Category winners
After a record-breaking number of entries into the Summer Challenge, the judges revealed their scores and tasting notes on the best new expressions of 2016/2017...
Under £40 winners
1 HighlandJudges scoresPark 12 3.8, Year 4.25, Old4, 4.6,– Edrington3, 4.3, 4.5, 4.2 25.05 Overall Tasting score notes from Darren Aromas of dandelion and burdock with caramel, ginger and spiced fruits. The flavours are well-balanced with maple syrup and plums. Well rounded. 2 Loch Lomond 12 Year Old – Loch Lomond Group Judges scores 4, 3.25, 4, 4.6, 3.75, 4.1, 3.5, 4.6 Overall score 23.95 Tasting notes from Douglas Orangey with marmalade spice. Long and sweet. 3 Gordon & MacPhail’s Collection from Pulteney 2005 – Gordon & MacPhail Judges scores 4.1, 2, 4.2, 4, 3.75, 3.8, 4, 4.1 Overall score 23.75
Tasting notes from Matthew Light with notes of pear, apple and a touch of coconut. Fruity – soft white fruit, ripe pear and grape on the palate. Sweet and round with a touch of pepper on the finish.
£40-£80 winners
1 Tamdhu Batch Strength II – Ian Macleod Distillers Judges scores 5, 4.25, 4.5, 4.5, 3.5, 4.5, 3.75, 4.6 Overall score 26.1
Tasting notes from Mike The nose is juicy fruits and green wine gums. Subtle white chocolate coated raisins. The taste is rich with raisins and spice. There is also vanilla pod white chocolate. The finish is mighty fine. 2 Kilchoman Sanaig – Kilchoman Distillery Company Ltd Judges scores 2, 4.5, 4.2, 4.6, 4, 4.3, 5, 4.1 Overall score 25.7 Tasting notes from Mark Sweet cream and buttered vanilla toffee, stone fruit with a hint of warm oak and subtle nuttiness. 3 GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 6 – BenRiach Distillery Company Judges scores 4.2, 3, 4.4, 4.7, 4.5, 4.6, 3.75, 4.1 Overall score 25.55 Tasting notes from Robin An abundance of tropical fruit, including peach and banana, with muscovado sugar and rich Cuban rum. Sweet and soft with cherry fudge, Scottish tablet and spicy fruit pudding.
Over £80 winners
1 Aberfeldy Single Cask #5 – John Dewar & Sons Judges scores 4.5, 4.75, 4.8, 4.6, 4.2, 4.5, 3, 4.8 Overall score 27.35 Tasting notes from Ewan Burnt sugar and sherry on the nose, with spice and chocolate orange on the palate. An oily, salted caramel finish with a medium length. 2 BenRiach 30YO Authenticus – BenRiach Distillery Company Judges scores 3.6, 4.5, 4.2, 4.7, 3.75, 4.6, 3, 4.7 Overall score 25.35
Tasting notes from Darren Sweet chocolatey aromas and Turkish delight, with a light peat smoke and a dry peppery spice. This is excellent stuff: subtle, soft peat, sweet toffee, spiced fruits and some ginger notes . 3 Glen Scotia Stillman’s Reserve – Loch Lomond Group Judges scores 3.5, 4, 4, 4.2, 4.2, 5, 4, 4.9 Overall score 25.3 Tasting notes from Vince Rose gold – quite engaging for a change, with a toffee and cream nose, a rich, spirity palate and a nice sweet finish.
‘Burnt sugar and sherry on the
nose, with spice and chocolate orange on the palate’