Similar influences to the Super-Tuscan Grattamacco 11yo but very different bias and intensities generated something a whole lot more integrated and delicious. In particular the roasted nut and chocolate are very welcome additions to my palate which really appreciated the increased gravitas here. 86/100
A fruity and zesty expression with plenty of spice, long lasting and takes water well which really softened the palate here and improved things slightly for me. 84/100
Very polished and smooth, Highland toffee, buttery caramel and creamy vanilla, some fruit and woody notes make this one a very easy drinker. 85/100
Soft and sugary, the Cognac casks have highlighted the gentle fruits and florals and added some soft spices and gentle oak tannins which are a perfect complement for Tomatin’s gentle spirit character. 85/100
Malty Lochnagar meets dried fruit and spice from the Sherry cask. redolent of Christmas time, mince pies and puddings, nice earthy dark fruits too such as blackberry and brambles. 90/100
A simply delicious Fettercairn, stated as a cask selected by Samaroli but had me wondering if this was one they had matured themselves in Virgin oak? Floral and fruity and plenty of New Make Spirit characteristics made this distinctly Fettercairn – tropical fruits in syrup. 88/100
Soft fruity and vanillic, actually really good, I think I like this single cask more than the standard Fettercairn 12 Years Old – I suspect Greg picked out one of the best of the bunch? 84/100
Soft and gentle rye spices, much less sweet and more vaporous and spirit, perhaps displays more tropical fruit nature from the distillate. 82/100
Whisky Blog Rankings September 2021
Considering I find the standard 12 a little spicy in the tail I was a little apprehensive of the Rye maturation used here. It really accentuates other facets of Fettercairn’s spirit but surreptitious use of sweet and vanillic ex-Bourbon casks brings plenty of coconut and chocolate along for the ride making this one a real journey. Actually the more I tasted the more welcoming the spicy Rye elements were. Bravo! 85/100
