Whisky Focus - Distell Limited Release Malt Collection 2018

Distell, owner of Bunnahabhain, Deanston and Tobermory/Ledaig distilleries has unveiled its first annual limited release Distell Malt Collection, and this first batch of annual releases will feature two unique expressions each from Bunnahabhain and Ledaig and one each from Deanston and Tobermory.

The six whiskies in the inaugural Distell Malt Collection are:

• Tobermory 2005 12 Year Old Fino Cask Finish, RRP £110
   
• Ledaig 1998 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish, RRP £130
   
• Ledaig 1998 19 Year Old PX Cask Finish, RRP £150
   
• Deanston 2008 10 Year Old Brandy Cask Finish, RRP £60
   
• Bunnahabhain 2008 9 Year Old Mòine Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured, RRP £75
   
• Bunnahabhain Palo 20 Year Old Cortado Cask Finish, RRP £275

At the moment both Bunnahabhain 2008 Mòine Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured and Deanston 2008 Brandy Cask Finish are available to purchase from specialist whisky retailers, all six limited releases will be available to purchase following the official launch event on the 12th of September.

The Bunnahabhain 2008 Mòine Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured has been bottled at Cask Strength, 58.1% ABV, natural colour and non-chillfiltered. Although the original non-peated Islay malt, Bunnahabhain has become well known for its Mòine, which means ‘peated’ in Scots Gaelic. This limited edition release is the first Bunnahabhain Mòine release to have been fully matured in red wine casks from the Bordeaux region of France. Distilled and filled into cask in December 2008, Distell tells me that "this ‘experiment’ has resulted in a unique and stunning array of rich grape and peppery smoke notes, which combine to deliver a long and warming fruity finish. A truly unique Bunnahabhain Mòine".

The Deanston 2008 Brandy Cask Finish has been bottled at Cask Strength, 56.4% ABV. Crafted by hand, this latest Deanston Limited Edition was distilled and filled into traditional oak whisky casks in 2008. Following almost eight years of maturation it made the cut for transfer to a unique selection of French Brandy Butt casks, before being returned to their vaulted warehouse for its final two years of maturation. The result they say, is a delicious dram brimming with an abundance of delectable spiced fruit and honey flavours.

All of the releases are natural colour and non-chillfiltered and I should have more info on the other four expressions following the official launch event on the 12th of September so watch this space.

As I said above you will find the Bunnahabhain 2008 Mòine Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured and Deanston 2008 Brandy Cask Finish are available to purchase from specialist whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt the other four expressions will follow in September.
 

• Bunnahabhain 2008 9 Year Old Mòine Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Review
   
• Bunnahabhain 20 Year Old Palo Cortado Cask Finish Review
   
• Deanston 2008 10 Year Old Brandy Cask Finish Review
   
• Ledaig 1998 19 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish Review
   
• Ledaig 1998 19 Year Old PX Cask Finish Review
   
• Tobermory 2005 12 Year Old Fino Cask Finish Review

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Whisky Focus