The first edition of Dutch Whisky Festival came with a bottling of their own. In the end I didn’t end up going to the festival, although I don’t exactly remember why. Probably because of me or my wife being ill or something.

I did get a bottle as a thank you for building their website, so thanks to the organization for this! Of course, I opened it, spread some of the love around in a tasting and finished it quite recently. Bottles generally last a while…

I don’t know much about Strathearn, except that they seem to take a rather artisinal approach with all kinds of experiments that don’t get the ‘single malt’ label in the end. Things about apple wood maturation and such. I quite like these things, even though they don’t always end up tasting great. I like the experimentation that doesn’t stray too far from what whisky is supposed to be.

Let’s see what a four year old whisky from a new distillery is about!

Sniff:
A strong spirit from quite an active sherry cask. The wood brings dried fruit and some dry spices. Cinnamon sticks, clove and a touch of powdered ginger. A bit of mossy green from the spirit.

Sip:
The spirit is dry and sharp with some chili heat. Sawdust, powdered spices and some almond bitterness. Some walnuts, apricot and leather.

Swallow:
The finish is more gentle and shows a bit more spirity fruit. More peach and mango, with warm oaky notes.

What is interesting is that even though it’s a rather active cask that was used, the mossy and green spirit still comes through. The combination of a young spirit and the dried fruits works well in this case, so a good pick by Dutch Whisky Festival!

On a side note, this year I’m going! It’s about time!

86/100

Of course, this is sold out by now…