Eiktyrne Adopted Malt MacHidden 25 YO

Eiktyrne Adopted Malt MacHidden 25 YO, 46.4 %

Time to have a closer look at the oldest expression in the MacHidden Series from Det Norske Brenneri, Norway., the Eiktyrne Adopted Malt MacHidden 25 YO.

This is not a Norwegian whisky. It started out as being distilled in Scotland and matured there for what I believe was at least 24 years. Then it was transferred to Norway, and was given a finish for about a year in single 110 litre Limousine peated whisky feuillette.

As far as I know the whisky itself is unpeated, but we might expect some second hand smoke from the cask in this case.

The total outturn for this batch 1 was a mere 106 bottles (50 cl).

You can still buy the Eiktyrne Adopted Malt MacHidden 25 YO in Norway at NOK 1499 (11373002).

Nose: Hmm…not sure I can detect any peatiness on the nose, but what I do detect I like. There’s a lovely swirl of roasted coffee beans, cocoa and rich chocolate. There’s also dried fruits, as well as the crunchy crust of a fresh bread straight out of the oven. Delightful!

Taste: Medium body - relaxed and mature. A lot more fruity on the palate. A mix of dried fruits and ripe orchard fruits. A bit dry in character. Chocolate and cocoa.

Finish: Long-ish finish (did I just write that?). Drier still towards the end. Less sweet also. Not really oaky though. There’s chocolate, cocoa and dried fruits all the way.. and raspberry jam.

Comment: A really fine dram. One to savour.. and maybe share.. just a little bit.

Score 90/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas