Yesterday, the first Dutch blind twitter tasting took place with 11 other tweeters. It was hosted by Stefan from Gall & Gall Van der Boog, which is a MASSIVE whisky shop in The Netherlands.

We got into a discussion on tasting blind a few weeks ago from which he got the idea to host this tasting. Thankfully I was in time to participate, because he had only 12 spots available!

Whisky Number 1
This one started with lemon curd, creme brulee. It was a very smooth dram and I expected an old Lowlander, or maybe a soft Highlander, but I was as wrong as I could be. The nose, taste and finish were very much in balance. It wasn’t a very complex dram, but the flavours were just damn good. Just a hint of wood. It turned out to be a Bell’s Royal Reserve, bottled in the 80s. Fun fact: There is no ABV on the label!.

Whisky Number 2
Quite some alcohol on the nose, with a hint of peach and some sponge cake. On the palate I thought to get a hint of rubber, old vanilla, caramel and some woodiness. The finish starts of really nice but turns a little bit bitter after a few seconds. Quite fruity. Contrary to what I was thinking (sherry cask and all) it turned out to be a 48 year old North British (single grain whisky) at 47.9%, from a refill bourbon cask! This one was bottled for Gall & Gall van der Boog bottled under the The Perfect Dram label.

Whisky Number 3
This one had one massive off-note. The nose was nasty from the moment I poured it. I couldn’t really pinpoint it. It had some artificial cherry flavouring and something sour. Stefan said balsamic vinegar and he was right. It was a 1989 Lochside, bottled at 21 years old, 48.2% by Old Malt Cask.

Whisky Number 4
After the last one it could only go up. This one was a peat bomb from the first second. Quite floral and perfumed. Lavender, heather, brittle peat. The taste had some saltiness, iodine and tarry ropes. I especially liked the rather strong heathery note. It was another bottle by The Perfect Dram for Gall & Gall Van der Boog at 52.9%. It is a very limited 12yo Laphroaig, only 24 bottles will be available.

In order of preference: Bell’s, Laphroaig, North British, Lochside. I really hated that third dram 😉