Firkin Rare: Aultmore 2010 Marsala - 48.9%

 

Although an independent bottler, Firkin Whiskies approach is a little more left field and owes much to the experimental nature of founder, Mike Collings.

Their approach involves taking a whisky of around 10 years old and giving it  second maturation in a custom 'double oak cask', seasoned with a fortified wine specifically chosen to match the spirit.

From the Top Whiskies website:

The Aultmore distillery is located on the Foggie moss burn outside Keith in Speyside. The stretch of the road leading to the distillery often disappears in a blanket of fog. So even finding the distillery is hard, let alone single malt Aultmore whiskies. Most Aultmore whisky finds itself in blended scotch. This Firkin whisky really is rare. 

Firkin Whisky Co paired an Aultmore 2010 with Marsala wine in one of their fabulous double wood custom casks. The result is a unique and satisfying whisky. A unique and awesome dram under the Firkin Rare label.

Tasting notes:

Appearance: Yellow gold, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thick, oily legs.

Nose: Red fruit jam, vanilla fudge, malted milk and a little oaky nuttiness.

Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, malted milk biscuits, stewed orchard fruit, lemony citrus, red berry jam, honeyed cereal breakfast bars, toasted almonds, a little woody oak and a touch of white pepper.

Finish: Malted milk biscuits, stewed apples and cinnamon.

Summary: A pleasant, very approachable whisky with the Marsala influence being evident without overpowering. Lovely nose, soft creamy mouthfeel and plenty to keep the palate interested. Addition of a few drops of water bring out more of the spice and upsets the balance, for me this is best when neat.

Priced at a very reasonable £69, non-chillfiltered and natural colour.

If you would like more information on Firkin Whisky follow the link to the company website. Firkin whiskies are available at Top Whiskies, which can be reached by clicking on the image below.