Super tastings of 2024 @ Dr. Jekyll’s Pub
As dictated by tradition over the past decade or so, Dr. Jekyll’s Pub in Oslo will hold super tastings just before summer vacation time and just before Christmas. I always try to a make it a point to attend these tastings as they are very good value for money. Attendees get to try a good mix of rare and / or old whiskies from Scotland and around the world. The focus is very much on Scotch though.
These super tastings are almost always hosted by the whisky gentleman Tommy, and Tommy always adds a mystery dram into the mix. Tee attendees are then given clues inbetween the other drams, and we get to guess what the mystery dram was. The mystery dram will often be something completely different, but challenging. We’ve had cognac, rum, cask matured aquavit etc.
I actually cannot recall what the mystery dram turned out to be for the summer tasting, but for the winter tasting it was the Kyrö Sauna Stories release (see full review).
Summer tasting 2024
Tommy proudly presenting the line-up for the summer super tasting.
Here’s the line up and my brief comments on the line-up from the summer tasting:
Glenmorangie 1991 26 YO Grand Vintage Malt, 43%
Soft and sweet on the nose with dried fruits and vanilla; a rich palate of tannins and mahogany; finishes long with red berries and hints of leather.
Score: 91/100Glenlossie 17 YO Gordon MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice 1968, 40%
Unusual gherkin and floral nose; dry and strange palate; watery finish with caramel and rose water. A peculiar and divisive dram.
Score: 78/100BenRiach 22 YO Moscatel Finish, 46%
A rich nose of dried fruits, caramel, and Christmas cake; a bold palate with sweet fruits and floral roughness; finishes sweet and calming.
Score: 87/100Glen Keith 30 YO Old Malt Cask, 50%
Tropical fruits and marshmallows on the nose; creamy palate with strawberries and almonds; finishes long with strawberry milkshake and caramel.
Score: 90/100
Most of us agreed that there probably was something wrong with the Glenlossie bottle. It wasn’t corked, but definitely off somehow.
An old Glen Keith!
An old Glenlossie that turned out to be a very weird experience.
Cool runnings!
Cameo appearance by Jonathan @ Dr. Jekyll’s!
Winter tasting 2024
The winter super tasting started off with this pair of a blended Scotch grain and a blended Scotch.
Here’s the line up and my brief comments on the line-up from the winter tasting:
That Boutique-y Whisky Company 30 YO Blend Grain
A dark, characterful nose with prunes, figs, and popcorn; rich and full palate; finishes long with chocolate confectionery.
Score: 87/100Whyte & Mackay 30 YO (2015)
Light and sweet nose with caramel and marshmallows; delicate palate with milk chocolate and mild fruitiness; playful and light finish with chocolate and raisins.
Score: 87/100Glenfiddich 30 YO Re/Imagined
An elegant, refined experience that captures old-world charm. See my previous in-depth review here.
Score: 88/100Port Ellen 1982 30 YO Old & Rare
Rich, fruity nose with caramel and chocolate smoke; full and spirited palate with mild spiciness; finishes fruity and rich with eucalyptus and menthol.
Score: 92/100Caol Ila 1980 30 YO Old & Rare
Nose of wood smoke and grassy notes; full, peppery, and characterful palate; long, fizzy finish with caramel and peppery highlights.
Score: 92/100
Port Ellen, when it was still good :-)
Magical old Caol Ila!
Tommy flanked by Mario, representing William Grant & Sons in Norway, i.e the Glenfiddich importer.
Slàinte!
- Thomas
