For the first time in a while, we had a full contingent at our monthly Wee Drammer gathering. Our host Bob B. took advantage of the occasion to ensure a sufficient supply of Scotland’ s finest presenting the group with three bottles from which to imbibe (two compulsory; one optional) and ensure we left with new knowledge and appreciation of the art and science associated with whisky production.
First up for the evening was Lindores Lowland Single Malt from Lindores Abbey
Distillery. The folks at Masters of Malt say this about Lindores single malt: “Whisky’s coming home. The first Scotch whisky from Lindores Abbey Distillery is now available to the UK public, just 527 years after distillation was first recorded at the abbey in Fife back in 1494.”
Released in 2021 at 46% ABV Lindores single malt is aged in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and STR ex-Burgundy red wine casks, and offers up an impressive light yet rich flavour profile.
On the nose, a ” malty and crisp nose opens with sherried spice, soft toffee pennies, hazelnut, and condensed milk. As it develops aromas appear that make me think I was standing by a bakery door in an orchard, with puff pastry, vanilla, Granny Smith apples, Conference pears, fresh dough, and buttercream …”
On the palate, Lindores single malt: “the delivery is viscous, arriving somewhere pleasant between creamy and oily. The 46% ABV gives this an enjoyable heft and presence. Aromatic spice from nutmeg and clove, as well as some freshly cracked black pepper, cuts through some of that creamy caramel and vanilla combinations that carry over from the nose and balance nicely with darker fruits and some cooked apple…”
The finish is “medium in length with a pang of drying bitter oak, some syrupy anise, peppermint, and a lingering reminder of the plump orchard fruits and dairy cream that comprises the new make’s character”. A splash of water opened this dram further.
A $100.00 plus taxes. Lindores is a pleasant accessible dram.
Our second ‘compulsory’ selection was Tamnavulin Speyside single malt, Sherry Cask Edition. Coming from a small village in Speyside, Tamnavulin, the distillery opened in 1966. The doors were closed in 1995 and then reopened in 2007 after a major distillery refurbishment. Since then, Tamnavulin has crafted exceptional single malt whisky with a true Speyside character; rich, smooth and mellow.
Tamnavulin sherry cask edition is matured in American Oak barrels for a sweet, mellow taste with a rich smooth sherry cask finish. Amber gold in colour, the nose is rich warm aromas of apple, toffee and honey …On the palate one is presented with mellow pear, creamy peaches and pineapple and a hint of Demerara sugar. The finish is rich, smooth and refreshing; a signature Speyside malt At 40% ABV at selling for $100.00 plus taxes, this dram received glowing praise from the group
For this get together Bob’s sense of adventure took over. Bob offered a third dram, one that was sure to test
the palates of all. Peat’s Beast is a heavily peated single malt coming from a mystery distillery from Speyside and then bottled by an independent bottler. 5000 bottles came from the first release in 2011.
Master of Malt assesses the dram this way.
- Nose: Crashing waves, wood smoke, ash and tar. A hint of apple and citrus but the peat, unsurprisingly, dominates.
- Palate: A beach barbecue… salt and kippers, a bit of butter and hot pepper spice. Water brings out some of those lighter apple and banana notes but again the phenols are the main event here.
- Finish: This lasts for ages with ash, dark chocolate and pepper riding out over an oily base.
- Overall: A dram that lives up to its name; the beast needs taming with a drop of water but it never gets too compliant.
A nice variety of appies accompanied the drams. Of course, dark rich chocolate was a mandatory addition.
Another great evening with good samplings and conversation. Thanks for hosting Bob!
