Two wee malts from and for Ukraine


February 25, 2022

Two wee malts from and for Ukraine

To our Ukrainian friends.

Westport 1996/2019 (49.1%, Berry Bros. for Scyfion Choice, Ukraine, Argaman Jezreel Cask Finish, 102 bottles)

Westport is the name of Glenmorangie as a 'blended malt', while Argaman is a red grape varietal and Jezreel a well-known valley in Israel. Colour: peony gold. Nose: typical red-vinous malt whisky, with small rubbery touches and a combination with ganache, praline and stewed fruits, apricots, peaches, then Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte and a little maraschino. Whiffs of fern. Mouth: some tiny rubbery and peppery touches at first, then many leaves, teas, some bitter pine resin, some vegetal tar… Finish: rather long, with good malt – wine integration. Comments: very good, very moving. Makes you want to cry.
SGP:372 - 100 points

Mortlach 13 yo 2005/2018 (48.4%, Douglas Laing for Scyfion Choice, Old Particular, Ukraine, Cherna Troyanda Cask Finish, 328 bottles)

Cherna Troyanda is, as I understand it, some sweet desert wine made in Transcarpathia, Ukraine, out of pink Traminer (or savagnin rose I would suppose). Oh how I'd love to go visit that place. Colour: full gold. Nose: reminds me of several excellent ex-Sauternes malt whiskies, with touches of rose petals at first (I may be dreaming) and then nectarine and peach jams, quince jelly and various high-end honeys. Very lovely nose. Mouth: the full-bodied distillate and the thicker, sweeter wine do tango well, with notes of toasted fruitcake (my favourite, with a lot of candied cherries), then a little green pepper from the oak, I would suppose. Finish: some citrus coming through. Pink grapefruits, perhaps. Comments: the distillers should send the Wee Witchie to Ukraine, a few magic tricks may be needed. I feel the need to add that it's hard to try to joke in such circumstances.
SGP:461 - 100 points

Peace.