20 brilliant experts for an exceptional whisky. For Project XX, Brian Kinsman broke with the usual conventions of single malt production. He invited 20 whisky experts from 16 countries to come to Dufftown and asked them to select a cask from Glenfiddich distillery's stocks. The selection ranged from whiskies stored for many years in port casks to whiskies resting in old sherry and bourbon casks. Brian Kinsman then combined the casks masterfully. His aim was to create a whisky that would not only be unique, but would also reflect the incomparable, rich facets of the different casks.
Nose: Intense fragrance of ripe peach and honeysuckle with floral notes of violet and lavender. The counterpart to this perfect balance is conveyed by sweet, spicy notes reminiscent of vanilla, coconut and charred oak.
Mouth: voluminous and almost thick in texture. Aromas of honey, butterscotch and fresh fruit emerge, followed by sweet porridge and toasted oak.
Finish: Woody and spicy, reminiscent of tropical fruit. A hint of leather and beeswax.
Nose: Compass Box Flaming Heart reveals notes of smoke, dried fruit and vanilla, for an intense, bewitching first impression. Feel: On the palate, this whisky reveals itself balanced with flavors of caramel, pepper and spice, offering a rich, creamy texture. Finish: The finish is long and warm, leaving notes of oak, peat and ripe fruit on the palate, for an unforgettable taste experience.
Nose: Tormore 12 Years Old reveals delicate aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla and honey, with a light floral touch. Feel: On the palate, this single malt offers balanced flavors of stone fruit, toffee and woody notes, all wrapped up in a velvety smoothness. Finish: The finish of Tormore 12 Years Old is moderately long, leaving a gentle spicy warmth and hints of dried fruit on the palate.
Nose: Deacon The reveals subtle aromas of ripe fruit and sweet cereals. Feel: On the palate, this whisky offers notes of honey, vanilla and toasted oak, for a creamy, balanced feel. Finish: The finish is long and warm, leaving a light touch of smoke and spice on the palate.
This 17-year-old single malt is truly unusual. For the first time, it has been aged exclusively in American oak Hogshead casks. This gives it a spring-like, fruity, honeyed and sweet character.
Nose: Notes of subtly spiced cereals, mango, papaya and pea pods. Traces of hard toffee and light oak chips. A drop of water reveals notes of cinnamon brioche and salted caramel.
Mouth: Silky and fluid with an intense taste of sweet butterscotch, a spicy-dry and woody intensity. The addition of water softens the honeyed sweetness of the creamy, smooth Swiss milk chocolate, with just a hint of salt in the mid-palate. The mild spices now keep the sweetness in check.
Finish: Short and rather intense, with spicy chili pepper notes.
Nose: A hint of apple blossom, summer fruits and ripe pears. Aromas of oak, generous creamy vanilla and hints of malt.
Mouth: Refined and balanced, with sweet hints of cotton candy and generous vanilla and oak.