Cane & Grain is an impartial bottler from Glasgow. They appear to focus a number of bespoke bottlings, however additionally they have their very own vary of single casks whiskies (in addition to rums). All the time cask energy, and solely utilizing first fill casks for ending. Test their web site for extra background info.
Tullibardine 8 yo 2015 (57,8%, Cane & Grain ‘Non-public Reserve’ 2023, first fill Oloroso hogshead end #3381, 235 btl.)
Nostril: fairly a musty and sulphuric cask. Hints of brown sugar, burnt caramel and nut cake. The Oloroso is mild, thoughts you, however it may well’t win me over. Some lemons and oranges beneath.
Mouth: candy, with a imprecise layer of caramel sweetness. Then black pepper, rubber, mossy notes and the identical musty character. Recent (pecan) nuts once more, with hints of espresso beans. A bit of warmth too, the Oloroso end solely had a light impression however the underlying spirit doesn’t seem like very characterful.
End: medium size, candy and spirity, with peppery notes and caramel.
Meh, not my form of whisky. An Oloroso cask that’s not as contemporary as I’d like, and possibly a fairly uninspired spirit to begin with as nicely.
Highland Park 10 yo 2013 (56,2%, Cane & Grain ‘Non-public Reserve’ 2024, refill bourbon + first fill bourbon end #4287, 248 btl.)
Nostril: fairly bare. Which means there’s room for the aromatic heathery honey, with hints of vanilla, flamed citrus and a few dried herbs. Then somewhat smoke and a paper-like high quality. A light-weight savoury contact.
Mouth: identical ballpark. There mild smoke with inexperienced banana, honey sweetness and heather. This heathery facet strikes in the direction of herbs, a touch of salt and a gentle bitter edge. Black pepper and hints of ginger, in addition to barely greener oak and a lightweight chalky edge.
End: medium, with basic notes. Lemon and salt with frivolously natural ashes.
Significantly better. The primary fill spice is a tad louder than we’d like in Highland Park although, so perhaps not an distinctive cask in any case. Competitors is hard for those who’re bottling an Orkney. Rating: 85/100
