Yesterday there was another Twitter Tasting hosted in the Netherlands. Those seem to really be picking up. Not that I mind, of course. This time it was organized by DH17 Slijterijen, with whiskies from Erik Molenaar‘s Kintra Whisky brand. Erik started his own indie bottler company a few years ago and has been rather popular since. These were my first encounters with his brand.

Dalmore 11, Refill Sherry Butt, 6-4-1999 – 4-2-2011, 57.2%
It starts of with a blast of alcohol, which is no surprise. After that nectarine and apricot, quite nutty as well with macademia and Brazil nut. The flavour is rather similar but hints at dried fruits as well with raisins and peach. I also get a lot of unripe pear from this one. The finish is somewhat ‘warmer’ with more dried fruits and a bit more wood as well. Rather NOT like regular Dalmores, which I do not consider a bad thing. Never been a big fan…

Ardmore 18, Ex-bourbon Hogshead, 25-6-1992 – 4-2011 , 49.8%
At first I get a hint of aceton but that is quickly replaced with a mountain of sweet heather and quite some peatsmoke. The wet peat kind. Dried orange and lemon. Lavender as well. I fell in love with the nose of this one. The flavour is rather dry, with lemons, a hint of vanilla, liquorice, lavender and white pepper. Grilled apple and pineapple. The finish hints at a little fishiness. Smoked and salted salmon on the grill. Love it!

Tamdhu 20, First Fill Sherry butt, 1990-2011, 48.1%
This stands out immediately with huge hints of typical sherry scents. Raisins, a hint of sweet molasse, simple syrup and mixed nuts. Also a strong association with old tawny port. A lot of fudge as well! The mouth feel is a little rubbery, but mind, that is the feel and NOT the flavour! Quite some european oak, fudge and dried fruits. Plums, apricots, raisins. The finish has grilled banana, fudge and that tawny port again.

A very fine tasting indeed! It started off with a heavy hitter, which might be up for debate to do so, but the flavours were not as intense as in the latter two. I loved the Ardmore the most, closely followed by the Tamdhu. The Dalmore didn’t really work for me. Not a bad whisky at all, but not something I spend my money on.