Blended Malt XO (Whisky Agency)

A new Blended Malt XO from The Whisky Agency, in their Good Vibes series.

For the previous blended malts, there were rumours about old (possibly underproof) casks of Macallan / Glenrothes / Tamdhu / Mortlach that were blended with younger Glenfarclas and matured for another ten years or so. This has probably a similar story.

Blended malt XO (44,7%, The Whisky Agency ‘Good Vibes’ 2016, sherry butt, 317 btl.)

Nose: opens on classic prunes, blackcurrant jam, rum & raisins, but it’s more on the savoury side due to some dried herbs. Some leather but also a peculiar kind of smokiness that hints towards old Macallan indeed. A little buttered, burnt toast. Gentle vanilla.

Mouth: rich, still mostly taking the drier / savoury path. Dried fruits, dates, hints of smoky Oloroso. After a few seconds there’s a burst of juicier fruits, raspberry and redcurrant jam. Really nice. Some orange marmalade. Drier, nuttier and more herbal touches towards the end.

Finish: medium long,

A gentle mix of old Macallan with a few drops of smoky Karuizawa, topped up with fruity, young Glenfarclas. That’s what it tastes like and the actual recipe may not be far off (except for the Karuizawa of course). Very good value. Around € 100.

Score: 89/100