I’ve been hearing good things about Chorlton Whisky for a long time. Then I finally tried one of their whiskies last year and made a mental note to explore other Chorlton releases. Today is that day. We’ll take a look at a Ledaig 18 Years, Benrinnes 14 Years and Knockdhu 18 Years.
The latter is a peated one and matured in a hogshead. Chorlton doesn’t mention vintages on its labels, but I suspect the Knockdhu might be from the same batch of casks as this Hidden Spirits release, which I thought was amazing.
Then there’s the Benrinnes. It initially matured in a refill bourbon barrel before a 4 years secondary maturation in a sherry butt. Finally, the Ledaig is just a pure, untampered heavily peated single malt from an ex-bourbon hogshead.
Knockdhu 18 Years (58.9%, Chorlton Whisky, 179 bts.)
Nose: Earthy with damp oak, charcoal and savoury bonfire smoke, but also pleasant cereal notes and a touch of tinned peaches. Then whispers of pink grapefruits alongside charred lemon peel. Hints of honey and oaties as well.
Taste: Touches of soot with hints of star anise and smouldering embers, but also a whisper of lemon drizzle, sponge cake and barley husks, as well as smoked peanut skins.
Finish: Medium to long. Hints of orange pith, liquorice root and herbs, as well as a lingering wood smoke.
Benrinnes 14 Years (55%, Chorlton Whisky, 226 bts.)
Nose: An immediate hit of sulphur, presumably from the meaty Benrinnes spirit – not the cask. Hints of cranberry sauce, fermented grapes and icing sugar. Also a touch of lemon zest alongside tinned pineapples and buttery scones.
Taste: Big, meaty dram. Touches of copper, a distinct nuttiness and whispers of raspberries, followed by ginger and cloves. A hint of sourdough as well, accompanied by wheat cookies.
Finish: Medium with a gentle bitterness, some fruity hops and soft oak spices. Slightly dry.
Ledaig 18 Years (56.3%, Chorlton Whisky, 239 bts.)
Nose: Hints of Greek yoghurt infused with smoke and some ripe banana parts added to the mix. Also a touch of lemon zest, brine and smoked almonds. Finally some sauerkraut, bonfire smoke and just a touch of silage as well.
Taste: Smoked honey at first with a good amount of soot, a decent salinity and charred lemon peel, as well as roasted peanuts and vanilla custard. Nice earthiness too, accompanied by a nice herbaciousness and a hint of asphalt.
Finish: Medium with a hint of mint, coastal peat and briny seaweed.
