Out tasting notes
85. Speyburn Clan Germany Tasting
Compass Box Brûlée Royale (Whiskybase ID: 276854)
Nose: Mild and inviting. Right at the start, bright fruits emerge, especially pear. Ripe, juicy. Behind this lies a pleasant wax note that gives the whole thing structure. A hint of ginger provides a subtle spiciness, freshly peeled, slightly lemony. The impression that gives the wine its name is definitely there. Crème brûlée, warm, with a layer of caramelized sugar. Add to that powdered sugar, which covers the aromas like a fine veil. A gentle smoke creeps through the background. The fruit remains present. Pears, perhaps a little apple, plus a slightly perfumed note reminiscent of blossom honey. With a few drops of water, the picture becomes rounder and sweeter. The dessert side gains weight. The smoke remains politely in the background.
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Mouth: Soft and creamy on the palate. The initial taste is pleasantly rounded. Malt and barley are clearly evident, almost like fresh dough or warm grain bread. A gentle pepperiness flashes through, accompanied by a subtle herbal edge. A slight acidity provides freshness and keeps the sweetness in check. Waxy notes give structure. Added to this is peeled ginger, spicy and slightly hot. Hay and dry meadow herbs emerge in the middle. Honey coats everything and ties it all together. The texture remains creamy, almost dessert-like. With water, the whiskey becomes more harmonious. The spice integrates better. A slight hint of smoke now appears in the breath.
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Comments: Very tasty and charming, but at that price, even the caramelized sugar coating puts a slight dent in the budget.
Speyburn 8yo 50% Cooper's Choice (Whiskybase ID: 281875)
Nose: Fruity from the very first moment. Dark fruits quickly rise to the nose. Blackcurrants are clearly in the foreground. Behind them, there is a distinct note of port wine. Unfortunately, it is more reminiscent of the simpler representatives of this category. Sweet, somewhat edgy. Amarena cherries follow, bringing a syrupy depth. Then it becomes spicier. Lovage appears, that tart, almost soupy herbal note. Accompanied by a dry spiciness. The acidity comes through early. It seems a little restless. A hint of sulfur creeps through the aroma profile. Not dominant, but noticeable. The alcohol does not remain in the background. It stings. Not a brutal burning sensation, more like small pinpricks. Overall, the nose is quite lively, but also a little unbalanced. The port wine pushes itself to the forefront, leaving little room for the distillate.
Mouth: The first sip confirms the impression of the nose. Port wine. Lots of port wine. Dark fruit sweetness, red berries, those amarena cherries again. But the alcohol shows its teeth much more here. Sharp. Noticeably too present. The port wine influence is strong, almost excessive. The distillate struggles a little for attention. Sweetness, acidity, and tart notes stand side by side. They don't quite come together. With water, it becomes surprisingly even sharper. The acidity becomes more pronounced. A tart, almost tannic note emerges. At the same time, a distinct sweetness remains. This sweetness is particularly evident in the finish. Almost sticky, like the last remnants of port wine in a glass.
Comments: He's entertaining, but there's not enough whisky in this port wine.