Collectivum XXVIII Blended Malt (Special Releases 2017)

Collectivum XXVIII Blended Malt (Special Releases 2017), NAS, 57.3 %

Here is a special one from the Diageo Special releases 2017. A blended malt (so no grain in the mix) consisting of malt whisky from 28 Diageo owned distilleries in Scotland; Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Oban, Talisker, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Cardhu, Glenlossie, Glendullan, Mortlach, Linkwood, Teaninich, Benrinnes, Blair Athol, Royal Lochnagar, Dufftown, Inchgower, Dalwhinnie, Glen Elgin, Strathmill, Mannochmore, Auchroisk, Knockando, Glen Ord, Dailuaine, Glen Spey, and Roseisle.

The Collectivum XXVIII Blended Malt has been matured in a mix of refill American oak hogsheads and refill European casks.

You can still buy the Collectivum XXVIII Blended Malt in Norway at NOK 1900 (7923601), in Sweden at SEK 1899 (4007901), and in the UK at around GBP 150. It is surprising how consistent the pricing is across the countries for this product.

Nose: Warm and spicy - but a little hard to pin down at first. Various summer fruits and mild spices. Not very outspoken in any direction really.

Taste: Medium body and a slightly "raw" mouthfeel. Quite spicy now, and with more than a little oakiness. A touch salty and with hints of peat in the background.

Finish: Medium to long finish. It does not really develop but rather shifts between fruity + minty and a dark + spicy character. It goes back and forth several times before it slides to a somewhat watery halt.

Comments: Fun concept, and a well above average dram.

Score (84/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas