Just in a short period of time, Hogshead Indie (a brand from Hogshead Imports) has grown into one of the more prolific independent bottlers in the Netherlands. Ever since their inaugural outturn, they’ve continued to make good on their promise to bottle honest whisky at (mostly) affordable prices.
Their latest round of releases was launched just a few days ago, during an online blind tasting in the evening. Call it curiosity, or impatience, but I had already written my tasting notes beforehand. That’s mostly because my palate is much fresher during the day. Another benefit: it allows me to more actively participate in the online tasting, simply enjoying whatever was left of my samples, and confirming my earlier findings.
The lineup included a few undisclosed bottlings. The name of the distillery isn’t on the label of four of the six new Hogshead Indie releases. However, the Lowland single malt was distilled at Glenkinchie, the Campbeltown Blended Malt is a teaspooned Glen Scotia, and the Islay Single Malt is an Ardbeg. The only whisky with an unknown provenance is the 15-year-old Speysider.
All of the Hogshead Indie releases matured in refill casks, except for the Glen Scotia (first-fill barrel) and the Aultmore (refill ex-sherry).
A Lowland Distillery 2014 9 Years (48%, Hogshead Indie, 442 bts.)
Nose: Light with notes of cereals and a tinge of copper coins. Also, meringues and cake icing, accompanied by warm apple sauce, pear and a sliver of sandalwood. There’s a whiff of draff too.
Taste: Relatively creamy mouthfeel. Initially fresh with a hint of vanilla sweetness and pear skin, but it quickly transforms into nutty flavours alongside some spice elements. Then a sliver of oak char, some pepper, and just a whisper of aniseed.
Finish: Medium length. Slightly grassy now. And a hint of bitterness too.
Campbeltown Blended Malt 2016 8 Years (48%, Hogshead Indie, 318 bts.)
Nose: Immediately hints of stewed fruits alongside some cured lemons. Then some crème caramel, toffee and sugary porridge. There are some floral notes too, as well as rose water and grass clippings.
Taste: Rather oily. Somewhat floral again, a green fruit salad, some marzipan-like sweetness and a soft butteriness. Also candied bananas, as well as nutmeg and a noticeable maltiness.
Finish: Medium length. Leafier now. Ending on notes of Galia melon, as well as some gentle citrus.
A Speyside Distillery 2008 15 Years (56.8%, Hogshead Indie, 322 bts.)
Nose: Fairly light and somewhat closed too. This needs time, but patience is rewarded. There are touches of ozone, then some crushed mint leaves. Also, sweet pastries with cinnamon-sprinkled apple parts. A touch of honeycomb. Finally, were heading into a more floral, almost perfumed area.
Taste: Thick, creamy mouthfeel. Some grainy pears, soft tannins and hints of fennel. A delicate sweetness lingering in the background. Ripe stone fruits too, but faintly. Then some notes of linseed oil.
Finish: On the shorter side. Gentle tannins, slightly austere and some soft orchard fruits.
Mortlach 2013 9 Years (58.4%, Hogshead Indie, 133 bts.)
Nose: Starting with a hint of Greek yoghurt, but then slivers of honeyed cereal, maybe even some chalk, and definitely citrus notes. Mostly bright orange zest, but also some lychees. Then a touch of hemp rope, also wet pebbles and just a whiff of milk chocolate.
Taste: There’s a tinge of smoke I hadn’t picked up on earlier. Somewhat dirty. Also a whisper of heather, golden syrup and soot. Then barley husks, white peaches, a pinch of white pepper and charred lemons. Finally some straw and apples.
Finish: Medium length. Slightly earthy, and roasted grains alongside a hint of chalk.
Aultmore 2009 14 Years (57.7%, Hogshead Indie, 86 bts.)
Nose: A touch of Maraschino cherries, but mostly just dried fruit influences. Some figs and prunes combined with strawberry gelato. Also, a sliver of cigar boxes, a hint of teak wood and some leather. Finally, some damp leaves and cinnamon buns.
Taste: Fatty mouthfeel and quite a big intensity. A good amount of older oak, but also immediately plenty of spices combined with a minty, menthol-y freshness. There’s also mocha, some milk chocolate and a good amount of plums. Finally tobacco.
Finish: Medium to long. Lingering herbs, pine-y oils and chocolate.
An Islay Distillery (55.8%, Hogshead Indie, 304 bts.)
Nose: Immediately notes of earthy peat, smoked barley husks and thick vanilla custard. Also a gentle coastal influence. Sea spray, some dried seaweed and even a touch of smoked oysters. Big notes of charcoal too, as well as some tar and brine, while pineapple makes an appearance too.
Taste: Properly oily. The texture certainly impresses. A good amount of engine grease, a serious pinch of black pepper and thick sooty notes. Also fresh tarmac, smoked cereals and hardwood resins.
Finish: Long. Lingering spices, a drop of iodine and oily. Nice phenolic vibe.
Samples provided by Hogshead Imports
