Impression // Tasting Collection Sample Pack (Singleton 12 Y, Caol Ila 12 Y, Knockando 12 Y, Oban 14 Y, Mortlach 12 Y, Lagavulin 8 Y)

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a digital tasting session, led by the Belgian brand ambassador of Diageo, Arno Dobbels. During this session, we were able to taste a sample pack by Tasting Collection, featuring a lovely range of whiskies: Singleton 12 y/o, Caol Ila 12 y/o, Knockando 12 y/o, Oban 14 y/o, Mortlach 12 y/o, and finally Lagavulin 8 y/o). Here are some impressions that I wrote down while tasting these whiskies.

Before I give you my notes, I would like to talk a bit more about "Tasting Collection", which is a Dutch company specializing in tasting sets, offering up beautiful samples of gin, vodka, rum, cognac, whisky, and even more culinary products such as herbs & spices and olive oils & balsamic. All of their products are available from their website www.tastingcollection.com, or can be ordered from partnered liquor stores. Some tasting sets are readily available throughout the year (such as the Game of Thrones tasting set or the Diageo tasting set that I was gifted), and others can be obtained by buying a 'whisky subscription', which provides you with a variety of tasting sets through the year.

Tasting sets from the 'Tasting Club' are specifically selected by whisky experts, allowing you to discover hidden gems or special releases. Sometimes, there's even a digital tasting session available. More info on their website.I was able to try out one of the Diageo tasting sets, which focuses on a variety of brands linked to Diageo. Without further ado, here are my tasting notes.

Knockando 12 y/o

We started with the Knockando 12 y/o (43% ABV), possibly the most surprising expression in the set, at least to me. Originating from Speyside, this single malt is often pushed back in favour of bigger names from the region, but it really is worth a try. With its nutty flavour, hints of smoke, and gentle aftertaste, it's the perfect 'starter' for tasting sessions, or even the 'to-go-to' whisky if you just want to enjoy a whisky that is not too demanding. I particularly enjoyed the dry notes that come with the nuts. A good expression, and good value for money too! 

Singleton of Dufftown 12 y/o

Next, we tried another Speyside expression, namely Singleton 12 y/o. This whisky is produced by the Dufftown distillery by using traditional methods. It's a step down in alcohol percentage (40% ABV), but offers up a bit more complexity than the Knockando. This is a very versatile expression, offering up notes of malts, oak, some toffee sweetness, and even some zesty oranges. Another 'starter whisky' in the same price range as the Knockando, perfect for those starting their whisky journey. 

Oban 14 y/o

And then, it was Oban time. It's a whisky that is often mentioned in conversations, mostly if they are about 'expressions you really have to try out'. This 14 y/o Highland whisky is a masterfully crafted liquid which can be enjoyed by plenty of whisky lovers, peat-heads or not. It is possibly the most 'balanced' whisky of the tasting set, in the sense that it has 'a little bit of everything', brought together in an expression that is simply lovely to drink. There's (wood) smoke on the nose, combined with more medicinal scents. There's a rich, full-bodied liquid to be enjoyed on the palate, which has just a little touch of freshness at the end. A lovely dry, oaky finish ties it all together. Even more so, it's the perfect bottle to buy if you are still doubting the "Oban Bay Reserve" from the Game of Thrones series because of the price range. (You shouldn't doubt, just get a bottle). 

Mortlach 12 y/o

We got to the 'special' whisky of the tasting set when we sampled 12 year old Mortlach, another Speyside whisky. I got a strong fruity perfume on the nose, followed by plenty of vanilla and a little bit of 'oomph'. The special quality of this expression lies in the distillation method that is used to produce the Mortlach whiskies. Rather than distilling and then maturing one distillate, the Mortlach distillery opts for individual distillation, which are then combined and mixed together to create a 'blend' of new make spirit, which is then matured in Sherry, Bourbon, and refill casks. If you do the math (or ask brand ambassador Arno Dobbels to do the math for you), you end up with the following conclusion: Mortlach doesn't do double or triple distillation, but 2.81 distillation. Yes. Let that sink in. The full calculation, explanation, and visualization can be found here. 

Caol Ila 12 y/o

One of my favourite samples in the tasting set is the 12 year old Caol Ila, a complex, peaty expression that I also have readily available in my drinks cabinet. This Islay whisky is characterized by delicious smokiness, a touch of tar, and a certain sea-side freshness. It's a good whisky to introduce the peated expressions, and with its 43% ABV, it's a bit more accessible than the other, stronger powerhouses of Islay. I recommend trying this expression neat, then with a few drops of water, and even cooled down. 

Lagavulin 8 y/o

The final dram we tasted during our session was a little something called "Lagavulin, 8 year old". Those of you who have been following The Campfire Dram for a wee longer, know that I am a big fan of Lagavulin. The 8 year old expression was a recent addition to my collection, and it is also one of my favourite bottles in the house. More 'light-hearted' than the big brother (16 y/o), this once-limited-edition-turned-proper-core-range-expression offers up more spices in addition to the classic smokey peat, with a sweet layer sprinkled on top. It's a beautiful expression. I suggest you get a bottle of 8 y/o and a bottle of 16 y/o and sample away. Let me know which one is your favourite , and why! 

Conclusion

This "Tasting Notes" Diageo sample kit offers up a good introduction to the versatility which is Scottish whisky, or at least the products that they have on offer. Perfect for those who want to organize their own little tastings at home, as introduction before delving into more complex expressions, or as a fun group activity to be enjoyed together. These samples are distinct enough to be conversation starters, and they allow you to talk about your preferences without having to be an expert on the matter. I should try out some of their more 'specialized' tasting kits soon. I'm curious to find out what else they have on offer!