A tasting in a big empty room – part 2: Whyte & Mackay

The Friday night tasting for the Dubber and Clutch St Andrews Golf Open Whisky Fiasco 2010 was a selection of rare and boutique bottlings from Whyte and Mackay – including three new expressions from Isle of Jura and the award-winning 30 year-old blend.

Dalmore 18
Gorgeous. Dubber was tempted to just stay on this one all night. Rich, rewarding and a sherried treat.

Nose: Sherry, fruit, rich cake, spice, a touch of menthol.
Palate: Chocolate and coffee, with licorice and aniseed.
Finish: Smooth and round.

The Dalmore Mackenzie
It turns out that we got our hands on the last two bottles of this limited edition range. What a treat.

Nose: Winter fruits, cake mix, ginger.
Palate: Fresh baked apple tart, pecans, dark chocolate, ginger crunch.
Finish: Maple syrup, leather.

Jura Xu
The first and the youngest of the three new Jura premium expressions – and by far the most peaty Isle of Jura we’ve every tried.

Nose: Smoked bacon, roast pinenuts.
Palate: Peat, ash, a little sweetness and vanilla.
Finish: Long and sharp.

Jura Jo
A 15 year-old finished in a bourbon cask.

Nose: Light sweetness, summer fruits and caramel.
Palate: Some citrus and apple, pear drops and sugarcane. Water opens it up considerably.
Finish: Warm and fruity.

Jura Ji
The oldest member of the family and a sherry cask finish. As with the other new Jura premium bottlings, this is a cask strength.

Nose: Christmas cake, nuts and a strong aroma of the sherry.
Palate: Marzipan, shortbread, raisins and more sherry.
Finish: Long – full of stewed fruit and cinnamon.

Whyte and Mackay 30 year-old blend
The king of blends. Award-winning for good reason and – while it’s outside the scope of most tasting notes, we feel we need to say something about the beautiful packaging. This is a treasure to own.

Nose: Rich and complex.
Palate: Beautifully smooth. Full of rich flavours including toffee, banana, sherry, cigar smoke and cream.
Finish: Lingering, sweet and with a hint of toffee.