Whyte & Mackay – A Selection, Sherry Finished Winter Warmers

Recently, here at Whisky Boys HQ we received a selection of samples from Whyte & Mackay. Nicola and I found ourselves in the Whisky cabin and doing a joint tasting. Therefore, the tasting notes are a mixture of both our noses and palate.

First up was a blend, Whisky Works. A blend of Highland Grain and Speyside Malts with influences from Caribbean rum casks, Spanish sherry butts and American white oak casks.

Let’s taste.

Whisky Works, Quartermaster – 11 Years Old,  Blended Scotch Whisky – 46.4 % Alc/vol 70 cl

Colour…Molten butter

Nose…Chocolate, varnish, coconut, pineapple, soft woodiness of cedar and balsa wood, fresh and crisp, leaving us with a sense of tranquillity.
Taste…No sign of the grain, toffee, super sweet, Caribbean fruit punch, a great balance of sherry and bourbon.
Finish…Long and sweet, the fruit is in charge, a great balance of flavours.

This is the first time either Nicola or I have come across this blend, it was a pleasant surprise. It has a RRP of £73.95

Up next is a Dalmore 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select. initially matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, then fully finished using Dalmores own unique sherry assemblage.

Let’s now have a wee sip.

The Dalmore 12 Years Old – Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Sherry Cask Select, 43% Alc/vol 70 cl

Colour…Deep rich amber

Nose…Stewed mixed fruit, treacle, liquorice, hot clootie dumplin, back of a sticky label – vinyl glue.
Taste…Plums and peaches, treacle scone, dry and woody – very dry needs a chaser, a half and half type of dram.
Finish…A medium finish, smooth and dry.

Another creation from Richard Paterson (aka The Nose) fruity and dry with a RRP of £69.00. At this price it is a grand sherried single malt.

Number three is Fettercairn 16 Year Old. Aged in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, then being enhanced in select Sherry and port Casks. Distilled using chocolate malt kilned barley.

Let’s try this one.

Fettercairn 16 Year Old, Highland Single Malt Whisky 46% Alc/vol 70 cl

Colour…Tijuana brass

Nose…Chocolate covered raisins, plump fullness, squeeky clean, heavy duty plastic wrap, wellington boots, honey, fred fruit bon bons.
Taste…Sweet sherry trifle, all the flavours are red, juicy, plums, exotic red fruits, chocolate, sweet syrup drizzled on a Victoria sponge cake.
Finish…Medium finish, full and robust, warm raisins on an oak stave.

This is one for the sherry matured/finishes Whisky lovers. This one is full on with plump red fruits. It is currently on sale with a RRP of £69.00.

Last but not least is the Jura Winter Edition. Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, finished in hand selected aged Spanish sherry casks. A classic Jura expression.

Let’s have a taste.

Jura Winter Edition, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, No Age Statement, 40% Alc/vol 70 cl

Colour…Copper still

Nose…Gentle and inviting on the nose, citrus burst, sweet sultanas, wax coating on wool or twine, tree sap, linseed oil, beeswax.
Taste…Elegant and complex, vanilla, warming but not firey, well balanced, soft spices.
Finish…Slightly metallic, mineralic, leaves a warm feeling.

A grand expression. Priced at only £44.00 this is a great buy for someone wanting to get into sherried Whiskies.

We have to give a big thanks to all at Whyte & Mackay for sending the Whisky Boys these samples. Nicola and I had a great couple of hours tasting these four quite different drams, thanks again.

But now we have to pick our favourite out of the four. My favourite was the Jura Winter Edition, it was such a classic Jura. Nicola’s favourite was the Fettercairn 16 Year Old closley followed by the blend. Last year Nicola enjoyed her press trip to Fettercairn Distillery.