Berry’s Speyside Reserve

Berry’s Speyside Reserve is a blended malt that combines whisky from two well known Speyside distilleries. There’s no official information, but I’ve read it could be Dailuaine and Miltonduff (which is a bit strange as Berry Bros owns The Glenrothes).

In the same series, there’s also an Islay Reserve and undisclosed rum and cognacs. They are “created as an introduction to the world of Berry’s spirits, each one carefully chosen and blended”.

Berry’s Speyside Reserve
(46%, Berry Bros & Rudd 2009)

Nose: a nice toffee / citrus / malt character. But there’s also a fresher, more floral side to it, with pear drops, banana and a little heather honey. Some hay.

Mouth: sweet and creamy. A bit of caramel. Again quite fruity but after a few seconds, the spiciness grows stronger (ginger, nutmeg). Quite malty. There are hazelnuts as well.

Finish: medium length, with spices and soft liquorice.

A very smooth whisky. I really appreciate this kind of “minimal” blending with just two components. The result has more character than a regular blend while at the same time having a very attractive pricing: around € 40.

Score: 81/100