Secret Speyside 1990, The Whisky Jury

Nose: a gorgeous old-style profile full of beeswax and pollen. Hints of lanolin and wet wool. Whiffs of women’s powder as well. Some leather, dried mint leaves and heather. Some citrus green tea and lemon peel emerge. Subtle earthy notes and vague orchard fruits in the background. Very complex.

Mouth: a similar old and oily style that reminds us more of the 1960-70s than the 1990s. Lots of waxy notes again (old ointments), with oak polish, orange oils and lemon peels. Crystallized fruits and a subtle, greasy sweetness. Bay leaf, hints of eucalyptus and soft resin. Hints of walnuts and subtle wood spice.

Finish: long, a little earthy and leathery, with marmalade and hints of herbal tea.

A great old-school whisky from (re-)refill wood. Not as sherried as the colour suggests, but complexity is high, elegance as well. This is such a marvellous release.

 

I would suppose this is the same distillery, only filled in a hogshead instead of a barrel. Colour: deep gold. Nose: bingo, let's turn off the light and double lock the door, this session is over. Stunning orange blossom water, earl grey, praline, macchiato, acacia honey, proper homemade custard,  and, dare I add, Bailey's Irish Cream. I know, I know. Mouth: exactly. Late harvest riesling, more earl grey, honeysuckle, zucchini flowers, sultanas and just a little popcorn. Mirabelle eau-de-vie. Finish: rather long, fresh, fruity, complex, rather on more orange blossom and citrons. Comments: splendid and even a notch superior to the barrel version. But let me issue a warning, it is dangerously drinkable; they should add that to the labels.

SGP:651 - 90 points.