Wine Cask Influenced Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a captivating fusion of Scotland's whisky traditions and the rich flavors imparted by wine casks. These whiskies are known for their complexity, with layers of fruity, vinous, and sometimes spicy notes. The marriage of Scotch whisky and wine casks, whether from sherry, port, or other fine wines, creates a unique and harmonious taste profile. With each sip, you embark on a journey through the world of wine, guided by the mastery of Scottish distillers. Wine Cask Influenced Single Malt Scotch Whiskies offer a sensorial experience that resonates with connoisseurs of both whisky and wine.
The Islay barley for Octomore 14.3 is sourced just two miles away from the distillery at Octomore farm, resulting in a single malt that prominently showcases its cereal characteristics. This spirit stands as a testament to the pivotal role of the raw ingredient and the revitalization of the farming community responsible for its cultivation.
Under the skilled guidance of Head Distiller, Adam Hannett, this high-provenance single malt extracts the essence of the Islay barley. Aged in a blend of first-fill ex-American whiskey casks and second-fill wine casks, the wooden notes complement rather than overpower the grain, preserving the distinct taste and essence of the Islay barley's origin.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Transporting you to the Bruichladdich Distillery courtyard, the aromas of hot, sweet mash are unmistakable on the nose. This soft, biscuity malt is followed by peat smoke and an assortment of sweet, stoned fruits, with ripe apricots, peach and honey-drizzled pears. Candied lemon peels add a hint of citrus, balanced with butterscotch, honeycomb, chocolate and vanilla ice cream.Palate: Delicate oak notes immediately come through, followed by the presence of smouldering peat. Floral hints of gorse and honeysuckle rise above the malty Islay-grown barley, which is rich and sweet with creamy porridge and cereal notes. The structure of the French oak, together with the sweet vanilla and toffee of the American oak, combine beautifully, bringing a harmonious balance to the palate.Finish: Malted barley and earthy smoke dominate, followed by lingering notes of sweet barley sugar. Caramel and vanilla add a final touch of rounded sweetness.
The award-winning whisky underwent an initial 16-year maturation in ex-bourbon casks, followed by an additional 2 years of finishing in premium sherry casks, imparting delightful sweet and fruity characteristics to the spirit. Staying true to the Tobermory Distillery tradition, this whisky is non-chillfiltered and retains its natural color. It's bottled at 46.3% ABV and occupies a place in the Ledaig (peated whisky) core range, alongside Ledaig 10-Year-Old and Ledaig Sinclair Series: Rioja Cask Finish. Ledaig 18 is an island whisky characterized by its smoky profile. It skillfully combines the enticing notes of sweetness and florals with the depth and warmth of sea salt and smoke, creating a harmonious and complex flavor profile.
Tasting Note by Tobermory:Nose: Rich, fruity sherried smokiness, lovely balance of phenols, seaweed and light creosote, dried chilli flakes, spicy black pepper with hints of sweet oakiness.Palate: Powerful rich, sherried, herbal smoky flavours, orange peel, coffee, a touch of sea salt, tobacco and white pepper.Finish: Long and quite pungent with more smoke, a hint of liquorice and sea spray.
In the first release of the Sinclair Series, this Ledaig Rioja Finish, absent of any age statement, showcases a captivating ruby-red coloration. This exceptional expression masterfully balances the allure of peat smoke with the seductive sweetness of Rioja wine. Remaining true to tradition, this whisky is left unaltered by chill-filtration and retains its natural color.
Crafted from heavily peated barley, it embarks on its maturation journey in ex-bourbon casks before undergoing a finishing period in meticulously chosen Spanish Rioja casks. The resultant single malt boasts a bold and dynamic flavor profile, encompassing nuances of smoky, spicy, grape-like, and sweet berry notes, with a lingering undercurrent of saltiness on the finish. Its vibrant and rich red hue mirrors the charm of esteemed Rioja wine.
Tasting Note by Tobermory:Nose: Notes of Turkish delight and rose petals balanced with candied fruits and grapes followed by rich leather and a beautiful peppery spice. A hint of chocolate comes through at the back.Palate: Creamy mouthfeel packed full of almonds, barley and sweet malt with notes of peppery Ledaig, which give way to black raspberries, sweet vanilla and cocoa interspersed with cinnamon spice and hints of freshly cut grass.Finish: Lingering smoky finish with red fruit and sea spray.
PMC:01 is a masterful blend of terroirs, initially matured in first-fill Bourbon barrels in 2013 for four years, then artfully transferred in 2017 to Pomerol casks for an additional five years of aging. This pioneering release from Port Charlotte, aged in the esteemed Bordeaux wine barrels, marries the lush, fruit-rich character of Pomerol oak with the unmistakable maritime essence of Islay.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Warm peat smoke and red fruits open on the nose, moving to stewed pears, melon and a subtle marine note. Delicate floral notes of rose and geranium follow, with hints of vanilla, honey, leather and toasted oak coming from the wood. As the spirit opens further, a subtle spice mix of clove and ginger comes to the fore, with a touch of marzipan.Palate: Malt sugar and peat smoke complement the tremendous viscosity of the liquid which coats the palate. The influence of the cask continues and showcases the harmonious balance of oak and fruit, with succulent blackberries, plum and aged leather.Finish: Mellow marine tones, crushed seashells and a hint of citrus lemon rind nod to the single malt’s all-Islay maturation while Port Charlotte’s signature peat smoke lingers.
The Aberfeldy 18 Year Old was matured in refill and hogshead casks before being refined in Napa Valley's Cabernet Sauvignon barrels for 15 months. This finishing technique, overseen by Malt Master Stephanie Macleod, introduces depth and layers of berry and spice notes to the whisky, enhancing Aberfeldy's distinct character without overshadowing it. The result is a harmonious blend of traditional Scotch with the rich undertones of Napa's red wine.Each bottle of this exceptional single malt comes with a complimentary Aberfeldy Whisky Fudge worth £6!
Tasting Note by Aberfeldy:Lush, bold, with a dominance of fruit. The wine’s influence adds an air of opulence & a deepening of intriguing red berry aromas. Green apple & honeyed, floral notes. Rich& decadent. A velvety texture and softening spices leave a mellow dram to contemplate over.
In 1997, the distillery embarked on a remarkable journey by laying down its spirit in the finest bourbon casks. This marked the beginning of one of Dr. Bill's rarest wood experiments. After almost a decade of careful aging, a portion of this spirit was meticulously transferred into Château Montrose red wine casks. Sourced exclusively from the celebrated Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, these casks are so limited in supply that only a few could be obtained. The deep, rich color of the wine previously held in these casks is so profound that it is even reflected in the wood of the whisky's case.
Driven by curiosity, Dr. Bill sought to uncover the unique soft, red fruit notes that these casks could impart to the whisky. Venturing into uncharted territory with a finish never before attempted or replicated at the distillery, he aimed to create a Glenmorangie expression that would stand dramatically apart from the rest.
Thirteen years later, this single malt whisky had evolved into a masterpiece, teeming with extraordinary depths of berry flavors. Encouraged by this remarkable transformation, Dr. Bill embarked on the complex task of marrying various casks to enhance the whisky's unique taste. He skillfully combined whisky aged solely in bourbon casks to highlight Glenmorangie's signature citrus notes. Whisky finished for extended periods in oloroso sherry casks contributed layers of sweetness and spicy finesse, while a carefully selected array of secret casks added their distinct influence.
After maturing for a total of 23 years, Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1997 now overflows with the luscious flavors of red fruits and candied sweetness, a true testament to the artistry and dedication that define its creation.
Tasting Note by Glenmorangie:Nose: Astonishing, perfumed and fruity complexity. Floral notes of rose, jasmine and carnation intermingle with soft red fruits, mint toffee, pastry or cake mix and a sweet confectionery top note. With water, even more soft, floral top notes like roses and carnations emerge, with a very subtle spiciness like sweet chilli, clove and ginger.Palate: A slightly tingly, gently spicy mouthfeel is followed by a symphony of sweet candy flavours, more soft red fruits, pineapple chunks and a taste reminiscent of pears and mandarin segments in fruit jelly. There are sweet ginger and chilli notes, gentle almond marzipan and vanilla toffee apple.Finish: Sweet, rich, long and gently spicy.
The SC: 01 2012 vintage was exclusively conceived, cultivated, distilled, aged, and bottled on Islay. The barley used for this vintage was harvested in 2011 and supplied by seven local farmers, all situated within a 10-mile radius of the distillery. Showcasing the unique Islay terroir, this locally-sourced barley is enriched with a detailed cask formulation.
The barley is malted to a peat level of 40ppm by maltsters on the Scottish mainland. Afterward, it's brought back to Islay for distillation. Using tall, slender-necked stills, the distillation process aims for the utmost elegance and delicacy. The spirit then embarks on a tripartite maturation journey.
This vintage is a fusion of sherry butts, first and second fill American whiskey barrels, which were transferred at varying maturation stages into some of the premier Sauternes wine casks sourced from the left bank of the Garonne River in Bordeaux.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Sweet, stone fruit and a delicate floral perfume on the nose with hints of peaches in syrup, dried apricots, honeyed melon and ripe pineapple. Brown sugar, vanilla-fudge, caramel and marzipan are followed by heady notes of honeysuckle and heather. Peat smoke and warm toasted oak come through with a little time to bring depth and complexity to the dram.Palate: The warmth and supple texture of this dram elegantly coats the palate and brings a balance of light peat smoke and ripe fruit. Another sip confirms both the beautiful viscosity and depth of flavour, as beneath the delicate smoke comes earthy notes of leather and boot polish. The oak brings strength and sweet vanilla, chocolate and citrus to complement the waves of fruit.Finish: A dram you wish would last forever, the wonderful marine notes and earthy peat smoke linger on the palate with a citrus tang.
In this exclusive release from the Aberfeldy Red Wine Cask Collection, Aberfeldy’s traditionally honeyed malt is graced with a sophisticated hue and flavor, courtesy of the Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks sourced from Napa Valley. These casks, deeply soaked with berries and spice from the famed valley, intertwine seamlessly with the malt. Dominating the rugged terroir of its California homeland, Cabernet Sauvignon thrives under the sun, culminating in robust, bold fruity flavors. The oak aging further introduces a distinct spicy note, making this a truly unique and cherished blend.
Tasting Note by Aberfeldy:Brimming with fragrant notes of raspberry jam, and parma violets. Then dustings of cinnamon and the alluring aroma of freshly ground coffee beans.
Batch 3 is the third and final release in the series of inaugural whiskies from the young Lagg Distillery located on the Isle of Arran. Like its predecessors, Batch 3 is crafted using double distilled 50ppm peated Concerto malted barley. It spends two and a half years maturing in first-fill bourbon casks before a six-month finishing period in custom-made rioja red wine Firkin casks. Bottled at 50% ABV, without added color or chill filtration, this single malt combines layers of red fruit with the earthy essence of peat at its core.
Tasting Note by Lagg:Nose: Light intensity. Earthy peat with some light minerality and a hint of oak. Palate: Thick, mouth coating. More of the peat comes through on the mouthfeel. There is a sweetness. Lots of berries maybe some dark fruit. Some more herbaceous notes in the background.Finish: Medium. More peat, nice balance with a little pinch of saltiness.
In the most recent Limited Edition release from Ledaig, the whisky brims with flavor, having been fully matured in red wine casks and bottled at cask strength (56.8% ABV). This particular expression of peated Ledaig has enjoyed 9 years of maturation in the finest Bordeaux red wine casks. The result is a whisky with distinct notes of heather, pine cones, woody sea salt, and floral undertones that linger on the finish. As with all Ledaig whiskies, this release is presented in its natural color and is non-chillfiltered, allowing its character to shine through in the form of intense and rich flavors.
Tasting Note by Tobermory:Nose: Smoked fudge, eucalyptus oil and carbolic soap.Palate: Burning heather and pine cones. Grape skins and melons, wood smoked meats.Finish: As the smoke drifts, some floral notes develop and finally lime pastilles.
According to the legend, a particular night witnessed a blood-red transformation of the moon in the Mortlach sky, marking the beginning of a mysterious alchemical process. Deep within the Mortlach distillery's stills, the blood moon's alluring ruby richness and intricate darkness worked their enchanting magic, endowing Mortlach itself with an uncommon and captivating essence. Radiant with the glow of ruby light, this renowned whisky underwent a final maturation in a blend of Virgin Oak, Tawny Port, and Red Muscat wine casks, intensifying its deep amber hue.
Vigorous scents of opulent wine and sweet grape intertwine with Mortlach's signature meaty character. In the quiet hours of the night, amid flickering illumination, the finish ascends to unparalleled heights. It's a whisky to hold dear, where sweetness, darkness, and depth converge in a mystical union that leaves a lasting impression.
Tasting Note by Mortlach:Nose: Robust savoury, rich notes evoke a hearty cassoulet with haricots, tomatoes, spicy sausage, and crisp pork belly. Intriguing aromas of grape and red wine entwine with this meatiness then, as the nose develops, become more mineral. A little water changes the picture again, lowering the spiciness and bringing up more rounded, wine-accented sweet red fruit.Palate: Rich and smoothly mouth-filling in texture, while the deep and intense taste is sweetly fruity rather than meaty, and spicy-dry, as the virgin oak makes its presence felt. Magnificently lively, with a richly layered taste, in which hints of ginger lead a spicy dance. A dash of water fashions a delicious, harmonious and strong marriage between fruitiness and black pepper spiciness.Finish: Long and deeply impressive, with power, fruit and black pepper in perfect harmony, a spicy kick as it goes down and a warming glow spreading across the palate. Finally, the palate is left dry, bathed in a glorious afterglow. A drop of water adds a dash of acidity.
As one follows the meandering path along the river's edge beside The Singleton of Glen Ord, the tale of its unique enchantment carries significant meaning. Situated on the Black Isle, it stands as the sole remaining Single Malt distillery, and the allure of this whisky resides in its luxuriously intricate flavors. The mastery of slow craftsmanship has always been the secret, allowing each phase of production, from malting to maturation, to progress at its own unhurried pace, resulting in a liquid that is harmonious, velvety, and captivating.
This exceptional expression captivates the senses with its opulent character, honed over eight years of aging in wine casks.
Tasting Note by Singleton:Nose: Dry overall, the gentle nose gives a vinous first impression, backed by spicy, woody notes of oak shavings and beech. Alluring aromas of tart red berry fruit and creamy vanilla spread among them, and a hint of wax appears in the development. A little water softens the nose and relaxes the aroma, without great alteration.Palate: An ultra-smooth, mouth-filling texture prefaces a lively, intense taste; barley-sugar sweet, with a pinch of salt. That sweetness becomes pleasantly tart, with suggestions of gooseberry and crisp grape. At reduced strength, it is not as tart, but still spicy; the sweetness is highlighted yet the appetising spicy heat remains.Finish: Lengthy and palate-drying, as pepper-heat lingers in a last kiss of silken spice. With water sweeter, now with a trace of fondant in the aftertaste.
Benriach The Twenty Five Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a rich and sumptuous expression that offers a masterful curation of flavors. It is crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit and undergoes a quadruple maturation process, spending at least twenty-five years in various cask types. These casks include sherry casks, bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks, and Madeira Island wine casks.
During its extended maturation, the sweet Speyside smoke character in Benriach's spirit mellows and seamlessly integrates with the fruit, malt, and oak flavors. After twenty-five years, the rich layering of flavors evolves into a profile of caramelised smoke, which is further enhanced through the multi-layered cask maturation process.
With a natural cask-imparted color and an ABV of 46%, Benriach The Twenty Five is a truly sophisticated and complex whisky that reflects the culmination of over two decades of maturation.
Tasting Note by Benriach:Nose: Smoked apricot, dark cherry chocolate, hazelnut toffee.Palate: Baked fruit, toasted oak spice, orange and cinnamon spice, finishing with rich caramelised smoke.
To curate this harmonious blend, the classic Arran Single Malt is aged in oak casks for eight years before undergoing a 'finishing' process in select Sauternes wine casks. Chosen with precision by their Master Distiller, these Bordeaux sweet white wine casks are sourced from a skilled boutique producer, ensuring a flawless union of wine and whisky flavors.
Tasting Note by Arran:Nose: Honey sweetness and citrus.Palate: Richly honeyed and backed with a lifting zestiness which slides into spice and zingy salt. Once the dram opens out, vanilla and sultana stand out followed by notes of toasted oak.Finish: Sweetness, Honey, Apricots, Melon, Honeysuckle.
Benriach The Smoky Twelve Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a masterful blend of fruity, malty, oaky, and smoky flavors. Crafted with a combination of unpeated and peated spirit, this whisky undergoes a triple maturation process, spending at least twelve years in a variety of cask types, including bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks.
With a natural cask-imparted color and an ABV of 46%, Benriach The Smoky Twelve promises a delightful and harmonious tasting experience that combines the best elements of fruitiness and smokiness in a well-rounded whisky.
Tasting Note by BenRiach:Nose: Smoked vanilla, charred orange and toasted almond.Palate: Dark chocolate, fruit peel, brown sugar and smoked oak, lingering into a cocoa and orange smoked finish.
