Apart from the Glenrothes and the Glen Garioch I reviewed a little while ago, the sample pack from Charles Edge also included two of their undisclosed single malt whiskies. One is a NAS (no age stated / non age statement) and one is a 12 year old.

There isn’t a lot to say about them since there’s almost no information to go on. The 12 year old mentions that it is sourced from a Highland distillery, but for the NAS one this is only mentioned in the reviews that have been published as marketing blurbs.

So, let’s just dive in. Keep in mind these are somewhat ‘entry level’ with them respectively clocking in at £ 34 and £ 47 at Master of Malt.

Canmore Single Malt, 40%

Sniff:
It’s been ages since I tried modern single malt at 40%. A bit of dry oak, slightly cardboard like. There is a grain sweetness here as well. A richness of sherry casks, but it doesn’t get much more specific than dried fruit. A minor note of charcoal too.

Sip:
The palate brings some spices. White pepper, sawdust, cinnamon. A bit of almond too, and some bite that I associate with young grain whisky, strangely.

Swallow:
The finish is slightly hot, with sawdust, white pepper and ground tree bark. Longer than I expected with some apple cores and cherry stones.

Initially, I thought this was a blended whisky. I’m not sure where my mind went to get to that thought, but while tasting it, it never screamed ‘single malt’ at me. It’s rather complex, and it’s also rather spicy in a slightly chemical way.

77/100

Canmore 12, Single Highland Malt, Bourbon and Sherry casks, 40%

Sniff:
Woody, with dried fruits, oak shavings. Quite some spices, with woody baking spices leading the way. A hint of coconut and orange zest. Quite a bit more like a single malt, compared to the NAS version.

Sip:
Gentle, with some white pepper, oak and a nutty bitterness. After a little while it mellows a bit,

Swallow:
A warming finish with a nice balance between wood and fruit. Woody fruitiness, so it still is a lot of cask. Medium long, cherry stones and a slightly nutty note.

Similar in complexity to the NAS whisky, but much more rounded. The longer time in oak helps a lot to take the young alcohol notes down to a nicer level.

80/100