our tasting notes from the 66TH Speyburn Tasting
here are our impressions...
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2023, 41%
Nose: The aromas on the nose combine to create a discordant scent, laced with unpleasant pear acidity and a hint of vinegar. The hint of smoke, yeast and the forced presence of Macallan form a strange melange that is anything but inviting.
Mouth: The taste turns out to be a disappointing combination of wateriness and aggressive spiciness that takes the taste experience in a negative direction. There is a lack of depth and complexity, instead flat and one-dimensional impressions dominate. Roasted aromas, almond notes and autumnal nuances cannot save the unpleasant overall impression
Conclusion: This whisky disappoints all along the line. The best thing that can be said about it is that the bottle is still sealed. The finish is fortunately short to medium long, which can be considered a stroke of luck in this case.
Ultramarine Blended Scotch Whisky, Compass Box, 51%
Nose: This whisky reveals on the nose a fascinating composition of soft, poplar fruit dancing alongside a hint of smoke. A subtle note of grain joins in, accompanied by a cool, ashy smoke that is present in an extraordinarily subtle way. It may seem a little closed at first, but with time in the glass it develops a maritime dimension. Notes of fresh grass, almost like hay, marry with a hint of Boskop apple and remind us of a damp, whitewashed cellar with a pinch of wet chalk.
Mouth: On the palate, this whisky presents itself as a true treasure, hesitant at first, but then shining in all its glory with gentle fruit, sweetness, malt and a hint of smoke. Its taste is distinctly pleasant and is accompanied by a pronounced mineral note. The sweetness harmonises remarkably with a wonderfully herbal nuance.
Conclusion: This whisky impresses on every level, and the only thing that could possibly be criticised is the price.