Independent bottler Tri Carragh keeps quietly (or maybe not so quietly) moving forward. This is their 7th release already, which includes a trio of whiskies from Strathclyde, Mannochmore and Teaninich.

Although having tried a few of their previous releases, I can’t pretend to be very familiar with this Edinburgh based bottler. I will say that they’re not afraid to re-rack a whisky. Founders Ryan McCafferty and Ola Lopatowska used to work at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a bottler with an inclination towards finishing as well. Maybe there’s some causality there, but that’s pure speculation.

The new Teaninich 2013 12 Years was re-racked into an ex-Cheval Blanc cask in November 2023. That was just a month after Tri Carragh re-racked their Strathclyde 1994 30 Years into a first-fill bourbon barrel, presumably after initially having matured in inactive refill oak.

Finally, the Mannochmore 2014 11 Years was deemed good as is. It’s the only whisky from Tri Carragh’s 7th release spending its entire time in a single cask – a second-fill bourbon barrel.

Strathclyde 1994 30 Years (44.2%, Tri Carragh, 204 bts.)

Nose: Obligatory hints of nail polish, but then it’s underripe lemon that takes centre stage. Quite zesty at times, but also notes of brioche, powdered sugar and coconut shavings. Maybe also a whisper of vanilla foam blocks, candied strawberries, and a light lavender note.
Taste: A (white) pepper-y arrival. Very ester-y and slightly tropical with a light vanilla touch and some oak spices. Think cloves, mainly. Maybe some cinnamon too.
Finish: Medium length. Hints of honeydew, some grainy pear and lingering vanilla notes.

Conclusion

Maybe it’s my unrefined palate, but grain whiskies are often too narrow for me to ever really stand out – this Strathclyde included. Having said that, it’s rather enjoyable. Fruity and estery, but not without some light oak touches as well.

8.5

Mannochmore 2014 11 Years (52.4%, Tri Carragh, 236 bts.)

Nose: Luscious orchard fruits like ripe apples, stewed pears and maybe there’s even room for some strawberries. Also a touch of chalk, a slight leafiness and finally some nougat. Very pleasant.
Taste: Rather a rich mouthfeel. Almost syrupy at times. Hints of sultanas, golden syrup, apfelstrudel and stewed fruits work in tandem with a slight chalkiness, a pinch of white pepper and a light sprinkling of cinnamon.
Finish: Medium length. A touch of lemon pith, ripe apple parts and vanilla custard.

Conclusion

A unexpected surprise from Mannochmore, a distillery that doesn’t feature often as a single malt. Maybe I should pay more attention to it.

8.8

Teaninich 2013 12 Years (54.6%, Tri Carragh, 204 bts.)

Nose: A fair bit of lemon accompanied by stone fruits – mainly peach – but also red currants and green grapes. There’s a pleasant floral element, yet also light cereal touches highlighted by while grain Wasa crackers.
Taste: Not necessarily what I expected. Soft hints of oak and green walnuts. The elegant fruitiness from the nose doesn’t translate entirely. Maybe some light touches of bitter lemon, and there’s some vanilla extract too.
Finish: Medium length. Now the fruits make an encore. Gentle hints of peaches and poached pears, but also some Galia melon.

Conclusion

The wine influence integrates well with the spirit, but the oak may become slightly too loud on the palate, leaving less room for elegant fruits.

8.4

Samples provided by Tri Carragh

Photos: Tyndrum Whisky