We prepared our October release drawing from a small selection of older bottlings we had inherited limited stock of. Upon realising our October demand was more than this stock could cater for, we curated a second set of Scotches to ensure every subscriber would get something special this month.
So in this box, we dive into the midst of the best sort of sibling rivalries – Scotch whisky ones! Sip away, and see which sibling sipper comes out on top. Between four impressive new Lowland drams and a pair of independently bottled mysterious Speysiders, these whisky families are bound to draw you in. Enjoy! – The Dram Team
Sibling Sippers, October 2023 Box
Lochlea, Harvest Edition First Crop
This Lochlea whisky is one of their rather hard-to-get seasonal releases. The Harvest Edition represents the end of summer, when Lochlea's golden Laureate barley is ready for harvest 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.
Lochlea, Fallow Edition First Crop
A second allocation-only release from Lochlea, with Fallow following Harvest. Matured solely in 100% ex-Oloroso sherry butts and a wonderful rich colour, this bottling reflects the season of autumn on the Lochlea farm, when the fields are left fallow to rest after a busy harvest - ready for the cycle to being again when the time is right.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Ripe red fruits & freshly baked banana loaf.
Palate: Dried fruit, leathery notes, malt biscuits.
Finish: Medium length, with hints of aniseed & moreish floral rose petals.
Heroes & Heretics, The Classic Series 12 Year Old Speyside
For this "Sibling Sipper" we're taking a little liberty, with this particular whisky family extending to all of Speyside! Our first mystery Speyside is a 12 year old classic from trendy indie bottlers Heroes & Heretics. A stripped-back and straightforward presentation of the regional style, but carrying a little extra weight at a juicy ABV of 51%. Yum!
Tasting notes:
Nose: Biscuits, butter, caramel, oak and seashells.
Palate: White chocolate, cereal, honey, toasted almonds and white pepper.
Finish: Mild chilli, spice, elderflowers and savoury biscuits, with peppery notes on the back-end.
Glasgow 1770, Original
Glasgow 1770 The Original is a fresh and fruity dram from the Glaswegian new-kids-on-the-block, this single malt scotch is handcrafted in copper pots named Tara and Mhairi. The Glasgow Distillery Company - founded in 2014 - takes its name from a now-closed distillery that opened in 1770, hence the name of their flagship whisky.
Tasting notes:
Dried dark fruits with tropical undertones on the nose, followed by hints of biscuit, oak and freshly cut grass. Hints of freshly sliced pear, dried figs, dates and raisin with sweet almond, honey and creamy shortbread notes. Long and resinous finish, with dark red fruits and a hint of treacle.
Glasgow 1770, Peated
The first single malt distillery to return to Glasgow in 100 years, Glasgow Distillery Co. continue to release exciting new whiskies. This Glasgow 1770 Peated edition combines barley smoked with aromatic, heather-rich peat from the Scottish Highlands with the pure water of Loch Katrine. It's then aged in first-fill ex-sherry casks before a quick finish in virgin oak. Yum!
Tasting notes:
Sweet smoke on the nose, dried fruits with aromatic notes, flamed orange zest and rich caramel toffee. Spicy orange and sweet smoke on the palate with rich velvety toffee leading to earthiness and dark fruit. Long and smooth finish with lingering notes of macadamia and spice.
That Boutique-y Whisky Co., Speyside #4 Aged 24 Years
Our second secret Speyside sibling is twice the age of its mystery malt-mate, at a rather old 24 years of maturity. A characterful release from cheeky indie That Boutique-y Whisky Co., our best guess at the provenance of this liquid is the famous Balvenie, but all we've got to go on is internet hearsay... dive in and find out!
Tasting notes:
Nose: Elegant peat smoke intertwined with subtle honey sweetness, caramel, oak spice and fresh toast.
Palate: An almost oily mouthfeel, light and delicate floral notes peeking through alongside marzipan and flamed orange peel.
Finish: Peat smoke returns quickly on the finish and lingers alongside a slight spiciness and bitter dark chocolate.
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