Edinburgh Castle Whisky
Often positioned as a heritage-driven bottling aimed at visitors, this whisky leans toward approachability. Expect light malt sweetness, gentle oak, and restrained spice. It functions well as an introductory dram rather than a deeply complex one.
Benrinnes – Edinburgh Castle Whisky
This expression brings Speyside character into sharper focus. Benrinnes’ typical weighty spirit shows through with richer malt, subtle sulfurous depth, and a slightly meatier mouthfeel than many Speysiders—an interesting contrast within the “Edinburgh Castle” branding.
Nc’Nean Quiet Rebels Whisky Liqueur
From Nc’Nean Distillery, this liqueur departs from traditional Scotch expectations. Sweetened and layered with spice and citrus, it is designed for cocktails or dessert sipping. While not a classic whisky experience, it showcases Nc’Nean’s experimental ethos.
Nc’Nean Organic Single Malt Whisky
A modern Highland malt with a sustainability-first philosophy. Bright orchard fruit, floral notes, and gentle spice dominate. The clean fermentation character and restrained oak make this a compelling example of contemporary Scotch done with intent rather than nostalgia.
Lower East Side Whisky
A curiosity rather than a canonical Scotch experience. Typically finished or styled for accessibility, this whisky emphasizes smoothness over regional typicity. Pleasant, but more lifestyle-oriented than terroir-driven.
Hirundine Legacy Edition 15-Year-Old Single Malt
An older, more contemplative dram. Extended maturation brings layered oak, dried fruit, and soft tannins. This whisky rewards slow tasting and benefits from time in the glass, where secondary aromas emerge gradually.
Tomintoul 10 Year Old
A textbook example of a gentle Speyside malt. Soft vanilla, pear, honey, and a clean finish define this whisky. Often referred to as “The Gentle Dram,” it excels as an easy sipper and palate reset during a larger tasting.
Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Cask
This Highland whisky uses French Burgundy wine casks to notable effect. Red berry notes, subtle tannin, and a vinous dryness complement the malt core. A good illustration of how wine finishes can enhance rather than dominate when handled carefully.
Loch Lomond Original
From a distillery known for technical diversity, this expression balances malt sweetness with light smoke and cereal notes. It sits stylistically between Highland softness and a faintly peated profile, making it versatile and approachable.
Islay Storm Single Malt
While its exact provenance is undisclosed, the Islay influence is unmistakable. Maritime peat smoke, iodine, and charred oak define the profile. It delivers a satisfying Islay-style experience without the intensity of the island’s more extreme bottlings.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old
From The Balvenie, this is a polished and widely admired Speyside whisky. Rum cask finishing introduces tropical fruit, brown sugar, and warm spice, layered over Balvenie’s signature honeyed malt. Approachable yet nuanced, it often serves as a crowd favorite.
Overall Impression
This tasting lineup effectively captures the breadth of modern Scotch whisky:
- Traditional Speyside elegance (Tomintoul, Balvenie, Benrinnes)
- Contemporary innovation (Nc’Nean expressions)
- Cask-finish experimentation (Tullibardine 228, Caribbean Cask)
- Peat influence without excess (Islay Storm, Loch Lomond)
- Heritage-focused tourist bottlings (Edinburgh Castle)
After my Trip I used AI to create a tasting table to see if I could compare my experiences with with AI said I should. It was interesting to say the least
Comparative Scotch Tasting Table
| Whisky | Nose | Palate | Finish | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Castle Whisky | Light malt, honey, soft oak | Gentle sweetness, cereal, mild spice | Short, clean, slightly dry | Easy-drinking, heritage blend |
| Benrinnes – Edinburgh Castle Whisky | Rich malt, apple skin, faint sulfur | Full-bodied, nutty, savory malt | Medium, warming, lightly meaty | Robust Speyside-style malt |
| Nc’Nean Quiet Rebels Whisky Liqueur | Sweet spice, orange peel, vanilla | Syrupy, spiced citrus, caramel | Medium, sweet, warming | Whisky liqueur / experimental |
| Nc’Nean Organic Single Malt | Orchard fruit, floral notes, fresh barley | Apple, peach, gentle spice | Clean, lightly peppered | Modern Highland, organic |
| Lower East Side Whisky | Vanilla, soft oak, light fruit | Smooth, mildly sweet, approachable | Short, unobtrusive | Contemporary / lifestyle whisky |
| Hirundine Legacy 15-Year-Old | Dried fruit, oak polish, toffee | Dark sugar, spice, mature oak | Long, dry, elegant | Aged single malt, contemplative |
| Tomintoul 10 Year Old | Pear, honey, vanilla | Soft malt, light fruit, cream | Short-to-medium, gentle | Classic gentle Speyside |
| Tullibardine 228 Burgundy Cask | Red berries, wine tannin, vanilla | Cherry, malt sweetness, oak | Medium, dry, lightly vinous | Wine-finished Highland |
| Loch Lomond Original | Grain, light smoke, green apple | Malt sweetness, subtle peat | Medium, slightly smoky | Hybrid Highland / light peat |
| Islay Storm Single Malt | Maritime smoke, iodine, ash | Peat smoke, char, brine | Medium-long, smoky | Islay-style peat-forward |
| Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 | Banana, brown sugar, honey | Tropical fruit, vanilla, spice | Long, sweet, rounded | Rum-finished Speyside |