I was asked by the nice people at Master of Malt whether I’d like to try some whisky samples. Not one to shirk my responsibilities, I dutifully agreed. They have an innovative sampling system called “Drinks by the Dram” where you can buy 30ml sample bottles of most of their array of single malts & other spirits. The prices range from £2.95, to the rather loftier price of over £40, for rarities like Ardberg 21 year old Committee Release.
My “Drinks by the Dram” pack included three malts:
- Arran Madeira Wine Cask Limited Edition
- Master of the Malt 12 yr Old Islay
- Laphroaig 18 yr Old Islay
Having enjoyed previous holidays as a child and latterly as a family in Arran, I was keen to start with the Madeira Wine Cask Limited Edition. I personally always add a splash of water to my malt to bring out the flavour. This malt was the darkest in colour due to being aged in Madeira casks. It had sweet, oaky aromas and was rounded and mellow with a good length. This whisky is very accessible and one which I would happily drink.
Next up was the Master of Malt 12 year old Islay. This whisky was pretty immense in terms of the peaty, salty, Iodine reek it gave off. Jim Murray, whisky guru, described it as: ”Huge peat reek, the likes of which I’ve never come across.” Once your through the peat, it is mellow and slightly viscous in the mouth with a deep long and lingering peaty finish. This whisky is definitely for grown-ups who like a real peaty, salty kick!
Finally, I tried the second offering from Islay and tasted the Laphroaig 18 year old. This was the lightest in colour and had a more restrained, subtle Iodine, peaty aroma. Again, it was rounded and viscous with huge length. This is similarly for grown ups who like their malt with plenty of peaty flavour. I have to say, I didn’t detect the “salty butter & kippers” aromas promisedin the website tasting note. Perhaps I just wasn’t looking hard enough! The whiskies from Islay are truly unique and clearly evoke their rugged origin.
This was a fun exercise and one which any whisky aficionado or, someone who is learning about whisky would surely enjoy!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Fantastic idea Lorne, love it, I sense a birthday present coming on!
Tim, pretty switched on company with a good innovative product. I can recommend!