Adelphi Blended Scotch Whisky

Nose: Caramel, treacle, walnuts, dried fruit, a hint of ash and dust, sherry and diesel oil. The nose is pleasantly “dirty” but there are some lighter orchard fruit aromas in the background that keep things balanced and even a drop of honey. Palate: There is an initial dried fruit sweetness, some oak, a hint of salt and a wisp of ash. In the development the ashy flavour becomes stronger, like a cold cigarette butt, and there is an umami quality from chewy tannins. It is an interesting combination of sweet and earthy but it is not delicate. The texture is light, but not watery, and it's “dirty” like the nose but again there is that fugitive fruit presence that keeps everything from being harsh. Finish: Medium/Short. Caramel and dark fruit, light smoke and a little oak. It fades out to a bittersweet aftertaste. This blend dates to the establishment of Adelphi independent bottlers in 1992. It is produced in batches, apparently via a type of solera process, but that is no guarantee of consistency and the profile on this blend drifts depending on what whiskies are in the vat at any given time (back in the 1990s they included Lagavulin and Springbank, but not any more). There is a trace of smoke on the nose, but it is almost overshadowed by a rubbery, sulphur aroma. Although the texture is not particularly full it does have satisfying volume, bordering on roughness. I’d bet my bottom dollar there is a good deal of Glenrothes in this particular batch I’m rating, but please note that I have had bottles of this in the past that were much softer and more fruit-focused. Overall it has an old-style “big and forward” character and it reminds me of Whyte & Mackay blended scotch, but done with considerably more grace and skill. It’s certainly not dainty or thin-bodied like some other blends but it’s something of an acquired taste. If you prefer soft, crisp and “clean” blends then you will not like this at all, and likewise if you enjoy sweet, full-bodied blends with a friendly sherry influence it will probably not be to your taste either. Do you like meaty Mortlachs and farmyard Springbanks - OK, you'll love this. It’s grumpy and impolite, but it certainly has character and I have a love-hate relationship with it. It's far from being my favourite blended scotch but when I saw it recently at my local liquor shop (we only get it in occasional allocations) I bought 4 bottles and I'm not regretting it for a second. This is great value for money. “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars)

A weird, boutique-y blend that's suddenly showing up on local shelves, Adelphi's "Private Stock" blend actually has some qualities to recommend it--its sub-$30 price, for one. Actually this whisky reminds me a lot of that *other* boutique affordable blend with spotty distribution, Té Bheag. The nose here is heather honey, followed by light orchard fruits (apples), and a nice base of brine, iodine, seasalt, and earthy peat. Leather, maybe. Honeycomb, and some floral character as well, then a wisp of smoke. Some butterscotch and caramel. Taste is fruit initially (apples, pears)--though soft--and then you get that honey, that earth, brine, and the (light) smoke. Some pepper (signs pointing to some Talisker in this blend, somewhere). A light meaty fattiness, and some more smoked meat and ash on the finish along with apple skins. The body here is quite light, but it's not a super watery whisky--there's just enough creaminess to make things pleasant. Shockingly full and flavourful at this price point, with actual honest to god seaside/peat character, and all without a lot of that grain whisky "pretzel dough" character I get in many cheap blends. This seems like a well-kept secret of a blend: a real treat at a superb price.

Never heard of this bottler before, but I found the bottle in a small online liquor store. Welcoming and sweet nose containing chocolate and honey notes with vanilla and cane sugar. I thought there was a little whiff of smoke when sniffing the bottle, but in the glass this is almost undetectable. Strong mouthfeel, this is actually where the smoke does kick in. But it's not a campfire, it's a burning twig. Sweet and delicate, creme brulee, liquorice root, salmiac and a glazed carrot. In the far distance there is a strawberry, but it's mostly sweet notes. Therefore, it's also a little layerless. A bit boring. What I do really like though; the aftertaste is very mellow and smooth, nice and fresh ocean breeze with a flicker of bitterness. Short linger, in a good way. Sweet. Yes, not bad, but definitely not great either. Fun to drink when you are in the mood for a night cap, or to pour at parties.

This has to be the cheapest whisky I've had since my days living in Ireland and Tullimore Dew at $35USD. What can you say. It's Adelphi so you can't go wrong. Definitely not Glenborradale, old single malt or even new spirit good. It's got the familiar sherry, toffee, caramel, butterscotch flavour albeit accompanied by a slight harshness. Still best so far on my 'cheap night dram' tasting spree. $7USD a dram here at the Last Word bar. 3.5. rounding up to 4 for VFM.

Nose: Honey and sweet apple notes at the forefront with some pleasant medicine and brine. Palate: Caramel, vanilla, underlying pear and peat. Finish: Short, chocolate/cocoa and vanilla with more caramel and a touch of dried nut and fruit. Better than expected for the price; simple, approachable and smooth. Most importantly, the underlying peat/brine keep it interesting throughout.

Apple and butterscotch dominate, but well balanced by brine and earthy peat. Toffee and a slight pepper note. Very smooth and well balanced. Great for the price, the best low-price blend I've tried.