Credits: Article and images by Ken Gargett @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/09/14/diageo-elusive-expressions-special-release-whiskies/
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There is little point in reciting the history and details of each of the distilleries involved in this latest Release – not least because it would make this piece the size of a book. May I suggest Dave Broom’s superb “A Sense of Place”, aptly described as a journey around Scotland’s whisky. A must-have book for whisky lovers.
The whiskies for 2022, in no particular order. I have given scores as an indication of my thoughts of the whiskies, but I would happily drink any of these. A superb collection and preferences at this level will come down to your personal likes and dislikes. I adore those peaty, smoky notes from a great Islay, for example, but I have friends who cannot bear them. Australian prices for those buying individual bottles –
Oban 10yo, 57.1%. $180. From the Highlands, this was matured first in refill and new American oak, before being finished in Amontillado-seasoned casks.
A pale straw color, notes of flint, peaches, matchsticks and campfires. A hint of nougat. There is excellent length and power here. That old saying about whisky being fire and ice – well, this one brings the fire. The most fearsome of the Collection. If the rip-roaring style is your thing, you’ll adore this. The team describes it as a “great dram for the hip flask when out on the hills, or by the campfire at night”. Could not agree more. 93.
Clynelish 12yo, 58.5%. $350. Another Highlands whisky, it was matured in refill American oak, then finished in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso-seasoned casks.
Yellow gold hue. There are gentle florals here and hints of hand-rolled cigars. A touch of white pepper. Fragrant with those floral notes and spices. A hint of vanilla. This is immaculately balanced and with a lovely lingering finish. A malt note is ever-present and there is an underlying sweetness. A warm and comforting style. Mid-winter, a glass of this next to a roaring fire would be magic. 94.
Talisker 11yo, 55.1%. $199. Again, from the Highlands, this was matured in and blended from a mix of first-fill ex-bourbon casks, refill casks and what are described as wine-seasoned casks.
A famous distillery, while this whisky might not be made in the usual standards mode, it is impossible to escape that peat and iodine note. A pale bronze color, love the nose. As well as gentle peat and smoke notes, we have orange rinds, cinnamon, nutmeg and mandarin. There is leather and a lovely saline touch as well. Even some gentle tropical touches start to intrude on the palate, which is supple, perhaps surprisingly powerful, and very long. 93.
Glen Ord 15yo, 54.2%. $205. Another Highlands whisky, which is actually labeled as “The Singleton”, this was matured in refill American and European oak, then finished in old wine casks.
Deep bronze, there is a mellowness to this which makes it immediately appealing. Stonefruit, peaches, biscuity notes, a palate that is supple and seductive with notes of oranges, white chocolate and mandarins. A soft sweetness which is finely balanced. Impressive length and a structure that gives the whisky some formality. Good complexity throughout. The longer this is in the glass, the more that emerges. 94.
Lagavulin 12yo, 57.3%. $230. From Islay, a famous name if ever there was one. This whisky is matured in and then blended from a mix of refill and virgin oak casks. Both are American oak.
Pale gold. There is a warmth here, that edges out from under the classic notes of smoke and peat. Citrus, stonefruit, woodsmoke, ginger, iodine and lemongrass, though they play a secondary role to that gorgeous peat. A dense texture with richness and power. Hints of white chocolate emerged on the palate. A fine example for the uninitiated to decide whether they like that traditional Islay smoke/peat or not. I most certainly do. 93.
Cardhu 16yo, 58%. $299. From Speyside, this whisky is matured in re-fill and re-charred American oak before being finished in Jamaican pot still rum-seasoned casks.
A pale yellow with a tinge of green. The nose exhibits spicy notes with saline and oystershell characters. Herbs, ginger, lemon grass, orange rinds and a minerally backing. A character not unlike a vanilla lemon slice. Notes of campfires and matchsticks. This is of moderate length with the flavors very much upfront. For me, thoroughly enjoyable, but it would have been a smidge more impressive with extra length and focus. 90.
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Credits: Article and images by Ken Gargett @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2023/09/14/diageo-elusive-expressions-special-release-whiskies/