Tag: whisky circle Pinzgau | MaltKlaus' Daily Drams

December 26, 2017

Tasting: Miltonduff 10yo by Whisky Circle Pinzgau

Dram data:
Distillery: Miltonduff
Bottler: Whisky Circle Pinzgau
Distilled: 25.06.2007
Bottled: 06.09.2017
Age: 10 yo
Limitation: –
Casks: Hogshead #381
Alcohol: 56,5%
uncoloured / unchillfiltered

Oh boy, I’ve really let things slide a bit, it’s been a while since the last review. Let’s make it a special one then! Malt mate Rainer sent over a sample of a 10yo Miltonduff – bottled for the 10th anniversary of the Whisky Circle Pinzgau. Let’s dive in without further ado!

Tasting notes:
Colour: ripe straw
The nose … oh, that’s a strange one – in a good way. An olfactory puzzle. Initially, there’s a waft of alcohol, not surprising at 10 years of age, followed by “green” notes. Errr… caramelised cucumber? Is there even such a thing? Cucumber water with a pinch of vanilla, freshly cut herbs, green apples, rhubarb and apple-rhubarb pie. Told you it’s a strange one! Adding a few drops of water releases a waft of coconut with a few fruits trailing behind – slightly sour grapes and gooseberries! Let’s check the palate!

Continue reading “Tasting: Miltonduff 10yo by Whisky Circle Pinzgau”

September 13, 2015October 7, 2016

Tasting: Kilchoman 5 yo 2009 – 2014 for Whisky Circle Pinzgau

Dram data:
Distillery: Kilchoman
Bottler: Bottled for Whisky Circle Pinzgau
Distilled: 05.08.2009
Bottled: 05.08.2014
Age: 5
Limitation: –
Cask: 379/2009 – PX Finish
Alcohol: 59,3%
unchillfiltered; natural colour
Whiskybase link

Tasting notes:
Colour: amber
The nose (neat) opens with a blast of the typical Islay peat smoke note paired with a citrus note I happen to find in most Kilchomans. There’s also Iodine wound disinfectant paired with brine. The smoky, medicinal, citrussy aspect is really strong, overpowering the other aromas at first. Continue reading “Tasting: Kilchoman 5 yo 2009 – 2014 for Whisky Circle Pinzgau”

August 24, 2015October 7, 2016

Tasting: Ben Nevis 17yo 1995 – 2013 for Whisky Circle Pinzgau

Dram data:
Distillery: Ben Nevis
Bottler: Carn Mor, bottled for Whisky Circle Pinzgau
Distilled: 23.11.1995
Bottled: 11.08.2013
Age: 17 years
Limitation: 192 bottles
Casks: Sherry Hogshead #965
Alcohol: 51,8%
unchillfiltered; natural colour
Whiskybase link

Tasting notes:
Colour: wood honey
On the first sniff the nose immediately reminds me of the smell in the local shoemaker’s shop when I was a kid – fresh leather and sweet, dark candy as treats for the kids. A pleasant mixture of leather and old carpeted floors stained with ripe old Oloroso sherry, paired with a lush, dark fruit puree background sweetness, blackcurrant, over-ripe strawberries, oranges, dark chocolate with hot peppers and ginger bits. Continue reading “Tasting: Ben Nevis 17yo 1995 – 2013 for Whisky Circle Pinzgau”

July 26, 2015October 7, 2016

Tasting: Glenfarclas 2001 13y for Whisky Circle Pinzgau

Dram data:
Distillery: Glenfarclas
Bottler: bottled for Whisky Circle Pinzgau
Distilled: 18.10.2001
Bottled: 26.01.2015
Age: 13 years
Limitation: – (shared cask)
Casks: Oloroso Sherry Cask
Alcohol: 51,5%
unchillfiltered; natural colour
Whiskybase link

Tasting notes:
Colour: honey
The nose starts off dark and mysterious. Wood honey, thick sherry, roasted cocoa beans, dried figs and dates, raisins, roasted walnuts, the faintest whiff of smoke, and a mixture of spices – cloves and wet cinnamon. The (slight!) smoky and spicy notes also remind me strongly of the classic Glenfarclas 15 – it’s rare to find the distillery character, some of which I’m guessing stems from the direct-fired stills, so clearly defined in an independent bottling. Continue reading “Tasting: Glenfarclas 2001 13y for Whisky Circle Pinzgau”