Random Tandems #3

Following on from yesterday, as promised [LINK], another random pair of pairs with no association whatsoever.

 

Eddu Grey Rock Ob. Broceliande 40% WB76.67[5] WF70 WM70[1]

I’ve read Eddu means buckwheat. If that’s true, what’s sarrasin? This is a blend that contains around 30% buckwheat.

• N: AN unusual one that speaks of floral plastics, mint, pine sap and some sort of apple scented cleaning product – very possibly a particular washing up liquid.
• T: Very different to most other whisky with a journey on mint, more pine sap, cardboard, weird/unusual icing sugar and fizzy apple Aperol. 40% abv probably guarantees it a softer and fairly non-offensive presentation.
• F: Buckwheat putty and a little hairspray.
• C: The Citroen of whisky perhaps, one unique to Breton certainly. I remain a fan since first trying an odd Eddu [Silver] back in 2012.

Scores 79 points

 

Michter’s Bourbon [2017] Ob. Small Batch L16L1346 45.7% [WF]83

• N: Bold varnished oakiness that zings with resins, the way bourbon does – merely amplified at craft strength.
• T: Even with only a few drams left in the bottle, the reveal is full. Water promotes the fruity sugars whilst temporarily holding back the oak resins. It’s plank-like thereafter however.
• F: Water also encourages an aniseed fruitiness with a cough sweet touch. Neat, it’s a tad austere and peppery with a gentle fade however.
• C: I hear only positive things about Michter’s small batches. It’s pretty decent I concur.

Scores 84 points

 

 

Hakushu 12yo [2017/8] Ob. 43% [Ivy dram] Score: B[+]/88 [March 2017] WB83.59[250] WF84 WM84[7]

Amazingly I’ve had this only once before, many years ago.

• N: Wth a fatty and buttery body, it’s a fruity [Speyside style] malt with luscious and rolling tropical & orchard fruits.
• T: Rich lush lemon honey dunnage-y malt that suggests a maturity beyond those 12 stated years. Then comes the smoke whilst the waxy & fatty spirit continues to sing.
• F: Sustained sweet honeyed smokey barley juice, finishing with clean toasted dry/smokey malty & milky Cocoa Pops.
• C: Does all the things a whisky should do. The ideal introduction to peaty whisky and a great alternative besides the ashtray Islay’s. Goes straight on the ‘to buy list’

Scores 88 points

 

Macallan 1990 23yo SMWS 24.126 ‘The artist’s lounge’ [191 bts] 56.1% WB88.67[8]

From a time when Macallan sold well matured, available and affordable single casks to independent bottlers, not too many years ago. According to the distillery last year, they currently sell none.

• N: The sulphur lifts to reveal a savoury sherry delight with a tasty oily & nutty cask character. A few descriptors include a dusty touch of carbolic garage oil, metal fillings, an aromatic curry spice & herb-like complex, balsamic glaze, buttery buttercups, magnolia,…. One can try finding that elusive maltoporn brigade number or take it as it is – simply lovely.
• T: Even after around 5 years open with the bottle 2/3rds down, this still sparkles and remains surprisingly boisterous – even benefitting from some tempering. Besides the soot, oily linseed, white pepper, dry green notes and aniseed, the sherry really speaks.
• F: With a touch of decay/sick, we’ve a short light finish on oak dust and sugar icing.
• C: The nose stands out, but the whole thing was a real treat.

Scores 89 points

 

With thanks to Nick

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