Review by: Whiskery Turnip
Distillery: Blended Malt (Glenlivet, Bruichladdich, Glen Grant, Aultmore, Tamdhu, Stathisle, Braeval).
Bottler: Cadenhead’s.
Region: Scotland/Blended Malt.
ABV: 43.8%.
Age: 26 Years. Distilled in 1991. Bottled in 2018.
Cask type: Hogshead.
Nose: Apples and vanilla, orchard fruits in pie crust, subtle cream with a kiss of salt, green apples, marzipan, weathered oak and dried grass.
Palate: Medium to light-bodied, creamy vanilla, orchard fruits, pie crust, hints of lemony citrus and peppercorn, marzipan and honey, oaky and slightly drying at the end.
Finish: Medium to long with vanilla, cream, honey, and hints of almond.
Mental Image: Photographs of Blue Ribbon Winning Pies.
Conclusion: The aroma was more of a dissertation on apple pie making than anything with slightly tart green apples, pears, vanilla and almond extract, subtle creamy butter, and a kiss of salt. Marzipan and apple sauce with a touch of cinnamon pulled the aroma toward different pastries, while weathered oak and dried grass hinted at more savory undertones. Medium to light-bodied on the palate, the flavor profile was very similar to the aroma, though with more cream and vanilla in the driver’s seat. Orchard fruits and pie crust followed with hints of creamy lemon meringue, bright zest, and black peppercorns. Marzipan and honey sat further in before an oaky and slightly drying finale. The finish was medium to long with vanilla, cream, honey, and hints of almond.
Aptly named “Light, Creamy, Vanilla,” this Cadenhead’s creation blend was mellow and dreamy. It was not a complex affair; the flavors had little depth or intricacy, but everything was pleasant and mild. I found the palate a touch too light, but the flavors were vibrant, and the finish was surprisingly long. It was precisely the kind of blend you want to take out on the porch and relax with at the end of the day.
Overall, enjoyable. A kickback-and-relax whisky; no deep thinking necessary.
Final Score: 80.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 