Lussorian’s Best Autumnal Whiskies 2022
Don’t you just love this time of year. The stunning colours of nature, cosy fires, and delicious drams of whisky to warm the cockles as the nights draw in. We’ve selected 4 (very different) whiskies that we’re loving right now – check them out below.
Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky (46% ABV)
You’ll struggle to find a bad review for this amazing whisky – that says a lot. With an ever-growing cabinet full of silverware, this is by far one of the finest English whiskies on the market, and has been for some time.
Produced using barley grown in the Cotswolds, then distilled and aged in a combination of bourbon and red wine casks, this golden liquid offers up layers of honey and butterscotch layered with light fruits (peaches & apricots), and a hint of marzipan.
On the palate, there are strong notes of tannin-rich malt, oils and dark sugar with lots of spice, caramelized Seville orange marmalade.
The finish is long, offering up dark red fruits and a hint of molasses.
I love this on the rocks, a lovely way to wind down and warm up after a nice Autumnal walk.
Master of Malt – £47 (70cl)
Torabhaig Allt Gleann – a Single Malt Scotch whisky (46% ABV)
For the lovers of peat and smoke, this is an absolute find, all the way from the beautiful island of Skye.
Torabhaig distillery – the first new distillery on the Isle of Skye for 190 years, and one of only two licensed distilleries on the island – has launched its second (of 4) release, since beginning distillation in 2017. Allt Gleann is Bottled in small batches drawn from no more than 30 casks each.
Allt Gleann is named after one of the burns (streams), that feeds the distillery with fresh island spring water, and reflects the stunning landscape in which it is produced.
This is a new and distinctive take on peated malt whisky and showcases the wealth of skill and understanding of the complex process to go against the grain of traditional heavier peated and medicinal whiskies. The end result is a well-tempered, well-balanced whisky, with refined smoky notes and a maritime influence. It is aged in first fill bourbon and refill whisky casks, and bottled at 46%.
A very pale-yellow spirit, this is a well-balanced and with a very refined character, which is rather delicious. On the nose, this offers up intense, earthy peat smoke (yum), with a hint of citrus and sea spray.
On the palate, there’s a silky spiciness that cools with a little water (recommended), with hints of green apple skins and green tea, leaving a slightly bitter finish, but very pleasant.
The Whisky Exchange £52.
Rampur Indian Single Malt Double Cask (45% ABV)
This beauty from Rampur Distillery, situated up in the northern region of India, is well worthy of a feature. The ‘Double Cask’ expression references the whisky being aged in two different barrels – an ex-bourbon (two-thirds of its life) and Sherry barrels (one-third of its lifetime) from European oak.
The region Rampur Single Malt is made in is unique, in that it is exposed to a massive temperature change from 30°F-110°F (0°C-45°C) and humidity is around 70%-80%, which increases the speed of oak extraction and makes the whisky ready in a shorter amount of time.
But back to the whisky… there’s heaps of character on offer here; a delicious balance of dry sherry spice and sweeter, tropical notes from the American oak.
On the nose; apple cider, oak, honey, nuts, dried tropical fruit, malty sweetness and a bit of herbal notes.
On the palate; herbal, apple cider, dried pears, nuts, malty sweet, nutmeg, white pepper and some oak and tropical fruit.
The finish ismedium, malty with a hint of that delicious oak lingering.
A very welcome addition to the cabinet.
Master Of Malt £57
Kentucky Owl – The Wiseman (45.4% ABV)
This one’s for the bourbon fans. The Kentucky Owl brand hailed from Bardstown distilleries dates right back to 1879, and was a victim of Prohibition, never to reopen. However, the brand was revived in 2014. Following Kentucky Owl Confiscated in 2019, The Wiseman is only the brand’s second addition to their portfolio outside of the standard bourbon and rye releases since they launched in 2014.
The Wiseman is created by blending the distillery’s 4 year old wheat and high-rye bourbons with 5.5 year and 8.5 year old Kentucky-sourced bourbons. We’d say that the result is a traditional tasting bourbon that showcases spice and cereal. It’s non-fussy and super easy to drink neat.
On the nose, The Wiseman offers up sweet honey, caramel, cocoa, cinnamon and clove. Think soft and airy.
On the palate, the honey and caramel remain dominant, just how I like it. Then toffee, soft fruit and grainy oak.
The finish is short and light, but enjoyable, with a hint of spice.
Master of Malt £55
