macduff ncnean glenlossie bbr review

Macduff / Glenlossie / Nc’nean (Berry Bros & Rudd)

The Whisky Exchange just launched an exclusive Macduff 2001 23 Years from Berry Bros & Rudd, which I used as an excuse to also review a few other releases from this London bottler. That means we’ll be tasting a Nc’nean 2017 (from The Pioneers range) and a Glenlossie 2011 (part of the Glens & Valleys series) as well.

The Macduff would be the main course, a fairly unknown distillery that produces The Deveron. I’ve never visited the distillery and, up until a few months ago, hadn’t even been near it. Driving along the north coast of Aberdeenshire, I sort of happened upon the towns of Banff and Macduff. They are neatly separated by the Deveron river, next to which the distillery is located.

(I had my reasons for being there and it wasn’t whisky. Maybe if you’ll ever see me in person I’ll tell you what I was doing there. What a tease am I, no? You are very welcome.)

Having now visited the area, I do sort of feel a connection with it. I don’t think I’ll be back there often, but there’s no way I’ll ever forget Banff and Macduff. I wouldn’t call it an underrated part of Scotland per se, yet the coastline is beautiful. This will now be my first time tasting a Macduff since happenstance brought me close to the distillery. I suppose that means something.

But first…


ncnean 2017 berry bros the pioneers review

Nc’nean 2017 (57.3%, Berry Bros & Rudd ‘The Pioneers’, C#198)

Nose: A delicate spirit. It’s the green fruits that take centre stage. Certainly some cotton candy grapes, but also hints of quince, and then green apple skin. There’s just a sliver of marzipan, while also something slightly chalky/mineral.
Taste: Very refreshing to taste an ex-bourbon matured Nc’nean. Quite full-bodied with a decent amount of orchard fruits, as well as a slight hoppiness, a tinge of white pepper and some peanut skins as well. Finally some Goudrenet apples.
Finish: Medium length. Ripe bananas, some coconut and fresh barley.

Conclusion
Unexpectedly delicious, although I’m not surprised this pure, naked Nc’nean is my favourite whisky from this distillery so far.
8.7


glenlossie 2011 13 years berry bros glens valleys review

Glenlossie 2011 13 Years (56.2%, Berry Bros & Rudd ‘Glens & Valleys’, C#1290)

Nose: A fairly classic fruit-forward profile with crisp apples and some pear skin, but also some vanilla-led aromas to bring balance between sweeter and more sour notes (cattle feed). Also some gentle hay-like notes, maybe some sage but definitely some heather flowers. Finally a tinge of honeyed cereals.
Taste: More spices on the palate than I expected. A good pinch of pepper, also cloves, and maybe even nutmeg. Then hints of green walnuts, honey and some lemon pith. Water brings out more herbaceous notes.
Finish: Medium length. Oak spices linger before orchard fruits and creamy cereals appear.

Conclusion
An attractive nose, but the palate couldn’t quite keep up. A bit of an austere, nutty, spicy profile that doesn’t quite suite me, although it’s still very palatable.
8.3

macduff 2003 21 years berry bros the whisky exchange review

Macduff 2003 21 Years (58%, Berry Bros & Rudd for ‘The Whisky Exchange’, C#900025)

Nose: From a single sherry butt. Warming spices with a mixture candied peanuts, sugary shortbread and an assortment of ripe fruits. Think apples, but also pears and even the odd apricot. Finally a pleasant note of butterscotch and fragrant sultanas.
Taste: Creamy and eminently drinkable, especially considering the strength. Slivers of burlap, a tinge of cinnamon and some damp oak as well. Then a touch of caramel, raisins and madeira cake.
Finish: Medium length. Lingering baking spices, furniture polish and maybe even a tinge of café crème. Oh, and now something mint-y too.

Conclusion
A very pleasant Macduff that's not a dime a dozen. Undoubtedly mature, while the sherry butt, despite being a refill cask, has left an indelible mark as well.
8.7

Power your creative ideas with pixel-perfect design and cutting-edge technology. Create your beautiful website with Zeen now.