TASTING 7  

1. Sonoma Cherrywood Rye 7.1

• Price: £49

• ABV: 47.8%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Bold, with aromas of toasted cherrywood, caramel, and dark fruits, especially cherry and plum. A touch of rye spice and smoky oak.

  • Palate: Rich and complex, showcasing earthy rye spice with hints of sweet marzipan, cherry syrup, and smoky vanilla. Cherrywood imparts a subtle smokiness.

  • Finish: Medium-long, warm with lingering wood smoke and a light herbal touch.

• Overall: A unique, cherrywood-aged rye that balances sweet and smoky.

2. Fettercairn 16 Year Old - 3rd Release 7.2

• Price: £72

• ABV: 46.4%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Fruity and floral, with green apple, vanilla, and soft tropical fruit hints, like mango and coconut. Light honey and almond.

  • Palate: Smooth, honeyed, and rounded with flavors of tropical fruits, creamy malt, and a hint of chocolate. Subtle nuttiness and spice develop.

  • Finish: Long and slightly drying, with sweet vanilla and lingering soft fruit.

• Overall: Well-rounded with a lovely tropical sweetness; a smooth, refined Highland malt.

3. Longmorn 18 Year Old 7.3

• Price: £87

• ABV: 48%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Deep and rich, with notes of stewed fruits, raisins, figs, and a hint of leather. Oak and gentle spice.

  • Palate: Full-bodied, with flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and a balance of sweet honey and spicy oak. Hints of caramel and cinnamon.

  • Finish: Long and warming, with a touch of sweet spice and lingering oak.

• Overall: A complex, robust Speyside malt with depth, ideal for fans of rich and layered whiskies.

4. Thompson Bros SRV5 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 7.4

• Price: £35

• ABV: 48.5%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Fresh and lively, with citrus zest, green apple, and a hint of maltiness. Light peat smoke and floral undertones.

  • Palate: Balanced and vibrant, offering flavors of orchard fruits, honey, and a gentle smokiness. Lightly oily texture with a bit of spice.

  • Finish: Medium length, with a touch of smoke, malt, and subtle fruit.

• Overall: A well-priced, versatile blend with a touch of peat, appealing to both beginners and seasoned Scotch drinkers.

5. Balvenie 17 Year Old "Week of Peat" 7.5

• Price: £115

• ABV: 49.4%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Peat smoke balanced with honey, citrus peel, and earthy tones. Some vanilla and oak.

  • Palate: Smoky but with classic Balvenie sweetness. Honey, vanilla, and a hint of spice complement a gentle, earthy peat.

  • Finish: Long and warming, with lingering smoke, citrus, and oak.

• Overall: A delightful combination of Balvenie's sweet character with a well-integrated peated twist, ideal for fans of both Highland and Islay styles.

6. Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish 7.6

• Price: £55

• ABV: 48%

• Tasting Notes:

  • Nose: Classic Laphroaig peat smoke with added layers of sherry influence. Dark chocolate, dried fruits, and a hint of medicinal iodine.

  • Palate: Bold and intense, with rich peat, sherry sweetness, and flavors of raisins, dark chocolate, and spices. Smoky and oily.

  • Finish: Long and robust, with a balance of smoke, sherry sweetness, and a touch of salt.

• Overall: A well-balanced Islay malt that integrates rich sherry notes with Laphroaig’s iconic smoky, medicinal profile.