A fascinating full ex-Sauternes maturation has delivered plenty of sweet fruit but equally tannic French oak influence to Glen Moray’s supple spirit. 86/100
Glen Moray 14 Years Old 2006 Sauternes Cask Matured (59.6%, OB, 1248 Bottles, 2020)
Defilement 8 Years Old Chestnut Cask Finish (46.7%, Defilement, 2020)
Hah a curve ball in the form of this Chestnut wood cask, whilst distinctly not oak, but then again this is not Scotch, it is a blended English whisky so I’m unsure if English whisky regulations exist or preclude the use of other wood (much like Irish chestnut casked whiskey sampled previously). Something a little different and very tasty! 84/100
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Spanish Oak Finish (48%, OB, 2020)
Another quiet woody expression and not too dissimilar to the previous French oak edition with a touch more wood spices added here. 82/100
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old French Oak Finish (48%, OB, 2020)
Very pleasant, much more woody and oaky presence here though oddly slightly vinegary on the nose I did wonder if this was a pale/Amontillado sherry cask finish at one point. 82/100
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Chinquapin Oak Finish (48%, OB, 2020)
Despite another light spirit nature this had a little more wood to chew over and complimentary fruit and floral notes too. 83/100
Glenmorangie A Tale of Cake (46%, OB, 2020)
Well I guess malt-light highlights Glenmorangie’s delicate spirit and I did pick up on a bit of fruit and sugar here but this was much more fresh wood than a piece of cake for me. 80/100
Old Ezra 7 Years Old (58.5%, OB, 2020)
A flavour journey rather than destination, plenty of spice and heat but also packed full of vanilla and nutty oak. Superb as it comes but takes a drop of water well if you like it a little calmer. 85/100
Ezra Brooks Straight Rye Whiskey (45%, OB, 2020)
Approachable rye whisky, touches of spice and earth from the Rye grains but plenty of sweet vanilla and oak wood influence too, quite enjoyable. 84/100
Rebel Yell Cognac Cask Finish (45%, OB, 2020)
Slightly spiced and dessert-like Bourbon, the cognac cask finish has subdued some of the sweetness and given a richer, woodier and slightly festive spice feel to this one. 85/100
A Fine Christmas Malt 2020 (44.5%, TWE, 1918 Bottles, 2020)
Easy drinking blended malt, mostly liquid toffee apples but also some spice, dried fruit and nut mix which resembles festive fruit cakes. 83/100
