In this box, join us on a joyful journey around the whisky region that boasts Scotland’s greatest density of distilleries – Speyside. From light and floral, to fruity and sherried, to rich and smoky (surprise!), there’s something for everyone to be found in what might be Scotch’s most famous whisky region. Sláinte! – The Dram Team
Speyside Spectacular: July 2022 Box
Provenance, Dailuaine Aged 8 Years
At the end of the 19th century, Dailuaine was Speyside's largest distillery. Despite its huge output, it is rarely found as single malt releases, as owners Diageo divert the vast majority of the spirit to large-scale blends. Lucky for us that Dram Team faves Douglas Laing managed to get their hands on a cask then! This single cask release came from a refill hogshead, and only 400 or so bottles were produced. Special stuff!
Tasting notes
Nose: Shows an early dry gristy style, but warms to vanilla fudge and sweet spices.
Palate: Mellow and dulcet leading to a later toffee and pearl barley character.
Finish: Catch some light chocolate, honeycomb, gentle oak and runny honey.
Tamnavulin, Red Wine Cask Edition
This single malt is notable for two reasons: Firstly, you don't see a lot of German Pinot Noir red wine cask finishes (it is the first we've seen, in fact!). Secondly, you don't see a lot of quality single malts for under £25 a bottle. This Tamnavulin is both these things - lucky us! A tasty twist on their classic Speyside flavour profile.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Soft aromas of Turkish delight, caramelised peaches and Seville oranges with hints of red cherries and apple pie.
Palate: Flavours of vanilla, peach flan and ginger spice slowly yield to reveal glacé cherries, succulent figs and liquorice.
Finish: Enduring and decadent.
Scallywag, Aged 10 Years
The Scallywag series is a beautifully sherried and richly spiced range, typically including single malts from the likes of famous Speyside distilleries Macallan, Mortlach and Glenrothes - wowsers! This 10-year-matured version is a noticeable step up from the core range release. Enjoy sipping the very essence of Speyside.
Tasting notes:
Nose: A chocolate / mocha depth with allspice immediately apparent.
Palate: Archetypical Speyside in character - dark chocolate, zesty orange and more mocha.
Finish: Lingers on and on with macerated dark fruits and spiced imbued by the Sherry wood.
Benromach, Aged 15 Years
Benromach is a little bit different to your typical Speyside malt - containing a wonderful little waft of peat smoke alongside the classic fruit, spice and sherry notes typifying the region. Matured in both first fill bourbon and sherry casks, this is a multi-award-winning dram with incredible complexity.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Aromas of sweet toffee leading to notes of cracked black pepper and peat smoke. Rich forest fruits develop with dark chocolate and dried banana.
Palate: Creamy and sweet with ripe apples and an undertone of charred oak. Dark chocolate develops and leads to toasted malt and orange peel with a subtle hint of smoke.
Finish: Medium creamy finish with soft smoke and dried fruit.
The Balvenie, The Week of Peat
We divert even further afield from the classic Speyside profile with an unusual release from this famous distillery. For just one week each year, Balvenie distil barley that has been kiln-dried by burning of Speyside peat. The result is an Islay-inspired remix of their classic Speyside style - wonderful rich honey, vanilla and citrus notes, blanketed in a layer of delicate smokiness.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Gentle sweet peat smoke, lighter floral notes and delicate butterscotch honey.
Palate: Velvety and round to taste with the peat smoke balancing citrus flavours, oaky vanilla and blossom honey.
Finish: Gentle smoke with a lingering and creamy vanilla sweetness.
That Boutique-y Whisky Co., Tormore Aged 21 Years Batch 3
We wrap up this tasty tour of Speyside with a long-matured indie bottling. Nestled on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, home to some of the UK's highest mountains, the distillery name comes from the Gaelic for "the big hill" - Torra Mhòir. So, enjoy a special little sample from a special big hill!
Tasting notes:
Nose: Freshly cut grass, hay, apples, vanilla ice cream, milk chocolate, cashew nuts, slight cinnamon spice prickle, banana chips and nutmeg.
Palate: Lots more orchard fruits, but this time with an element of dried citrus peels. Grapefruit, toasted barley, coffee beans and a suggestion of bitter dark chocolate.
Finish: Medium and relatively complex, with the oakiness, sweet spices and orchard fruits – this time stewed – all coming through.
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