Ardnahoe Infinite Loch

“New Kid In Town”

Whisky Review # 1070

Country: Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Region: Islay

Brand: Ardnahoe Infinite Loch

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky  
Age: NAS (Probably Around 5 Years) 

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 50%
Maturation: Mix of 1st Fill Bourbon casks (70%) and 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry casks
Chill Filtration: No
Price Range: US$ 55-70 (July 2025)

Price/Quality Ratio: 👍 Pleasantly priced. Enjoy it while it lasts!
Buying Advice: 😊 If you like Young Islay this is a good alternative 

Colour:

Golden (Natural Color)

Nose:

A Young but certainly not unpleasant Islay nose. Mix Lagavulin, Kilchoman & Caol Ila and you come close to matching this Ardnahoe Infinite nose. The Peat and Smoke are soft and almost elegant. Lots of succulent Malt as well. The influence of the Sherry casks is limited. The Nose is mostly Sweet but also presents some Sour and Bitter notes. All in all a good first impression of this young distillery.

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Slightly Burnt Buttered Toast, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Yeast, Hay, Smoked Fish and Pork on the BBQ, Ashes, Tar, Coastal Peat, Nougat, Puff Pastry filled with Apricot, Lemon, Grapefruit, Sour Berries and Plums, Ginger, Aniseed & Mint.  

Supportive Aroma Accents:

Honey, Toffee, Dough, Chalk, Soot, Hospital, Dirty Earth, Wet Sand & Rocks, Oak, Herbal Tea, Seville Orange, Unripe Pear, Milk, Petrol Station, Metal, Plastic, Cocoa Powder, Pepper, Cloves, Nutmeg, Wet Forest Floor and Tobacco.     

Palate:

Young & Light but certainly well-made. Good cask management. The Alcohol is more present now. On the Palate we find a mix of Bitter, Sweet, Salty, Sour and slightly Burnt notes. 

Main Flavours:

Malted Barley, slightly Burnt Buttered Toast, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, Yeast and Dough, Burnt Hay, Factory Smoke, Coastal Peat, Soot, Tar, Iodine, Ashes, Seville Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Dusty Oak, Pepper, Ginger and Licorice.      

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Honey, Herbal Tea, Unripe Pear, Sour Berries & Plums, Seaweed, Forest Floor, Wet Rocks and Sand, Metal, Plastic, Petrol Station, Nougat, Black Olives, Menthol and Mint, Tobacco, Leather, Pork and (Shell) Fish on the BBQ and Peanut Butter.  

  

Finish:

Young, Middle-Long, slightly Thin and a little Harsh. The Alcohol is more noticeable now. A mix of Bitter, Sweet, Sour and Burnt notes. Clearly the weakest part of this Ardnahoe. Quite Dry in the end. I find Sweet Barley, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Hay, Dough, Yeast, Chalk, Dirty Smoke, Coastal Peat, Hospital, Soot, Ashes, Tar, Wet Sand and Rocks, Metal, Petrol Station, Plastic, Lemon, Grapefruit, Seville Orange, Black Olives, Herbal Tea, Nougat, Licorice, Pepper, Ginger, Nutmeg, slightly Burnt Meat on the BBQ, Leather, Tobacco, slightly Burnt Biscuits, Dusty Oak and After Eight Chocolates.

Drinking Advice:

Despite the high ABV, there is surprisingly no need for added Water here. At the same time I think that an ABV of around 46% would serve this Ardnahoe well.

Rating: 7.5 (*******1/2) 

Nose: 8 - Taste: 7.5 - Finish: 6.5 

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is around 8 you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good when considering Age and Pricing.

Conclusion:

Ardnahoe was founded in 2017 and is owned by Independent Bottler Hunter Laing & Company. It's the only distillery on Islay that uses Wooden Worm Tubs. Around 90% of the production is peated (Around 40 PPM). Its is beautifully located with a breathtaking view on the Sound of Islay and the isle of Jura. The Infinite Loch is the current core expression and was launched in the autumn of 2024. It is named after the lake on Islay.

This is my first Ardnahoe and I'm pleasantly surprised. It's Young of course and a little Thin and I would argue that the ABV is slightly too high. But it's well-made and I have no issue with the casks used. It's only in the Finish that you notice that this distillery is not quite there yet. But they are certainly on the right track and, for the time being, pleasantly priced. I wish Ardnahoe all the best & look forward to enjoy a fully matured Single Malt of this distillery in the future.  

Cheers! 🥃

Jan van den Ende                                                                         July 30, 2025

Eden Mill 2019 Release

“For Bitter Or Worse” 

Whisky Review # 1069

Country: Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Region: Lowlands

Brand: Eden Mill 2019 Release - Limited Edition - 3000 Bottles

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky  
Age: NAS (Probably 3 Years) 

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 46.5%
Maturation:A mix of Oloroso and PX hogsheads and Ex-Bourbon barrels
Chill Filtration: No
Price Range: US$ 210-250 (July 2025)

Price/Quality Ratio: 👎 Way too expensive for what it offers
Buying Advice: 👎 Too Young and simply not (yet) good enough as a Single Malt

Colour:

Golden Amber (Natural Color)

Nose:

Young and Light. A mix of Sweet, Sour and Yeasty notes. A Bit of Fruit, Honey and Vanilla. Not too much depth here. The Sherry cask influence is moderate.

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Toast with a Butter/Margarine spread, Vanilla, Honey, Yeast, Cake & Bread Dough, Green Apple, Pear, Caffe Latte, Dusty Oak, Pepper, Cinnamon and Ginger.

Supportive Aroma Accents:

Caramel, Cherries and Berries, Dried Fruit like Apricot, Raisins and Plums, Citrus (Orange and Lemon), Canned Pineapple, Milk Chocolate, Wet Paper, Damp Cellar, Varnish, Floral notes and Metal coins. A hint of Raw Meat.  

Palate:

Young, Light, Raw and Metallic. Not really pleasant. The Alcohol is noticeable. An unbalanced mix of Bitter, Sweet & Sour notes. Absurd price level for this Malt.

Main Flavours:

Sweet Barley, Toasted Grains, Caramel, Yeast, Dough, Bread, Berries, Cherries & Orange, Dusty Oak, Old Peanuts, Pepper, Ginger and Cinnamon.      

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Slightly Burnt Buttered Toast, Vanilla, Wax, Milk Chocolate, Dried Fruit like Plums, Raisins and Bananas, Caffe Latte, Nutshells, Dusty Earth, Wet Paper, Damp Cellar, Raw Meat and Tobacco.  

  

Finish:

Young, Light, Raw, Hot and luckily on the Short Side. Sweet and Sour at first but with increasing Bitterness towards the Medium Dry end. The Alcohol is certainly noticeable. Not my cup of Tea! I find Toasted Grain, Salted Caramel, Honey, Malt, Nuts and Nutshells, Dough, Yeast, Dried Fruit like Raisins, Plums and Bananas, Citrus, Paper, Metal, Green Apple, Milk Chocolate, Dusty Oak, Pepper, Cinnamon & Ginger.

Drinking Advice:

Added Water does not really improve this Eden Mill but takes out some of the Harshness. Better add a few drops.  

Rating: 5.5 (*****1/2)

Nose: 6 - Taste: 5.5 - Finish: 5.5 

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is around 8 you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience Neat: Below average

Conclusion:

Eden Mill was founded in 2012 in Guardbridge close to St. Andrews. It started as a Brewery but a distillery was added in 2014. In March 2022 the plans for a new and larger distillery were approved and production of gin and whisky started in April this year. The current production capacity is 1 million litres per year. In 2022 a private equity firm called Inverleith LLP acquired a majority of the shares of Eden Mill. The vatting of this 2019 release includes a cask of Chocolate Malt Spirit and also Crystal Malt Spirit. The latter is mainly used for Beer.

This is downright disappointing. I understand that young distilleries need to create cash in the short term in view of the high investment costs. But it's a much better idea to produce Gin and the likes for this purpose and give Whisky the time it needs to mature. You can drink this Eden Mill of course but it does not provide any pleasure and it's terribly expensive as well. I'm really looking forward to a fully matured Eden Mill but this Young stuff does not work for me.   

Cheers! 🥃

Jan van den Ende                                                                         July 23, 2025

Talisker The Distillers Edition 2021

“Not So Red Hot Chili Peppers”

Whisky Review # 1065

Country: Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Region: Highlands - Islands - Skye

Brand: Talisker 2021 The Distillers Edition 

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Age: Around 10 Years

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 57.3% (Cask Strength)
Maturation: New USA Oak with a finish in Amoroso Sherried USA Wood
Chill Filtration: Yes

Price Range: US$ 60-75 (April 2025)
Price/Quality Ratio: 👍 Good

Buying Advice: 😐 I prefer the regular 10 but this is not bad as well

Colour:

Golden with shades of Orange (Artificially Coloured)

Nose:

There's a bit of Alcohol around so please refrain from Nosing in the middle of your glass. Allow this Talisker some air before nosing as well. It's quite Sweet and the Amoroso Finish is noticeable. Lots of Dried Fruit and Green and Coastal notes. The Peat and Smoke are not at all dominant and blend in well with the other Aromas. It is a little Young and Dirty but not unpleasant.

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Toasted Grains, Slightly Burnt Buttered Toast, Salted Caramel, Dried Fruit like Sultanas, Raisins, Plums and Apricots, slightly Dirty Coastal Peat, Smoke from a Distant Fire, Pork and Shell-Fish on the BBQ sprinkled with Lemon & Herbs, Brine, Old Tarred Driftwood, Wet Grass, Grapefruit, Pepper, Aniseed, Mint and Milk Chocolate. Charred Pineapple after a while.

Supportive Aroma Accents:

Vanilla, Demerara Sugar, slightly Sour Berries, Apple Vinegar, Wet Forest Floor, Ash, Leather, Salted Peanut Butter, Dusty Shelves with Old Books and Floral notes.  

Palate:

Mainly Sweet but with some Bitter, Sour and Salty notes for balance. It's a little on the Young side and a bit Edgy. I miss some body as well but overall it's certainly not unpleasant.

Main Flavours:

Sweet Barley, Salted Caramel, Dirty Peat, Smoke from a distant Fire, Bacon, Fish and Shell-Fish on the BBQ sprinkled with Lemon and Herbs, Charred Oak, Berries & Grapefruit, Dried Fruit like Raisins, Dates & Apples, Roasted Nuts, Dark Chocolate with Orange flavor, Pepper, Aniseed and Mint/Menthol.        

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Honey, Demerara Sugar, Toffee, Vanilla, Hospital, Ashes, Burnt Heather and Cigar Smoke, Apple Vinegar, Dusty Track, Cherry-flavored Cough Syrup, Leather, Forest Floor, Espresso, Cinnamon, Yellow Mustard and Grilled Pineapple.        

Finish:

Middle-Long and mainly Bitter Sweet but also presenting Sour and Salty notes for balance. It's Oily but at the same a little Thinner than I expected given the strong ABV.  It's a little Rough with some Talisker Chili towards the Medium-Dry end. I also find Sweet Barley, Toasted Cereals, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, Dirty Peat, Smoke from a distant Fire, Ashes, Salted Fish on the BBQ sprinkled with Lemon, Roasted Nuts, Dried Fruit like Sultanas, Apples and Raisins, Apple Vinegar, slightly Sour Berries, Grapefruit, Dusty Road, Dusty Casks, Wet Rocks, Bitter Chocolate, Espresso, Mint, Licorice, Cinnamon, Pepper and Leather. Charred Pineapple is back after a while.

    
Drinking Advice:

Added Water leaves this Talisker very dull & thin despite the high ABV. Better enjoy it neat. 

Rating: 7.5 (*******1/2)

Nose: 7.5 - Taste: 7.5 - Finish: 7  

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is above 8 you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good. A little Dirty and Edgy. 

Conclusion:

Talisker was founded in 1830 and is part of the Diageo Group. It produces around 3.5 Million litres of Alcohol per year. The core range consists of the the NAS Skye and Storm, the 10, 18, 25 and 30 Years, The Distillers Edition and Port Ruighe.

The 2021 Talisker Distillers Edition is Young, Mellow, Modern & not Unpleasant. But I don't really want that from Talisker. I want the fiery Peppers from the 10 Years or the mature balance of the 18 Years. Those two are certainly amongst my favorite peated Single Malts. This Distillers Edition 2021 is not but it's not a bad place to start your adventure with peated Whisky. And it's pleasantly priced! 

 

Cheers! 🥃

Jan van den Ende                                                                            May 1, 2025

Bruichladdich Octomore 12.2

“Burning Love”

Whisky Review # 1064

Country: Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Region: Islay

Brand: Bruichladdich Octomore 12.2 (129.7 PPM)

Series: The Impossible Equation 

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky - Bottled: July 2021

Age: Around 5 Years

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 57.3% (Cask Strength)
Maturation: Ex-Bourbon casks with 18 months finish in Sauternes casks
Chill Filtration: No

Average Price: Around US$ 220 (April 2025)
Price/Quality Ratio: 😒 Quite Expensive for such a young Single Malt

Buying Advice: 😃 Not as good as the 10.2 but certainly enjoyable

Colour:

Golden/Light Amber (Natural Colour)

Nose:

The slightly Dirty Smoke and Peat are there but the 12.2 is not a Peat Monster as the high PPM might suggest. They are leading the way though, accompanied by Fruity, Burnt, Coastal and Herbal notes. The Alcohol is reasonably well-integrated.

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Toasted Grains, slightly Burnt Buttered Toast, Dirty Factory Smoke, Dirty Earthy Peat, Yeast, Burnt Straw and Herbs, Cooked Fruit (Pineapple, Pear & Apple), Salted Pork, Fish & Shellfish on the BBQ sprinkled with Lemon and Herbs, Charred Oak, Dairy, Nectarine, Red Berries and Chili Pepper.   

Supportive Aroma Accents:

Honey, Vanilla, Burnt Matches, Glue, Ashes, Hospital, Forest Floor, Orange, Melon, Wet Rocks and Sand, Pine Resin, Milka Raisin and Hazelnut Chocolate, Perfumed Tea, Polished Leather, Seaweed, Soot and a hint of Licorice.  

Palate:

There is a bit of Alcohol but you don't really feel the 57.3%. The Palate is in line with the Nose. The Sauternes Finish combines nicely with the raw Island spirit. It is still a bit Dirty and not overly well-rounded but enjoyable nevertheless.

Main Flavours:

Sweet Barley, Toasted Grains, Yeast and Dough, Dirty Factory Smoke, Dirty Earthy Peat, Soot, Burnt Straw and Herbs, Salted Fork and Fish on the BBQ sprinkled with Lemon and Herbs, Cooked Apples and Pears, Charred Oak, Chili Pepper and Cinnamon.   

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Honey, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Wax, Tar, Hospital, Ashtray, Forest Floor, Tobacco, Leather, Nectarine, Toasted Almonds, slightly Sour Orange & Grapefruit, Cocoa Powder, Apple Vinegar, Slivovitz, Ginger, Aniseed, Paprika Powder, Nutmeg and Licorice.      

Finish:

Middle-Long. Bitter-Sweet with additional Sour & Salty notes. The Alcohol is more noticeable now but the Finish certainly invites you to have another sip. It's still a bit Dirty and Edgy but at this point you're almost used to it. Medium-Dry towards the end. I find Toasted Grains, Dirty Smoke, Dirty Earthy Peat, Soot, Ash, Burnt Straw and Herbs, Honey, Demerara Sugar, Vanilla, Toffee, Salted Pork and Fish on the BBQ sprinkled with Lemon and Herbs, Cooked Apple & Pears, Espresso, Dark Chocolate, Charred Oak, Licorice, slightly Sour Green Papaya & Yellow Plum, Mint, Aniseed, Leather, Chili Pepper as in Talisker, Paprika Powder, Cinnamon & Ginger.     
Drinking Advice:

I added a little Water and while the Nose loses Power you will get extra Fruit on the Palate. Peach and/or Apricot come to mind. I prefer it neat but you can play with a little Water.

Rating: 7.5 (*******1/2)

Nose: 7.5 - Taste: 7.5 - Finish: 7.5 

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is above 8 you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good 

Conclusion:

Bruichladdich was founded in 1881 by Barnett Harvey. During its history it was mothballed various times, the last time in 1998. In 2012 the Islay distillery was bought by Remy Cointreau (France). Since, Bruichladdich is showing a healthy growth again. The distillery produces 3 types of Single Malt, i.e. the unpeated Bruichladdich & the heavily peated Port Charlotte & Octomore. The basic core range includes the Classic Laddie and a 10-year old Port Charlotte. The annual production amounts to around 1.1 million litres. About 10% of that is Octomore. Octomore means " The Big Eighth". This is a medieval division of common ground.

Bruichladdich spirit combines well with a Sauternes finish. My personal favorite is the 10.2 as it is more rounded and compact when compared to the 12.2. But the latter, while more "Dirty", "Burnt" & Nervous is still quite enjoyable and consistent from Nose to Finish. It's a bit expensive given its Youth but it's certainly worth a try. 

Cheers! 🥃

Jan van den Ende                                                                       April 24, 2025

All pictures were taken during our visit in May 2014

Wolfburn Morven

“Fire on the Mountain”

Whisky Review # 1062

Country: Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Region: Northern Highlands

Brand: Wolfburn Morven

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky - Lightly Peated: 10 PPM

Age: NAS

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 46%
Maturation: 50% 1st Fill Bourbon Casks and 50% Quarter Casks from Islay

Chill Filtration: No

Price Range: US$ 35-45 (April 2025)
Price/Quality Ratio: 👍 Good, if you like Young, lightly Peated Whisky
Buying Advice: 😐 It's Light, Thin, Young and Simple but not really bad

Colour: White Wine/Pale Straw  (Natural Colour)

Nose:

Light, Young and a little Edgy. The Alcohol is noticeable. Quite a few Burnt notes (Resin, Straw, Plastic). Orchard Fruit and Citrus. It's similar to Young Islay but less pungent. 

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Toast & Margarine, Vanilla, Yeast, Burnt Resin, Plastic, Matches and Straw, Cold Smoke,Dirty Earthy Peat, Red Apple, Lemon, Nectarine, Dairy, Rubber, Floral Perfume and Metal.     

Supportive Aroma Accents:

Caramel, Wax, Grass, Iodine, Tar, Ashes, Pear, Orange, Grilled Pineapple, Nuts, Dusty Oak, Tobacco, Varnish, Wet Sand, Cooked Vegetables, Smoked Meat, Mint, Cinnamon and Pepper.   

Palate:

Young, Light, Thin, Fresh & slightly Sharp. There's a Menthol-like Freshness to it. It's Sweet but it also offers some Sour & Salty notes. Simple but not unpleasant. The Alcohol remains noticeable. 

Main Flavours:

Sweet Barley, Vanilla, Cold Smoke, Dirty Earthy Peat, Hospital, Grass and Straw, Lemon, Grapefruit, Green Apple, Fresh Herbs, Salt, Menthol, Pepper and Ginger.  

    

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Honey, Caramel, Toffee, Orange, Pear, Nectarine, Green Tea, Dusty Oak, White Chocolate, Almonds, Rubber, Leather, Licorice, Nutmeg, Cinnamon and BBQ.

Finish:

Middle-Long. Light, Thin and Young. Mainly Sweet but with a few Sour and Salty notes for contrast. A slight Herbal Bitterness towards the end. I also find Sweet & Malted Barley, Vanilla, Yeast, Grass, Cold Smoke, Dirty Earthy Peat, Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon, Nectarine, Green Apple, Unripe Pear, Ashes, Hospital, Licorice, Aniseed, Fresh Herbs, Cooked Vegetables, Alcohol, Toasted Almonds, Brine, Salt, Pepper, Ginger, Menthol, Dusty Oak, Cocoa Powder and Smoked Meat.   

Drinking Advice:

With added Water this Morven becomes Liquid, Thin Peat. Better enjoy it neat. 

Rating: 7 (*******)

Nose: 7 - Taste: 7 - Finish: 6.5

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is above 8 you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience Neat: Okay/Good

Conclusion:

Wolfburn is a young distillery. It was founded in 2013 on the outskirts of Thurso, very close to the ruins of the old Wolfburn distillery that was founded in 1821 but closed down at the end of the 19th century. Wolfburn is owned by Aurora Brewing Ltd & has a current production capacity of around 135.000 litres. The core range includes the 10 Year old, Northland, Aurora, Morven and Langskip. We visited the distillery in May 2019 and enjoyed it. Certainly worth a visit! The Morven was first released in 2017, It is named after the highest mountain (706 m) in the county of Caithness.

Morven is a young, thin and lightly peated Single Malt. It's quite straightforward & simple but not totally unpleasant. The P/Q ratio is good. If you like young peated Islay you might give it a go. But if you like longer matured peated whisky like the Lagavulin 16 you should not consider climbing this Morven.

Cheers! 🥃

Jan van den Ende                                                                       April 10, 2025

Macallan Lumina

“You’re No Good”

Whisky Review # 1059

Country: Scotland
Region: Highland/Speyside

Brand: Macallan Lumina - The Quest Collection

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: NAS

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 41.3%
Maturation: Mix of Sherry-Seasoned European/American Oak casks & Hogsheads 
Chill Filtration: Yes

Price Range: US$ 120-180 (March 2025)
Price/Quality Ratio: 👎 Way too expensive for what it offers
Buying Advice: 👎 Better stick to the standard distillery bottlings

Colour:

Golden (Natural Color)

Nose:

Young and on the Thin side. Not the best casks for sure. Probably 2nd and/or 3rd Refill. Some Oloroso influence. Sweet Candy, Orchard Fruit & Vanilla are the main drivers. Not good enough for a Macallan at this price level.

Main Aromas:

Sweet Barley, Buttered Toast, Vanilla, Sugar, Sweet Apples & Pears, Sweet Candy (Strawberry, Raspberry, Orange, Grape), Lemon, Dusty Oak, Pepper and Ginger.

Supportive Aroma Accents:

Caramel, Toffee, Honey, Glue, Treacle, Slivovitz, Nuts, Milk Chocolate, Floral Soap, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Cloves.  

Palate:

Young and Thin. Light Sherry influence. There's something Artificial/Industrial to this Lumina. It's not giving me a lot of pleasure that's for sure.

Main Flavours:

Sweet Barley, Vanilla, Apples & Pears, Mixed Red Berries, Lemon and Grapefruit, Milk Chocolate, Dusty Oak, Pepper, Cinnamon and Ginger.    

Supportive Flavour Accents:

Honey, Toffee, Caramel, Buttered Toast, Wax, Floral Soap, Hazelnuts, Cloves and Nutmeg.  

Finish:

On the Short Side. Sugary Sweet at first but with a light Bitterness towards the Medium-Dry end. A slightl Metallic off-note. I also find Sweet Barley, Vanilla and Toffee, Sugar, Tart Apple Pie with Raisins and sprinkled with Cinnamon & Powder Sugar, Pear, Milk Chocolate, Lemon, Grapefruit, Dairy, Dusty Oak, Pepper, Clove, Nutmeg, Ginger and Licorice.  

Drinking Advice:

Added Water kills this Lumina.

Rating: 6.5 (******1/2)

Nose: 7 - Taste: 6.5 - Finish: 6 

*** Important Note with respect to Rating.

If the Final score is above 8 you can safely buy the whisky in question if and when it fits your Aroma/Flavor profile. If the score is between 6 and 8 you might want to try it out in the form of a sample or if offered at a good price. Anything below 6 should be left alone when you are looking for a nice sipping whisky. You might still like it of course & I realize pricing is an important item for many whisky fans especially when you are used to enjoy whisky in a cocktail or a mixed drink.

Drinking Experience Neat: Below average

Conclusion:

The Macallan distillery was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid and is located in the village of Craigellachie (Morayshire). The majority of the shares is owned by the Edrington Group. The current production amounts to around 15 million litres per year. The core range includes a/o Sherry Oak, 12, 18, 25, 30 and the 12, 15, 18 and 30 Double Cask. We have visited both the old & the new distillery and liked the old one better. For some reason I don't like the combination of Modern infra-structure and Whisky. I'm more the Springbank kinda guy!

The Lumina was part of the Travel Retail Quest Collection, together with Quest, Terra and Enigma. This collection was replaced in 2023 by the 12,15,18,21 and 30 Years Colour Collection. I will try to find samples of this new collection.

Lumina is the Goddess of Wisdom and Illumination. Both not applicable to this Single Malt unfortunately. It's such a pity that most of the Travel Retail Malts are simply lacking quality casks & sufficient maturation. This Macallan is no exception to the rule I'm afraid. Good thing it has been discontinued in the meantime!

Cheers! 🥃

Jan van den Ende                                                                      March 19, 2025