Category Archives: Springtime

Fettercairn, Royal Lochnagar, Springtime, Summertime

A pair of “off-the-beaten-path” Old Malt Cask whiskies today…

 

Challenge

Pronunciation: /ˈtʃalɪn(d)ʒ/

Definition of challenge
noun

  • call to someone to participate in a competitive situation or fight to decide who is superior in terms of ability or strength: he accepted the challenge
  • a task or situation that tests someone’s abilities.

Today I was challenged to taste and review whiskies from distilleries I’ve had little, if any, experience with: Fettercairn and Royal Lochnagar.

While I can say with 100% confidence that my physical strength has not been challenged in any way, my nose and palate surely were.  Very few people can say they have had whiskies from these from these distilleries and I think I’ve had maybe one whisky from either of these producers.

Fettercairn only recently started releasing whiskies (Fior, a 24, 30 and 40yo) and Royal Lochnagar has a 12yo expression but is mostly used in blends such as Johnnie Walker Blue.

As with all Old Malt Cask bottlings we’re looking at the single cask (yet diluted to 50% ABV).

The provenance of the casks is a bit elusive.  They are both ex-hogsheads but the first liquid held in them is unknown as both are 2nd or 3rd fill.

Both whiskies are very light in color.

Let’s dig in and see if I’m up to the challenge!

OMC Bottle Shot_Fettercairn 16_v1Old Malt Cask 16yo Fettercairn 50%ABV Single Cask

On the nose –  A affront of dusty, sugary lemon flavored American Smarties.

Public pay phones (the smell of the receiver to be exact).  Dungeons and Dragons dice.  For those of you that don’t the smells of either of those previous examples, think of clean and hard plastics.  Not rubbery and pungent but clean and plastic-y.

Green and unripened apples and maybe some watermelon pith.  Quite unique.

OMC-2On the mouth –  This one actually tastes exactly like the smell so I’m going to focus on the texture:

Very oily, coating the center of the tongue and zapping the sides of the tongue and cheeks forcing my mouth to water profusely.

Finish – Drying and growing with white pepper-like spice then, drops suddenly.

In sum – This is very much an aperitif whisky, something to welcome friends with.  It’s not overly complex but it is enjoyable.

RoyalLochnager_300dpi_13inOld Malt Cask 14yo Royal Lochnagar 50%ABV Single Cask

On the nose –  Very much an elusive whisky.

You shy pup, come out and play!  Ok, ok… I’ll be a bit patient here. (taps fingers, looks at the clock, checks email, posts something cheeky on Facebook…).

Alright.  Are you ready for me now, little whisky?

Well, there’s some apple cider vinegar but it’s light in scent.  Some malt grist but again, light.

OMC-1Wait a mo, now you rear your head (did I mention I love that term?).  Freshly skinned English cucumbers in Saran Wrap.  Cucumber yogurt sauce (aka Raita).

On the mouth –  Much like the Fettercairn, this is candied like American Smarties.  More apple-like in flavor than lemon-like but there is some lemon in here now that I swish it about.

Tinned fruit cups with a focus on the tin.

Lightly oaked and just a touch of sandalwood.  This is almost gin like (minus any juniper).

Finish – Very short finish but drying as well.

In sum – Much like the Fettercairn this whisky is one to start your evening with.  It’s way too delicate to have after a meal or other drams.

Special thanks to all of the wonderful people at ISW for their help and samples!

Cold Winter, Kilchoman, Refreshed, Springtime

Kilchoman 100% Islay whisky. First Edition vs 2nd edition

 

Islay Region – 50%ABV

1st Edition can be found for $?? sold out in most US stores | £77 (£66 ex VAT)

2nd Edition can be found for: $87 | £54 (£45 ex VAT)

I have a lot to cover in my side by side to these two Kilchomans so I’ll keep this quick.  As an opener, know that the 100% Islay series from Kilchoman is quite different from their standard releases:

  • They’re peated to a much lower ppm (25ppm as compared to 50ppm as per the usual Kilchoman release).
  • I’m not sure if the distillate cuts are different compared to their standard spirit runs but over all, these are a different experience from other Kilchomans.
  • Also, both editions of Kilchoman’s 100% Islay are all ex-bourbon matured whereas most Kilchomans are a mix of ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks.

I love that Kilchoman runs this series and look forward to trying 3rd, 4th and, 5th edition 100% Islays!

On the nose — The first edition, in contrast to the latest 100% Islay, comes off as heavy and medicinal.

Truthfully, both are light in character but the second edition is quite sweet and filled with pear drops, a touch of sea air, malt, yeast and the actual sweetness of wash that permeates every inch of their distillery.

The second edition of the 100% Islay is transporting me back to my visit to the Kilchoman distillery.

Turning back to the first edition of this more lightly peated Kilchoman (both are peated to about 25ppm as compared to their standard level of 50ppm), the character is more like a rainy morning at a beach during low tide: salty, sea shells, some lemon, day old linens – comforting & relaxing as I nose it whereas the second edition is more lively and invigorating.

Two very different animals so far.  Both enjoyable.

On the mouth — First edition: great mouthfeel and more of an initial sweetness (something I didn’t really get while nosing it).  Phenolic, canvas army bags, lemons (again), salty to taste and very light vanilla influence.  This is a fine example of a young Islay whisky.  Drying as I get to the finish, too.

Second edition: More exotic in flavor! candied caraway seeds and candied young lime rind.  I am reminded of a Thai dish I was told was called “Ming Com” I had once while in Seattle.  There was some sort of green leaf I used to grab lime chunks and small red chilies – this is the combo I am getting here.  A lighter mouthfeel than the first edition but the flavor combination helps to make up for that.

Finish — First edition: Medium length with just a touch of wood spice on the center of the tongue.

Second edition: a long, exotically sweet finish.

In sum —  Two very different, yet satisfying drams.  For my tastes (at least as far as today goes), the second edition’s style and the invigorating element to it made me really connect with it.  I often enjoy whisky as a pick me up rather than something meant to relax me.

Want to relax?  Get the first edition.

Need a pick-me-up?  the second edition is the way to go!

Special thanks to ImpEx for the sample of 2nd edition Kilchoman.  The 1st edition was my bottle but now I want a bottle of the 2nd edition 🙂

My guess is you’ll enjoy Jason from Guid Scotch Drink’s review of the Kilchoman 100% Islay 2nd edition

Arran, Autumn, Let's celebrate!, Springtime

Arran’s devilish new limited release: The Devil’s Punch Bowl

 

Islands Region – 52.3%ABV – $129 – this stuff is selling out quickly – limited to 6,660 bottles.  Yeah, that’s right.  6,660 bottles.

If I were giving out packaging awards today, Arran’s Devil’s Punch Bowl would win it in a heart beat.  Hands down, this is some of the coolest packaging for a whisky in a *LONG* time.  And it’s not absurd awesome, just awesome-awesome.

Dude!:

And in the open position:

All up close and personal-like:

Even closer and even more personal:

Booga-booga!!

And here is the whisky make up (which, to be honest, is the most important part of the packaging):

Have you fallen in love yet?  Yes or no, here’s my review of the whisky:

On the nose — Classic Arran components:  Fresh apples (though brighter here compared to other Arran whiskies), salty (though slightly less salty than many Arran whiskies) and a touch pungent.

Quite bright, punchy and alive yet a touch buttery.

A strange thought comes to mind: Not sure why but this reminds me a bit of the Macallan 15yo Fine Oak (I rather like that one).  Hmm…

Now a touch of peat sneaks up on me.  Burnt things hither and thither; all natural-like and woody.

Burnt sugar over medjool dates (the sherry components start to come through).  Hint of cherry stones…  A solid whisky so far!

On the mouth — Pow!  Bam!  Kaboom! and other 60’s Batman punch and kick sounds.

Bright and sharp yet not at all hot.

Firm peaty backbone.

Grilled apples, salted.  More burnt sugar.  Honied yet oh, so peppery.

Peppered apple sauce.  A nice mouthfeel.

Finish — One of my favorite Arran characteristics: a good, long finish.  This one is peaty and peppery with a bit of honey and sugar.

In sum —  Well, not what I expected.  Granted, I didn’t know what to expect as I chose to not read reviews or learn too much about this whisky.

On the rare occasions when they do peated whiskies, Arran doesn’t peat much beyond 20ppm.  Knowing this, I guessed correctly that this would not be a peat monster.  I had heard some off-comments about this whisky in that people expected “more”.  Maybe some (due to the whisky name and packaging) expected a fire blast or peat monster.

Me?  I think it’s a well constructed whisky that packs a wallop.  It’s deliciously tasty, invigorating and of great quality.

Well done, Mr. MacTaggart, you devilish dude you!

Special thanks to the good folks at ImpEx for the ample sample!

***But, can I have your whisky? Please?!***
Catoctin Creek, Springtime

Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye – Cask Proof!

 

Virginia, USA – 58%ABV – $65 – **KOSHER CERTIFIED RYE WHISKY**

We’re about to journey into the land of FUN…  “What kind of fun?” you might ask…  Single cask, cask strength rye whisky from Catoctin Creek.  (Yes, Catoctin Creek spell “whisky” the same way most of the world does; without the “E.”)  For a whisky geek like me, I think this is a $hit ton-o-fun!

So, what’s the make up of this concoction from Catoctin?  Well, you may have heard the term “mash bill” before.  If not, a “mash bill” is basically a mixture of grain(s) that distillers use when making a beer (or wash) that will then get distilled into spirit.

As far as rye goes, most rye whiskeys are made from a mash bill that has about 51% rye grain (the legal minimum to call said whiskey a “rye” whiskey) and the balance is often rounded out with corn, wheat and barley.  Some distillers use a higher percentage of rye grain but Catoctin Creek is one of a handful of distilleries that use 100% rye grain.  What’s more is Catoctin uses only organic certified rye grain.

Zero the Kosher Kat approves of this whisky!

What’s more-more is, even though the owners are not Jewish, Catoctin Creek one of a very few American distilleries that have their whiskeys kosher certified.

Here’s a video regarding Catoctin Creek and kosher certification:

Now, on to the tasting!

On the nose — Very youthful and a touch one dimensional in scent at first but after just a minute or so, it opens up.  I mean it *really* opens up.

Fresh spring-scented fabric softener sheets notes mix with very light key lime pie filling.

Rye and citrus notes to be sure but I also detect pencil shavings and school-house pencil end erasers.

It’s evident the spirit character shines with not too much wood influence – an interesting play on rye whiskey compared to most brands out there – unique.

Fresh granny smith apples and apple sauce (home made, no sugar added, no cinnamon added).

Rye bread, lightly toasted with fresh, un-melted butter.

The addition of water seems to bring out more of the springy floral element but doesn’t change much else.

On the mouth — Aggressive attack filled with orange jujubes and baby aspirin notes.  No, these are more than notes – pretty damn spot on (especially with the jujubes).

Spring-like again in flavor but with a focus on woodsy leaves from last autumn and new growth chutes.

Great mouth feel and, though aggressive, not really “hot” in any way.  It doesn’t need water but I’m going to add a bit any way.  Just for fun.

Adding water makes the mouthfeel massive & thick (like drinking Lou Ferrigno).

There is also a touch of spice now; right along the sides of the tongue.

**Caution, do not add too much water here.  Initially I brought the whisky down to 50% ABV but in a 2nd sampling I brought it down to 54% (or so) and that was just right.  Too much water and some of the flavors become elusive/shy.  Just a touch brings out the mouthfeel but keeps the flavors generally intact.

Finish — A long, citrusy finish.

In sum —  When going into this rye, forget what you know about the spirit in general.  This will be a new experience.

I really enjoy their standard 40% ABV version of this rye whisky but tasting this in cask proof makes this whisky shine like a rye diamond.  A wonderful springtime whisky.  Fine whisky – kudos to the Catoctinians on this one!

Special thanks to Scott H for the sample!