Dalswinton Property is a 5000 acre non-public property owned by the Landale household, north of Dumfries, the place Claxton’s Spirits is working from. Through the years they’ve constructed a brand new bonded warehouse there, with a showroom and bottling operations. To have fun this place, they’ve launched a collection of premium whiskies named the Dalswinton Sequence.
The collection consists of very previous whisky, with solely 100 bottles drawn from every cask. Every bottle comes with an etched drawing of a Dalswinton scene. Test the Claxton’s web site for extra backgound data on this collection. At the moment we’re taking a look at three expressions from the second installment. Two extra releases (Clynelish and Bowmore) might be reviewed quickly.
Highland Park 33 yo 1988 (43,2%, Claxton’s ‘Dalswinton collection’ 2024, Oloroso sherry cask)
Nostril: a really ‘advanced’ profile already. There are good heathery notes, combined with previous oak, stewed yellow apples, hints of unique teas and waxy cedar wooden. Additionally pollen and nectars, with hardwood resins and dried herbs within the background. Then delicate minty notes, ferns and hints of candy pipe tobacco. The lightest whiff of natural peat beneath.
Mouth: smooth peat smoke remains to be current, with some evenly tropical fruits. Melons, tangerines, pink grapefruits, even a contact of lychee. Heather returns, together with honeyed notes, extra of those cooked apples and hints of nougat sweetness. Nonetheless a pleasant waxy feeling, a little bit of camphor and natural tea, whereas oak spice grows.
End: medium size, with earthy echoes, hints of Fino sherry, apples, lemon oil and natural tea.
An ideal old-school Highland Park. Maybe a bit of delicate on the palate, so no want so as to add water, however actually scrumptious. It jogged my memory of the Highland Park 1988 from Signatory Classic.
Springbank 30 yo 1993 (44,5%, Claxton’s ‘Dalswinton collection’ 2024, hogshead)
Nostril: fantastic. Pretty metallic notes, with previous materials, loads of mineral oils, olive oil and hints of warehouse flooring. Whiffs of unlit cigarettes, waxed papers and sea spray. Then lime sprinkled with icing sugar, together with paraffin, delicate beehive notes and uncooked wool. Very distinctive aromas (properly, not for Springbank) but so refined and coherent.
Mouth: thick and fatty, with extra sweetness than anticipated. A whole lot of honey and powder sugar, drizzled over apple slices and peaches. Then it strikes in the direction of candy waxy notes, extra paraffin and leather-based. Some grapefruit seems, with very mild hints of natural bitters. Seaweed, minty notes and earthy notes. The lightest trace of smoke within the distance.
End: reasonably lengthy, on mineral notes, lemon rind and hints of chalk. Additionally delicate oak with delicate vanilla.
Nonetheless one of the crucial idiosyncratic whiskies on the market, and this can be a notably satisfying instance. I actually just like the added waxy sweetness which brings all of the mineral, coastal and industrial parts collectively. Rating: 92/100
Bunnahabhain 33 yo 1990 (48,6%, Claxton’s ‘Dalswinton collection’ 2024, Oloroso sherry cask)
Nostril: reasonably elegant sherry, on cake aromas, baked apples, with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon powder and candy marzipan. Additionally a bit of sunflower oil and low with whipped cream. Then some dusty muesli and tobacco leaves. Some oaky notes as properly.
Mouth: fairly spicy and strong now, with black pepper, ginger and nutmeg. Beneath there’s a delicate sweetness (darkish fruits) but additionally greater hints of wooden char and light-weight smoke. Then some cedar wooden, a bitter natural edge and loads of leathery notes in the direction of the tip.
End: medium lengthy and leafy, with tobacco notes, crushed peppercorns and warming oak.
A very good malt once more, although in all probability not as old-school as the 2 others. The wooden spice comes out extra, making this extra strong and wintery. I’m positive this makes extra sense in the event you’re a cigar lover. Rating: 88/100
