Today I’m taking you on a Decadent Drinks adventure. We’ll be reviewing the last three releases of the Whisky Sponge era, before taking a closer look at the first chapter of Whiskyland. There’s a Glen Grant, Glen Moray, Ardnamurchan and Springbank. It is going to be exquisite.
Sometimes I find myself in situations that I’m not quite prepared for. Unexpected circumstances where I’m surrounded by whisky people that I look up to, maybe admire even. It’s when my imposter syndrome comes out in full force.
It started with a message from Angus MacRaild, head honcho at Decadent Drinks (and co-founder of Kythe Distillery). On June 12th he informed me about a special event in Glasgow to mark the end of the Whisky Sponge series and introduce a new series to replace it. If I’d be interested in joining. Which, of course I was, but it’s not exactly nearby for me either.
From the moment Angus messaged me, I knew I wanted to go, but as usual I needed a few more days to fully come to that realisation. Once I did, I booked a flight and hotel. And I’m very glad I did. I’m not sure what I expected the event to be like, but it was much better than I even anticipated. And I had high expectations to begin with.
Let’s just say the tasting – which is what it was at its core – was a testament to the hard work of Angus and the team of Decadent Drinks. Seeing how many people showed up only confirmed the high esteem in which I hold this independent bottler in general, and Angus in particular. I was just there to enjoy the ride, basically.
The whiskies were great, some of which I’m re-tasting today. The entire tasting was a trip down Whisky Sponge memory lane culminating in the unveiling of the 100th edition in the range, an Ardnamurchan. Angus wanted it to be a quality whisky (of course), but also relatively affordable (by Whisky Sponge standards). The Ardnamurchan is a combination of eight octave casks married for six months in a refill sherry butt.
When one series ends, another begins. In this case Decadent Drinks’ new Whiskyland range – and were all invited. Whiskyland will be a celebration of whisky culture, albeit it the more geeky element. Or, as described on the independent bottlers socials, “a place where Dramblegeeks can let their nerd flags fly.”
Kicking off the range in style, the first Whiskyland chapter is a Springbank 1998 aged for 26 years in a first-fill sherry butt. Same as the Whisky Sponge series, there are 100 chapters planned for Whiskyland. We also previewed the second chapter, which was just yum. I’m not going to give away what it is here, although other attendees may have already spilled the beans on social media.
But as always, it’s the people that make an event. I came across so many familiar faces, none of which disappointed. Some I had met before, but many I hadn’t except for maybe some brief digital interaction (via email or social media). Not that we needed it, but the whiskies from Decadent Drinks and the beers from Drygate (where the event was) were a perfect social lubricant.
I’m so glad I made the effort to travel the Glasgow and show up for an event that I’ll long remember. It affirmed why I’m thrilled to be part of the whisky community. We can always do better, but overall I’m super chuffed this is where I found my people. That may sound sappy, but I mean every word of it.
Glen Grant 2003 20 Years (57.1%, Decadent Drinks ‘Whisky Sponge’, Edition No. 98)
Nose: Almost exactly what you’d expect this to be – in the best possible way. It’s somewhat flinty, mineral-esque, yet with a fatty, oily backbone. Slightly chalky with a sliver of apples and pears, but the fruitiness is highlighted most by limoncello notes. More tartness from rhubarb, but also creamy pastry notes.
Taste: Custardy and creamy with a tinge of lemon pith, a sprinkle of white pepper and green fruits. A sliver of icing sugar too, but also most definitely chalky. Then hints of fennel and Madeira cake.
Finish: Medium length. A gentle bitterness, soft cereal notes and wet grass.
Glen Moray 32 Years (51.8%, Decadent Drinks ‘Whisky Sponge’, Edition No. 99)
Nose: Immediately plenty of polishes and waxes. Also notes of teak, maple syrup and Acacia honey. There’s dried fruits, most darker in nature. But also tinges of cantaloupe, fresh berries and zesty oranges, as well as a hint of rose petals. Finally, let’s not forget the sweet pastries.
Taste: Slightly dry at times, but nothing to worry about. Overal just very lovely. Hints of honeycomb, pollen and beeswax, but also sandalwood and custard followed by a pinch of almost citrus-y nutmeg and cinnamon. Speaking of citrus, there’s a warming orange note here that’s hugely appealing.
Finish: Medium. Hints of tea leaves, more oranges too. And a sliver of cigar boxes followed by gentle orchard fruits.
Ardnamurchan 7 Years (57.1%, Decadent Drinks ‘Whisky Sponge’, Edition No. 100)
Nose: There’s no denying this has spent most of its years in smaller casks. The oak influence is there, shall we say. But it’s also just deliciously intense. There’s hints of hemp ropes and tobacco, but also damp oak, bonfires and marzipan (all in moderation). Soft notes of chocolate, green walnuts and dried fruits linger in the background. Coming back to it after fifteen minutes or so, there might even be something farmy here.
Taste: The peat is slightly more pronounced now. A sliver of ashes, but also embers, bonfire and char, which I guess are all very closely related. But it’s very sherried too. Hints of tobacco, green walnuts, bitter chocolate and almond oil. Slightly resin-y as well.
Finish: Medium to long. Touches of jamón, some blackcurrants and lingering wood smoke.
Springbank 1998 26 Years (56.8%, Decadent Drinks ‘Whiskyland’, Chapter One)
Nose: Such an old-school feel immediately. I can’t help but be reminded of those stupidly old Speyside malts from Gordon & MacPhail, as well as this WhiskyNerds bottling. Maybe a tinge smokier, although the peat influence is supremely elegant at this age. Hints of prunes, aceto di balsamico, sandalwood and damp forest floor. Also a gentle minerality, soot, tobacco leaves and even rancio. Finally a faded meatiness.
Taste: Right… Only superlatives come to mind, honestly. Notes of hessian, mushrooms and minerals, accompanied by a tinge of leather, diesel fumes and more soot. There’s a subtle salinity too, a pinch of black pepper and then some Triple Sec (but very faint). Finally some salty fudge, tobacco leaves and earthy dunnage notes.
Finish: Long. Slivers of menthol, earthy peat and tar. Also leather and darker fruits.
Samples provided by Decadent Drinks
