Kilkerran 12 Years Old
Smoother and more refined than I last remember, possibly due to slightly older stock being available? Incredibly mealy and cereal led with soft peat smoke pervading later. 87/100
OB
Hazelburn 13 Years Old 2007
A superb Hazelburn expression in which the spirit nature has been matched to (mostly) ex-bourbon maturation, soft citrus fruits and biscuity cereals accentuated with a touch of sherry sweetness and Campbeltown maritime/salt influences. 87/100
Jura 18 Years Old
On paper this expression is full of great flavours but I found myself really looking for anything representative of its age. Perhaps a slightly more subdued smoke and some earthier woody spices. I feel like this one is still getting there… 84/100
Jura 12 Years Old
A much cleaner presentation from Jura, certainly they have tightened up on their base bourbon cask maturation stock. I found myself wishing for a little more depth (and grime) on the palate and this is a little sweet & polished on the finish but ov…
Mackmyra Svensk Ek
Mackmyra’s 100 Swedish expression including full maturation in Swedish oak. Full of orange zest and woody spices I found this one pleasing but a little challenging in places, perhaps a dash of water may help here? 82/100
Spey Fumare Cask Strength Batch #2
A fire-breathing beast of a dram from Spey which manages to capture everything from the light fruity apple nature of Spey’s distillate and plenty of Bourbon cask classic flavours too. Perfect at CS or with a healthy sploosh of water, the smoke travels …
Spey Tenne Cask Strength Batch #3
A touch spirity at Cask strength but manages to water well, highlighting the balance achieved here using Tawny Port casks. Jammy fruit and rose petal influences but not too sweet or overpowering. 85/100
Spey Royal Choice
Quite a closed or tight expression on both the nose and palate, often a feature of long maturation, there is depth here but it needs time and perhaps a little water to loosen it out. Some lovely woody and herbal notes present too present in layers over…
Spey Trutina
A cleaner expression which is still remarkably fruity with tonnes of apples and pears across the nose and palate. 84/100
Spey Chairman’s Choice
A very easy drinker, has some nice complexity with a backdrop of Spey’s light spirit. Full of plenty of fresh fruits tempered by oak wood maturation. 84/100