Not long to go until it is Christmas. While I can be a bit of grinch, I wouldn’t want to keep anyone else from enjoying the holidays. Purely out of the kindness in my heart I’ll review The Whisky Exchange’s A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky. You want more? Okay, I’ll give you the Stocking Filler 11 Years from Royal Mile Whiskies a well. See, I can spread cheer!
This is the third edition of A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky, which was preceded by a range called A Fine Christmas Malt. In many of the previous years there had been some kind of communication by The Whisky Exchange about the contents of the bottle. We’ve seen a Highland Park, Linkwood and, of course, a Glenfarclas – a producer high up the list of distilleries that make Christmas-y whiskies.
There was even been a blended Christmas malt, including a fairly precise breakdown of the different components. But not this one though. Much like last year, all we know is that the latest A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky is a 15-year-old Speyside single malt from ex-Oloroso sherry casks. And at 80 pounds it seems decently priced as well.
But first we’ll move our attention over to the Stocking Filler 11 Years from Royal Mile Whiskies. This blended malt consists of sherrywood-aged whiskies, with the youngest one coming in at 11 years. Also, since I mentioned The Whisky Exchange’s offering was decently priced, I’d be remiss not to bring up that the Stocking Filler comes in at a very friendly 35 pounds. Now that’s a price I can get behind.
Stocking Filler 11 Years (46%, Royal Mile Whiskies, 2024)
Nose: An immediate sherry-forward profile with a dryness I quite enjoy. Quality casks, it seems. Not as youthful as I expected either. I know it’s 11-years old, which isn’t young per se, but I suppose I expected a less mature profile at this price. Warm baking spices, honeyed cereals and a touch of orange marmalade, as well as a hint of jammy blackcurrants, just a whiff of tangy rhubarb and then some Muscovado sugar.
Taste: Full-bodied, even at a reduced strength. Slightly dry and moderately spicy. Hints of cinnamon, a sprinkle of black pepper and some nutmeg. There is a good amount of cocoa powder too, accompanied by orange peel, blackcurrants and a touch of cherry liqueur. Maybe some almonds too.
Finish: Short to medium. Lingering spices, a touch of cigar boxes and dried fruits with a tinge of treacle.
A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky 15 Years (54.8%, The Whisky Exchange, 2024)
Nose: An array of fresh berries to kick things off, but also a sliver of rhubarb & apple crumble, as well as figs and a sprinkling of orange zest. There’s a sliver of nutmeg too, some coffee grounds, and just a tinge of something floral and candy-esque. We are off to a good start.
Taste: Punchy but not hot. Damp oak with a quick hit of cinnamon accompanied by orange peels and ginger. Then a sliver of burnt toast as well, followed by chocolate pralines and coffee beans. Water unlocks a creamier mouthfeel.
Finish: Medium length. Warming spices linger. Finally gentle orchard fruits, mainly apples.
Samples provided by The Whisky Exchange and Royal Mile Whiskies
