Tasting with social distancing and isolation is a bit difficult. Things have certainly slowed down. Thankfully some whisky bars have been sending samples.
40 – SMWS 63.49 (Glentauchers) In the dark of the abyss
Nose is intensely vanilla, with delightful citrus rind. Some caramelised figs and hazelnuts, toasted marshmallow and musk.
Palate is very sherried. Very woody and a slight sulfur note. Dry cooking spices, vanilla cream, dried apricots and dates.
Finish rubber, wood char, toasted nuts, brown sugar and praline
****
41 – Four Roses Single Barrel – Warehouse KE Barrel 64.3E
Nose vanilla cream, cracked pepper, cardamom, crushed ants, raspberry and raspberry leaf, pink marshmallow and orange zest. A lovely backbone of shoe polish and spice.
Palate vanilla cream, buttery, nutty, some slight rubbery notes, mashed strawberries, Christmas biscuits.
Finish melted butter for days and fresh wood shavings.
****
42 – Benrinnes 1995/2019 23yo by Drunken Master & The Elysian Hogshead #9080, 48.5%
Nose of lemon, malt, honey and wax. That real “old whisky” waxy smell with slight tropical fruits.
Palate sweet like kiwi fruit and dusty mangos. Hay and boot polish. Finally some lovely liquorice and pepperiness.
As the palate fades a bolt of vanilla cream and aniseed that lingers
****^
43 – Glen Elgin 1995/2019 23yo by Drunken Master & The Elysian, Hogshead #3271, 51%
Tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, whipped cream and chewy meringue. Getting a slight medicinal sense?!
Great palate weight. A strange mix of floral, roses, chocolate bullets and black cats. Feels like an old whisky
Finish leather bound books, cream and potpourri
***
44 – Caol Ila 2006/2019 12yo by Drunken Master & The Elysian, Hogshead #311572, 57%
Medicinal honey. Aspirin! Salty and mineral. Pink lady apples and fairy floss.
Palate is autumn leaves, seaweed and forgotten oyster shells. Caramel and cream.
Finish is sea spray, autumn leaves and cream.
(As an aside we had a piece of white chocolate at the end and wow! Islay and white chocolate… who knew! Try it!)
****
grey whisky 