The Weedrammers met on a cool but dry evening at Brian S’s for our 11th tasting of 2024. It was a welcome reprieve from the storms that battered our community over the past week; a time to relax, enjoy each other’s company while sampling two more of Scotland’s finest.
Brian’s choices for the evening were a study in contrast. One a sweet and creamy offering; the other a slightly smoky dram characteristic of something from Islay. Both were very well received!
First up was a dram from Glenmorangie, a term translated from Gaelic loosely as ‘Valley of Tranquility’. Glenmorangie has been producing whisky since 1843 and is now recognized as one of the most famous Scotch whisky distillers in the world.
The “Tale of …” series of whiskys expresses the creative side of Scottish whisky. Each in the series (there are currently 5 in the series with more to come) strives to create exceptional flavours with unique stories.
Brians’s choice, A TALE OF ICE CREAM is the second in the “Tale of …” series our group has sampled. The first was A TALE OF TOKYO presented a while back by Borje.
A Tale of Ice Cream speaks to the distillers’ sweet tooth who was inspired by his favourite ice cream parlour to create this whisky, one that is rich, creamy, and full of vanilla flavours. To achieve this, the distiller used casks rich in vanillin, the aromatic compound which brings vanilla flavours to whisky. “When you toast barrels, the lignin (which aids the wood’s structure) breaks down and releases compounds including vanillin. Glenmorangie’s high-vanillin casks were toasted in a particular way, to create higher concentrations of vanillin”.
Glenmorangie A Tale of Ice Cream represents the first time the distillery has used casks toasted to achieve this effect.
Tasting Note:
- Nose A burst of Manuka honey, with lemon butter candy, baking raisin bread, candied orange peel, peaches, toffee and a hint of spice. With a splash of water, there is vanilla crème anglaise, a hint of coconut and a whiff of almond marzipan.
- Palate The texture is thick, rich and creamy, and is followed by a huge burst of sweet and spicy flavours – brioche, almond marzipan, honeycomb, fudge, lemon sherbet and desiccated coconut. The spices warm up the palate, with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove.
- Finish A long, lingering aftertaste that has hints of toffee apple, Butterkist popcorn and a hint of aniseed.
The group found little to complain about with this dram.
46% ABV; Available at BCLB, $129.00 before tax
Second up comes from Torabhaig distillery located in Teangue on the Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner
Hebrides archipelago The distillery is the second ever licensed distillery on Skye and the first since Talisker was established in 1830.
Coming from Torabhaig Distillery, ithe Torabhaig Cnoc Na Moine Chapter 3 is part of a series of limited releases with the “Cnoc Na Moine” expression, a hallmark of peated whiskys.
Torabhaig Cnoc Na Moine Chapter 3 is a well-crafted peated whisky that strikes a nice balance between smoky intensity and sweet, fruity complexity. While the peat is noticeable, it never overwhelms the palate, and the whisky retains an elegance that makes it accessible to a wide range of whisky drinkers. The maritime influence from the Isle of Skye shines through, giving it a distinctive character that sets it apart from other peated whiskies. The layers of flavour—from fruit and vanilla to brine and charcoal—make this a whisky worth savouring, and the longer you sip, the more nuances you’ll discover.
It’s a whisky – is described as “smoky, slightly salty, with a certain rawness and richness that makes it an enjoyable dram for fans of both peated and non-peated whiskies alike”.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Hints of smouldering embers alongside orange peel, just a touch of sauerkraut, some marshmallows and nougat. There might be a touch of iodine here, but very minor. Also, a good amount of meringue, accompanied by a few wet rocks.
- Taste: Proper oily mouthfeel, even at this reduced strength. Slivers of tobacco, brine, damp oak and wood smoke. Also some polished leather and sandalwood, then a hint of petrol, blackcurrants and charcoal. Finally ever so gentle farmy notes.
- Finish: Medium to long. A pinch of pepper, teak and cigar boxes. Also subtle smoke. Warming and comforting.
This release is an excellent option for those who enjoy peated whiskies but aren’t necessarily looking for something as intense as an Islay offering. It’s also a great introduction to Torabhaig’s style and the potential of this distillery, which is still relatively young. If you enjoy whiskies like Talisker 10 year old or Highland Park
All agreed this was an excellent selection!
ABV 46%; Available at BCLB – $129.00 before taxes.
As is the norm for the WeeDrammers, Brian served an array of tasty appies to accompany the drams. On a calm cool evening after the storms, sharing two great whiskys with friends was a fine opportunity! Well done Brian!
