Whisky Pioneer Masthouse Column Malt

So, I received this interesting little package through the post from a new company called  #whiskypioneer  yesterday.

#whiskypioneer is a new monthly service where, for the princely sum of £7.95, you’ll receive a 5 or 6cl dram through the post. This is rapidly becoming a congested market, so you really need something to stand out from the crowd. What I like about this service, and what makes it different, is it’s commitment to the environment. From the recyclable bottle and packaging, through to their offer of collecting 10 empties and sending them back for a free dram, they’ve come up with a really smart overall package.

Anyway, it goes without saying that the service will only prosper if the contents are as good as the rest of the package, so here goes.

The whisky I received was the very English @masthouse_whisky from the Copper Rivet Distillery in Chatham, Kent. Not a brand or a distillery I was particularly familiar with so the information card included proved very useful. It’s their Column Malt, 45% abv and No Age Statement, from first and second fill ex-bourbon casks. 

Appearance: Pale straw colour, beads take quite a while to develop before slowly falling. 

Nose: Pear drops, sweet, candied peel, green apples and the faintest whiff of oak.

Palate: Slight spiciness, vanilla and a rich creaminess which belies its youthfulness. Less fruitiness than the nose suggested, there is a lovely milk chocolate and butter toffee that gradually gives way to a mild peppery, honey and vanilla finish.

Summary: You could easily be forgiven for thinking this was a lot older than its tender years. There is a lot to like about this one, especially if your taste in whisky is towards the lighter, sweeter side.

If you’re interested in the #whiskypioneer service, visit their website before the end of August to receive 50% off the next sample.

More from the Copper Rivet Distillery range of products can be found on their website