Here are two recent releases from Decadent Drinks. We start with the latest Equinox & Solstice release (autumn 2023), which is an Aberfeldy 2013. Nice – it’s a distillery that is often ignored by independent bottlers (or that simply isn’t moving any casks towards them).
Aberfeldy 10 yo 2013 (48,5%, Decadent Drinks ‘Equinox & Solstice’ 2023, two second fill barrels)
Nose: apple juice, fresh barley, some shortbread and hints of crushed chalk. Maybe a hint of banana and almond paste with some biscuity sweetness in the background. Then also a nice waxy side and echoes of autumnal meadows.
Mouth: even though it’s young, it shows a full-bodied character with a lovely waxy note. Panettone, hints of Frosties and brioche. Natural barley sugars and sweet citrus candy. Hints of pears. A dollop of honey too. Very natural and vibrant.
Finish: a little short perhaps, but perfectly fresh and rounded.
This Aberfeldy is the perfect hipflask whisky. It may not be the most complex dram but the combination of fruits and light Highland wax is very moreish. Available from Decadent Drinks or retailers like Royal Mile Whiskies.
The second whisky in this session is a mix of 2005 Glentauchers (first fill sherry butt) with 2002 Glentauchers (first fill barrel). The result should be a complex combination of 18 years of age.
Glentauchers 18 yo 2002 + 2005 (53%, Decadent Drinks 2023, 250 btl.)
Mouth: same style. Toffee, hints of dried fruits and bramble. Mild oak spice (cinnamon and pepper). Then red apples and a nice berry sourness again. After a while dark chocolate, leafiness and an oily note appears. Captured at a great age, in my opinion.
Finish: medium length, still really juicy. Hints of salted caramel, oranges and berries.
Pretty lovely. Glentauchers works in both types of casks and bringing them together was a superb idea. Perhaps a little more expensive than I expected (it’s only Glentauchers after all) but recommended anyway. Available from Decadent Drinks or retailers like The Whisky Exchange. Score: 89/100