. Water turned the aromas and flavours more herbal, crème de menthe and salsa verde with cayenne pepper in the finish.
CASK No. 64.75 FEAST OF FRUITS
12 years old; 1st fill barrel; 60.8%; Spicy & sweet
Three fruit marmalade, strawberry banana milkshake and fruit flavoured herbal shisha tobacco were followed on the palate by watermelon with ground pepper, salt and lime. Water changed the aroma to American pancakes with blueberries and the flavour became a mango banana juice.
CASK No. 55.38 FLAMING RED WINE PUNCH
15 years old; 2nd fill Sauternes hogshead; 58.1%; Spicy & sweet
Boozy rum baba, seriously sherried jelly berry trifle and a Feuerzangenbowle (flaming red wine punch!) made the taste fruity and spicy. Water added sweetness in the form of a spicy sponge cake and a Planter’s Punch to finish. This whisky previously inhabited an ex-bourbon refill hogshead.
CASK No. G8.6 JAZZED UP BANANA SPLIT
26 years old; refill hogshead; 59.7%; Juicy, oak & vanilla
The nose suggests sawdust on soft fruits (plum, peach, pineapple) and baskets of dried flowers, then buttered popcorn, potpourri and sumptuous banana splits. The palate balances sweetness (butterscotch, toffee, candy necklaces) with chili jam, tree bark and menthol vapour rub.
CASK No. 1.190 SMOKY CHIPOTLE BLOODY MARY
21 years old; refill hogshead; 56.2%; Spicy & sweet
Eccentricity at its best! Aromas of beef mince curry, crayfish cocktail and sweet herbal sausages were followed by a hot/cold sensation in the mouth. With water everything changed; prawn cocktail chips and crab cakes with sweet chili sauce.
CASK No. 53.236 CULINARY CANNONBALLS
16 years old; refill hogshead; 64.1%; Lightly peated
The flavour cannon, loaded with dark fruits soaked in rum, flambéed banana, prawn tempura and toffee, was lit by a fuse of muscovado sugar. A sweet smoke explosion shook the ground filling the air with ash, chewy soot, gunpowder remnants, rye bread and spun sugar.
CASK No. 3.270 SURF N TURF IN A CAMEL’S SADDLE BAG
18 years old; refill butt; 55.8%; Oily & coastal
The nose has odd combinations – honey-coated kippers, toffee Pavlova, Fisherman’s Friends, syrupy campfire waffles, surf and turf and camel saddle bags. The palate has barbecued prawns, treacle toffee, ginger cake, prunes, leather, cigars, dark rum – and big sherry and smoke.