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Hogshead Imports is a Dutch model began by Toon van Rooij, performing as an importer (for Spheric Spirits, Uncharted Whisky, Chapter 7 and Ferg & Harris amongst others). He’s additionally performing as an impartial bottler (Hogshead Indie), choosing his personal casks.
In a comparatively brief timespan Hogshead launched fairly a protracted checklist of bottlings already and immediately we’re a barely unusual set. Blended Scotch will not be one thing quite a lot of indie bottlers are providing. These three are all a mixture of Macallan malt with North British grain whisky, in numerous measures.
Blended Scotch 18 yo 2005 (45,5%, Hogshead Imports 2023, refill butt, 614 btl.)
Nostril: leafy sherry up entrance. Suppose tobacco leaves, mulch and moss. Then evenly charred (outdated) wooden, together with delicate spice. Some dried fruits and golden raisins within the distance. After some time gentle minty notes and hints of lemon peelings come out.
Mouth: fairly good. The identical leafiness seems, in addition to a lemony freshness. Tobacco notes, hints of crushed peppercorns and ginger. Then Demerara sugar, milk chocolate and a berry sourness. Charred notes within the background.
End: medium lengthy, with a toffee sweetness and citrusy touches.
That is a simple sipper – completely unpretentious whisky. On the nostril you wouldn’t discover the truth that there’s some grain whisky concerned, however within the mouth it does come out. All the time balanced although. As you could know, one of many whiskies that peaked my curiosity was a bottle of Chivas Regal Royal Salute and this jogged my memory of that. Fairly velvety and delicate, providing drinkability and cheap depth. Verify Hogshead for availability.
Blended Scotch 20 yo 2002 (44,9%, Hogshead Imports 2023, refill sherry butt, 589 btl.)
Mouth: thinner than the 2005. Extra targeted on cocoa, even mocha, together with cinnamon and delicate nutmeg. Some citrusy notes which stability the darker sherry affect. General pretty light-weight although, the low ABV appeared to trouble me much less within the 2005.
End: not too lengthy. Hints of caramel and lemon, together with a lightweight bitter edge. It does really feel like a blended whisky now.
The grain affect is a little more apparent right here, leading to a thinner mouthfeel. By itself this could be an unusual selection for a younger impartial bottler, however as a collection it is smart. And I suppose this set of casks was a package deal deal, proper? Rating: 83/100
Blended Scotch 24 yo 1999 (44,1%, Hogshead Imports 2023, refill sherry butt, 329 btl.)
Mouth: hmm, this feels outdated. However… perhaps a barely light bottle that has been in your cabinet too lengthy. Caramel notes and milk chocolate, hints of caramelized nuts and pepper. Roasted malt. Nonetheless a sure sourness too, in addition to a unusual trace of rubber. Jogs my memory of some Nineteen Seventies blends.
End: medium size, with this caramelized grainy aspect that I affiliate with old-school blends.
Outdated bottle impact in a brand new bottle? It kinda feels that approach. Let’s face it, this isn’t an absolute stunner, however nonetheless an fascinating old-fashioned fashion. And it wasn’t costly both, so it does work as a every day dram for outsiders. Verify Hogshead for availability. Rating: 81/100
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