| |
Berry Bros & Rudd
 scrapes in
 decent
 good
 excellent
 sublime
Berry Bros & Rudd, Islay Reserve Blended Malt (Scotland) 
Berry’s say that “The current Selected by Berry’s Islay Blended Malt has been created by combining full, peaty, medicinal malts to capture the very warming essence of the smoky Islay style.”
The nose embraces fish, brine, wood smoke, oat cakes, fresh leather and citrus fruit. The palate is big, yet comparatively soft, with lots of peat and citrus fruit. Long and warming in the finish.
46.0% ABV, 70cl, £35.00, Berry Bros & Rudd.  |  |
Berry Bros & Rudd, Speyside Reserve Blended Malt (Scotland)
According to Berry’s, “The first edition of The Selected by Berry’s Speyside Reserve Blended Malt combines whiskies from two well known Speyside distilleries, balanced to produce an approachable yet complex dram with rich, rounded character.”
Pretty and feminine on the nose, floral, with damp hay and ripe bananas. Sweet on the palate, with ginger, hazelnuts and soft fruits. Malty, rounded and well-mannered. The finish is medium in length, with a mild liquorice note.
46.0% ABV, 70cl, £30.00, Berry Bros & Rudd. |  |
Berry Bros & Rudd, The Michael Jackson Blend (Scotland)
A collection of commemorative essays dedicated to the late Michael Jackson has just been published, and at the same time, Berry Bros & Rudd has launched a limited edition blended whisky in his honour.
This blend has been created by Berry’s spirits manager Doug McIvor, a long-time friend of Michael’s, using opened bottles from the writer’s extensive collection of tasting samples.
According to Berry Bros & Rudd, “The Michael Jackson blend is as unique as the great man himself. It will never be repeated, so this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to drink a slice of history and at the same time give a little to a very worthwhile cause; a proportion of the proceeds will be going to The Parkinson’s Society.”
Rich and delicately scented on the nose, with allspice, medium Sherry, vanilla cream, fresh fruit and a hint of smoke. The addition of water teases out succulent citrus fruits. Deliciously full-bodied in the mouth, rounded and well integrated, with Sherried fruitcake, caramel and increasing spiciness. Long in the finish, with pleasingly spicy oak.
(1,000 bottles) 41.0% ABV, 70cl, £69.95, Berry Bros & Rudd. |  |
|
|
|
|
