Dave Broom stops by Speyside this week, welcoming a return of Morrison & MacKay’s Càrn Mòr range. He also samples a new core range entry from GlenAllachie alongside more indies from Cadenhead and the Thompson brothers.
First up is an 18-year-old Benrinnes, bottled by Cadenhead. Broom finds confectionary aromas giving way to smoked meats. In short – ‘Really good’.
Next, a nine-year-old Clynelish from Thompson Bros. is considered ‘a decent bracer’ with fizzing alcohol, citrus and a light salinity. Down the hatch – responsibly, says Broom.
GlenAllachie’s Pedro Ximénez-matured 15-year-old sits much richer, with ‘fruit skin and leather’ before the Sherry notes kick in. Christmas cake fans will feel right at home.
Into the trio of single cask Càrn Mòrs, and Broom finds a nine-year-old Glentauchers to have ‘excellent balance and elegance for a dram of this age’, with a long, raisin-like finish.
A Longmorn from 2009, however, hasn’t yet reached its full potential, with ‘tinned peach fleshiness’ on the nose while just shy of those signature ripe berry fruit notes. One to keep neat, suggests Broom.
Finally, a Mannochmore matured in a single hogshead is a bouquet of wild roses and banana chews. ‘An excellent nose not quite matched by the palate,’ says Broom, as its delicacy fights for dominance with the alcohol.
This week’s playlist remembers the late guitar genius Neal Casal, of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood. Gone too soon. Click on the links in ‘Right Place, Right Time’ to hear more.