Whisky from beer casks always peeks my interest. I’m not entirely sure why, because on average, the experiences have not been great. The IPA cask from Chichibu was a very welcome exception and still a stellar dram.

When this ‘Phil and Simon Thompson’ bottling made its way from Dornoch to The Netherlands, I got one for sharing. In part because I didn’t want to end up with 70cl of a whisky that I’m not going to drink with vigor. Also in part because I buy way too much whisky and wouldn’t be able to afford it all without ‘sharing’ samples.

The beer cask came from Black Isle brewery just south of Dornoch, and the brewery produces quite a few of very drinkable ales. I don’t think I have any experience with any of the barrel aged versions, but I wouldn’t shy away from trying any of their brews again. Preferable in Drumnadrochit or so.

Sniff:
Very spirity and young with a bit of vanilla. There’s some oak and a slight acidic note. It smells like a whisky matured in a rather lazy cask.

Sip:
The palate is a tad sharp, with white pepper and straw. Quite dry, a slight acidic note again. Not a lot of different notes are popping up.

Swallow:
More of the same, although there’s a hoppy flavor happening now.

The beer cask is not overly noticeable in a very clear way. I suspect the slight acidity to be gotten from the ale, which sometimes can have a bit of a tart flavor as well. Other than that, it’s a rather typical Teaninich. In my experience that distillery is often not greatly impressive but there are some absolutely awesome exceptions. This, unfortunately, is not one of them.

80/100