Quite an eclectic bunch on the tasting table today, all single casks bottled by Royal Mile Whiskies. I’ve decided to publish them in order of abv. It means we’ll start with the oldest, a Springbank 1994. Then we’ll follow that up with a Glentauchers 2008 and finally a Glen Grant 2003.
Anyone who’s ever been to Edinburgh will be familiar with this retailer and their shop on, you guessed it, the Royal Mile. They’ve been active as an independent bottler very sporadically. Some of Royal Mile Whiskies earliest releases date from the late 1990s. During the 2000s and 2010s they’ve also bottled the odd whisky. But now, during the last two years, things really started picking up again.
The revived independent bottling arm is probably a direct result from Ian McClune taking over the business in 2022. One can only hope they can keep it up this time around, and don’t fade away like they’ve done in previous decades.
Springbank 1994 30 Years (43.1%, Royal Mile Whiskies, C#27)
Nose: Fresh, waxy, elegant and chockfull of minerals. Hints of chalk, a fair amount of lime, rock pools and wet pebbles, but also just an elegant fruitiness that completely draws me in. A sliver of mango, some guave, then citrus peels and pears poached in white wine. After three decades in the cask there’s only a trace of earth peat left.
Taste: A moderately oily mouthfeel to start. Then it’s just a continuation of the nose, really. Slightly more Springbank-ish, in the sense that there’s a gentle brine-y note accompanying the earthy, mineral-esque peat. Also a pinch of white pepper, bung cloth and even some petrol. However, it’s the elegant fruits that stand out. More lime, lemons, cantaloupe and subtle tropical influences.
Finish: Medium to long. Wax, fruits, gentle spices and butter, but also slightly dunnage-y.
Glentauchers 2008 16 Years (46%, Royal Mile Whiskies, C#900255)
Nose: There’s just a tinge of polished copper to start, which is unexpected. It then moves into a sweeter, slightly more fruit-forward stage after some warming up. A touch of chaff first, but then hints of oranges, caramel and meringues, yet also slivers of peach and apple blossom. Finally some raisins, fresh teak and golden syrup as well.
Taste: A mixture of red berries, almost candy-esque at times, with chocolate truffles and toffee and Madeira cake, but also a fair bit of tangerine, almonds and nougat. The sherry cask has certainly been influential, but I wouldn’t dub this a sherry bomb either. (Far from it.) There’s a balance, but maybe the level of integration could be slightly higher.
Finish: Medium length. Cherry candy canes, raspberries and floral honey.
Glen Grant 2003 21 Years (53.3%, Royal Mile Whiskies, C#59894)
Nose: Glen Grant but not with the most powerful sherry influence. There’s a waxiness here, with a few drops of honey and a tinge of burlap. Next up is orange marmalade, hazelnuts and orange rind, as well as shortbread and just a soft chalkiness. Really pleasant.
Taste: Hints of stroopwafel, sultanas and raisins, but also a touch of treacle. These heavier notes are counteracted by a gentle breadiness and some tropical fruits that are lingering in the background. Some chalk again, but then some breakfast tea as well.
Finish: Medium length. Gentles spices and big caramel notes, as well as a slight herbaceousness and lingering notes of orange.
Samples provided by Royal Mile Whiskies
