Whisky Sponge Whisky Sample 20 Year Old No.44 Saturnalia 2021 Release (30ml, 47.2%)
Whisky Sponge Whisky Sample 20 Year Old No.44 Saturnalia 2021 Release (30ml, 47.2%)
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Whisky Sponge Whisky Sample 20 Year Old No.44 Saturnalia 2021 Release (30ml, 47.2%)
The Whisky Sponge Edition No. 44 "Saturnalia" is a whimsical, high-concept blended malt from Angus MacRaild’s Decadent Drinks. Released in late 2021 as a "counter-measure" to Black Friday commercialism, it is named after the ancient Roman winter festival that preceded Christmas.
Technically, this is a "living" vatting. It was created by marrying a 2001 refill sherry butt of mystery blended malt(rumored to be heavily composed of Edrington-owned malts like Macallan or Highland Park) with a 2000 refill hogshead of Glenrothes.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Vibrant and deeply fruity. It opens with raspberry candy, plum jam, and orange oil. Because of the refill wood, the sherry isn't "loud"; instead, it provides a sophisticated backdrop of vanilla custard, light tobacco leaf, and old leather. There’s a lovely floral lift—think peonies and elderflower—balanced by a hint of dusty chocolate.
Palate: The texture is oily and "Big," despite the modest ABV. The arrival is tart and zesty, featuring blood oranges and redcurrants, which quickly transition into darker notes of figs, praline, and brown sugar. The Glenrothes component provides a classic "orange and clove" spice that runs through the mid-palate, accompanied by a touch of mint and ginger.
Finish: Medium to long. It leaves a drying, elegant impression of mentholated oak, cocoa dusting, and walnut oil. There is a final, faint "ashy" note—like a dying hearth—that adds a wonderful rustic complexity.
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The "Edrington" Secret: Much of the "mystery" component in these 2001 blended malts is believed to be high-quality stock from the creators of Macallan. You are essentially getting a 20-year-old "pseudo-Macallan/Glenrothes" hybrid.
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Refill Wood Mastery: This is for the enthusiast who finds modern "Sherry Bombs" too tannic or sulfurous. The refill casks allow the citrus and berry esters of the spirit to breathe, resulting in a much more delicate and layered experience.
Additional information
Additional information
- Distillery Unknown
- Bottler Whisky Sponge
- Region Speyside
- Whisky Type Single Malt
- Cask/Finish Sherry
- ABV 47.2%
- Age 20 Year Old
- Release Year 2021
- Distillery Status Operational
