Adelphi Blended Scotch Whisky

Nose: Caramel, molasses, walnuts, dried fruit, a touch of ash and dust, sherry, and diesel fuel. The aroma is pleasantly "gritty" but lighter orchard fruit scents in the background provide balance, even a hint of honey. Palate: An initial sweetness from dried fruit, some oak, a hint of salt, and a wisp of ash. As it develops, the ashy flavor intensifies, resembling a cold cigarette butt, with an umami quality from chewy tannins. It's an interesting mix of sweet and earthy, but not subtle. The texture is light, not watery, and it's "gritty" like the nose, but again, a fleeting fruit presence prevents it from being harsh. Finish: Medium/Short. Caramel and dark fruit, light smoke, and a bit of oak. It fades to a bittersweet aftertaste. This blend originates from the 1992 establishment of Adelphi independent bottlers. It's made in batches, seemingly using a solera-type method, but batch variation is common, and the profile shifts based on the whiskies in the vat at any given moment (in the 1990s, they included Lagavulin and Springbank, but not anymore). There's a trace of smoke on the nose, but it's nearly hidden by a rubbery, sulfurous aroma. While the texture isn't especially full, it has satisfying body, almost rough. I'd strongly suspect a good amount of Glenrothes in this specific batch I'm rating, but be aware that past bottles I've tried were much smoother and more fruit-forward. Overall, it has an old-school "big and bold" character, reminiscent of Whyte & Mackay blended scotch, but executed with significantly more finesse and skill. It's definitely not delicate or light-bodied like some other blends, but it's an acquired taste. If you prefer smooth, crisp, and "clean" blends, you won't enjoy this at all. Similarly, if you like sweet, full-bodied blends with a pleasant sherry influence, this probably won't suit your palate either. Do you appreciate meaty Mortlachs and farmyard Springbanks? Then you'll likely love this. It's gruff and unrefined, but undeniably characterful, and I have a conflicted relationship with it. It's far from my favorite blended scotch, but when I recently saw it at my local store (availability is sporadic), I bought 4 bottles and have no regrets. This offers fantastic value for the price. "Above Average": 82/100 (3.25 stars)

An unusual, niche blend that is now appearing on local shelves, this particular blend from Adelphi actually has some merits--its price under $30, for starters. This whisky actually brings to mind another affordable niche blend with inconsistent availability, Té Bheag. The aroma is heather honey, followed by light orchard fruits (apples), and a good base of brine, iodine, sea salt, and earthy peat. Possibly leather. Honeycomb and some floral character too, then a faint whiff of smoke. Some butterscotch and caramel. The taste is fruity at first (apples, pears)--though mild--and then you get that honey, that earthiness, brine, and the (light) smoke. Some pepper (suggesting Talisker might be in this blend, somewhere). A light, fatty mouthfeel, and more smoked meat and ash on the finish alongside apple skins. The body is quite light, but it's not a thin whisky--there's sufficient creaminess to make it enjoyable. Surprisingly full and flavorful for the price, with genuine seaside/peat character, and all without much of that grain whisky "pretzel dough" taste I find in many inexpensive blends. This appears to be a well-guarded blend secret: a true delight at an excellent value.

I hadn't heard of this bottler before but found the bottle in a small online liquor shop. The nose is inviting and sweet, with notes of chocolate and honey alongside vanilla and cane sugar. I thought I detected a faint whiff of smoke when smelling the bottle, but it's barely noticeable in the glass. It has a strong mouthfeel, and this is where the smoke actually appears. It's not a campfire smoke, more like a burning twig. It's sweet and delicate, with flavors of creme brulee, licorice root, salmiac, and a glazed carrot. There's a hint of strawberry in the far distance, but it's mostly sweet notes. Because of this, it's a bit one-dimensional. Somewhat boring. What I truly appreciate is the aftertaste, which is very mellow and smooth, offering a pleasant, fresh ocean breeze with a touch of bitterness. A short linger, in a good way. Sweet. It's not bad, but certainly not great either. It's fun to drink as a nightcap or to serve at parties.

This is likely the most inexpensive whisky I've sampled since living in Ireland and having Tullimore Dew for $35USD. Given it's Adelphi, you can't go wrong. It's certainly not comparable to Glenborradale, an older single malt, or even a new spirit. It presents the expected sherry, toffee, caramel, and butterscotch flavors, though with a slight harshness. Nevertheless, it's the best I've had so far on my 'cheap night dram' tasting adventure. A pour here at The Last Word bar costs $7USD. A score of 3.5, rounding up to 4 for value for money.

Nose: Leading with honey and sweet apple, plus a hint of medicinal notes and salt. Palate: Caramel and vanilla, with underlying pear and peat. Finish: Brief, with notes of chocolate/cocoa and vanilla, more caramel, and a touch of dried nuts and fruit. Better than anticipated given the cost; straightforward, welcoming, and mellow. Crucially, the subtle peat/brine keeps it engaging throughout.

Apple and butterscotch are dominant, but well-balanced by brine and earthy peat. Notes of toffee and a slight pepperiness. Very smooth and well-balanced. Excellent for the price, the best low-cost blend I've tried.