St Bridget's Kirk Solera Batch #3 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

This limited edition is created using Lady of the Glen's own method of blending malt whiskies. Drawing on different distilleries and styles, each batch is small, bespoke and distinct from the last; each blended, married and bottled from the company's custom built solera system made up of an ex-Fino sherry quarter cask and two ex-Oloroso quarter casks. Synonymous with the sherry and port industries, a solera involves multiple 'connected' barrels. As whisky is drawn from the last barrel the first barrel is topped up and the whiskies improve as they flow down the line. This is the 3rd batch under the St.Bridget's Kirk label and Hannah says they're now seeing real benefit from the process. In this example there's a rewarding balance of smoke and sherry with any signs of youth now well into the background. Expect notes of old leather, orange peel, cola cubes, toasted marshmallow and smoked kippers. 218 bottles. 48.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Taste: Oloroso-led arrival. Toffees and caramels. Treacle. Walnuts and winter spices. Black pepper – very peppery at first, though mellows over time. Medium to full-bodied. Velvety texture. Marmalade and honey. Oak – becomes more noticeably woody the longer it sits on the palate. Smoky finish lingers. Water reduces the intensity of the pepper and makes for a more rounded dram. It also seemed to unleash more of the smoke – with an earthier, more pungent peaty note coming through. Thought: Satisfying and fully flavoured. Not overly smoky but neither does the sherry completely dominate, although it certainly leads the way. With time and water the balance seemed to improve and make for a more interesting dram, at least for me – those who like that big sherry hit might prefer it without water. Tasting it on a crisp, Autumn day was a winner – the dram itself seems very Autumnal – like fallen leaves, distant coal fires and sultana cake. - ascotonscotch.com