Is Whiskybase the most popular whisky website in the world? I have no way of knowing for sure, but it wouldn’t surprise me. Today I’m reviewing three semi-recent releases from Archives, Whiskybase’s independent bottling arm.
Only one of these bottlings was officialy released in the Netherlands (and thus Europe). That would be the Bunnahabhain (a Staoisha, to be exact). Both other single malts were bottled for Asian markets. The Glen Moray for Jiuhe China, and the Secret Highland for ARen Trading in Taiwan.
The only reason I’m tasting these now is because Archives always holds back a few bottles of their international releases, consequently selling them in their Rotterdam shop. While I don’t live nearby, one of the most prolific bottle sharers in the Netherlands does.
I have him to thank for supplying review samples of these whiskies (and many others over the years).
Glen Moray 2008 14 Years (54.5%, Archives, C#5677)
Nose: Rather a bright, summery whisky with gentle orchard fruits, soft leafy notes and a tinge of digestive biscuits. Also a fairly clear note of green bananas, accompanied by vanilla sponge with a lemon drizzle. Ending on whispers of candyfloss.
Taste: Fairly creamy. A hint of burnt toast, as well as ginger. I wouldn’t describe it as a tropical whisky, but there is some guava, lime and maybe even mango. Then walnuts, a touch of fennel and golden syrup.
Finish: Medium length. There’s a spicy note that linger for a while.
Secret Highland 2008 14 Years (59.8%, Archives, C#14)
Nose: Slightly doughy and bready initially, while rather juicy at the same time. There’s hints of lemon zest, some stewed apples and maybe even white peaches, but also a definite floral, almost leafy element with some added coconut shavings. Finally just a sliver of beeswax.
Taste: Buttery mouthfeel. Something old-school almost. A mixture of dark-roasted cereals, nuts and wholegrain bread, as well as some sandalwood and crème caramel. We’re ending on some dried fruits, gentle spices and candlewax.
Finish: Medium length. More of the above.
Bunnahabhain 2013 10 Years (57.9%, Archives, C#840)
Nose: Very approachable. Sweet to the point of candy-esque. (Although within bounds.) Buttercream icing, cherry-flavoured candy canes, vanilla schuimblokken. There’s a touch of coconut milk, as well as soft wood smoke, redcurrants, some tobacco and cedarwood. And you know what? Stewed fruits as well.
Taste: Stronger peat influence now. Coastal, a pinch of salt, some burlap and also butterscotch. Notes of stewed apples too. Or maybe smoked apples. Okay, let’s settle for smoky stewed apples. Is that a thing? It is now. Warming spices as well, accompanied by peat smoke.
Finish: Long. Baking spices, tobacco and orchard fruits.
Photos: Whiskybase
