Burns night is always the highlight of January for me, any excuse to eat haggis, followed by a wee dram of fine whisky. This year, we’ve shortlisted three delicious, premium whiskies, that are affordable, and stand out as memorable in the taste test.
We’ve got Jura 12, Tamnavulin Double Cask, and Fettercairn 12.
Jura 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 40{90af24ee0c8b2ef579cdad993725641a0bcc8b6dba22687e081e6e20320a17a5} ABV
Founded in 1810 and located on the Hebredean isle of Jura, the distillery was originally called Small Isles before being changed to Jura. The core range includes 10, 12, 18 and 21 years old plus three other ‘no age statement’ expressions. Today, we’re reviewing the 12 year old, which has been matured in ex-bourbon casks before a period of finishing in ex-Oloroso sherry barrels. This provides its distinctive golden colour and sweet notes.
On the nose, caramel, toffee apple, chocolate, burnt toast and honey. The sherry influence is there, all be it a little muted. There’s an earthiness that I like.
On the palate, caramel immediately dominates followed by subtle layers of peat smoke, coffee, hazelnuts, and spiced apple.
The finish is smooth with lightly spiced caramel that doesn’t hang around for too long.
Tamnavulin Double Cask Single Malt Whisky 40{90af24ee0c8b2ef579cdad993725641a0bcc8b6dba22687e081e6e20320a17a5} ABV
Founded in 1966, Tamnavulin is perhaps one of the youngest distilleries in Scotland, but that’s not to say they don’t know how to make a damn good whisky. Aside from the Double Cask, the Tamnavulin range includes a Sherry cask edition, a red wine cask edition as well as a Vintage Collection. Today, we’re reviewing the Double Cask.
On the nose, this is deeper than expected, coconut butter, nuts, malt, and warming light sherry notes.
On the palate, this is lighter than I expected. Hints of smoke, toasted nuts, dates and buttery toffee.
The finish is medium-long, with a return of the nuts, malt and sherry notes. There’s also a touch of liquorice before fading.
Fettercairn 12 40{90af24ee0c8b2ef579cdad993725641a0bcc8b6dba22687e081e6e20320a17a5} ABV
Quite possibly my fave whisky right now, it’s absolutely delicious if you like your drams sweet and full bodied. Yes, it’s the most expensive out of the three, but as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for, and in fact, you get more than what you pay for with this stuff.
You’ll struggle to find a negative review for Fettercairn 12, and trust me, I’ve looked. The distillery dates back to 1824, and was one of the first to apply for a license. Another fact for you; Fettercairn learned that pouring water down the still cooled the copper. This in turn, increased condensation inside so only the lightest vapors could rise for collection. This discovery led to the creation of the cooling ring, a copper tube around the top of the still and continuously douses it with water. This unique method is still being used by the distillery today.
Fettercairn ismatured in American white oak, ex-bourbon casks before being bottled at 40{90af24ee0c8b2ef579cdad993725641a0bcc8b6dba22687e081e6e20320a17a5} ABV.
On the nose, sweet vanilla, honey and malty cereal notes. Orange. Caramel. Apple and pear. Slightly grassy. Some rich chocolate notes in the background.
On the palate, Caramel and chocolate. Orange. Apple juice. Honey and vanilla and some gentle woody spice. I told you this was sweet!
The finish, balanced and refreshing aftertaste that could be classed as medium. Those sweet tones continue, and the Oak influence is clear.
This would be my dram of choice for sure!
