My recent Scottish trip allowed me to indulge in a spot of whisky auctioneering – which is a new method for me to acquire some tasty whisky.
Just Whisky hold monthly online auctions. Any successful bids can be collected from their Fife based warehouse in Dunfermline – only a short drive across the River Forth from Edinburgh where I picked up my airport car.
Now I’m not looking for a Macallan at 30 grand – I’m looking for some bargains I can crack open & enjoy.
I did spot some candidates.
Who would be bidding for a bottle of English whisky in a Scottish auction?
Me.
And I bagged it! Along with a few other choice spirits – of which more later.
It stayed unopened until tea time where over a meal of fish ‘n’ chips – well, it was Friday – glasses were poured & tastings began.
Initially the colour appeared rather dark. But it is aged in ex bourbon casks as well as re-charred red wine barrels.
The label also states non chill filtered & natural colour – music to my ears.
A suitably rich & warm charred cask influence of vanilla & caramel greeted me along with a hint of fruit.
The taste was a little punchy – but mellowed as the clean crisp fruit flavours shone through leaving a lovely dry prickly heat on the finish.
My my!
At barely over 3 years old this is lovely.
The barley is grown locally to the distillery & traditional floor malting is done nearby too.
Provenance & terroir in your first bottle.
Whoever thinks good whiskey is the domain of only a few chosen countries really needs to wake up and smell the roses – or double cask maturation in this instance.
Slàinte.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 