Rum Cask Influenced Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a unique and exotic fusion in the world of spirits. This style of whisky is finished or aged in casks that previously held rum, imparting a distinctive tropical twist to the traditional Scotch profile. The influence of the rum casks brings forward rich notes of molasses, caramel, and exotic fruits, melded seamlessly with the classic flavors of Scotch whisky. This innovative maturation process creates a complex and intriguing dram, offering whisky enthusiasts a delightful balance of sweetness, spice, and malty depth. It's a captivating expression for those seeking a whisky that combines the robust character of Scotch with the warm, sunny essence of the Caribbean.
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old is a masterpiece that undergoes a meticulous maturation process. Initially aged in oak barrels for 21 years, this whisky is then treated to a finishing period in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks, lasting up to four months. This precise method yields an exquisite Speyside whisky, bursting with intricate, warming, and vibrant flavours.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Intense and vanilla sweet. Floral, hints of banana, figs, rich toffee, new leather and oak.Palate: Initially soft, then brisk, vibrant and drying, peppery, a touch of smoke, oak, lime, ginger and spices.Finish: Very long, warming, dry and spicy.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old single malt whisky begins its journey aging in traditional oak casks for 14 years. It is then finished in casks that previously held Caribbean rum. Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE prepares these casks with a blend of West Indian rums, which are later replaced by the aged whisky, allowing the wood to impart its final characteristics.Each bottle of this whisky comes with a complimentary Balvenie Tumbler.
Tasting Note by Balvenie:Nose: Rich, sweet and creamy toffee on the nose combines with fresh fruit notes.Palate: Rounded with vanilla and sweet oak notes, with a fruity character that develops with time.Finish: Soft and lingering.
A bold and innovative expression that combines two contrasting flavours: smoky campfire and rich toffee sweetness. Breaking boundaries begins with blending peated whisky and Glenfiddich's signature sweet, fruity malts originally aged in bourbon casks. The final touch ends with six months of finishing in Latin rum casks.
Tasting Note by Glenfiddich:Nose: Billowing soft peat notes, like distant smoke on the wind. Rich sweet toffee with zesty fresh fruit notes and spiciness.Palate: Like a Highland peat campfire, with oak notes and toffee. Sharp green fruit, sweet baked apple and soft smoke.Finish: Lingering smokiness and sweetness.
Benriach The Smoky Ten Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a distinctive expression that pays homage to Benriach's unconventional approach to whisky-making. In the early 1970s, the distillery broke with tradition in Speyside by returning to the old-style method of distilling batches of whisky with malted barley that was smoked with Highland peat.
This unique approach using wood-rich Highland peat gives Benriach's peated whiskies a distinctly sweet and smoky character. The Smoky Ten is crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit. It undergoes a triple maturation process, spending at least ten years in a combination of bourbon barrels, Jamaican rum casks, and toasted virgin oak.
Tasting Note by BenRiach:Nose: Ripe orchard fruit syrup, smoked honey glaze and oak spice.Palate: Smoked applewood, honey maple and spiced pear finishing with lingering fruit and smoked oak.