Chapter 21
My first Goldfinch Whisky
Goldfinch emerges as a vibrant force in the independent whisky scene, dedicated to handpicking and bottling exceptional single malt whiskies. Their lineup, featuring gems like The Goldfinch, The Kilnsman’s Dram, and Paloma, garners admiration both locally and abroad. (More in Leo’s Chapter 22).
At the helm of this endeavour are Andrew Macdonald-Bennett and his wife Ros, a seasoned connoisseur boasting over two decades of expertise in luxury spirits and wines. Together, they infuse Goldfinch with a blend of passion and knowledge. Andrew brings to the table a rich background, having spent 25 years immersed in the world of esteemed single malt whisky brands such as The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, and Famous Grouse.
Great thanks to them for making these 4 gems available.
Linkwood 14yo first fill oloroso - 52%
Part of the Bodega series, when we hear Linkwood we’re always excited. For very good reasons.
14 years old, first fill oloroso cask, 326 bottles at 52.0% abv. And yes, it’s as good as it reads.
On the Nose: very perfumed. Distinctive Linkwood DNA underneath a rich cask influence. Classic sherry notes are sided by confetti and cotton candy.
On the Palate: so damn rich. Thick and waxy, almost chewy. Sweet.
Finish: long and lingering. Prominent Oloroso influence with dried figs and cinnamon.
Overall: a single cask, and what a cask. £84 is quite a reasonable price these days given the age, quality and strength. Recommended.
Blair Athol Tawny Port 14yo - 52%
Again, 14 years 52% this is a Blair Athol first fill Tawny Port finish.
On the Nose: something oddly of swimming pool. Cherries and dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts.
On the Palate: thinner than the Linkwood. Fragrant roasted coffee.
Finish: quite rewarding. Decently long. Tart and sweet.
Benrinnes Palo Cortado 13y - 53.2%
Paloma 13 years old. Spirit from Benrinnes distilled in 2008. Finished in a Paolo Cortado Sherry butt and bottled at 53.2%. Goodness me!
On the Nose: dry sherry nose as you would expect from Palo Cortado. The best side of sherry for us. Shrink wrap and freshly printed newspaper. Citrus notes of tangerine and bergamotto. Spaghetti alle vongole. Dry vermentino wine. Layers of complexity emerge as you leave it there. This is a banger nose!
On the Palate: it transforms in the mouth. Going from a relatively thin arrival and development, to a rich finish of marine samphire.
Finish: mind-blowing finish, quite disconnected from the palate. Refreshing. Long. Sweet and sour.
Overall: we loved it. Badge winner!
Caol Ila Palo Cortado 11y - 53.8%
Another Paloma, another great distillery for indie bottlers. Caol Ila 2010, 11 years old again, Palo Cortado finish. 53.8% abv.
On the Nose: red grapes, smokey notes of wood fire. Iodine.
On the Palate: smoked scamorza cheese. BBQ. Rosted pumpkins and parsnips.
Finish: very long. Spicy. More smoke.
Overall
A great independent bottler, who clearly knows what is doing. They offer a great selection of distilleries with some unique cask selection. Since this tasting I always keep an eye out when I find them in the shops.
Drams
and more...
Today's drams
- Linkwood 14yo first fill oloroso – 52%
- Blair Athol Tawny Port 14yo – 52%
- Benrinnes Palo Cortado 13y – 53.2%
- Caol Ila Palo Cortado 11y – 53.8%