Review: The Whisky Exchange Zodiac Series 1 – Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and Gemini
Spirits merchant The Whisky Exchange is following up its Seasons Series with a new set of releases, this time linked to the 12 signs of the Zodiac.
The releases will drop in three sets of four — all single casks of single malt Scotches sourced by The Whisky Exchange — each honoring the star signs of the season (and each containing an air, a water, an earth and a fire sign). Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and Gemini kick things off.
We received small samples of all four whiskies. Thoughts follow.
The Whisky Exchange Pisces Glenglassaugh 2015 10 Years Old Review
Matured in second-fill oloroso sherry casks. A sprinkling of salt leads the way on this appropriately maritime Glenglassaugh, paired on the nose with crisp green apple, cinnamon, and orange peel. The whisky arrives as a bit more leathery on the palate but backed with plenty of citrus. The saltiness of the malt clings heavily as the finish approaches, giving late-developing notes of dates and figs a certain lingering bite. 110.8 proof. B+ / $123 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
The Whisky Exchange Aries Bunnahabhain 2013 12 Years Old Review
Peated Bunnahabhain aged in oloroso, with a perfectly smoky construction that feels pulled straight from a beefy barbecue. A hint of toasted marshmallow adds a touch of sweetness on the nose, otherwise it’s all roasted meet and smoldering wood. A hint of seaweed takes things down a maritime groove, but the bold notes of caramel and spiced raisins create a sweeter situation on the finish. The body is incredibly chewy, evoking thoughts of chewing on shredded coconut and nougat, with a brisk, chocolaty finish that brings things full circle to focus again on the smokier elements in the spirit. Strong like ram! 107.4 proof. B+ / $147 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
The Whisky Exchange Taurus Dailuaine 2020 5 Years Old Review
We don’t see a lot of this Speyside malt, and after spending 5 years in a PX sherry butt, it makes for an even more unusual bottling. The combination of youth and Pedro Ximenez give this ruddy orange whisky a smoldering density, equal parts nutty and earthy, with undertones of blood orange and mint. The whisky evolves to become a bit medicinal with time in glass, offering a vague amaro character that’s part vanilla, part bittering gentian. Brooding but beautifully structured, it grew on me quickly — and made me wonder what this whisky might taste like in another five years. 122 proof. A- / $77 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
The Whisky Exchange Gemini Ardmore 2009 16 Years Old Review
Taste that lick of smoke? This was aged in an ex-Laphroaig barrel, infusing the otherwise sweet, biscuity whisky with a hint of peat. Hint may be an overstatement. What’s here is really a whisper of peat, a faraway campfire that has infused the spirit ever so gently. What’s underneath is a buttery experience that features sesame, mandarin orange, and a hint of marzipan. It’s a sweet, clean, and pretty experience, complemented by the razor thin layer of peat. I’d wager that even Islay detractors may find it enjoyable. A- / $112 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
The Whisky Exchange Pisces Glenglassaugh 2015 10 Years Old
USD123
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