Themed tastings

Whiskies of the year: Becky's picks

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Whiskies of the year Becky's picks

As a whisky writer I’m always asked what my favourite drams are, and the answer is always met with a shrug of the shoulders.

What may be my chosen whisky today will likely change by tomorrow depending on my mood, where I am and who I’m with. Our preferences change according to our surroundings, so my top three whiskies of 2015 are somewhat guided by the setting I found myself in when first sampling them.

However, the following whiskies – having been re-tasted – continue to stand out for me, not simply on flavour and quality alone, but also for what they represent.

Loch Lomond’s Inchmurrin 12 Year Old for instance is what I’m terming a ‘Chosen One’ for two reasons – it has a remarkably rounded and full-frontal flavour and complexity for its age, and stands as a reminder that the smaller, independent distilleries are also producing world-class whiskies worthy of column inches.

Douglas Laing’s Old Particular bottling of a North British 21 Year Old – its first move into promoting grain whisky alongside single malt – stood out for me after a secret grain tasting Scotchwhisky.com held for visitors to The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show in London in October. Bursting with flavour and depth, it demonstrates the quality that is to be found in grain whisky if given the chance.

Finally, Talisker Neist Point is here on the basis this dram shows a softer, more accessible side to the Skye distillery’s products. For me, it’s the most fulfilling NAS expression to come from Talisker.

Scoring Explained

Overview

  • Inchmurrin 12 Years Old

    Score

    79

    Inchmurrin 12 Years Old
    Price band
    £ £ £ £ £
    ABV
    46%
    Production type
    Single malt whisky
    Region
    Highland
    Flavour camp
    Fruity & Spicy
    Nose

    Confectioner’s (icing) sugar confronts the nose, giving way to a tempting starter of creamy toffees and Turkish delight. Lingering promisingly in the background is a second course of Grandma’s stewed apples and sultanas.

    Palate

    That rich, cooked orchard fruit enfolds the palate with plenty of black pepper and cedarwood spice. Water brings out a honeyed note and more cooked pears.

    Finish

    Spicy, but pleasant and generous for a 12-year-old.

    Conclusion

    A punchy young thing bound to become a favourite in whisky circles.  

    Right place, right time

    Who can take the sunrise; sprinkle it with dew? Why, the Candy Man of course (as in Aubrey Woods, not Tony Todd). 

    North British 21 Years Old (Douglas Laing)

    Score

    84

    North British 21 Years Old (Douglas Laing)
    Price band
    £ £ £ £ £
    ABV
    50.9%
    Production type
    Single grain whisky
    Region
    Lowland
    Flavour camp
    Fruity & Spicy
    Nose

    Slightly hot smell of alcohol with a floral soft vanilla hint. 

    Palate

    Thick, creamy vanilla ice cream with hot caramel sauce. The high abv doesn’t offend, although the addition of water releases fruitier notes of dried papaya and pineapple, honey and some lemon zest toward the end.

    Finish

    A slightly dry and hot finish although that rush of vanilla ice cream follows right the way through with a sprinkling of dried tropical fruit and a waft of jasmine.

    Conclusion

    A clear demonstration of how satisfying a good single grain whisky can be.

    Right place, right time

    Tropical muesli meets Mr. Whippy in a summer meadow.

    Talisker Neist Point

    Score

    89

    Talisker Neist Point
    Price band
    £ £ £ £ £
    ABV
    45.8%
    Production type
    Single malt whisky
    Region
    Islands
    Flavour camp
    Smoky & Peaty
    Nose

    The remains of last night’s beach bonfire washed away in the salty sea air. Fresh crème anglais brings up the rear.

    Palate

    Soft and fruity with a touch of pear drops before becoming smoky and ever so slightly floral. This really opens up with water, which reveals cooked fruit in the guise of a baked apple crumble with a heavily caramelised topping and a side helping of that wonderful salted vanilla custard. 

    Finish

    Elegant smoke now, with a lingering salty dryness from the wood.

    Conclusion

    A softer side of Talisker demonstrating balance and complexity but retaining the distillery’s signature maritime character.

    Right place, right time

    Wrapped in a thick blanket eating pudding by the bonfire on the beach.

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