TASTING 5-6

1. Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition 5.1 / 6.1

• Price: £24

• ABV: 40%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Aromas of cocoa, coffee, and roasted malt, complemented by light caramel and vanilla from the Irish whiskey base.

  • Palate: Smooth and creamy, with flavors of dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of nutty sweetness. Slightly bitter edge from the stout influence.

  • Finish: Medium, with lingering notes of roasted coffee and a touch of hops.

• Overall: An approachable Irish whiskey with added depth from the stout barrel, perfect for fans of coffee and malt flavors.

2. Clynelish Distillers Edition 2020 5.2 / 6.2

• Price: £85+ (Auction)

• ABV: 46%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Fruity and waxy with hints of apricot, green apple, and a soft floral note, combined with a subtle coastal minerality.

  • Palate: Creamy, with flavors of honey, ripe pear, and a touch of brine. The waxy mouthfeel is balanced by gentle spice and vanilla.

  • Finish: Long and elegant, with soft wax and a hint of sea salt.

• Overall: A classic Clynelish with its signature waxiness, enhanced by light coastal and fruity notes; highly nuanced and complex.

3. Highland Park Cask Strength Batch 2 5.4 / 6.4

• Price: £62

• ABV: 63.9%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Bold, with smoky peat, dried fruit, and rich honey. Notes of vanilla, oak, and subtle heather.

  • Palate: Intense and full-bodied, featuring flavors of toffee, dark chocolate, and spiced orange, with layers of peat smoke. Rich mouthfeel due to the high ABV.

  • Finish: Long, warming, with lingering smoke, oak, and a touch of dried fruit sweetness.

• Overall: A powerful expression from Highland Park with intense flavors; the cask strength adds to its depth and richness, best enjoyed with a splash of water.

4. Bowmore 15 5.5 / 6.5

• Price: £57

• ABV: 43%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Rich and balanced, with aromas of dark chocolate, sherry, and gentle peat smoke. Notes of raisins, caramel, and a hint of citrus.

  • Palate: Smooth and well-rounded, with flavors of dried fruit, sherry sweetness, and a touch of smoky peat. Hints of spice and dark toffee.

  • Finish: Medium length, with a soft, smoky finish and lingering sherry and chocolate notes.

• Overall: A well-rounded Islay with sherry and peat in balance, offering a slightly sweet and smoky profile.

5. Kilchoman Mezcal Finish 5.6 / 6.6

• Price: £75

• ABV: 55.5%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Unique and complex, with smoky peat, vegetal agave, and citrus. Notes of earthy spices and maritime air.

  • Palate: Bold and intense, with flavors of smoked agave, citrus zest, and pepper. A mix of Kilchoman's peat smoke with the earthy, slightly briny mezcal influence.

  • Finish: Long, with lingering smoke, mineral notes, and a hint of salt.

• Overall: An adventurous and complex Kilchoman expression, blending Islay peat with mezcal’s unique earthy and smoky character.