The team over at independent bottler Wemyss Malts is always busy, it seems, releasing interestingly named single cask whiskies.
Back in June, I reviewed a set which had been released in late April and, soon enough it seemed, there was another set to delve into with the company’s July release.
I’ve finally had a chance to take a look at three of them.
Here’s what I thought:
Wemyss Malts: 1994 Aberfeldy: ‘Melon Cocktail’: 46%:
(c): Honeysuckle
(n): While I try to not be led by names or tasting notes, I realise as soon as I smell this that the team hit the nail on the head when naming this Melon Cocktail (and, to be fair, part of the point of them naming their whiskies in this style is to give a clear indication to the consumer just what the whisky in the bottle will be like). This is super melony, with honeydew especially prominent for me. It’s followed by something quite floral (jasmine flowers), some honey, pear skins, butter and something slightly metallic.
(p): It’s not as bold on the palate as I would have guessed from the smell. It eases down a bit but still has those nice floral and honey tones, but feels better balanced on the palate.
(f): Honeydew hidden in the grass
Conclusion: it’s quite heavy on the nose in terms of the floral, melony side but also quite appealing. Would make a great pre-dinner dram on a warmer evening.
Wemyss Malts: 1991 Glen Scotia: ‘Salted Caramel’: 46%:
(c): Dark honey
(n): At first, all I can smell is bacon. I found this to be quite meaty and salty. There’s a dash of something like soya sauce, then some treacle, sausages in honey mustard and caramels.
(p): A bit minty at first, then dark chocolate, caramel and coffee on the palate. Some of the saltiness I got on the nose dissipates.
(f): Coffee grounds
Conclusion: Not sure about this one personally. One for those who enjoy a mighty, meaty dram. Need to go back to it again I think as I might come to like it when it’s not side by side with lighter, more floral drams but it wasn’t my favourite of these three.
Wemyss Malts: 1997 Clynelish: ‘Spiced Chocolate Cup’: 46%:
(c): Straw
(n): Quite buttery with nice, peppery, grassy notes and a dash of fleshy fruit, in this case for me that was white peaches.
(p): Loads of honeysuckle and milk chocolate along with apple blossoms. It was a lot more floral than I was anticipating and sweeter too. There’s just a hint of bitterness at the back of the tongue with dried out the sweetness.
(f): Lavender and apple candies
Conclusion: A bit more of a chameleon than expected. I found it well balanced and surprising, which was welcome.
