Whiskypeter Glen Ord 8 Cask #800184 & Whiskypeter Glen Ord 10 Cask #800185

Whiskypeter Glen Ord 8 Cask #800184

Region: Highlands

ABV: 59.2%

Price: 499 DKK (£57)

This was distilled on 19th December 2012 and matured in a 1st fill bourbon barrel until 3rd March 2021, at which point it was bottled.

Nose

On the nose, we're finding lots of upfront apple, sour green apple mostly, a mixture of the skin of the fresh fruit alongside some boiled sweets of the same flavour. We're also getting some green melon, bruised mint leaves, freshly zested lime and something reminding us of old dusty wardrobes. There's a white pepper spice coming through showing off the punchy alcohol, but it's in relative balance with the fresher fruit and citrus aromas.

Palate

The palate opens with a heap of upfront sweetness, we're given free reign in a candy store. There's the apple and melon from the nose, alongside sour patch kids, peach and cream sweets highlighting some nice milky, vanilla notes too. The spice is quite powerful, it gives the dram a real heat as it moves into the finish. Speaking of the finish, it lasts for a fair while, showing a little bit of citrus pith, sugar syrup and oak tannin. The mouthfeel here is pretty good, not overly thick but it's got a slight creaminess that we enjoy.

Nose (with water)

The reduced nose shows much more of the cask influence, muting some of the fruitier aromas in favour of vanilla, fudge and milk chocolate digestive biscuits. It's still sweet, just a different type of richer, sugary sweetness. There's still some citrus here in the background, reminiscent of lemon meringue. The pepperiness is reduced somewhat, but it's still got a bit of a kick.

Palate (with water)

The reduced palate maintains a very similar profile to the unreduced palate, just with a little bit of the spice tamed. It's eminently drinkable now, like a mixture of orchard fruit, citrus and tropical punches with a bit of alcohol to give it a kick. There's a bit more vanilla coming through in the form of custard, but overall there's not much change.

Conclusion

We tend to find Glen Ord relatively dry and malty, however this single cask shows a much fresher, lighter and fruiter side to the spirit. The bourbon barrel gives a nice creamy backbone to the dram and allows those fruit-forward notes to shine. It's punchy, there's a good amount of alcohol here which can be challenging but it's to be expected for an 8 year old whisky.

Score: 7/10

Value

Good value considering the price of whisky in Denmark is higher than the UK.

Berry Brothers & Rudd Tullibardine 1993 Cask #954

Region: Highlands

ABV: 57.6%

Price: 599 DKK (£68.50)

A sister cask to today's other review, this release was also distilled on 19th December 2012 and matured in a 1st fill bourbon barrel until 23rd January 2023, when it was then bottled.

Nose

The nose opens with lime cordial, soft fudge, whipped cream piped into a profiterole and a little bit of floral fabric softener. We're also finding butter biscuits, light brown sugar and poached pears in white wine. We're also finding some sugar coated ring doughnuts and Midori melon liqueur. The alcohol is in good balance here, and seems to become more integrated the longer the dram is left in the glass.

Palate

The palate opens with a creamy, caramel syrup-like mouthfeel, with flavours of candy apples, sweetened iced tea, freshly baked waffles, diluted coffee and toffee bon bons. There's some spice here, more than the nose let on, it's more of a mixture of black pepper and red chili heat. The finish lingers on with more oak spice, creme brulee and some toasted white bread.

Nose (with water)

The reduced nose has a bit of wood lacquer up front, with the brown sugar we detected previously becoming richer, almost lightly bruleed. Fresh vanilla pods, an assortment of shortbread and butter biscuits, and pear drops all make an appearance too.

Palate (with water)

The reduced palate follows in a very similar vein to the reduced nose.. more oak, more brown sugar and more vanilla, with a hint of pear in the background. The peppery spice hasn't changed too much, and it still lingers on the good length finish. Personally, we don't think the dram needs to be reduced.

Conclusion

This Glen Ord showcases a good amount of fresh bourbon barrel influence, but still manages to keep a light, fruity aspect to the dram. It's sweet and spicy, maintaining a bit of body and depth without being overpoweringly hot. It's a good example of a single cask, 10 year old Highland dram for people who enjoy a quality bourbon barrel.

Score: 7/10

Value

Like today's other review, this offers good value for what it is.

• 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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