🥃 Whisky Auctioneer

Young wood (handcraft sticks) and glue, followed by a gently fruity distillate. Young and unremarkable whisky. Tasted as a part of a Speyburn tasting (thanks Pete & Maija!) comprised of the following OBs: Speyburn Bourbon Cask (75 pts.), Speyburn Kentucky (76), Speyburn 10yo (78), Speyburn Rum Cask (77), Speyburn Bordeaux (74), Speyburn Jerez (81), Speyburn Hopkins Reserve (78), Speyburn 15yo @ 40% (82), Speyburn 18yo @ 40% (83), Speyburn 2000-2025 Distillery Only single cask #470 (89), Speyburn 2004-2017 cask #214 bottled for Shinanoya (86). If there is something to be said about the whole set it's that the 40% strength of their non-single cask bottlings just doesn't feel right to me on account of the lacking persistence in the finishes across the board. Even if the bottling strength helps keep the price of the 18yo (my favorite if the single casks aren't accounted for) at under €100, the sample didn't convince me I should buy a bottle. This leaves me confused: at a touch below €100 a bottle is still priced firmly in the enthusiast category, not the casual or entry level category, but as an enthusiast I'm just not enthused, so who is the 18yo for?

Nose A light first impression reminiscent of freshly cut hay. This is accompanied by a herbal note reminiscent of dried lemon thyme, but without developing any depth. A restrained fruitiness in the form of young pear completes the picture. Vanilla appears in the background – mild, almost fleeting. Overall, the whisky appears youthful and immature on the nose. A hint of impatience shines through – as if it had been taken from the cask too early. The taste On the palate, it's much more approachable than expected. A gentle honey sweetness spreads, supported by creamy vanilla. The texture is light, almost floating, which lends the whisky a certain everyday usability. A hint of pepper adds brief excitement before a metallic undertone, reminiscent of copper, slightly clouds the picture. With water: The sweetness becomes more pronounced, the mouthfeel softens. The pepper almost completely evaporates. Interestingly, a light, bitter note develops over time, reminiscent of tea leaves or dried citrus peel. Conclusion A whisky that scores points for its lightness and is perfect for relaxed summer days. Easy drinking in the best sense of the word, although one shouldn't expect depth or complexity. The reduction to 40% and the use of coloring seem like concessions to the mass market—a shame, because the basic profile certainly has more potential. Nevertheless, it's absolutely legitimate for carefree enjoyment now and then.

very easy and simple Whisky, maybe too simple...

very thin, one-sided, hardly any aroma or flavor, disappointing

The caramel flavor is overpowering. Superficial. I don't see the point of this kind of whisky, maybe for blending. Even with such a low prize. Very fresh, it gives more fruity flavors.

Slightly corn, herbal aroma, forest notes - pine needles, but also moss and a lot of malt. In the mouth, a lot of herbs - rosemary, a hint of lavender, corn, roasted grain, bitterness. In the finish, notes of roasted grain, slightly coffee, sweet plums, cherries, almond, vanilla pudding, bitterness, hops.

Considering the price of this whisky is is absolutely incredible; decent linger with powerful bold flavors and a nice fresh and round taste to it