A complex aged nose. Leather, dark chocolate mousse, dehydrated raspberries, canned peaches, and fermentation funk. Dark with tropical notes that bring it to life. To taste, mandarin syrup with spices; cloves and cinnamon. There’s an incense smokiness to the dram as well, bringing forward more rose and berry notes. A delightful example of an aged whisky, but potentially one that can be sourced for a slightly cheaper price. Claims of uniqueness can be a touch overrated, but still worth the experience.
A truly lovely whiskey, rich in flavour, long finish and heavy mouthfeel. Very sherry dominant, but in the right mood, a truly spectacular dram.
Definitely wouldn’t buy a bottle, but loved the opportunity to try a glass.
Lindores Abbey MCDXCIV Commemorative Release 46 per cent
MCDXCIV’ is a Roman numeral that stands for 1494, which in the naming of Lindores Abbey MCDXCIV Commemorative Release whisky refers to the year 1494. This year is of particular historical significance as it is recorded that it was in this year that Friar John Cor, a Scottish monk, was commissioned by King James IV to make ‘Aqua Vitae’ (the water of life, the precursor to whisky) for him. This is one of the earliest known records of whisky being made in Scotland.
Lindores Abbey is considered one of the birthplaces of Scotch Whisky and the naming of this commemorative edition pays homage to this long heritage; the MCDXCIV is not only a vintage symbol, but a cultural symbol that links modern distilling with the origins of whisky.
The earliest written record of Scotch Whisky is closely associated with Lindores Abbey, where monks once distilled the ‘water of life’. An ancient barley mash distillation area still exists on the abbey's site, which is over 520 years old.
This whisky, although aged for only four years, is the first opportunity to explore the distillery's malt style. It was matured in bourbon, sherry and wine casks and 12,750 bottles were released.
Aroma: Light and elegant, with a vanilla and caramel base, crisp apple and sweet pear fruit with hints of toffee, orange peel and light floral and malty fruity notes. Youthful but with a lot of vigour.
Mouth: light bodied, smooth and creamy with layers of texture. Dried fruit, citrus peel and vanilla on the bottom, with slight spice from cinnamon and black pepper. Three casks of sweet, malty, woody notes are balanced.
Finish: Warm and long, continues with dried fruit, cream, citrus and oak spice, no harshness.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
It was really a beautiful dram. Cask strength. 12 year old Irish. It could have been disappointing, but in no way did it not deliver. Delicious, balanced, Irish.
The pinnacle of the Glendronach core range, the 21 Year Parliament, is a truly amazing dram. My review here: https://engineered.network/whisky/episode-22-glendronach-21-year/
Thank you Horny Pony for helping me try before I buy! (I since bought a bottle of this)
Some lovely ocean spray and subtle smoke on the nose. More of the ocean than the fire on the nose at least. Sweet upfront and then a little prickly, but beautifully done. Apricot jam which reveals freshly cracked black pepper, that smoothens into cured meats and honey. This dram gives a charcuterie board alongside a cigar. A taster is well worthwhile as this has certainly moved me towards buying a bottle.
Kidalton (Ardbeg) Ex-Red Wine Cask The Whisky Set 62.6%ABV 30ml
Reasonably high peat and smoke & finishes quite nicely. Pair with blue cheese & dried apricots & BBQ
Glendronach 21y/o 'the Parliament' (2023) 48%abv 30ml
I've actually been wanting to taste this so I can make up my mind to buy a bottle. When I found your site and saw it had this I immediately bought some tasting samples and absolutely loved it! Will definitely invest in a bottle
Auchentoshan 18y/o SMWS 5.98 'A Passionate Pavlova' 58.2%ABV 30ml
Speyside 17y/o (Macallan) Cask#DRU17 A106#34 Signatory Vintage 58.5%ABV 30ml
