The Lost Distilleries Blend Batch 11

Being able to sample whiskies from closed distilleries or older bottlings is always an interesting and enjoyable experience, though it typically comes with a very high cost to try a ghost or a past release. It seems The Blended Whisky Company has been successful in blending whiskies from ghosted distilleries, and I had the opportunity to sample batch #11. This batch includes malt whisky from Caperdonich, Rosebank, Imperial, Mosstowie, Glen Mhor, Glenisla, Glenlochy, Craigduff, Port Ellen, and Brora, along with grain whisky from Port Dundas, bottled at 52.3%. The nose begins with a rich banana cream pudding, followed by a light sherry influence with dark chocolate and figs, then a subtle sulfur and minerality. This is followed by notes of dehydrated mango, lychee, and gooseberries, fading into toasted nuts, barrel spices, and freshly fallen leaves with a slight ethanol burn. The taste has a rich mouthfeel, starting with fruit notes of Fuji apples, gooseberries, and candied lemon peel, then dark chocolate-covered raisins. This is followed by grassy, floral notes, then a mild pepper spice in the mid-palate that fades to toasted walnuts, cloves, pipe tobacco, and medium oak with a moderate ethanol burn. The finish is medium in length, featuring manuka honey, Fuji apples, candied lemon peel, dark chocolate, figgy pudding, light minerality, ginger, and mild oak spice. This is a rich whisky that offers a nice balance of sherry, citrus, florals, nuts, and oak spices. It's a bit spicier in the mid-palate than I prefer, but it remains a delicious blend of whiskies from ghost distilleries that was genuinely enjoyable to try. These bottles appear to be priced at $300+, which I don't think is justified, but if you're looking to try a blend of whiskies from some ghosted distilleries, this is a quite flavorful option.

Fortunate to have sampled this. Fine and uncommon spirit. Nose: Initially, wood notes emerge with fruitiness and a faint, savory sulfurous hint. Intricate and layered, suggesting significant aging. Sweet undertones, traces of raisins, evoking sherry. Palate: Rich and viscous, all positives for me. A nice blend of sweetness and a decidedly spicy character, with oak presence. Subtle citrus notes too. Extended finish. The 52.3% ABV contributes, and it's noticeable. However, it's not overwhelming. Dry and peppery with a subtle salinity and an overall well-integrated sweetness.

The nose is very fruity. It's bold on the palate. The entry is pleasant, with prominent fruit in the middle and a woody finish. It's almost excessively woody (like nuts), which I dislike. The finish has a pleasant warmth that is misleadingly mild for its proof.

Starts smooth with notes of toffee and butter on the nose. Spice hits the palate, followed by honey and a touch of sweetness at the finish. A light grassy undertone.

A pleasant hint of honey and bananas. A bit too sweet for my preference.

From the 2018 Scotch Whiskey Advent Calendar, Day 1.