Another Whisky-Me exclusive bottle from the independent bottler James Eadie. Since Dragon’s Den Whisky-Me has turned into an Indi bottler reseller in many ways and this is no different.

You can still get samples of this on the Whisky-Me website at: https://whisky-me.com/products/benrinnes-9-year-old-james-eadie-whisky-me-exclusive?variant=45235998818474

This 9 year old whisky is matured in ex-bourbon barrels and was probably originally designed for using in a blend before being sold to James Eadie. The reviews on the page as you will see sit at 4.6 at the time of writing. Some interesting tasting notes on there as well but most agree this is a really nice bottle of whisky. In that we can agree at least. Although £10 for a sample is definitely premium.

Official Notes: Notes of Leather, Toasted Oak and Lemon

Tasting Notes

Colour – light yellow

Nose – A touch of barley sugar water starts off this fresh whisky with just a hint of caramelised sugar and vanilla. A warm and spring like whisky

Palate – Tropical fruit notes light up on the palate as Spring turns to Summer. Like any British summer though it doesn’t last long and some dark clouds appear bringing black peppercorns and a note which is slightly harsh and a little vegetal, nettles then I guess

Finish – The finish isn’t long but it is really really sweet

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed this one. It has something a little different and as I sit here in April waiting for the better weather to arrive it’s a whisky of the moment for me. Sometimes it’s easy to chase the wood finishes and the exotic but a well matured whisky from an ex-bourbon barrel is a thing to enjoy. Indeed, its far more interesting in my mind than actual Bourbon.