The View from the Golden Promise is a chance to see the bottles under the hammer at finespirits.auction in a new light. To give you this fresh perspective, we’ve called on two experts from the Golden Promise Whisky Bar.
Clément Gaillard
Ben Nevis 19 years 1998 The Nectar Of The Daily Drams bottled 2017
As always with Ben Nevis, this whisky is full of character, revealing malty, milky and oily (engine oil) aromas. There are also a few notes of fruit, citrus fruit above all (orange, lemon), and salted butter caramel, as well as a menthol, almost floral freshness. The finish is sweet (coffee éclair, crème pâtissière) yet slightly spicy. A deeply charming Ben Nevis that reveals excellent balance while showcasing the distillery’s unique style.
Talisker 25 years Of. One of 4,860 - bottled 2006
A very straightforward Talisker with a sharp and vertical peat and minerality tempered by a sprinkling of fruity (Mirabelle plum) and buttery notes. Various different nuts can also be picked out (walnut, almond), as well as apple peel and black pepper. The distillery’s characteristic marine style is also very present, adding notes of oyster and lemon juice. The finish focuses on liquorice and reveals a surprising farmyard dimension that makes this Talisker an austere but complex malt and, overall, a great success.
Salvatore Mannino
The malt produced at the Aultmore distillery, which is owned by Dewar’s, has always been popular with blenders and in 1974 was even in the list of the top 12 single malts used for blends. In 2014, the owners decided to create a permanent range for their single malt so enthusiasts could also enjoy the outstanding quality of this great Speyside representative. Aultmore’s fruity and malty character is ideal for the long finish in Sauternes casks found in this exclusive bottling for La Maison du Whisky. The nose is rich and concentrated and begs to be tasted, revealing notes of candied apricot and spice bread, followed by beeswax. Delicately spicy (turmeric, ground ginger), the same rich register is continued with notes of chocolate and candied orange peel. The palate is rich and full, holding true to the promise of the nose, notably revealing candied citrus fruits and praline chocolate. Rancio adds depth. The finish is long, staying on citrus fruit, and ends with notes of forest floor.
