The Whisky Exchange just teamed up with Berry Bros & Rudd. They present a single cask Macduff distilled in 2003. This may not be the most renowned distillery, but some independent bottlers understand it can exceed expectations.
Macduff 21 yo 2003 (58%, Berry Bros. & Rudd for The Whisky Exchange 2024, sherry butt #900025, 358 btl.)
Nose: a mild fruitiness, on ripe pear, gooseberry and apple. Vanilla, shortbread and round hints of buttercups. The biscuity side (sablés) grows stronger over time. Then there’s also a hint of dried wildflowers, pine nuts and increasingly waxy notes. Bits of candied ginger and golden raisins too.
Mouth: a nicely oily texture, with the same hints of (butter) cookies along with apple crumble, mashed banana and pear tart. Malty sweetness. Then almonds with hints of apricot jam, light caramel and hints of vanilla. Some baking spice builds, with a hint of mint and herbal honey. Subtle leafy hints in the end.
Finish: quite long, with a mild resinous note on top of the sweet orchard fruit and warming vanilla.
Not a wham-bam whisky, but a complex and refined dram. It really shines if you give it enough time and a bit of hand warmth. In a blind tasting I would have guessed this was closer to 30 years. In short, a selection for experienced whisky lovers, nice! Only from The Whisky Exchange.