Syndicate 58/6 12 Years Old (40%, Douglas Laing, 2017)

• Category: Blended Scotch Whisky
• Origin: Undisclosed 18 malt and 4 grain distilleries
• Bottling: Douglas Laing & Co. Ltd.
• ABV: 40%
• Cost: £30.24

What they say:

The Syndicate blend contains 18 Single Malt Whiskies and 4 Single Grain Whiskies. The quality and consistency of the blend has been maintained over the years by operating a ‘Solera’ system whereby when additional 12 year Old whiskies are added they are reblended with the older stock. Thus the Syndicate blend still contains small quantities of the original 1958 blend. One of the things that sets the Syndicate blend apart from other blends is that it is ‘married’ and finally matured for up to 2 years in 4 year old Oloroso Sherry casks which we import from the Spanish region of Andalucia. This final marrying and maturation process serves to give the Syndicate blend its exceptionally smooth and distinctive taste.

Warm and inviting on the nose. The hand of time has truly nurtured this noble spirit as enriching nuances of Seville oranges, bergemot, honeyed pear and fleshy mangos flaunt themselves in an elegant manner. This rhapsody of sensual sophistication continues as whispers of ginger spice, jasmine, crushed almonds and liquorice seduce the senses. This hedonistic harmony of passion is reflected on the palate. Rich and intense flavours of Old English marmalade, glazed apple, creamy caramel and marzipan drift lovingly over the tongue. The aftertaste of figs, forest fruits, treacle and apricots completes this overture of pleasure.

What I say:

Many thanks to Douglas Laing & Co for the sample of this 12 Year old blended scotch whisky. Produced using a Solera system and finished in Sherry casks and served alongside dark chocolate truffles.

Appearance:

Amber gold (9/10), numerous medium-sized tears with medium oily legs

Nose:

A dusting of icing sugar on fruit, dried mango, marmalade oranges, buttery, sweet, cereal grain and malty barley combine in warm baked biscuits and sponge cake, a hint of orange and citrus lemon remind me of St. Clements cake.

Taste:

Light-bodied but buttery and oily on the tongue, the grain whisky structure or canvas is evident, orange peel both fresh and candied, tannic leather, finely milled spices, orange and ginger marmalade and more orange or St. Clements sponge cake

Finish:

Medium, toffee, fruit, spices and creamy grain whisky becomes a little drying.

Overall:

Smooth and well structured with evident sherry-influence, I flip-flopped on scoring this one and eventually split the difference. As a blend it performs superbly with age and structure evident but not too much single malt character or individualities to note. As a sherry-finished whisky it is supremely balanced and delivers all the best qualities derived from such casks. This equals or outperforms 12 year old single malts in the same price category and is a good regular or easy drinker. Strikes me as a blend made to be served neat. The pairing with dark chocolate truffles highlighted the fruity/marmalade nature of this whisky.

Score: 82/100

Don’t take my word for it:

The Amateur Drammer’s review of The Syndicate Blend

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