Speyside Region 1973 (Archives)

After numerous fishes of Samoa, Whiskybase has just presented three upcoming releases with starfish on the label. We’re trying two ex-Fino casks filled in December 1973 at an undisclosed Speyside distillery. There’s also an undisclosed 1998 vintage in the same series. All three will be available in their online shop later today.

 

 

Speyside Region 43 yo 1973
(46,5%, Archives 2017, Fino sherry butt #9, 120 btl.)

Nose: it has the slightly sharper Fino-ish side (paraffin, mint, eucalyptus, walnut oil) but also a nicely warm side, with some jammy apricots, stewed apples and a whiff of vanilla. Nice beehive notes (wax, honey) as well. Some aromatic wood to round it off.

Mouth: warm and woody, with lots of spices like ginger and aniseed. Leathery notes as well as a faint bitterness. Floral hints too. Honeyed peaches in the background. Hints of mint and resin.

Finish: long, slightly warmer again, with cinnamon and a hint of cocoa.

Another great 1973, one that finds a near-perfect balance of austerity and roundness, especially on the nose. My favourite of this combo. Around € 380.

Score: 92/100

 

 

Speyside Region 43 yo 1973
(46,8%, Archives 2017, Fino sherry butt #8, 107 btl.)

Nose: slightly more prickly, slightly more woody I would say. More leafy notes, aniseed, a hint of apple cider. More Fino, if you like. Green apples. More grassy notes too. Now when I read it again they may seem totally different, of course that’s not the case.

Mouth: very minty and green, including the bitter edge of flor. Turmeric. Bay leaves. There’s a sweet undertone but it stays on the greener side of fruits. Mint, nutmeg and just hints of plain oak.

Finish: long, mainly on sweet spices.

Hard to resist again, a lovely old-style profile. For me this had more of the Fino austerity to it. It feels slightly more veteran, making me prefer the other cask. Just my 2 cents. Same price.

Score: 91/100