Corby's Lot 40 CS 2018 single cask SOT masterclass

On May 5th, I was at Spirit of Toronto. At the Wiser's masterclass I was able to take enough notes for a review of this expression, and thanks to @paddockjudge and his flask, I have a small sample to compare to last year's release.

I should note that the whisky we tasted at the masterclass was drawn from a single cask. The rye that will be released in the fall will be drawn from a number of barrels (sadly too few). This release will be 11 YO compared to last year’s 12 YO.

This expression is reviewed in my usual manner, allowing it to settle after which I take my nosing and tasting notes, followed by the addition of a few drops of water, waiting, then nosing and tasting. I used a Highland whisky glass, and in a second one I poured a reference dram of the 2017 release for comparison.

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Nose: 23/25

At SOT I got caramel, pickle juice, fruitiness, a hint of coffee, then some spearmint or spruce (like the old Steinberg’s brand non-alcoholic spruce beer). My notes say orange creamsickle. I think either @paddockjudge or @cricklewood said it first, and then I agreed. I got some banana. With water the pickle juice became more prominent. I get a similar experience today. Great nose!

The 2017 release has a slightly different nose, but it’s hard to put into words. Maybe more butterscotch.

Taste:22/25

Dill pickle juice, caramel, some pepper. A little menthol and anise on the development.

The 2017 release has no dill except a hint towards the finish, and more vanilla, chocolate and coffee.

Finish:22.5/25

Menthol and licorice (a little more astringent than the anise on the development), medium long.

Balance:22.5/25

A little heavy on the pickle juice, but the nose and the taste complement each other.

Score: 90 /100

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Mixing equal parts of the two together toned down the dill and made it taste much like the 2017 release.

This is NOT last year’s Lot 40 CS. It has its own unique aspects. I’m not sure if it’s the batch or the fact that it’s a single barrel. It will be interesting to try the batched version in the fall.

I have to mention my discomfort at this year’s markup. 40% increase in price from the 2017 release. This one will cost you $30 more at $100. Other than demand, I can see no reason for such a hike. And given that the total volume is so minuscule compared to the distillery’s output, I don’t see why they couldn’t have produced more bottles. This ought to remain on shelves in protest to opportunism.

But we are lemmings, and this will sell out just like last year. It’s a good whisky, and a Scotch or American Bourbon or Rye of this quality could still easily cost more than $100.

Well made, Dr. Livermore.