Orkney 9 Year, Jack’s Pirate Whisky Überfahrt nach Sachsen Part I Cask 108

Review by: Whiskery Turnip

Distillery: Highland Park.

Bottler: Jack Wieber.

Region: Scotland/Island Single Malt.

ABV: 59.5%. Cask Strength.

Age: 9 Years. Bottled in 2019.

Cask type: Oak.

Nose: Coal dust and brine, spicy with peppercorns and hot mustard; sinus-opening with acrid burnt herbs and green wood smoke, youthful and spirited; water brought a bit of juicy citrus into play.

Palate: Medium-bodied, spirited and spicy, youthful, brine, peppercorns, green wood smoke, slightly bitter caramelization, touch of tobacco and herbal spices, peppery and numbing, raw and slightly feinty; water brought out more fruit and chocolate while mellowing the spicy qualities.

Finish: Medium to long with sizzling peppercorns, brine, and youthful spirit.

Mental Image: Expired Chocolate Gold Coin Treasure.

Conclusion: This was one of the few times I can honestly say that I bought a bottle because of the label. The pirate dog is some S-tier artwork and the price was low enough that I was willing to take a flyer on something to fill out a shipping box. I never clicked with this whisky in the years that I had it; it remained a disappointment, especially considering the excellent art.

The aroma and flavor profile were similar with big brine, peppercorns, and acrid green wood smoke or burnt medicinal herbs. Both were also hot, with a good amount of youthful, spirited vigor—perhaps a bit much so, as the whisky felt unrefined and even a bit feinty at times. Some intriguing vegetal and mustard elements made this a unique experience, but it never really came together and always remained a bit raw. Would time have tamed this whisky? Maybe, though I gave it a good five years. Water did help, but only to cement it as an okay whisky, rather than a bit of a chore.

Overall, one of the more disappointing bottles I have ever purchased— the artwork was amazing though.

Final Score: 70.

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.

Published by Whiskery Turnip

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Whisky reviews from Hawaiʻi and beyond. My wife is a peat monster; her influence can be seen in my preferences for earthy, dirty, and sometimes very weird malts. If given a choice, I will almost always choose whisky from a refill cask, especially regarding sherry. I am a big fan of the world whisky scene, especially single malts. You will not find my reviewing much more than whisky, but I am also a big fan of sake.

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