Diageo

Cambus 40-Year-Old Single Grain Whisky (2016) Review

The only single grain whisky in this year’s Diageo Special Releases, Cambus 40-year is truly a rarity.  The Lowland distillery has been closed for years, so we don’t get to see its whiskies a lot.  Something else to consider – Cambus 40 is only thr third single grain release since the Special Releases collection started.  This particular bottling was distilled in 1975 and matured in refill American oak hogsheads.  It is presented at a cask strength of 52.7% and retails for $1,150.

I thoroughly enjoyed 2015’s The Cally single grain 40-year-old release. How does Cambus 40 compare? 

 The nose suggests a sweet and creamy whisky, with hints of cream soda, vanilla pod, orange sherbert and a touch of sweet grain. The palate surprises with a big grassy note that develops into peaches in syrup, white pepper, vanilla, orange zest, and oak spice. Some light oak tannins start to cut short the otherwise creamy mouthfeel of this whisky. The finish is warm and clean, leaving behind bittersweet grain and slight herbs, alongside a hint of light toffee.

Overall an elegant whisky, though I slightly preferred the Cally 40 year. 8.5/10

Thanks to Diageo for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lagavulin 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky (2016) Review

Ah, Lagavulin 12-year-old.  One of my favorite Islay distilleries.  This 2016 edition marks its 14th appearance in Diageo’s Special Releases series.  It bottling has matured in refill American oak hogsheads for at least 12 years, and has been bottled at 57.7% abv.  Lagavulin 12 year retails for about $135.  The 2015 release of Lagavulin 12 year was big and powerful, and this one continues the trend.

This particular release finds lemon custard, freshly baked bread, and seaweed on the nose. Oh yeah, did I mention the signature Lagavulin campfire smoke? It’s here in spades. The palate closely follows the nose for the most part. The smoke builds as waves of toffee, vanilla pudding and lemon rind add a nice counterbalance. Hints of fresh basil and seaweed appear mid-palate. The finish is long and warming, with sweet smoke and oak spice. 

 A mighty Lagavulin! 8/10

Thanks to Diageo for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mannochmore 25-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky Review

Kicking off my series dedicated to Diageo’s 2016 Special Releases is Mannochmore 25-year-old.  It’s pretty rare to see a Mannochmore single malt bottling, as most of the whisky produced at the Speyside distillery goes to blends.  This release is a blend of whiskies distilled in 1990 and matured in first fill ex-bourbon casks, new American oak barrels, and new and ex-bodega European oak butts.  Mannochmore 25 is bottled at a cask strength of 53.4% abv and retails for $400.

This quarter century old whisky is quite lovely. Sherry oak and orange zest parade on the aromatic nose, as hints of toasted malt and ripe apricots appear in the background. The palate is rich and dense with dried fruit, orange marmalade, toffee and spice at first. A touch of airtime reveals some wood sap and licorice. The finish is a touch dry, with some sweet oak tannins and concentrated fruit juice. A slightly offputting bitter note appears soon after. 

 Overall, Mannochmore 25 is a rich, decadent malt worth exploring. Quite lovely. 8.5/10

Thanks to Diageo for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.