Review | Master of Malt Exclusive Whiskies

Master of Malt has released a series of limited edition single cask and small batch whiskies that have been bottled exclusively for them. They have been timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the whisky retailer. The series comes with sign post gold, silver, copper and navy badges to explain where they are positioned in the wider range. Every expression is bottled at cask strength (or close to it) without chill filtration or added colouring.

Master of Malt was founded in 1985 as a retailer and bottler of whisky and other fine spirits. It started out as a mail-order independent bottler based in Tunbridge Wells specialising in single malt whiskies. It sent out monthly catalogues and processed orders by mail. In the early 2000s the business moved online and closed the small shop. They now sell whiskies around the world; their own bottlings as well as a large range of brands.

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Our Tasting Notes

Dailuaine 16 Years Old 2008 Single Cask

Single Cask | Single Malt | 51.1% ABV | 425 bottles | £69.95

Matured in a refill sherry hogshead the transferred to a refill rum casks this single cask is limited to 425 bottles. Single malt from Dailuaine is rarely seen, having historically been the backbone of many blends. This whisky has a distinctly savoury and meaty character. It has flavours of leather, earth and yeast extract. There is a bold sweetness of golden syrup and honeycomb, and dried tropical fruits. Underlying all this is rich maltiness and warming baking spices.

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Blended Grain 37 Years Old 1987

Blended Grain | 54.7% ABV | 274 bottles | £99.95

This December 1987 vintage grain spirit was matured in a refill American oak barrel and is limited to 274 bottles. This is a small batch grain blend from unnamed distilleries. This whisky is decadent and creamy with lashings of chocolate and rich butter milk. On the palate there are flavours of coconut and golden syrup along with a gingerbread like spicy warmth. A peach or apricot fruitiness is balanced by a hint of white pepper warmth.

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Tobermory 29 Years Old 1996 Single Cask

Single Cask | Single Malt | 46.4% ABV | 268 bottles | £199.95

Part of their Masterpiece collection this April 1996 vintage malt was matured in a refill hogshead. It is limited to 268 bottles. Tobermory is the only distillery on the large Hebridean island of Mull. This is a bold and robust whisky that is rich and complex. There are flavours of salted caramel and praline, walnuts and fresh vanilla seeds. A zesty bitter orange sits well with fresh satsuma, dried figs and raisins. The finish is long and lingering with bitter tobacco, a hint of brine and a wisp of delicate smoke.