There are tastings, and then there are tastings. As whisky enthusiasts, we know just how unique and exciting a blind tasting can be. As part of the Hogshead Family, I was thrilled to attend a special blind tasting on July 9th—an opportunity too good to pass up.
Hogshead Imports
If you haven't heard of Hogshead Imports, you're missing out. Founded by Toon van Rooij, Hogshead specializes in unique bottlings you may never find anywhere else. While that may sound cliché, their selections truly stand out. Some of their bottlings have left me contemplating the cost of just a single shot—not because they're exorbitantly priced, but because their quality is exceptional. A few of my favorites from them so far include a 32-years old, North British Single grain, a 29-years old Secret Series Speyside Single Malt and a delicious 8-years old Linkwood Single malt.
What Were We Whisky Tasting?
The tasting featured four of the latest Hogshead Indie Bottlings, not yet available in the Netherlands. We had the privilege of sampling these before anyone else.
Just before my trip to Ireland, I received a special sample set. To my delight, there were two additional bottles in the box. I do love a good surprise, and these specials were also part of our tasting.
Large Group of Hoggies
With nearly 28 participants, this was the very first community tasting—a significant step in building the Hogshead community. It's wonderful to see familiar faces and to meet new ones, all sharing a passion for whisky.
Bottle 1:
Light color, the palest of straw.
Nose: Smells like a grain whisky with sour notes, ammonia, and sour apples. Sharp and fruity, reminiscent of Glen Elgin or Linkwood. Almond evolving to ammonia.
Palate: Sweet and sharp, with a heavy pear presence. Peppery and oily, with a bitter finish.
Finish: Short, not very special but pleasant. It evolves from fresh on the nose to sweet on the palate to dry and volatile at the end. Leather notes emerge if it stands for a while.
Bottle 2:
Another super light whisky.
Nose: Very spicy with notes of bread and cream. Fruity but hard to pinpoint, with an earthy undertone.
Palate: Soft and sweet, with buttery vanilla and custard tarts with cinnamon.
Finish: Short but fresh, with some grassiness. About 12 years old, likely ex-bourbon 1st fill. Simpler than the previous bottle, with orange and blue cheese notes emerging over time.
Bottle 3:
This whisky has a slightly more golden straw color.
Nose: High alcohol percentage, reminiscent of grappa. Subtle and hard to decipher.
Palate: Gingerbread, cinnamon, bread, and dark sugar.
Finish: Long but bitter and dry, with notes of orange and paper. Tart aftertaste. Possibly a sherry cask at cask strength, about 54%. Some mentioned strawberries, but I didn’t detect them. Could be Dailuaine, around 6 years old.
Bottle 4:
Slightly lighter in color with lower alcohol content.
Nose: Light smoke, leather, burnt pinewood.
Palate: Sweet and smoky, with a pleasant fruitiness.
Finish: Medium length. Refill cask, likely sherry. Someone suggested Campbelltown, but I wasn’t sure. Loch Lomond seems plausible.
On to the Specials!
Bottle 5:
A nice, fun, and special whisky.
Nose: Nutty, heavy caramel, wood. Reminds me of Benriach or Glendronach, with Terry's chocolate orange and dried fruit.
Palate: Rich fruit and sherry, but burns intensely. Still undecided if I like it.
Finish: Medium, but too sharp for my taste. Estimated 13 years old. Some guessed Tamdhu, but I lean towards Glendronach or GlenAllachie. It's amusing how everyone argues their guesses, with only one correct answer so far.
Bottle 6:
Starts with a smoky nose, reminiscent of Caol Ila or Ardbeg.
Nose: Bacon and salty smoke.
Palate: Sweet and spicy with umami and pepper notes. Water brings out medicinal qualities.
Finish: Moderately long with umami, white pepper, and bacon flavors.
And the Results Are In...
Secret Lowland: Glenkinchie Classic Malt, 9 years old, 48%. Refill cask.
Campbelltown: 8 years old, 48%. 99% Glen Scotia, 1% Springbank, 1st fill barrel.
Secret Speyside: 15 years, cask strength, 56.8%. Refill Hogshead.
Unknown: 9-year-old Mortlach, cask strength, 58.4%. Multiple casks, only 133 bottles.
Aultmore: Community bottling, 14 years, 57.7%, refill Hogshead. Possibly a recoopered sherry cask.
Islay: 13-year-old Ardbeg, refill barrel, cask strength 55.8%.
While a storm raged outside, we were safely indoors, enjoying an unforgettable tasting experience. Blind tastings are notoriously challenging, and I always enjoy hearing others' interpretations. This session reminded me of the need to refine my tasting skills.
A huge thank you to Toon and Stijn for organizing this delightful evening. I hope you enjoyed my blind tasting account. If you want to know more about Hogshead Imports or any of these whiskies, leave a comment or check out Hogshead's website. Cheers!
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