Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 46%ABV
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: J & A Mitchell & Co Ltd.
Official website: www.cadenhead.scot
Today we enjoy sampling three whiskies offered by Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, William Cadenhead, in its Original Collection. All 10yo at 46%ABV, but from different regions and different cask types.
Cadenhead’s Bunnahabhain 2013 10yo
Origin: Islay (Scotland)
Ageing cask: Ex bourbon
Average price: € 65.00
We begin with a peated Bunna, commonly called Staoisha, distilled in 2013 and bottled in May 2024.
Tasting Notes
The colour is a straw yellow.
On the nose, the peat is more controlled than expected and immediately translates into a hint of charcoal. A faint reminder of grilled fat and a more intense one of smoked bacon anticipate a distinct perception of custard. There is also a touch of pepper and a balsamic note traceable to liquorice root. In the finish, fresh pork, ready to be cooked.
On the palate, somewhat surprisingly, the peat seems more vegetal than marine, with an impression of burnt grass. Consistent with the nose, charcoal, custard and pepper intertwine in a texture that the oily body makes even more enveloping. Lemon zest brings a flash of freshness.
The medium-length finish relies on pepper, custard and just a sigh of smoke.
We would have expected a little more aggression, but the low alcohol content has probably extinguished the ardour of this Staoisha, which nevertheless remains appreciable in its substantial aromatic balance.
Vote: 85/100
Reviews of Bunnahabhain whisky
Cadenhead’s Glen Garioch 2013 10yo
Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Ageing cask: Ex-Sherry Oloroso
Average price: € 65.00
We move to the Highlands with a Glen Garioch distilled equally in 2013 and bottled in February 2024. From former bourbon casks we move on to former oloroso sherry casks.
Tasting Notes
The colour is that of chestnut honey.
On the nose, the first note is of boiled meat and remains as a continuous bass throughout the olfactory analysis. Brown sugar, caramel and a spicy hint that crosses cinnamon and nutmeg play off each other. With the glass empty, the nostrils are tickled by impressions of dried fruit and milk chocolate.
On the palate, caramel is confirmed, accompanied by sultanas and milk chocolate in a mouth-watering profile to which the wildflower honey contributes in no small part. A sprinkling of pepper and a hint of leather tease the taste buds before a not very long, slightly peppery, medium caramel finish.
The contribution of the former sherry casks is clear but not overwhelming in a comforting whisky especially for those who love the genre. And we love it.
Vote: 86/100
Reviews of Glen Garioch whisky
Cadenhead’s Linkwood 2013 10yo
Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Ageing cask: Ex-Sherry Oloroso
Average price: € 65.00
More ex-oloroso sherry casks for one of the cornerstones among Speyside whiskies, also distilled in 2013 and bottled, like Bunna, in May this year.
Tasting Notes
The colour is amber.
On the nose we are greeted by a hint of caramel, growing in intensity as the drink proceeds. Brown sugar and nuts (nuts and almonds) are accompanied by a spicy note in which pepper and nutmeg go hand in hand. There is a pleasant impression of old wood before a touch of sultanas.
The palate is basically a copy/paste of the nose with less wood, more caramel and incursions of orange peel and wildflower honey.
In the medium-length finish we find caramel and orange peel with a hint of pepper.
The ageing in sherry is so evident that even we would have got there without knowing it. The result is not unforgettable, but it is of exemplary solidity, and Linkwood remains a distillery you can count on with your eyes closed.
Vote: 86/100