our tasting notes from the 71TH Speyburn Tasting
here are our impressions...
SMWS 88.3 11y 59,2%
Nose: The first impression is reserved, almost closed, like a hidden world waiting to be discovered. A hint of gas pipe resonates, accompanied by subtle herbal notes and a slight mustiness reminiscent of old books in a dusty library. A subtle hint of lime refreshes the senses, while soft smoke and grassy wax hang in the air. A gentle vanilla note and a hint of thyme add a warm sweetness that combines with the honey. Mirabelle plum peel lends a fruity freshness, while dried liquorice and fennel tea add a spicy depth. Bright fruits dance in the background, while tropical notes of pineapple and kiwi lend an exotic flavour.
Mouth:: A sweet, mild note unfolds on the palate, gently paving the way for an unexpected peppery spiciness. Herbal sweets and honey harmonise with each other and create a delicate sweetness that is accompanied by a hint of liquorice and malt. A few drops of water open up the full spectrum of the whisky, revealing eucalyptus and hay, mixed with a slight mustiness and mineral notes. The pepper remains present and adds depth and complexity to the flavour.
Conclusion: A whisky that comes across like a well-kept secret and tells a new story with every sip. Its restrained nose entices with a subtle variety of flavours, while the taste delights with a surprising mix of sweetness and spiciness. With a long, creamy finish, this wine leaves a lasting impression, reminiscent of a journey through old libraries and tropical gardens. A truly wonderful experience for the senses that will remain in your memory
Hunter Laing 15y 50%
Nose:The first inhalation reveals a beguiling bouquet of fruity sweetness that enchants the senses. The extreme sweetness evokes associations with ripe kiwis and juicy gooseberries, while apricots and peaches add a velvety freshness. Red berry notes of raspberries blend harmoniously with delicate pears and a hint of caramel, marzipan and freshly baked cake batter. A slight acidity, similar to that of yoghurt, pervades the whole and gives the fragrance a refreshing liveliness. A subtle hint of smoke hovers in the background, rounding off the strong flavours and adding depth.
Mouth: On the palate, the whisky is less sweet than expected, accompanied by a gentle trail of smoke reminiscent of charcoal. Tart and dry nuances dominate and create an exciting balance. With a splash of water, the smoke intensifies and reveals a smoky, almost dirty note that is strongly reminiscent of charcoal. The finish is of medium length and leaves a lasting impression of smoke and charcoal that lingers pleasantly on the tongue.
Conclusion: Bloody delicious! This whisky is a delicious journey through a multi-faceted world of flavours and should appeal to most connoisseurs. From the tantalising nose to the smoky finish, this is a delight that will keep you coming back for more.
Hankey Bannister 12y 43%
Nose:: A complex round dance of diverse impressions unfolds. At first, the harsh whiff of gas pipes and thinners wafts around us, accompanied by a pungent hint of nail varnish remover. But like an unexpected ray of sunshine, a hint of sherry breaks through the tangy, alcoholic cloud that initially envelops the nose. The picture remains unrounded and the alcohol stings slightly, while a hint of dry paint tin and the familiar sweetness of EM-Eukal wild cherry sweets enter the scene. The wild cherry adds a fruity yet slightly musty accent reminiscent of an old, stale cellar. A note of mouldy dampness is softened by the waxy freshness of oranges. The aromas of fir, eucalyptus and spruce needle oil resonate in the background, transporting the mind to a Finnish sauna.
Mouth: A whole new world unfolds on the tongue. The initial encounter with rusty copper nails surprises with an astonishing mildness. A gentle hint of "old bottle flavour" whispers stories of times gone by. Honey spreads sweetly and delicately, while a hint of pepper lightly tickles the finish. With the second sip, the flavour becomes more earthy, revealing a mushroomy depth accompanied by burnt caramel and enhanced pepper. A salty note resonates in the finish, while the addition of water further emphasises the sweetness and the finish lingers pleasantly long.
Conclusion: TThe flavour of the whisky reveals a surprising and deeper dimension that goes far beyond what the nose initially suggests. A journey of discovery that begins with impetuous flavours and ends with a harmonious and sweet finish. Overall: a pleasure that only reveals its true qualities after the first sip. Fair enough - but definitely worth a try.