In this box we toast the firm arrival of whisky-drinking season with our own private festival of six compelling Scotches. A tantalising mix of new releases, limited editions and classic malts awaits, from iconic producers both modern and old. Sláinte, Scotch fans! – The Dram Team.
Scotchtoberfest! October 2022 Box
Lochlea, Our Barley
Lochlea is a new distillery that is in a lot of demand, and until this whisky, had only released seasonal limited editions that were snapped up as soon as they went on sale. The good news is that Lochlea Our Barley is their new core release, and will be produced in larger batches. Trumpeted as Master Blender John Campbell’s masterpiece, this carefully honed recipe uses a combination of bourbon, sherry and STR casks to deliver a whole new level of depth and complexity to the Lochlea spirit.
Tasting notes
Nose: Pear syrup, fruit bon bons, warm cut grass, marmalade.
Palate: Golden syrup, pepper, rye bread, macadamia nuts, cream soda.
Finish: Long with a lasting orange beeswax note.
Lochlea, Harvest Edition First Crop
Our second Lochlea whisky is one of the aforementioned hard-to-get seasonal releases. The “First Crop” of Lochlea's Harvest Edition, released in early Sep’22, represents the end of summer, when Lochlea’s golden Laureate barley is ready to be harvested and used for the following year’s whisky production. The bottle features a coral red label, reflecting their Ayrshire soil - which transforms to a deep, sunset hue once the barley is harvested.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Stewed apples, pear drops, oat biscuits.
Palate: Strawberries, violet, toasted marshmallows.
Finish: Signature Lochlea cereal, freshly cut grass.
Glasgow 1770, Triple Distilled
As the name may suggest, Glasgow 1770 Triple Distilled is noteworthy for being distilled three times, rather than a standard double distillation. This third distillation removes heavier oilier compounds, so only the lightest and purest spirit remains. The new make liquid is wonderfully fruity and bright.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Opens up to sweet vanilla and white chocolate leading to fresh summer fruits of aromatic apple, pear and peaches.
Palate: Well balanced and smooth with vibrant vanilla, soft caramel and double cream opening up to succulent orchard fruits and berries followed by delicate floral notes alongside a sweet almond nuttiness.
Finish: Long and lingering with notes of rich honey, anise and black pepper and hints of warming woody spice.
Old Pulteney, Aged 12 Years
Old Pulteney is held in very high regard as a shining example of the salty, coastal style of whisky associated with distilleries bordering the sea around the Highlands region - indeed, it is long renowned as “The Maritime Malt”. This 12 year matured single malt is the flagship release in their core range, and is a great go-to staple for your whisky shelf.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Medium to high intensity with a briny hint of sea air.
Palate: Dry, medium bodied and smooth, redolent of honey and cream, faintly salty with a slight spicy note.
Finish: A sweet, long-lasting finish.
Deanston, Oloroso Cask Matured 2008
Deanston is one of our favourite Highland malts here at the Dram Team, and the dry, nutty sherry flavours from the Oloroso casks combined with their smooth, sweet, honeyed single malt is a match made in heaven. This limited edition release was filled into Oloroso sherry casks in September 2008, and matured for 12 years before bottling. A proper treat!
Tasting notes:
Nose: Cherries and chocolate reminiscent of a black forest gateau, followed by sweet spice, nutmeg and sultanas.
Palate: Treacle toffee, dark fruits and festive spice, with hints of mocha and a touch of pine.
Finish: Long and warming finish with notes of gingerbread and nutmeg.
Bunnahabhain, Abhainn Araig Fèis Ìle 2022
Abhainn Araig is a river located on the beautiful isle of Islay, where Bunnahabhain is situated. The Araig water is vital to the production process at the distillery, feeding cooling water for their condensers. This limited release was made especially for the Islay Whisky festival 2022 (aka Fèis Ìle), and is a marriage of spirit matured in Bourbon casks and Pedro Ximenez sherry octave casks. An utter sherry bomb!
Tasting notes:
Nose: Chocolate, powdered ginger and cigar box.
Palate: A velvety rich texture, initially creamy milk chocolate then sweet raisins and dried raspberries. As the PX develops balsamic vinegar and honeyed macadamias come through.
Finish: Deep and rich, with dark toffee and a final spicy burst of cinnamon.
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