It’s that time of the year that Wemyss release their latest batch of whiskies, always good!

Find below the details of the various single cask bottlings release… and read on for a review of three of them… “Cayenne Cocoa Bean” – 1997 single cask from Clynelish, Highlands, “Peaches and Cream” – 1989 single cask from Glen Garioch, Highlands and “Smoke on the Water” – 1982 single cask from Caol Ila, Islay.

This release contains all the following goodies…

“Vintage Strawberry Punnet” – 1988 single cask from Invergordon, Single Grain
“Sweet Peat Posy” – 1987 single cask from Bowmore, Islay
“Aniseed Pastille” – 1996 single cask from Bowmore, Islay
“Thread of Smoke” – 1991 single cask from Bunnahabhain, Islay
“Smoke on the Water” – 1982 single cask from Caol Ila, Islay
“Floral Trellis” – 1988 single cask from Tormore, Speyside
“In a Bluebell Wood” – 1995 single cask from Glen Grant, Speyside
“Summer Fruit Cup” – 1998 single cask from Auchentoshan, Lowlands
“Cayenne Cocoa Bean” – 1997 single cask from Clynelish, Highlands
“Bench with a Sea View” – 1997 single cask from Clynelish, Highlands
“Peaches and Cream” – 1989 single cask from Glen Garioch, Highlands
“Blackcurrant Coulis” – 1991 single cask from Blair Athol, Highlands

So… on to the reviews!

“Cayenne Cocoa Bean” – 1997 (17yo) Clynelish – 46%

Colour: Light straw, clear and bright.
Nose: A full nose, plenty of flavour from malt and peppery spice.
Palate: Nice and thick oily mouthfeel, there is peppery spice, but it’s held in check so that it’s nice to drink. Quite tart / sour from wood tannins, but it’s backed up with gentle vanilla.
Finish: Malty and quite long, small warmth and gentle spices.
Thoughts: A very tasty Clynelish, easy to drink, quite tannin rich.
Available: In specialist whisky shops very soon.

“Peaches and Cream” – 1989 (25yo) Glen Garioch – 46%

Colour: Golden.
Nose: Very gentle nose on this, it’s Glen Garioch in style, but it’s very soft. Gentle woods with caramel fruits and vanilla.
Palate: The palate is also gentle, but definitely more punchy than the nose. There’s wood spice, and aged cask notes along with soft fruits and vanilla chantilly cream. Smoke in the background.
Finish: A warming gentle hug on your chest, very relaxed indeed. Gently sweet and satisfying. After a moment good puffs of smoke come out at you… this dram was made when they floor malted their own barley at the distillery, hence the slight smokiness.
Thoughts: One of the most subtle Glen Garioch’s I’ve ever had, and actually… I totally love it, what a fantastically relaxed dram!
Available: In specialist whisky shops very soon.

“Smoke on the Water” – 1982 (32yo) Caol Ila- 46%

Colour: Yellow light gold.
Nose: Old leathery smoke followed by gentle citrus.
Palate: Thick and oily swinging between old oak, leather, rich smoke, gentle peat and gentle citrus notes.
Finish: Really long with waves of gentle smoke going to and fro. There’s a meaty note which is offset by gentle citrus tones and plenty of sweetness to make it hugely enjoyable.
Thoughts: The oldest Caol Ila I’ve tried! After 32 years the smoke still seems nicely intact and just relaxes you with well aged spirit. A dram that you should spend some serious time enjoying.
Available: In specialist whisky shops very soon.

Overall Thoughts: Another great bunch of releases from Wemyss. The three I’ve tried today are all good, my favourite being the Caol Ila, followed by the Glen Garioch with the Clynelish last. Unfortunately (and I’ve not even looked at the prices) I’m pretty sure I’ve picked most expensive to least expensive, hey ho!

Thanks to Wemyss for the samples!