Just in time for Christmas, we try this Stocking Filler from Royal Mile Whiskies. A similar concept to the long-standing Christmas Whisky from TWE, I guess.
While we’re at it, also two of their latest bottlings in the classic series. There is also a Springbank 1994 but we’ll have this separately later.
Stocking Filler – Blended Malt 11 yo (46%, Royal Mile Whiskies 2024, sherry casks)
Nose: caramelized malty notes, toasted brioche, some roasted nuts and butterscotch. Then brown sugar, oranges and raisin pastry, as well as a faint hint of leather. Baking spice, of course, like nutmeg and cinnamon. Leaning towards mocha after a while.
Mouth: drying nutty notes and allspice again, mixed with sweeter butterscotch and raisins. Hints of cinnamon liqueur and milk chocolate. Then gingerbread and caramel. Light peppery notes. Some candied fruits and marmalade as well.
Finish: medium length, with more gingerbread, latte, butterscotch and praline.
A fairly simple whisky but the sherry influence makes it richer. A good Christmas character too. Easy to drink and hard to beat at this price. Exclusive to Royal Mile Whiskies.
Glentauchers 16 yo 2008 (46%, Royal Mile Whiskies 2024, sherry butt #900255)
Nose: a fairly similar style of sherry, with plenty of caramel notes, brown sugar, raisins, leather and toasted brioche. Then perhaps a little more fruity brightness (berries and marmalade). Just a faint meaty hint and bouillon in the background. Nutmeg too.
Mouth: fresher now, with a nicely vivid profile. Raisins but also fresh plums, baked apple, herbal honey and tangerines. Salted caramel, nougat and cocoa, a little pepper and delicate leather.
Finish: quite long, half fruity, half spicy. Oranges, honey and ginger.
A step up: this has a brighter fruity side and feels more elegant. A vivid sherry bottling that will work perfectly once Christmas is forgotten. Available from Royal Mile. Score: 87/100
Glen Grant 21 yo 2003 (53,3%, Royal Mile Whiskies 2024, sherry hogshead #59894, 181 btl.)
Nose: nice elegance, with some varnished oak and nice oily notes. Plums, orange peels and red berry candy underneath. Then also cassis, red apple and cinnamon. Hints of floral honey and demerara sugar.
Mouth: stewed fruits like apricots, yellow plums, plenty of berries and oranges. Really nice. Even a hint of muscat grape before it moves to moderate spice, a little cinnamon, pepper and honey. Good sweet and sour balance. Then fruit tea, hints of roasted coffee beans, caramelized notes and more herbal honey towards the finish.
Finish: quite long, on brown sugar, caramelized pear, pepper and a faint minty note.
Another step up: the elegance and polished oak, combined with juicy fruits, make this a success. We have a winner. Available from Royal Mile Whiskies. Score: 88/100