On the 2024 Whisky Present, The Whisky Change offered a sequence of present bottlings. Whereas it appeared like a really intensive sequence, it then turned out each bottle existed with three totally different representatives on the label. Meaning you may select the Dailuaine 2011, Ben Nevis 2013 or Caol Ila 2008 with totally different TWE faces. You can even purchase a full set of three x 3 bottles, when you like.
Dailuaine 12 yo 2011 (53,1%, The Whisky Change for Whisky Present 2024, hogshead)
Nostril: extra nutty than the sister cask within the Seasons: Autumn sequence. Hazelnuts and macadamia, together with some toffee. Then vanilla pastry, with hins of marmalade and stewed apples within the background. Hints of sunflower oil and beeswax shine by way of, together with gentle lemony notes.
Mouth: a waxy model with loads of leafy notes and gentle herbs. Mid-palate the wooden spice turns into stronger, together with marmalade notes. After {that a} gentle bitterness units in (gin-like botanicals), together with nuts and hints of sesame. Fairly earthy and sturdy. Liquorice and grapefruits take it in direction of the end.
End: comparatively lengthy, on a mixture of peppery notes, lemon peels, roasted nuts and earthy undertones.
I like this one. It’s not too easy-going, with good oily notes in addition to some sturdy parts. Accessible from The Whisky Change.
Ben Nevis 10 yo 2013 (60,2%, The Whisky Change for Whisky Present 2024, sherry butt #1276)
Nostril: meaty with hints of sulphur. Spent fireworks. Then there’s a whole lot of fudge, mulched leaves, truffles and dusty cellars. Whiffs of dried apricot within the distance, in addition to soaked pears and hints of porridge. A winey contact and hazelnuts as nicely.
Mouth: higher now, though it’s by no means going to be a clear cask. Plums and walnuts, together with leather-based and previous, greasy rags in a automobile workshop. Additionally mineral oils, some natural bitters and extra winey character. Meaty notes and tobacco as nicely.
End: medium size, on chocolate, nuts and wooden spice.
This reminds us of the one bottled within the Single Malts of Scotland sequence for Kirsch Import. A grimy sherry cask, not my model. Too unhealthy for the pleasant man on the label. Accessible from The Whisky Change. Rating: 83/100
Caol Ila 15 yo 2008 (53,2%, The Whisky Change for Whisky Present 2024)
Nostril: fairly traditional, fairly bare. The same old ashes, fishing nets, kelp and gentle medicinal notes. Candied citrus peels and a little bit vanilla within the background. Bonfire smoke, in addition to pine needles, dried ginger and whiffs of tub salts. Easy and clear.
Mouth: a mixture of saline notes, mint and white pepper with almonds and candy citrusy notes. Properly oily, with balanced bonfire smoke. Then hints of vanilla pastry, chestnuts and a contact of hessian. Somewhat darkish chocolate and tonka bean ultimately.
End: fairly lengthy, on liquorice and salinity, together with floral sweetness and a few peppery oak. The warming aftertaste is maybe one of the best half.
All good: a wealthy Caol Ila with all of the anticipated markers. Merely a really dependable whisky. Accessible from The Whisky Change. Rating: 87/100
