Digital Masterclass: Cutty Sark 17 Year Old with Master Blender Stephen Woodcock

I recently joined a digital masterclass with Cutty Sark’s Master Blender, Stephen Woodcock, to try the new Cutty Sark 17 Year Old. It was a live tasting with fellow whisky writers and enthusiasts, relaxed and enjoyable.

A little background first: Cutty Sark was created in 1923 and named after the legendary three-mast tea clipper, one of the fastest of her time. Launched during the cocktail boom and even smuggled into the U.S. during Prohibition, it quickly became known for its smoother style of Scotch whisky. Today, the brand is enjoyed worldwide and celebrated for its adventurous spirit, something that’s very much reflected in this new 17-year-old release.

The 17 Year Old is crafted from Highland and Speyside single malts married for 17 months in sherry and port casks, then blended with Lowland grain whisky matured in first-fill bourbon casks. Matured in this unique mix of sherry, port, and bourbon casks, it is said to deliver opulent layers of candied orange, cherries, spiced oak, and smooth cappuccino notes, all while staying true to Cutty Sark’s trademark smoothness.

When my bottle arrived, the presentation immediately stood out. The whisky comes in a sleek black box with gold lettering and a touch of the signature yellow. The black bottle with rope-effect stopper is a clever nod to its maritime heritage. It feels premium without being over the top.

On the nose, I got a real burst of fruity sweetness: jelly tots, tooti frootis, chocolate orange, sugared jelly slices, and a hint of praline. It’s fun and inviting, a nose that makes you smile before you even taste it.

The palate is incredibly smooth, with the rich fruit and gentle spice coming through alongside subtle oak and those smooth cappuccino notes. The finish is long and mellow, just the right amount of warmth to keep you coming back for another sip.

Stephen explained that the blend was designed as “a voyage into new depths of taste,” and that’s exactly how it felt. The whisky keeps the approachable Cutty Sark character but adds a little more to explore, complexity, richness, and just a touch of adventure.

The Cutty Sark 17 Year Old is a whisky that stays true to its roots while offering something a little extra, perfect for those who enjoy a well-constructed blended dram.

If you get the chance to try it, pour yourself a dram and enjoy.

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