In recent years we’ve seen some pretenders to the throne, but in my humble opinion, Millstone remains the best whisky produced in the Netherlands. Today we’ll take a closer look at a recent single cask Millstone 12 Years from a PX sherry butt, bottled for The Whisky Exchange.
But first a sparring partner from a few years ago. At first glance, this is also a 12-year-old, sherry-matured Millstone, albeit Oloroso sherry, not Pedro Ximénez. A former standard expression from the distillery, if I’m not mistaken. However, while the big number on the label clearly says twelve, it’s the small print that proves interesting.
If you look closer at the bottom label, you’ll see a distillation date an a bottling date. (The below image is illustrative, my sample came from this batch.) This seemingly 12-year-old single malt was distilled on 26 October 2010 and bottled on 8 September 2017 – nearly 17 years later!
Millstone 12 Years Sherry Cask (46%, OB, 2017)
Nose: Opening up on raisins and sultanas, but there’s always a kind of malt-forward element. Also a touch of cinnamon, some grapefruit, hazelnuts and an infusion of chocolate. Light floral notes add a level of balance. Highly accessible.
Taste: A tinge of pepper at first, followed by warm baking spices and a creamy sherry influence. Hints of tobacco and an assortment of dried fruits, then also dark caramel notes and raisins, with finally a tinge of mocha.
Finish: Medium length. Slivers of roasted coffee beans, a tinge of mint and some walnuts.
Millstone 2010 12 Years PX Single Cask (53.2%, OB for The Whisky Exchange, C#B237)
Observant readers may have noticed the vintage and age statement, and will have come to the conclusion that this was bottled in 2022. They would be right. But then why was it released only last week? The explanation is simple.
This single cask Millstone was originally intended to be part of a series to celebrate The Whisky Exchange’s co-founders 50th year of working in the world of drinks. Seeing as it already included three other Millstone (including these), this 12-year-old Millstone was held back a while so it would stand out more.
Nose: Quite an instant hit of almonds alongside notes of cappuccino, marzipan, tablet and a distant floral influence. There’s also a sliver of damp oak, stewed pears and love hearts. Cinnamon slowly moves forward, as do gentle notes of fresh berries. Given time there’s more of an umami element too.
Taste: Thick and mouthcoating. Lots of dates, some prunes and intensely jammy fruits. Also a soft spicy note (mostly black pepper), accompanied by cherries and dark chocolate, as well as some earthy rye bread.
Finish: Medium to long. More chocolate, meade and dunnage notes.
Photos: The Whisky Exchange
