Lowland Whisky
Annandale - Man O'Words
ABV 61.5%
Distilled 2017 Bottles 2023
Matured in Oloroso Sherry casks
Nose: sweet aromas of honey, caramel and vanilla. Cut by citrus notes, but reminiscent of marmalade or preserved oranges. Background hints of cinnamon and dried fruits, typical of a sherry cask maturation.
Palate: The first note is a sweet bitterness, species, citrus rind, barley sugar and a toasted oak element. Mellowed by a vanilla and caramel / toffee.
Finish: Long with a mellow creaminess. The notes of toasted oak continue providing a slight heated spiciness.
Rating: 7.9/10
An enjoyable dram from a distillery I was previously unfamiliar with.The cask strength release is appreciated and even with a diluting with a generous teaspoon of water it is robust enough to maintain its punch while opening up the flavours.
I'll be keen to try the Man O'Swords peated version in the future.
Bladnoch 14
46.7% ABV
Matured exclusively in Oloroso Sherry Casks
Natural colour and non-chill filtered
Nose: Notes of sherry soaked dried fruits, Christmas spice, aged oak. Hints of chocolate and coffee beans.
Palate: Dark brown sugar, dried fruits, honey and caramel. Sweet cinnamon and warm spice.
Finish: Rich and long with a focus on those rich fruit flavours.
Rating: 9.1/10
No shame admitting that this is up my street completely. Often referred to as Christmas in a glass. If you are looking for a rich, luxurious Sherry influence which then this is absolutely for you.
The Epicurean - Lowland Blend
46% ABV
Nose: A bright and lively bouquet. Green apple and citrus zest lead the way, followed by delicate floral notes of honeysuckle and a touch of sweet barley. A subtle hint of toasted almonds adds a touch of warmth
Palate: Light and refreshing on the palate. The initial sweetness of orchard fruits gives way to a gentle spiciness. A whisper of vanilla and a creamy texture contribute to the overall smoothness.
Finish: A clean and crisp finish with lingering fruit notes and a subtle dryness. The gentle spice returns, leaving a pleasant warmth.
Rating 7.9/10
A pleasant blend, the flavours are subtle but pleasant. Not the most remarkable whisky you will ever drink but a pleasant experience nonetheless.
Glasgow 1770 - Madeira Cask Finish
ABV 58%
Matured in virgin American oak casks and finished in madeira wine casks for 1yr and 11months.
Nose: Light smoke, dried stone fruits, tobacco and winter spice.
Palate: Rich spiced honey, citrus peel bitterness, stewed autumn stone fruit.
Finish: Short to Medium. Dark chocolate, coffee and spice
8.9/10
Really interesting dram. A little on the sweet side (to be expected) but highly recommended. For those seeking to expand their experience of different cask finishes then I would certainly give this a go.
Kirkowan
40% ABV
Non-age statement (3-5 years?), Ex-bourbon matured
Natural colour and non-chill filtered.
Nose: Mild dried grass, raisin, hints of cinnamon and warm spice with vanilla.
Palate: Brief and unrefined. But continued notes of caramel, barley sugar and orchard fruits
Rating: 7/10
A special new release from Bladnoch distillery. A very young whisky with a lot of promise. Needs further maturation to really refine the experience. I'd expect a re-release at minimum 10 potentially 12 years.
Lochlea - Our Barley
46% ABV
Non-chill filtered, natural colour
No Age Statement
Nose: It offers a delightful bouquet of sweet, juicy fruit salad, complemented by a drizzle of honey and sugared orange peel, with soft, grassy malt notes subtly in the background.
Palate: It unfolds with toasted nuts, zesty marmalade, and a creamy butter texture, all embellished with a touch of honey.
Finish: Short to medium. Emphasis on bitter citrus notes,
Rating: 7.9/10
Local barley releases sometimes focus too much on the story and not enough on the quality of the end product. With this NAS release which I suspect is very young, a bit of depth and balance has been lost. Longer in the cask would hopefully enrich this dram.
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