Notable Age Statements. It’s a fun critique on the (still growing) number of whiskies without an age statement. Angus MacRaild and Decadent Drinks released a few of these already, including a 30-year-old gem and a Barbados rum. This Blended Malt 17 Years is the latest addition to this range.

The Blended Malt 17 Years is described as “our attempt to create an older style, sherry matured malt whisky profile.” The bottling is comprised of one first-fill sherry butt of 2006 Aultmore and another first-fill sherry butt of blended malt. The latter is supposedly Edrington stock that was married in 2001. I’ll let your imagination run wild as to which distilleries might be included.

blended malt 17 years notable age statements decadent drinks

Blended Malt 17 Years ‘Notable Age Statements’ (53%, Decadent Drinks, 2023)

Nose: Plenty of damp oak, leather and tobacco with hints of toffee, buttery brioche and fudge, but also slivers of cured oranges, love hearts and cinnamon. Finally a touch of sultanas and star anise.
Taste: There’s certainly a touch of heathery peat, then cracked black peppercorns and some orange pith as well. Also charred oak, liquorice and meringues, alongside a more herbacious side. The oak isn’t not present, if that makes sense.
Finish: Medium to long. Hints of fresh oak, fennel and spices.

Conclusion

It's the heathery peat that gives this whisky a different dimension. It fits the old-style that Decadent Drinks attempted to recreate. But there's a more modern, oak-y side to this Blended Malt as well. It might not be entirely old school, but it offers good value and something slightly different. Still available here.

8.7

Photo: Whiskybase