Sutherland 2010 13yo RMW Cask #2524 & Ardbeg 2008 15yo RMW Cask #5078

Sutherland 2010 13yo RMW Cask #2524

Region: Highlands

ABV: 571%

Price: £125

This single cask release of Clynelish was distilled on the 28th of July 2010 and matured in a bourbon barrel until February 2024. A total of 214 bottles were released.

Nose

The nose opens with a fairly tropical profile, tangerine, pineapple rings in syrup, a little dried mango too. Behind this sits a fairly waxy aroma, as well as runny honey, a little melon and some vanilla essence. We’re also finding a bunch of pencil shavings, foam bananas and flint. We can detect the faintest hint of red apple juice too. 

Palate

The palate opens with warm oak spice, a little nutmeg, a touch of ginger, moving into barley sugars, custard cream biscuits, grapefruit and melon liqueur. The mouthfeel is nice and creamy, it’s got a real fresh creme anglaise texture. Going back, there’s some banana pudding and a floral note in the background. The finish lingers on for a good length with vanilla and slightly bitter oak. Going back, there’s some vanilla wafers, bran flakes and a bit of dry earth. 

Nose (with water)

The reduced nose has a little more citrus, warm pastry, creamy vanilla and freshly baked biscuits. The tropical fruits have receded a little, it’s fairly malty, biscuity and dry. 

Palate (with water)

The reduced palate opens with citrus, lemon peel primarily, moving into simple white caster sugar, burnt bread dough, jelly babies, lime cordial and a little black pepper spice. Again, it’s slightly drier than the unreduced palate, but there’s still some sweetness in the background. 

Conclusion

Score: 7/10

Value

Like most independently bottled Clynelish, it's unfortunately on the pricey side given the age.

Region: Islay

ABV: 55.0%

Price: £180.00

This single cask release of Ardbeg was distilled on the 29th of October 2008 and matured in a Sherry butt until February 2024. A total of 674 bottles were released.

Nose

The nose opens with a mellow peat smoke, very very creamy, a little lavender, asphalt, lime leaf, infact there’s quite a lot of citrus here.. charred pineapple, barbecued lemon, alongside some lightly smoked pork belly. We’re also finding charred oak staves, mushy apple and baked banana with some toffee on top. The alcohol is in good balance, a little peppery but not bad at all. 

Palate

The palate opens with candied pecans.. maybe some pecan pie, smoked venison, strawberry jam, a little raspberry sauce, moving into the punchy peat.. not acrid or astringent, but balanced with a bit of vanilla and engine oil towards the finish. The finish doesn’t last for too long, but it does leave lingering peat smoke in the mouth. The mouthfeel is a letdown, it’s too watery for us unfortunately. Going back, we’re getting struck matches (a little bit of Sulphur), almond marzipan and a little streaky bacon. 

Nose (with water)

The reduced nose doesn’t change too much, a little more acidic, balsamic glaze, cherries in syrup, but with the freshness and sweet, creamy vanilla backbone. There’s still the underlying Ardbeg peat smoke here, all in good balance. 

Palate (with water)

The reduced palate doesn’t gain anything in terms of mouthfeel or finish, but still packs a peat punch. We’re finding red kola, tangy sweeties, burnt rubber, asphalt and a little pink peppercorn. The alcohol still remains well balanced though, and there’s hints of sweetness peeking through on the finish. 

Conclusion

Lovely classic Ardbeg, hints of sherry rather than an overwhelming amount. The nose is surprisingly fresh, light and bright, the palate moves towards more of the industrial, peat driven whisky that we expect. We’ve had a few of these refill sherry 14/15yo sister casks from various IBs and whilst this is a tasty dram, the mouthfeel and finish let it down somewhat

Score: 7/10

Value

While not cheap, it is priced in line with other independent bottlers' releases.

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• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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