The response to Turntable Spirits seems to have been overwhelmingly positive in the company’s first year. Their ethos, packaging, and most importantly, their blended whiskies, were all well-received. We’ve now arrived at this blending house’s 4th and 5th chapter – Track 04 and Track 05 hit the market just last month.

Turntable Spirits’ new releases continue to take inspiration from the world of music, this time turning to rock band Blondie and music pioneers Daft Pink. The blended whiskies are named One Way Or Another and Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, respectively.

The new Track 04 is a blend of 78 percent grain and 22 percent malt whisky, while Track 05 is much more malt-minded AND bottled at cask strength, a first for Turntable Spirits. The full recipes are included below, except for the ages of the whiskies used. As per the regulations from the Scotch Whisky Association, Turntable Spirits isn’t allowed to disclose them.

turntable spirits track 04 one way or another review

Turntable Spirits Track 04 – One Way Or Another (46%, OB, 2024)

30% Strathclyde – 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels
21% Invergordon – Ex-Red Wine Barrels
15% Cameronbridge – Ex-Marsala Barrels
12% Cameronbridge – Ex-Madeira Barrels
22% Linkwood – 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels

Nose: Light, bright summery fruits with a hint of acetone. Some papaya, a whiff of mango and pear skin. Also sliver of green walnuts, some mush banana and hard candy. There’s just a tinge of pollen too, followed by zesty orange peel.
Taste: Decent creamy mouthfeel. More sweetness along with vibrant fruits, although there’s this soft cardboard-y edge as well. Plenty of overripe banana too, as well as candied fruits. Some gentle spices linger in the back, as well as some varnish.
Finish: On the shorter side of medium.

Conclusion

There’s lots to like here, such as the creamy mouthfeel, as well as the interplay between candy-like sweetness and bright fruits. Then there’s also some less polished grain-y edges on the palate. Overall a pleasant summer-y sipper.

8.4

turntable spirits track 05 harder better faster stronger review

Turntable Spirits Track 05 – Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (59.1%, OB, 2024)

26% Tamdhu – 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt
21% Dalmunach – 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels
18% Mannochmore – 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels
22% Girvan – 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels
13% Girvan – Ex-Marsala Barrels

Nose: Almost waxy. And surprisingly sherry-forward, despite the relatively limited amount of sherry casks used. Notes of sticky toffee pudding alongside creamy bananas, hints of nectarines, some strawberries and fudge. Somewhat spicy too. Rich, but not overwhelming. A better word would be balanced.
Taste: Thick, rich mouthfeel. Spicy notes upon arrival. Cloves, a good pinch of cracked black pepper corns, maybe even some creamy macadamia nuts. Also touches of cigar boxes, plums and jammy apricots. Ending in a touch of vanilla custard.
Finish: Medium length. A tad dry at times. Hints of banana sorbet and fresh fruits.

Conclusion

A Whisky with a capital W. It's big. Especially the palate is bold and brash, while the nose is more civil. It's a fun whisky either way, with little intricacies that keep you guessing.

8.6

Samples provided by Craft Spirits Company

Photos: Whiskyhaus Brühler