Dornoch Distillery Inaugural Release Cask 001 59.4% 2017

Professionele reviews

Words of Whisky (90)

Impressively, there’s pretty much nothing to fault here. Dornoch Distillery’s inaugural release is objectively excellent.
Nose
A touch of aceto balsamico and crème de cassis combined with cocoa powder, rum raisins, sultanas. Strong notes of dried oats and barley husks, with a whiff of rhubarb and warm apple compote as well. Finally, just a whisper of melted butter, chalk and cinnamon. Really rather impressive.
Taste
Super creamy mouthfeel. Lots of chocolate truffle on a backbone of gentle cracked black pepper and potent notes of raisins, with a touch of roasted marshmallow. Some subtle notes of peanut skin in the background. Water activates the oak tannins.
Finish
A tad drying and lingering spices with a whisper of rye bread. Finally a touch of tobacco leaves and a slight ashiness. Medium in length.

BOW (90)

Dornoch Distillery Inaugural Release Cask 001: A Newfangled Whisky with Old-Fashioned Charm.

In the ever-evolving world of Scotch whisky, the Dornoch Distillery Inaugural Release Cask 001 stands as a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of its owners, Phil and Simon Thompson, two independent bottlers with a passion for the craft. Distilled around 2017 and bottled in 2020, this expression has quickly garnered attention and acclaim for its impressive taste and exceptional maturation.

Matured in Ex-Oloroso (Solera) Butt casks made of American Oak, the Dornoch Distillery Inaugural Release is a whisky that defies expectations. At 59.4% ABV, it carries a youthful vigor that is strikingly evident in the captivating orange fruit scents, reminiscent of mandarins and oranges. This delightful aroma is the result of careful aging and the influence of the Oloroso sherry casks, which impart a rich and complex character to the spirit.

Upon first nosing this whisky, Thijs Klaverstijn, a renowned whisky expert, encountered an intriguing blend of aceto balsamico and crème de cassis, intertwining with cocoa powder, rum raisins, and sultanas. The presence of dried oats and barley husks further adds depth to the aromatic profile, accompanied by subtle hints of rhubarb, warm apple compote, melted butter, chalk, and cinnamon. This nose promises a journey of flavors that will undoubtedly captivate the senses.

On the palate, the Dornoch Inaugural Release offers a super creamy mouthfeel, a hallmark of well-matured whiskies. The chocolate truffle notes take center stage, supported by a delicate undercurrent of cracked black pepper and the potent essence of raisins. Hints of roasted marshmallow and peanut skin lurk in the background, contributing to a truly exceptional tasting experience. Interestingly, a dash of water unlocks the oak tannins, further enhancing the whisky's complexity.

What truly sets this expression apart is its surprising sweetness, which harmoniously blends with the absence of sharp edges often associated with young distillates. This well-balanced profile showcases the mastery of Phil and Simon Thompson, who have successfully married the traditional characteristics of old-fashioned whisky with a contemporary twist, making this release a valuable asset to the Scotch whisky industry.

The finish lingers, leaving behind a gentle spiciness and a touch of rye bread. A subtle hint of tobacco leaves and a slight ashy note bring this delightful journey to a close, leaving enthusiasts yearning for more. The medium-length finish is a testament to the thoughtful maturation process and the care taken during the bottling of this remarkable whisky.

As a side note, the digital removal of the bottle number by us serves to protect the original owner's identity, highlighting the exclusive and limited nature of this release.

In conclusion, the Dornoch Distillery Inaugural Release Cask 001 is a prime example of innovation and craftsmanship in the whisky world. Its impressive combination of flavors and the clever fusion of old-fashioned charm with modern techniques make it a standout in the market. Whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike will undoubtedly appreciate this exceptional expression, a true gem in the landscape of Scotch whisky.