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Dwelling
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| Hello, that is one among our (virtually) each day tastings. Santé! |
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August 14, 2024
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The Olympic Periods, Day 15, from Bulgaria to Japan
It is time to attempt to get better from our go to to the very good Whisky Fringe in Edinburgh, which we attended for the very first time. Now, right here is our final (or second-to-last?) Olympic session now that the true video games have been nicely and actually over for 2 or three days. And this time, we’ll begin with a quite new malt-whisky-producing nation, a minimum of in response to our personal little index right here at WF.
(Advert for Wild Turkey, c.1985. No international warming points in sight.)
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Isperitus (43%, OB, Bulgaria, single malt, rum barrel end, 1,800 bottles, 2024) 
Our first Bulgarian whisky, and certainly, our first Bulgarian single malt. And no, we’ve by no means tried ‘Black Ram’ – fairly the oversight, we should admit. The distillery resides in Isperih, a quaint city within the northeast of Bulgaria, some 150 km from Varna. Color: gold. Nostril: quite nice, I have to say, with a fragile perfume. You get these light notes of candy beer typical of very younger whiskies, some juicy pear slices, well-balanced vanilla, and oak, and maybe a touch of rum – however nothing overdone, thoughts you, so it doesn’t overwhelm the whisky’s character, as can occur elsewhere. Effectively carried out, Bulgarian mates. Mouth: certainly, not unhealthy in any respect, fairly consistent with the nostril. There’s pear once more, and prickly pear too, touches of orange, a whisper of baker’s yeast, adopted by toasted wooden and a contact of toffee. The fruitiness is sufficient to carry it by way of and avoids the ‘new plank’ observe usually present in different very younger whiskies. Quite intelligent to have carried out a rum end (and I don’t usually say that!). End: not even too brief. The same old notes of white pepper and cinnamon linger within the aftertaste. Feedback: That is quite critical stuff!
SGP:641 – 83 factors. |
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Milk & Honey ‘Components Sherry Cask’ (46%, OB, Israel, +/-2024)
Color: gold. Nostril: leaning in direction of the candy aspect, with notes of jelly infants, grenadine, and figs, giving the impression of a sweeter model of sherry. Pralines comply with, together with a mixture of triple-sec (Cointreau and Grand Marnier, 50/50), and a touch of very contemporary panettone, full of raisins and a contact of orange blossom. I had tasted this ‘Ingredient’ a couple of years in the past, and it appears to have improved mucho since then. Mouth: certainly, it’s harmonious, candy, very fruity, virtually a tad liqueur-like, however pleasantly so. There are small purple fruits, cranberries, and blood orange… End: follows the identical profile, very fruity, with out main spices alongside the way in which, although there’s a touch of Timut pepper. Feedback: it’s not essentially the most ‘prestigious’ of the most recent M&H releases, however there will definitely be extra to come back right here on little WF. Peace.
SGP:631 – 84 factors. |
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Milk & Honey 4 yo 2018/2023 (65.8%, Whisky Concerto, Israel, STR, cask #0505, 175 bottles)
I concern that generally, we could by no means escape the clutches of STR casks once more. Nor PX, nor Cabernet-Sauvignon. What are you able to do, that’s life. Color: gentle amber. Nostril: quite surprisingly, we discover ourselves leaning in direction of the profile of a younger, barely artisanal bourbon, with liquid caramel, although this possible stems from the very excessive ABV. Past that, it appears quite pretty, wealthy but balanced, not vinous as such (however many STR casks aren’t). Shortly, with water: a touch of gin, candy woodruff, coriander seeds, contemporary wooden… Mouth (neat): as soon as extra, that amusing bourbon-like high quality, with even a contact of rye, then darkish nougat, juniper, capsicum, and more and more outstanding pepper. Shortly, with water: its higher aspect emerges, with smooth pepper, malt, Szechuan pepper, touches of turmeric, and cinchona… End: we discover a little bit of the fruitier aspect harking back to the official model we simply sampled, however all the time with a really marked spicy edge. Feedback: superb for its age, however you may want a pipette worthy of a global competitors. Peace.
SGP:562 – 84 factors. |
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Wild Turkey ‘Uncommon Breed’ (58.4%, OB, USA, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, +/-2024) 
We tried a more recent expression of WT ‘101’ the opposite day and have been fairly taken with it (WF 86). This Uncommon Breed small batch is reputed to be very ‘maizy’ (75% maize) and is pleasantly inexpensive. Color: full gold. Nostril: sturdy but smooth if you’ll. A slight observe of nail polish and hairspray, then orange-infused vanilla and a touch of Earl Gray. Fairly charming. With water: quite comparable, smooth, fruity, with curious however pleasant touches of lemon basil. The hairspray notes fade away, fortunately we could add. Mouth (neat): pretty! There will not be a lot rye, however its presence stays unmistakable, with orange and cumin, lemon balm, candy woodruff, and even tiny hints of genepy. I’m fairly keen on it. With water: cinnamon and honey step ahead, nonetheless with that orange observe. End: a lot the identical. The steadiness is kind of excellent, and the oranges play their position because the ‘uplifters’, for those who see what I imply. Feedback: let’s not overlook that Pernod Ricard offered Wild Turkey to Campari for €430M again in 2009. Effectively, I’m unsure why that’s related right here, however there you could have it. Stable bronze medal!
SGP:631 – 87 factors. |
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Nantou 5 yo ‘Batch 2’ (52%, That Boutique-y Whisky Firm, Taiwan, tenth Anniversary, 281 bottles, 2022)
Color: white wine. Nostril: good! Iodine tincture, drawing gum, paraffin, cloves, camphor, bandages, beech smoke… Was there a reracking in a Laphroaig cask, by likelihood? I wasn’t conscious – or maybe I’ve missed the memo – that Nantou produced this model. With water: stunning purity this time. A glass of Verdejo and a few contemporary wool (a brand new cashmere jumper – woof). Mouth (neat): once more, this quite distinctive peatiness, this time giving the impression of smoked mussels with lemonwood or one thing alongside these strains. With water: it begins to go barely off the rails, with plastic and rubber displaying up a tad too prominently, however general, it stays superb. End: lengthy, with ashes and lemon zest. And that well-known new cashmere jumper. Feedback: a bit uncommon and even deviant, however we’re French, so we’re supposed to love that, in response to the world’s press, ha.
SGP:465 – 85 factors. |
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Let’s attempt to nab a gold medal…
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Chichibu 8 yo 2014/2024 (56.4%, Adelphi, Japan, cask #3822, 215 bottles) 
Ah, there now we have it, good! It appears they’ve lastly upped the font dimension on their labels at Adelphi, however now it is all in Japanese! Provocative, isn’t it? Not that we don’t admire Japanese characters, thoughts you… Color: straw. Nostril: razor-sharp precision, pure barley, lemon, and that’s all, basta cosi. With water: much more pinpoint, virtually Malevich-esque. A white sq. on a white background. Mouth (neat): pure Chichibu, thick but nervous, tense, with barley, lemon, and a touch of hay. Tiny notes of gentian and absinthe peeking by way of. With water: chic purity, with that barley nudging its method again in. End: lengthy, lemony, barely waxy, a tad thick, with a whisper of tar. Feedback: merely our most well-liked model. And it’s hardly shocking that the oldsters at Ardnamurchan/Adelphi selected this cask. Nice minds assume alike, and all that. Nevertheless, there’s nonetheless the matter of finding out that label situation. When’s the pinnacle designer retiring, once more? Anyway, gold.
SGP:551 – 91 factors. |
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Alright, we’ll see tomorrow if we are able to squeeze in a single final little Olympic session. Or perhaps two.
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Present Medal Standing
After Day 15
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92 – Gold
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- TTO Trinidad Distillers Restricted 14 yo 2009/2024 ‘Version N°1’ (62.9%, The Colors of Rum, Up Spirits Membership, bourbon cask, cask #106, 259 bottles)
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| 91 – Gold |
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- JPN Chichibu 8 yo 2014/2024 (56.4%, Adelphi, Japan, cask #3822, 215 bottles)
- JPN Shizuoka 2019/2023 (65.2%, Asta Morris, Japan, peated, pot nonetheless Ok, bourbon barrel, cask #1222, 302 bottles)
- JPN Shizuoka ‘United S – Summer season Version 2023’ (50.5%, OB, Japan, first-fill bourbon)
- JPN Yamazaki 18 yo ’Suntory a hundredth Anniversary’ (48%, OB, Japan, Mizunara, 2023)
- GUI Uitvlugt 31 yo 1990/2022 (56.2%, Silver Seal, Guyana)
- FIJ South Pacific Distillery 11 yo 2012/2023 (57.5%, The Whisky Jury, Fiji, refill barrel, cask #12, 292 bottles)
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| 90 – Silver |
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- JPN Hakushu 18 yo ‘Suntory a hundredth Anniversary’ (48%, OB, Japan, 2023)
- NED Millstone 26 yo 1996/2022 (47.7%, OB for The Whisky Trade, Netherlands, American oak, cask #1372, 264 bottles)
- JPN Shizuoka 2018/2024 (46.6%, OB, Sushi + Soul Munich, Japan, KS+WS, bourbon, cask #939)
- TTO Caroni 25-year-old 1998/2023 (60.1%, Impressions by The Colors of Rum, Trinidad, cask #8, 120 bottles)
- TTO Caroni 25 yo 1999/2024 (57.2%, Jean Boyer, Rum Bullion, Trinidad, cask #198)
- TTO Caroni 24 yo 1998/2023 ‘Mars’ (61.1%, Jack Tar, Cosmic Sequence, cask #2185, 195 bottles)
- LCA Chairman’s Reserve 15 yo 2005/2022 (61.5%, OB, St. Lucia, GotA & RumX, bourbon, cask #06012000, 232 bottles)
- CUB Cuban Rum 50 yo 1973/2024 (52%, Spheric Spirits, cask #2314302, 258 bottles)
- BAR Foursquare 20 yo 2002/2023 (49%, The Colors of Rhum, Barbados, N°19, cask #4, 208 bottles)
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| 89 – Silver |
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- FRA Alfred Giraud ‘Une Odyssée’ (52.9%, OB, France, Assortment Singulière, cognac cask, 459 bottles)
- GBR Bimber ‘Stratford’ (58.5%, OB, England, The Spirit of the Underground, Fino cask, cask #267/16, 325 bottles, 2024)
- KOR Kimshangsoo Single Cask (52.1%, OB, Korea, Artist Version, 1st fill European oloroso hogshead, 312 bottles, 2023)
- AIN Caribbean Rum 30 yo 1993/2024 (60.5%, eSpirit, Liquid Treasures, fifteenth anniversary, barrel, 282 bottles)
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| 88 – Bronze |
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- GBR Bimber ‘Wimbledon’ (56.6%, OB, England, The Spirit of the Underground, Vino de Naranja cask, cask #310/5, 298 bottles, 2024)
- JPN Chichibu 2017/2023 (65%, OB for ePower, 1st fill bourbon barrel, cask #8279, 176 bottles)
- USA Copperworks 3 yo 2018/2022 (56.8%, Whisky-Facile, USA, Black Cat Sequence, virgin oak, cask #287, 239 bottles)
- ITA Exmu ‘Spirit of Sardinia’ (45.5%, OB, Italy, bourbon, +/-2024)
- JPN Kanosuke 2019/2023 (61%, OB, for ePower, Japan, oloroso sherry, cask #19421, 281 bottles)
- TPE Kavalan 9 yo 2014/2024 ‘9 years + 363 Days’ (60.2%, Tiffany’s New York Bar Hong Kong, Taiwan, Port cask, cask #O140311068A, 147 bottles)
- JPN Mars Tsunuki 6 yo 2017/2024 ‘Yakushima Growing older’ (58%, OB, Japan, for Tiffany’s New York Bar and AF Commerce, sherry hogshead, cask #2094, 252 bottles)
- GBR Penderyn 13 yo 2010/2023 (59.5%, OB, Wales, LMDW New Vibrations, second fill bourbon, cask #313/2010)
- JPN Shizuoka ‘Pot Nonetheless W Japanese barley First Version’ (55.5%, OB, Japan, Japan unique, 2,500 bottles, 2023)
- JPN Yoichi 10 yo (45%, OB, Japan, Version 2022)
- GUY Diamond 20 yo 2003/2024 ‘SVL’ (51.6%, The Roots, Guyana, bourbon cask, cask #23, 174 bottles)
- CVD Sodade ‘Cana Rocca Ouro Blanco’ (43.1%, OB, Cape Verde, grogue, +/-2023)
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| 87 – Bronze |
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- FRA Alfred Giraud ‘Intrigue #2’ (51.5%, OB, France, +/-2024)
- GBR Bimber ‘Germany Version 2023’ (59.2%, OB, Kirsch Import, sherry, cask #456, 280 bottles)
- GBR Bimber 2018/2023 (58.9%, OB, England, LMDW, cognac cask end, cask #327/05)
- GBR Filey Bay 2016/2021 (63.1%, OB, England, oloroso sherry hogshead, cask #146, 271 bottles)
- NED Kalkwijck 2019/2023 ‘Higgledy Piggledy Rye’ (44%, OB, The Netherlands, American oak, 480 bottles, +/-2023)
- TPE Kavalan 2014/2024 (61%, OB for Malt, Grain & Cane, Port, cask #O140201019A, 186 bottles)
- FIN Kyrö ‘Malt Rye’ (47.2%, OB, Finland, +/-2023)
- NED Millstone 2019/2024 (57.3%, OB for The Whisky Jury, refill PX hogshead, cask #2547, 319 bottles)
- ESP Sherishor 12 yo (45%, OB, Spain, ‘pure malt whisky’, +/-2024)
- GER St. Kilian 2019/2024 ‘Unpeated’ (59.4%, OB, Germany, single cask, ex 4 Roses bourbon barrel)
- GER The Westfalian ‘Masterpiece Peated’ (64.1%, OB, Germany, ex-Macallan sherry hogshead, cask #TW74, 238 bottles)
- GER The Westfalian 2012/2024 ‘Single Grain’ (62.5%, OB, Germany, ex-Ben Nevis sherry hogshead, cask #TW8, 266 bottles)
- USA Westward ‘Cask Power 125 Proof’ (62.5%, OB, USA, +/-2023)
- USA Wild Turkey ‘Uncommon Breed’ (58.4%, OB, USA, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, +/-2024)
- AIN Ron Colon ‘Salvadoreno Excessive Proof’ (55.5%, OB, mix, +/-2022)
- TTO Trinidad Distillers Restricted 15 yo 2008/2024 (64.4%, Spiritori #1, Trinidad, cask #243, 335 bottles)
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