Right this moment we’re making an attempt two peated whiskies from Oxhead Whisky Co in Singapore. One is an Islay dram that we all know very well: Bowmore 1997. The opposite is Ledaig 1995, positioned a bit increased on the Isle of Mull. Two barely unusual expression, as we’ll quickly discover out.
Bowmore 24 yo 1997 (43,2%, Oxhead Whisky ‘Dram-Addicts’ 2021, hogshead #156048, 121 btl.)
Nostril: begins a wee bit soapy, but it surely’s not disturbing. It strikes in direction of minty notes and herbs (the type that happens when peat transforms over time). Within the background we get mango, melons and barbecued pineapples. Gentle greasy notes and fascinating hints of lime sprinkled tortillas.
Mouth: fairly a particular mixture of tropical fruits (papaya, pink grapefruit, tangerine) with extra of those greasy notes, a little bit vanilla and cardamom. Ashy notes within the backdrop, in addition to some gentle, diesel-like smoke. Natural tea. Resinous notes.
End: fairly lengthy, with candy fruits, liquorice and a few earthy, flippantly salted ash.
It has been some time since we’ve had Bowmore 1997. We’ve had casks that had been positively fruitier than this one, however the mixture of fruits, herbs, distant smoke, the greasy texture and this floral edge is kind of fascinating. Contact Oxhead Whisky for more information on their whiskies.
Ledaig 26 yo 1995 (48,6%, Oxhead Whisky ‘Dram-Addicts’ 2021, hogshead #148, 147 btl.)
Nostril: possibly a puff of smoke within the distance, however this appears to be considered one of these unpeated casks which might be nonetheless referred to as Ledaig. Inexperienced fruits like limes, lemons and apples, alongside coastal notes. Sea shells, seaweed, some damaged branches. Then tiny hints of hessian and paraffin. Mild, clear, pretty fruity.
Mouth: a beautiful natural profile now (developed peat?), with the lightest trace of ash but in addition eucalyptus and mint. Oily, waxy texture with an undefined candy layer. I’m considering natural honey. Grassy lemon. Later it turns into extra austere, with hints of moist rocks, acrid grassy notes and crushed aspirin.
End: medium, with leafy notes, light earthy peat, leathery notes and tiny medicinal hints.
A stunning type, fairly uncommon for Ledaig (though we’ve had related casks from this classic). It’s unfolding itself slowly and including tiny complexities after every sip. Fairly particular and never for inexperienced persons. Rating: 91/100
