This independent bottling of Glentauchers is from Yorkshire based Claxtons. At Claxtons  the approach of bottling whiskies in their most original form is born from generations of exploration and appreciation of ‘Uisge Beatha’ (the traditional Gaelic term for whisky, meaning water of life). Not a single precious drop has been chill-filtered or has any added colouring, preserving the original flavour of the whisky.

This offering is Glentauchers 18yo, Distilled 16-12-1996 and is from a single bourbon barrel,  it is NCF and natural colour,  and has been bottled at 48%abv.

Nose.. Quite a fruity start, apple and poached pear, candied orange with a hint of blossom and heather, honey and caramel give it a pleasent sweetness.

Palate.. The first thing you notice is a creamy caramel/butterscotch flavour, honeyed with a spicy kick, and a fresh fruity note in the form of orange and kiwi. Some subtle coconut and natural vanilla notes creep in towards the end.

Finish.. A lovely spicy-oaky note lingers to make memorable finish..

Thoughts.. My first malt from this independent bottler has been rather enjoyable, there are not a great deal of single barrel Glentauchers out there but this offering makes me wonder why not.. Obviously too much is dissapearing into the blended malts and that is a real shame.  Although the Claxtons range is not in most larger retailers on the strength of this bottle it will be worth seeking out..

This bottle has a RRP of around £66 and can be found in retailers like ..

Drinkswell (Ripon)

The Dram shop ( Sheffield )

The Wright wine company ( skipton)

Campbell’s of leyburn..