RR149 Furtive gherkin

Description

To showcase the new world of distilling in the Highlands, or in this case, the far far far Westerly mainland of Scotland, Distillery 149 finally makes the cut for the festival casks and we’re super proud to have one of the oldest releases ever produced from this distillery. Hailing from the far west Ardnamurchan coast, we can’t give a bigger hint than that as to where it’s from, but we can say that the spirit out of 149 is super old-school and reminds many of what whisky used to taste like. To taste their spirit at cask strength and 8 years old now is just tremendously exciting for the Highland festival this year. Matured exclusively in 1st-fill ex-bourbon barrels, Oily & Coastal profile, and just brilliant old-worldly spirit in the glass.

The Panel were immediately plunged into scrubbing an old barbecue grill. But on the side were lemons, buttery samphire, tangy pickles and chutney, and crackers with sea salt and black pepper. Reduction brought out delicate threads of smoke, distant beach bonfire embers, engine oil and kippers smashed on to toasted brioche. When neat, the palate was sweetly lemony and smoky, with fish pâté, pickled cornichons, charred fennel, jalapeños in brine and clam broth. Water added layers of texture and thickness in the mouth, while bringing out gristy porridge notes, and other elements including lavender honey and a gherkin lurking in a dirty martini.