Two weeks in the past three new releases from impartial bottler The Roots arrived in shops. Joren picked an outdated cognac from Famille Cabanne, however as we speak we’ll be specializing in the 2 single malts. The primary is a Secret Islay 2009 that begins with an A, the opposite is a Bruichladdich 2011.
Now the Laddie is sort of unusual: it’s a Rhinns distillate. This model is a mixture of two thirds of peated Port Charlotte with one third of unpeated Bruichladdich spirit, aged collectively. Sounds fascinating.
Bruichladdich Rhinns 12 yo 2011 (52,3%, The Roots 2024, hogshead, 199 btl.)
Nostril: aha, fairly a farmy model of peat (cowshed, sheep wool). Darkish, sooty smoke with intense bonfire notes and a salty aspect. Very heat, near Port Charlotte I’d say. Gentle sandy qualities, in addition to tobacco leaves and citrus notes. Some creamy notes, clear vanilla and charred peach beneath.
Mouth: a really warming, rewarding model once more. Bonfire smoke, heat ashes and deep smoke, with a pleasant waxy texture and malty sweetness at its centre. Hints of caramelized apple, forest fruit jam, roasted almond and cinnamon. A vegetal aspect comes out mid-palate, together with toffee and natural honey.
End: lengthy, with a continued smoky heat. Ashes, black berries and black pepper, in addition to hazelnuts and espresso.
Solely about 250 casks of this experiment exist and I need to say this can be a very, very nice whisky. Better of each worlds maybe: I like the farmy high quality of Port Charlotte however the oily thickness of the unpeated Bruichladdich is certainly an asset as nicely. Fairly costly for a 12 year-old, however fairly particular too. As all the time, test their web site for an inventory of shops.
Now let’s transfer onto the undisclosed ‘A Beg for Artwork‘. Do we’d like any extra clues?
Secret Islay 14 yo 2009 ‘A Beg for Artwork’ (52,5%, The Roots 2023, hogshead, 179 btl.)
Nostril: mezcaly parts at first, adopted by a extra medicinal aspect, together with tar, a little bit of glue and used engine oil. Hints of graphite and chilly ashes. Then echoes of a sandy carpet and teak oil.
Mouth: just a bit sweetness (limoncello) earlier than it will get tarry, citrusy in a sharper model and peppery, similar to the very best batches of the official Ten. A whole lot of black peppercorns, some aniseed and smoked herbs. Then some inside tubes, seashells, every kind of maritime issues and hints of olive brine.
End: lengthy, maritime and tense. Black pepper, brine and lemon zest.
An excellent Ardbeg, completely in step with related casks I’ve had earlier than. All of the basic notes of the home model in good measure. Total a stunning whisky however the Rhinns had this particular je-ne-sais-quoi, which suggests it wins this little Islay duel. Rating: 89/100
