Cane & Grain is an unbiased bottler from Glasgow. They appear to focus a whole lot of bespoke bottlings, however in addition they have their very own vary of single casks whiskies (in addition to rums). All the time cask energy, and solely utilizing first fill casks for ending. Test their web site for extra background info.
Tullibardine 8 yo 2015 (57,8%, Cane & Grain ‘Non-public Reserve’ 2023, first fill Oloroso hogshead end #3381, 235 btl.)
Nostril: fairly a musty and sulphuric cask. Hints of brown sugar, burnt caramel and nut cake. The Oloroso is light, thoughts you, however it might’t win me over. Some lemons and oranges beneath.
Mouth: candy, with a obscure layer of caramel sweetness. Then black pepper, rubber, mossy notes and the identical musty character. Contemporary (pecan) nuts once more, with hints of espresso beans. A bit of warmth too, the Oloroso end solely had a gentle affect however the underlying spirit doesn’t seem like very characterful.
End: medium size, candy and spirity, with peppery notes and caramel.
Meh, not my type of whisky. An Oloroso cask that’s not as recent as I’d like, and doubtless a quite uninspired spirit to begin with as effectively.
Highland Park 10 yo 2013 (56,2%, Cane & Grain ‘Non-public Reserve’ 2024, refill bourbon + first fill bourbon end #4287, 248 btl.)
Nostril: quite bare. Meaning there’s room for the aromatic heathery honey, with hints of vanilla, flamed citrus and a few dried herbs. Then a little bit smoke and a paper-like high quality. A lightweight savoury contact.
Mouth: similar ballpark. There light smoke with inexperienced banana, honey sweetness and heather. This heathery aspect strikes in the direction of herbs, a touch of salt and a gentle bitter edge. Black pepper and hints of ginger, in addition to barely greener oak and a lightweight chalky edge.
End: medium, with basic notes. Lemon and salt with flippantly natural ashes.
Significantly better. The primary fill spice is a tad louder than we’d like in Highland Park although, so perhaps not an distinctive cask in spite of everything. Competitors is hard in case you’re bottling an Orkney. Rating: 85/100
