October 30, 2014

Review: The Exclusive Malts "Speyside 1989 25 Year"

We're back with some more of Creative Whisky Company's Exclusive Malts.  A couple of well aged and interesting selections, we'll let them speak for themselves...






The Exclusive Malts Speyside 1989 25 Year

Nose:  At first nutty, like buttered cashew nuts, then fruity - lemon cakes and tangerines, then there's like some mineral oil / aloe / wax / putty thing going on, and finally a little far away sort of Lemon Pledge aroma.

Palate:  Really a lot of straight sweets though not overly sweet and doesn't taste like it's from a sherry cask.  Just some good fruity jammy sweetness like melons, citrus stone fruits, etc.

Finish:  Not a finish to write home about, though it is wickedly smooth and at almost a hundred proof this is so drinkable it could be dangerous.

This bottle is available here: http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1165072





The Exclusive Malts Bowmore 2001 12 Year

Nose: Really nice salty sea water smoke going on here.  Behind that some caramel/nougat candy bar goodness, white grapes and rosemary.  While the Speyside was a very nice dram, this one is immediately more up our alley as your faithful smoky beasts.

Palate:  A little thin in terms of mouthfeel, but a good nutty smoky taste with some musk/perfume qualities.

Finish:  This one has a lot of burn for a Bowmore, and you know what?  We like it!  Why don't more Islay's put out cask strength options??  At 116.8 proof, this is a little gang-banger.  It's definitely more fire than warmth.  The 12-years young shows in that respect.  But on the other hand it's a great raw peat and has a lot of personality.  We've found some Bowmores to be timid, but not this one.  Very long-lasting ballsy finish reminiscent of a Caol Ila or Laphroaig, but with just a little more restraint.  A very nice surprise!

This bottle is available here: http://www.gordonswine.com/exclusive-malts-bowmore-11-yr-2001-750-ml-102524


Coming up next week...

Revenge of the Roses!!!


Stay tuned.   /SB

5 comments :

  1. I wonder which distillery the Speyside came from? There are at least three distilleries that don't like their name on independent bottlings: Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, and Balvenie. K&L mentions that independent bottlings are very rare from the distillery which is making me lean toward Glenfiddich or Balvenie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah we wondered that too. Who knows? There are so many Speysiders that it's very difficult to guess. Kind of tastes like Macallan, but could really be any of those...

      Delete
  2. I have heard that this is from The Balvenie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Based on the reviews and tasting notes, I am also leaning toward Balvenie. Glenfiddich seems to be reserved for official bottlings and Grant's blends so it's more likely an independent Balvenie.

      Delete
  3. At Luxurious Whiskey, we are proud to offer the highest level of service to our customers, online and in-store.
    macallan 30 review

    See More:- https://luxuriouswhiskey.com/

    Whatsapp: +1 707 633 3917
    Email: service@luxuriouswhiskey.com

    ReplyDelete