The Winter Queen Batch 2

You may remember the first release of The Winter Queen, a so-called fusion whisky from Adelphi (Scotch mixed with a Dutch whisky) from March 2018. It was so successful that a second batch was produced. While the first was a blend of 9 years old, this was is much older. It is composed – or so I was told – from a Teaninich 1983, a 20 years old Bowmore and a Mortlach 1993, vatted with the oldest cask of Millstone whisky that the Dutch distillery Zuidam could find, i.e. 19 years old. Note that some components are thus much older! The name is a reference to Scottish king James VI’s oldest daughter. Elizabeth Stuart was born in 1596 in Fife, but spent most of her life in The Hague – hence the mix with Zuidam. I am inclined to think this must be a belter. Strangely enough, the ABV is higher than the first, much younger release!

Drying, dark and sweet nose on espresso, roasted bread, hazelnuts and lots of chocolate. Black and red berries. Some waxed leather. A maritime note with some silt and molded wood. Absolutely delicious.

Nicely oily with a good body. Spicy on the palate with black pepper, liquorice and cloves. Hint of bitter oranges, wrapped in toffee and lavender syrup. Burnt wood and some woodsmoke appear. This is a great fusion, if you ask me.

Boy, oh boy! What a long, warm and drying finish. Salt at the death.

There is less than half the bottles of the previous release, but it’s double the price. Having said that, this is indeed a belter! One to sip in solitude, overthinking your life. Happy thoughts only.