Whisky Concerto Glenlossie 2018 & Whisky Concerto Peated Blended Malt

Whisky Concerto Glenlossie 2018

Region: Speyside

ABV: 56.8%

Price: ??? 

Today, we’re reviewing a bottling from Whisky Concerto, a relatively new independent bottler established in 2019 by a group of whisky enthusiasts from Hong Kong. Our first review is a 6-year-old distilled at Glenlossie Distillery on the 1st January 2018. It was matured in a first-fill Palo Cortado quarter cask and bottled on the 1st May, 2024. This release consists of 150 bottles.

Nose

The nose is initially quite tight, but with patience, subtle notes begin to emerge, including strawberry syrup, reduced raisins, lemon, aftershave, fudge, gingerbread, grapefruit, and burnt golden syrup. There’s very little spice, and the ABV is well integrated, making it easy to nose.

Palate

The palate starts off quite subtle, with sweet notes of raisin and golden syrup reminiscent of the nose. It then develops into juicy fruit flavours like red berries, prunes, and cranberries, before transitioning to a spicy black pepper finish. The mouthfeel is ok, but the finish is a touch short. On revisiting, there are hints of Starburst sweets and banana Angel Delight. The ABV is well integrated, making it quite drinkable.

Nose (with water)

With water, the nose reveals stronger sherry notes, including cola, poached prunes, and cinnamon. There’s a hint of ethanol and a touch of warehouse funk. Additional aromas include butterscotch, fudge, milk chocolate, gingerbread, and Christmas cake.

Palate (with water)

With water, the palate remains very similar to its undiluted state but has less fruit and is slightly spicier on the finish. The sweetness lingers a little longer, and the mouthfeel feels marginally improved. With time in the glass the profile shifts towards toffee, caramel, and brown sugar sweetness.

Conclusion

It’s not a bad dram, with some pleasant notes, but its flaws—a tight nose, average mouthfeel, and slightly short finish—bring the score down to a 6.5.

Score: 6.5/10

Value

We didn’t get a price for the bottle, but if any readers know what this costs please get in touch to let us know.

Whisky Concerto Peated Blended Malt

Region: N/A

ABV: 59.5%

Price: ??? 

The Whisky Concerto Peated Blended Malt is a 6-year-old expression distilled in 2018. It was matured in a hogshead cask and bottled in 2024, with a total release of 153 bottles.

Nose

On the nose, the notes are quite subtle, featuring cold butter, a faint hint of smoke in the background, sea spray, kelp, green apples, and lemon. The profile leans more towards savoury than sweet. On revisiting, aromas of freshly baked fruit scones, pastry, pineapple, a touch of pepper spice, and watermelon Jolly Ranchers emerge.

Palate

On the palate, the whisky leans savoury, with notes of buttery pastries. The peat is not very pronounced, but there’s a briny or slightly fishy element alongside tar and simple syrup. It has a drying effect on the mouth, with the finish being overly spicy, featuring chilli and pepper. The dryness is really distracting. The mouthfeel has a watery texture, and we’re finding it doesn’t taste its ABV, but not in a good way.

Nose (with water)

With water, the nose remains savoury and quite similar to its undiluted state, but it has opened up slightly. The buttery note is prominent, reminiscent of Cornish pasties. There’s also a hint of TCP, a touch of peat, and notes of Werther’s Originals.

Palate (with water)

With water, the palate remains quite similar to its undiluted state but gains a noticeable citrus tang. It’s less spicy, and the mouthfeel has improved. The finish is of a good length, with slightly reduced buttery notes.

Conclusion

It’s not a bad dram with a few drops of water, but it remains a bit one-dimensional, and dilution only goes so far in addressing its flaws.

Score: 6.5/10

Value

Like today’s other review, we didn’t get a price for this one. If any readers know the cost, please get in touch to let us know.

• 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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