A great sherry-influenced blended malt, quite rich and toffee’d but very easy drinking as it comes. 84/100
Waterproof Blended Malt Batch 001
Elements of Islay Peat Full Proof (59.3%, Elixir Distillers, 2020)
Quite a surprise to find this is the same Peat offering but at Cask Strength, I think I much preferred the reduced version for drinking. Surprisingly different considering this is just the same whisky at higher ABV! 82/100
Elements of Islay Peat (45%, Elixir Distillers, 2020)
A distinctly coastal and peated expression that reminded me of Caol Ila and a touch of Lagavulin, not surprising this is probably what this blended malt mostly consists of perhaps…? 83/100
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
Whisky Row Rich and Spicy Blended Malt (46%, Gleann Mor Spirits, 2020)
Whisky Row Rich and Spicy Blended Malt Whisky Review: Sherry influenced but a little neutral and bland to begin with, develops with air and possibly a drop of water. very woody, tasted blind this initially reminded me of some of the Balcones Bourbon and single malt expressions, also very wood oriented. 80/100
New Town Blends – The Surgeons Ball (46%, Edinburgh Whisky, 2016)
New Town Blends – The Surgeons Ball whisky review: A bit of a Jekyll & Hyde (apt?) dram, quite mobile on the palate but generally pleasing. Doesn’t hide its youth very well. 77/100
The Scalasaig Island Hopper Maiden Voyage (43%, Colonsay Beverages Ltd, 3000 bottles, 2020)
The Scalasaig Island Hopper Maiden Voyage whisky review: A well constructed blend I’m assuming from all island Malts? Good balance of peat & sherry – not too sweet almost classical ‘Highland’ style in fact. Well done 83/100
Nectar Grove Batch Strength Batch No. 001 (54%, Wemyss Malts, 8100 Bottles, 2019)
Nectar Grove Batch Strength Batch No. 001 whisky review: A rich and syrupy sweet expression, unfortunately I haven’t tried the standard version to compare or make comment on the increased ABV presentation here in the batch strength. Very drinkable without water and reminiscent of other Madeira cask finished whiskies with lots of stone fruit influence. 82/100
Flaming Feast (46%, Wemyss Malts, 6000 Bottles, 2018)
Flaming Feast blended malt whisky review: A great smoked and maritime blend, complex and shifting much like the smoke rising from a beach bonfire. 85/100
Blooming Gorse (46%, Wemyss Malts, 6000 Bottles, 2018)
Blooming Gorse blended malt whisky review: A creamy and sweet blended malt with plenty of coconut influence as the name suggests. This borders on becoming soapy on occasion due to the florality but has a touch of citrus zest and plenty of sweet vanilla to keep it enjoyable. 83/100
