ImpEx continues to rise in prominence as an importer and indie bottler of uncommon, obscure, uncommon, and essential whiskeys — to not point out rum and (quickly) mezcal. (Keep tuned for particulars.)
We’ll get to extra unbiased bottlings from ImpEx quickly, however right now we’re 4 distillery releases which ImpEx considers its “core expressions” for 2023: three Scotch and one English whisky. Small samples have been supplied; ideas comply with.
Ardnamurchan AD Small Batch (2023) – Beforehand reviewed in 2022. Single malt Scotch from the Highlands. A enjoyable mixture of candy and smoky, this youthful malt has each peated and unpeated barley in it (50/50), with growing old in each bourbon and sherry casks (65/35). Smoky bonfire and seaweed on the nostril is balanced by sharper citrus zest and a crackerlike high quality. Toasty sesame and blended grains open up on the palate, however the lingering chimney smoke stays outstanding. Sweeter fruit akin to baked apples, layered with spice, carry the end residence. Good grip all through. 93.6 proof. A- / $80 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE]
Filey Bay Single Malt Whisky Flagship (2023) – Beforehand reviewed in 2022. This English single malt, made completely with English barley and matured in first-fill bourbon casks, feels fairly a bit softer now than it did final yr. One of the vital mild, easygoing whiskies I’ve ever sampled, its nostril layered with waves of grain and a contact of vanilla. Fruity on the palate, once more exhibiting a baked apple observe, some lemon, and a contact of vanilla caramel. There’s nearly a pastry cream high quality to the end — all very mushy and light-weight, an ideal afternoon dram. 92 proof. A- / $62 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE]
Lochlea Our Barley Single Malt – Lowlands single malt, made with a mixture of bourbon, sherry, and STR casks. There’s extra energy right here than within the different whiskies within the lineup, with a coal-fired nostril, plus ample earthiness and a few notes of graphite. A bit leathery on the palate, with overripe fruit changing into dominant with time in glass. This can be a considerably brooding whisky, with notes of sun-toasted grasses, malt syrup, and a touch of prune juice on the again finish. Pleasurable, however glad I had this later in my tasting session of those whiskies. 92 proof. B+ / $60
Wolfburn Northland – From probably the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Single malt, matured in ex-Islay American Oak quarter casks. Smoky however candy on the nostril, one thing like Texas barbecue, even exhibiting a salty-peppery overtone. There’s an excellent stronger peat element on the palate, which is one thing of a shock, evoking notes of anise, burnt hazelnut, and charred brassicas. A contact of sweetness brightens this all up on the end, however it’s a very long time coming within the try to mood the heavy, lingering notes of soy, kelp, and black sesame. 92 proof. B+ / $60 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Wolfburn Northland
$60
