Decadent Drinks re-introduced the identify Outdated Orkney in 2023, with a really good 2009 bottling from a primary fill bourbon barrel. In the present day we’re making an attempt the 2 bottlings that got here later (effectively, not counting the 2003 classic for Whisky Present 2024).
Outdated Orkney 19 yo 2004 (53%, Decadent Drinks 2023, refill hogshead)
Nostril: the dirtier facet of Highland Park, with fallen leaves, a little bit of gunpowder and meaty notes. Hints of steel instruments. Loads of vegetal notes too, like moss and kelp, together with natural notes. Heather and heather honey, with gentle citrusy sharpness after some time. Not a number of peaty notes, as a substitute extra of a waxy, fatty profile with coastal components.
Mouth: honey sweetness, combined with natural notes and extra peat than the nostril recommended. Refined resinous touches, with some candle wax and leather-based. Mid-palate it develops a candy nuttiness in addition to a peppery and salty kick. Nonetheless a whiff of sulphur, but it surely doesn’t trouble me a lot because it’s extra in the direction of a basic charred / smoky observe. Mildly bitter herbs and orange peels as effectively.
End: lengthy, natural, with refined salty notes, grapefruit and a few peppery warmth.
Not probably the most thrilling choose ever from Decadent Drinks, in my view. The soiled and leafy facet makes it exhausting to give attention to the extra enticing components just like the waxiness and coastal hints. Offered out, I consider.
Outdated Orkney 21 yo 1999 + 2003 (52,9%, Decadent Drinks 2024, bodega sherry butt + refill hogshead)
Nostril: extra elegant this time, with a properly balanced layer of sherry (or slightly previous sherry brandy) rounding it off. A whiff of waxed oak. Then some purple apple, a little bit of rhubarb and refined salt. Earthy notes, flints and tender medicinal echoes within the distance. Once more solely gentle peat.
Mouth: previous type whisky. The sherry is including good complexity. Walnuts, heather, salt and natural tea, with a mildly biscuity edge and a few raisins. Black pepper, wooden oil, hints of damp hessian fabric. Then faint eucalyptus and camphory touches. Hints of tobacco and matchsticks within the background.
End: lengthy, with minty freshness, natural drops and previous type ale.
Nonetheless a little bit of a cussed dram, though the sherry is certainly an asset right here, balancing a number of the robustness. Not as waxy because the 2004, however superb whisky. Out there from Decadent Drinks or Royal Mile Whiskies for example. Rating: 89/100
