By far the most spectacular six Speyside drams we’ve ever lined up, the age statements here start at nineteen and only get older. We’ve dipped once more into our independent bottler archives to curate this stunning selection that represents the very best of Scotland’s most densely distilleried whisky region. Slàinte mhath! – The Dram Team
Speyside Spectacular, December 2024 Box
Secret Spirits, Speyside 19 Year Old
Sadly, indie bottlers Secret Spirits are no more, but they are with us in spirit here (*groans at own joke*), and what spirit! The first of two 19 year old Speysiders, this anonymous dram is – strictly off the record - thought be an Inchgower: a Dram Team favourite, and a truly impressive drop.
Tasting notes
Nose: Vanilla bean nougat and biscotti with lemon peel.
Palate: Rich vanilla and marzipan character combines with a fruit basket of citrus flavours.
Finish: More citrus bursts out of the finish as the oily vanilla continues on.
Secret Spirits, Glenrothes 19 Year Old
Our second Secret Spirits 19 year old from Speyside, this time from Glenrothes distillery, whose spirit is renowned for aging well with good sherry casks - which is exactly what it does here. The age and cask strength make this a cut above your typical Glenrothes release.
Tasting notes:
Nose: White Balsamic drizzled over pear slices with walnuts and brie.
Palate: Juicy pear brandy, vanilla & lemon pound cake topped with date slices.
Finish: Ripe pear and vanilla.
Single Cask Nation, Tormore 21 Year Old
Recently bought by the owners of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Single Cask Nation are America's most prestigious independent bottler. This long-matured Tormore - never part of an official release - delivers their signature oily mouthfeel, but with delicate citrus and fruit to boot.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Lovely delicate nose of peach blossom, oatmeal and honey.
Palate: Oily and palate-coating, bursts with intense citrus, porridge and honey, and a light pepper flourish.
Finish: Lingers, with the flavours from the palate swirl and tingle.
Old Malt Cask by Hunter Laing, Inchgower 21 Year Old
Here we have a (named) Inchgower from Hunter Laing's Old Malt Cask range. Remarkably soft and sippable even at nearly 50%, this sherry-butt matured beauty is somehow simultaneously orangey, creamy and chocolatey. A delight.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Orange sherbet, caramel squares and a creamy flat white. Very inviting and quite subtle.
Palate: Milk and white chocolate with tiny hits of candied bitter orange rind. The sherry influence here is soft.
Finish: Creamy chocolate continues and then comes a hint of cinnamon at the end. Candied orange lingers.
A.D. Rattray, Tamnavulin 29 Year Old
Our Founder, Chris, may tell you this is the best whisky we've miniaturised this year. Unusually, this is a cask fraction from an official bottling later released at age 31 years. Close to three decades slowly improving in a quality bourbon hogshead have rendered this dram a masterpiece. Bravo, A.D. Rattray, bravo!
Tasting notes:
Nose: Herbal tea infused with chamomile, apple, pear and just a touch of grapefruit.
Palate: Pear shows strongly and the pink grapefruit is there sitting right next door.
Finish: Custard apple, fragrant, sweet and creamy.
Samaroli, Speyside 21 Year Old
We have once again got our hands on some stunning Samaroli. Rumoured to be a combination of Tormore and Allt A Bhainne spirits, distilled in 1995, this is an incredible dram that delivers every drop of decadence you'd expect from this legendary Italian bottler.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Floral honeysuckle and lavender blossom with notes of sweet barley and vanilla cream wafers.
Palate: After Eight dark chocolate mints complete with the creamy texture and sweetness. Some baking spices like the tiniest dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Finish: Keeps evolving with the bedtime pillow mint and dark chocolate thread whirling around the continuing spice.
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