Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Strength: 58.1%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 90.00
Official website: N/A
Unique and truly experimental bottling of these Special Releases from 2025, which sees the distillery aimed at blends in an unprecedented version, with a distillate made from a mix of malted barley and rye (thus a grain, as per the Scottish regulations), the proportions of which are unknown.
Tasting Notes
At the forefront, the nose is filled with the sweetness of fruit and pastries, including peach, melon, apricot, and apple, accompanied by vanilla cream, malt biscuits, maple honey, and white chocolate. A tangy and “spirited” undertone hints at what is in the glass, yet does not impair the overall pleasantness of the aroma, with a slight spicy touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. An elegance that takes you by surprise.
In the mouth, it becomes less rounded and spicier, with an abundance of black pepper and ginger and a pinch of anise added to the other spices. The grainy character emerges strongly, becoming dry and bitter at the expense of softness, which is relegated to brief flashes at the beginning of the sip, while the bitter component dominates the palate in length. Sugar paste, marzipan, green apple, and a hint of balsamic act as spectators. Slightly saline towards the end.
Finale not very long and dry, bitter-sweet with hints of wet cereal.
Review: I imagine it was difficult to expect more, but the initial experience with the glass rightfully led one to expect more than a rather dull and flat grain.
Vote: 80/100