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.
Glenfiddich introduces a special edition of its 21 Year Old Gran Reserva to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year 2024. This exclusive release features packaging adorned with the captivating artwork of Raku Inoue. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Inoue's design intricately weaves together petals and foliage, offering a fresh interpretation of the iconic Glenfiddich stag. This year's edition also incorporates motifs symbolising the wood dragon. After maturing for 21 years, the whisky undergoes a final refinement in Caribbean rum casks, imparting indulgent notes of sweet spices and vibrant tropical fruit 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.
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.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old single malt whisky embarks on a journey, commencing its maturation in traditional oak whisky casks for a full 14 years. It then undergoes a captivating 'finishing' stage within casks that formerly cradled Caribbean rum.
In pursuit of the perfect finish, the esteemed Malt Master, David C. Stewart MBE, fills American oak casks with his own carefully curated blend of choice West Indian rums. Once the casks reach the peak of readiness, the rum makes way for the 14-year-old spirit, allowing the wood to impart its final, defining characteristics.
The outcome is nothing short of extraordinary—a single malt whisky that harmoniously combines The Balvenie's timeless, velvety honeyed essence with nuanced notes of toffee and a subtle suggestion of fruit. It culminates in a warm, enduring finish that lingers on the palate, making it an exceptional addition to The Balvenie's distinguished collection.
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.
