Epicurean
From the Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar was a Douglas Laing Epicurean.This expression is from their Remarkable Regional Malts series. The Epicurean is the blend they created to represent the Lowland Region of Scotland.
Bottled at 46.2% ABV. This spirit is light gold in colour.
Nose: Light grass, barley, citrus, herbs and dried wildflowers. A piece of toast with marmalade.
Palate: Sweet and spice converge. Almonds, peach skin and stewed plums.
Finish: Toasted almonds, cut grass, top crust of burnt sugar on a crème brulee.
This is a very well put together whisky with lots of character and depth.
Rating 8.3/10
Edradour – 10-year-old
Edradour is one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries and their flagship expression is the 10-year-old age statement. This is also behind door number 10 of the Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar.
Their distilling methods and the fact that it is matured in both Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon cask is what gives it a thick, velvety mouth feel.
Nose: Slightly over-ripe apricot, honey, French toast with maple syrup, dried figs.
Palate: Vanilla, rum notes, toasted almonds, ripe banana.
Finish: Fruitcake and baking spices…not terribly long
Rating: 8.5/10
Eau Claire Distillery Single Malt
Eau Claire Distillery is a new craft distillery 40 mins southwest of Calgary in the hamlet of Turner Valley. They set up shop in the circa-1929 Turner Valley Movie Theatre and Dance Hall. Eau Claire produces spirit from local Alberta grain. They are a certified farm distillery and use traditional horse farming for special edition Rye and Single malt Whiskies. I was blown away at the quality and uniqueness of their single malt and will certainly be on the lookout for other releases in the future!
Bottled at 43% ABV.
Nose: Licorice, toasted barley, lemon grass, floral, green banana sautéed in brown sugar.
Palate: Clean and well-balanced, milk chocolate, mixed roasted nuts.
Finish: Toasted mocha, dried fruit and baking spices
Rating: 9.0/10