Whisky Review – Wemyss “Spiced Apple Strudel” – Craigellachie 2002 @wemyssmalts

Wemyss “Spiced Apple Strudel” – Craigellachie 2002 

46% ABV

Non chill filtered

No added colouring

362 bottles

£54.94 available from Master of Malt 

Nose. 

On first pour things are quite metallic. Copper and crushed up tin foil comes to mind, with a background of orchard fruits. A few minutes later and there is more concentrated fruit now. Apple, most definitely, lots of it, and spicy. Hot cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, all coating some freshly cut green apples, and a handful of soaked sultanas. Warming on the nose, suggesting baked fruit, but it’s all too green, crisp and juicy. There are Danish pastry elements as well, as with all Wemyss single casks, this has an immensely appropriate name. 

Palate. 

A lovely crisp apple arrival, sweet but mostly tangy, with some gentle spices turning into hotter spices during the development. That spicy cinnamon bites alongside ginger and a touch of honey glaze over the lot. Held on the tongue through this and things get softer, with more rounded honey and fruit interaction, a thick mouthfeel helps the chewiness, and brings back another round of spiciness. Some metallic coppery notes come through which I find characterful of Craigellichie. 

Finish. 

The copper coin subsides to spicy fruit, and even a touch of juicy homemade fruit cake, some cherrystone and green apple skin. 

Adding water. 

A few drops added. Wow, the apples have become stewed, much more of a chutney note around it all now, and fudge, lots of thick clotted cream fudge, crisp apples are still there in the background and are more reminiscent of apple flavoured starburst chews. The palate has more apple juice now, more tart, with some added honey richness, and some, yep, creamy fudge. There’s a little chocolate as well. The finish has less of a metallic nature than before, with the fruity fudge sticking around and a slight hint of tangy apples remaining to the end. Water makes this dram completely different, whilst very similar to the undiluted version. I prefer with water. 

Conclusion. 

Another great Wemyss single cask release. I have a bit of a love/hate thing with Craigellachie to be honest, but this one does his the mark, it’s an easy drinking, fresh, crisp dram, which suits spring nights very well. As usual with Wemyss, beautifully, and perfectly named.

Many thanks to Wemyss for the review sample

Whisky Review – Laphroaig 18 Year Old 1998 – Old Particular Consortium of Cards (Douglas Laing) @DLaingWhisky

Laphroaig 18 Year Old 1998 – Old Particular Consortium of Cards (Douglas Laing)

50% ABV

Non chill filtered

No added colouring

£137.95 from Master of Malt 

Nose. 

At first sniff we have something smokey, sooty, predominantly bonfire smoke with some hospital antiseptic in the background. There’s a creamy barley note running through. Some citrus fruit and gentle spices. After a few minutes it’s got a lot busier. Loads of fruit now, apples, lemons, blackberry and a touch of raspberry, all fresh and vibrant. The smoke is well integrated, still mainly of the bonfire type as opposed to medicinal peat smoke, although some sweet peat is coming through now. The antiseptic is there, not intense TCP, but old hospital corridors. Every time I go back this changes slightly, now I’m even getting a touch of Parma violets. The berry fruits are lush! 

Palate. 

First sip engulfs the senses, loads going on. Fruity smokey medicinal earthy cereal. Loads! Lots of apples, some lemon rind and juice, a little blackcurrant, a creamy barley cereal runs throughout, the smoke envelopes all of this, almost like puffing on a cigarette without the abrasive smoke. In the development there is a touch of bitter lemon amongst an ashy moment. The mouthfeel is beautifully fulfilling and you would never know this is 50%. There is a lovely rich, runny honey fruit salad thing going on later on, those berries are back, with some added peach, in a smoothie with honey. Lovely. 

Finish. 

The fruity ripe concoction has a medium to long length finish, full of fruit, smoke is almost forgotten except for the odd smoky burp. Chest hugging warmth, this is really something else. 

Adding water. 

I’m not watering this, I don’t have a lot, and it is perfect the way it is. 

Conclusion. 

Beautifully refined, absolutely delicious. It’s not cheap, but oh my god, I understand why this has sold so well, this is next level stuff. Amazing. If you can get this and it’s in your price bracket do not hesitate, but please open it up, and if you can spare a drop you know where I am. 😋

Many thanks to Douglas Laing for the review sample