On a beautiful late fall evening, the Wee Drammers gathered for our last official tasting of 2023.
Thankfully, all members of the Wee Drammers were able to gather at Tony R’s. as we brought an end to year 7. The group formed in September of 2016. This tasting presented #’s 159 and 160 in our quest to conquer Scotland’s single malt offerings (we have a ways to go).
Tony’s choices for the evening were two contrasting drams representing quite different interpretations of single malt whisky. Both were in 1 litre bottles (that’s 1000ml! bottles).
First up was the Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fills known for being a “cask-strength, non-
age statement whisky that offers a robust and intense flavour profile”. ‘Nadurra’ is Gaelic for “natural,” and this series typically emphasizes natural processes in whisky production.
This latest addition to the excellent Nàdurra range is a “sweet, vanilla-rich virgin American white oak matured version” from The Glenlivet, a distillery with a 200 year legacy in whisky production.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
- Nose Frosted Shreddies, coconut crème brûlée and vanilla infused sugar. Sultanas moving into marmalade, a hint of blackcurrant. Baked apple slices in custard. With water it opens further with gummy bears, pear drops and a hint of fern, a subtle floral soapiness and some buttery toffee.
- Palate: After a second, oomph! Powerful and sweet toasty oak. Rhubarb and custard boiled sweets on the second sip. Water reveals foam bananas and a hint of bubblegum.
- Finish: Slightly smoky oak and almond goodness, with water revealing some citrus that, whilst I don’t like to quote official tasting notes, is indeed “refreshing”.
Overall this dram is very good, naturally (nàdurra)
ABV 48%
Available at Cascadia, this dram can be yours for $107 + taxes
A much appreciated dram according to the group.
Tony’s second choice comes from Dalmore, the “Dalmore The Quartet (1L) and is quite a contrast to the Glenlivet.
The ‘Quartet’ is one of the finest examples of multi-cask finished whisky. A rare and exceptionally well-made single malt finished in four special casks, the ‘Quartet’ is an “exquisite fanfare of red grapes and juicy raisins shot through with whispers of chocolate and liquorice. A litre-bottle of The Quartet from the Dalmore distillery is an elegant single malt orchestrated by its master distiller Richard Paterson. After an initial maturation in American white oak bourbon casks, the whisky is portioned into a selection of sherry casks, and cabernet sauvignon red wine barriques. Finally, the four parts are recombined and allowed to harmonise before bottling. brimming with praline, boozy fruit, and spice. The Dalmore is enjoyed in the world’s most prestigious and iconic locations and has become one of Scotland’s most revered single malts.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
- Nose: Madagascan vanilla pods, candied blood orange, and ripe red grapes.
- Palate: Christollen cake, sherry-soaked raisins, and soft chewy liquorice.
- Finish: Doyenne pear with raspberry coulis and chocolate truffles.
ABV 41.4%
Tony purchased this from Duty Free while travelling for roughly $190 Cdn.
As is custom, Tony offered the group a selection of appetizers to accompany the drams. Pork tenderloin, lox and cream cheese, cheeses, crackers, bread and a selection of nuts and chocolate were on offer and much appreciated.
A great evening and a fine finish to the ‘official season’ for the Wee Drammers.
We will meet once more in 2023 at Ron W’s on Tuesday, December 19. This gathering will be a no-host affair providing an opportunity for people to bring samples of their favourite drams and spend time celebrating the best of the season.
