Reviews of scotch and world whiskies by a history professor, his wife, bird, and three cats.

Red Snake #49; Blackadder Single Malt

Red Snake #49; Blackadder Single Malt

Whisky : Red Snake #49; Blackadder Single Malt

Country/Region : Scotland

ABV : 61.1%

Cask : First Fill Ex-Bourbon

Nose : Bursting with ripe tropical fruits and cream; strawberry shortcake, fresh peeled cinnamon bark, and rich malty grains.  Hints of candle wax, canned peaches, and spring tree buds come and go.

Palate : Overall light body with a pleasant waxiness— unmistakably young and spirited.  Loads of fruity spice cover the palate— tropical fruit jelly infused with chilis.  Lovely maltiness along with a cleansing citrus that reminds me of an Arnold Palmer.  Juicy fruits, tropical citrus fruit punch, and the fruity-nut note of almond pastries emerge as the dram develops.

Finish : Lingering tropical fruits and li hing mui (salted dried plum)


Score : 8

Mental Image : Tropical Fruit Cup.

Something Similar : Glen Ord 9 Year SMWS 77.57 (similar summer fruit, waxier body, more complex)

Something Similar : Arran 18 (similar tropical fruit and maltiness, bit more salt/earthy notes)

Something Worse : Craigellachie 13 Year (similar fruit/mineral, less complex/finish)


Notes :  Outstanding!  This had everything I could possibly want in a young first-fill ex-bourbon single malt.  There was an excellent bouquet of tropical fruits, a touch of earthiness, and fresh punchy spices.  I do not know what else to say— for the price $70-80— this is absolutely brilliant.  I would be shocked to learn this is more than decade old and reminds me of some of the best young SMWS drams.

The only thing I do not like is not knowing the distillery that made this— I want more.  Mystery bottles can be a lot of fun, I do have a soft spot for the bespoke bottles Alexander Murray puts out for the Costco, but I really love being able to find some clues to hint at the origin of the whisky.  If I had to guess, I would reckon this reminds me of a Glen Ord with its fruit/wax, a Craigellachie with some of the fruit/spice, and quite possible an Arran with the rich tropical fruit/maltiness and hints of earth.  No matter the origin of this dram, it was so good that I would have no quibble grabbing a bottle to have at home.  

Cutty Sark Blended Scots Whisky (c. 1960’s)

Cutty Sark Blended Scots Whisky (c. 1960’s)

Ardmore 10 Year SMWS 66.154 “Robocow”

Ardmore 10 Year SMWS 66.154 “Robocow”