When The Whisky Exchange celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Singh family in the drinks industry (2023), they released a glorious Millstone 1996, and a peated Millstone 2017. Now it turns out there were three bottlings, but one of them was held back until now.
It is a Millstone 2010, unpeated as far as I can tell, and matured in a Pedro Ximénez cask for over 12 years.
Millstone 12 yo 2010 (53,2%, OB for The Whisky Exchange 2022, Pedro Ximénez cask #B237)
Nose: a volatile sour start at first, unexpected for PX. After that more classic baked apple and pear, with oranges, red berries and crystallized ginger. Then it becomes darker, on cocoa powder and spiced tobacco, as well as toffee. Also a clear buttery note, macadamia nuts and a faint meaty hint (rabbit stew with prunes…).
Mouth: very dark, with a similar dark and umami profile. Initially this reminds me more of Oloroso, until the dark and sticky side takes over. Black nougat, fig jam, dates, black cherries and dark chocolate. Hints of Brandy de Jerez, but also Belgian dark ale. Bread crust, dark bread pudding and hints of cinnamon loaf. Then some sweet herbs, chestnuts and light earthy touches.
Finish: quite long, on sweet berries, this musty je-ne-sais-quoi, fruit cake and chocolate.
This is an interesting whisky. To me it is a prime example of an ex-solera cask, as opposed to the ubiquitous seasoned casks. It doesn’t have the woody notes, nor the vanilla-driven roundness of newish casks but brings more mustiness to the table, more umami, leaving more room for a winey touch as well. Maybe not for everyone, but I like it. Only available from The Whisky Exchange.