Must Try

The Balvenie 18 Years Pedro Ximénez Cask
Travel Exclusive Single Malt Scotch Whisky

48.7% ABV
$250
Website

What the Distiller Says

The Balvenie Pedro Ximénez Cask whisky is a lively and summery single malt finished in casks which previously held Pedro Ximénez sherry.

Sherry is a popular cask type in Scotch Whisky, and this is the second sherry finished expression in The Balvenie range of finishes.

The first and second cask

First cask: American Oak
Maturation in traditional American Oak whisky barrels mellows the maturing spirit and imparts warming layers of honey and vanilla.

Second cask: PX Butts
Finishing in Pedro Ximénez butts, creates a fusion of sweet lavender, mandarin, fig and subtle clove.

A sweet climate
Pedro Ximénez is a white Spanish wine grape variety grown in several Spanish wine regions. The heat of the sun ripening the vines leads to a wine of intense, dessert-like sweetness.

The result
Finishing in Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts creates a fusion of sweet lavender, mandarin, fig and subtle clove.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Creamy, dark fruits including raisins, currants, dates, figs and spiced, stewed plums; hint of sulfur, smoke and a vegetal note.
Palate:  Fruity with raisins, dates, blood orange, toffee and chili spice.
Finish:  Long and slightly drying with smoke, fruit and pepper spice.
Comments:  Really interesting dram. It isn’t smokey per say, but the nose has more sulfur than I expected (not a lot, but wasn’t expecting any). While not hot at 48.7%, I preferred this with a few drops of water, which thickened the mouthfeel nicely and tamps some of the spice notes a bit.

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try

Glenfarclas 15 Year Old 95 Proof Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange
Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

54.2% ABV
$110-$120
Website

What the Retailer Says

A 15-year-old Glenfarclas single malt, matured in ex-sherry casks and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Exchange. Aromas of spiced sponge cake, dried fruit, Danish pastries, green apples and custard fill the nose, followed on the palate by notes of apple jam, plump raisins, sticky dates, baking spices and brown sugar that linger in the finish.

Tasting Notes (courtesy of Billy Abbott, The Whisky Exchange)
Nose: Sultana-and-raisin-studded spiced sponge cake, dusted with brown sugar and a touch of nutmeg. Danish pastries and tarte Tatin follow, along with freshly sliced green apples and custard.
Palate: Apple jam and Eccles cakes – sticky raisins, brown sugar and sweet pastry. Brighter sultana fruitiness develops, contrasting against rich dates and baking spices.
Finish: Dark brown sugar and raisins linger. Old polished oak and soft spice builds.

What Gary Says

Nose:  Dark fruit, hint of spent matches, oak, earthy mineral note.
Palate:  Thick mouthfeel, raisins, cherries, brown sugar, cloves, pepper spice, caramel and cinnamon.
Finish:  Moderate to long, drying with fruit notes.
Comments:  I haven’t been a huge fan of Glenfarcalas, which for me that spent matches/sulfur note can be overwhelming sometimes. Don’t get me wrong – this has that same note on the nose, but it isn’t as prominent. I prefer this dram with a bit of water, which brightens the nose and brings the fruit notes out more (raisins and maybe grilled peaches), as well as thickens the mouthfeel which is surprising given how thick it is neat. It also brings out more cream fruit with baked pears. Definitely in my top tier of Glenfarcalas offerings!

Rating: Stands Out/Must Try