Another great combination of distillate and cask again here from The Firkin Whisky Company. Loving the soft red fruits in this expression, soft, gentle and subtle so as not to hide the core distillate flavours. 85/100
Aultmore 2010 The Firkin Rare
Barry Bradford
About me? I am a Whisky Educator, Travel-Tourist and Blogger. I blog tasting notes about (mostly Scotch) beer and whisky at The Whiskyphiles. I keep progress of my travels via the Alfred Barnard Society. Based in Livingston, Scotland I do most of my dramming at the University of Edinburgh Water of Life Society and Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Benrinnes 2008 The Firkin Ten
The result of combining Benrinnes distillate with ex-Madeira cask is a quite light and almost effervescent whisky. Sweet and peachy from the Madeira wine influence and deliciously spiced towards the end of the palate. 83/100
Waterproof Blended Malt Batch 001
A great sherry-influenced blended malt, quite rich and toffee’d but very easy drinking as it comes. 84/100
Dalmunach 4 Years Old 2015 The Distillery Reserve Collection
Still young but eminently drinkable this has a lovely peach yoghurt fruity and creamy nature, surprisingly little ‘new make’ evidence and not overly oaked, though perhaps shows it a little in fresh oak/pencil shavings, gentle biscuity cereals too shows great promise. 83/100
John Crabbie 28 Years Old 1992 Speyside
A powerful, fragrant dram full of fruit and flowers, distinct spirit character throughout that was really rather inviting. Wood varnish and tropical fruits abound. 91/100
Caperdonich 18 Years Old 2002 The Distillery Reserve Collection
A superb expression that balances both spirit and wood influences, full of tropical fruit. 88/100
Hudson Baby Bourbon
Great! Powewrful, polished wood and spices with a lovely sweet backdrop. 87/100
American Eagle 4 Years Old
Full bodied and full flavoured, very enjoyable for a 4 year old Bourbon and not overly sweet or corny. 80/100
Filey Bay STR Finish
Definitely my favourite of the tasting, I recoiled slightly at the STR – or shaved, toasted, recharred barrel currently in use far too much with new distilleries for my liking, however this is a red herring here as it is the barrels former (red wine) occupants that really has an impact on the final product. 83/100
Filey Bay Moscatel Finish
Another tasty expression, moved more into stone fruits thanks to the Moscatel finish, plus plenty of honey and syrup sweetness too, whilst retaining core distillate flavours too. 82/100
