This trio of single malt whiskies form the fourth and final instalment of The Whisky Exchange Seasons collection for 2024/25. They follow similar releases in the Summer, Autumn and Winter of 2024 on the premise that each whisky stylistically mirrors the characteristics of the season. For example, each of the three whiskies in the Spring release are fresh and young with abundant green and floral notes.
The three whiskies in The Whisky Exchange Seasons: Spring were released in April 2025. Each has been selected by The Whisky Exchange’s blending team and is taken from a single cask. They are bottled at the natural cask strength, are of natural colour and priced individually. They are exclusive to The Whisky Exchange, both online and through their London retail stores.
My favourite time of year is spring when you are getting some of those lovely vibrant flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables emerging. The days are getting longer and warmer and we all start to feel the energy of sunshine and outdoor living that is just around the corner. To celebrate this I wanted to choose fresh vibrant whiskies that reflected this mood. They are whiskies to welcome in spring.
Dawn Davies – Buying Director at The Whisky Exchange
Our Tasting Notes
Linkwood 2013 10 Years Old
Immediately you are enveloped in a fresh, vibrant and bright nose. Perhaps unsurprisingly there is a dose of big crisp green apple but also something more delicate like white peach. Sweetness comes in the forms of vanilla custard, icing sugar and white chocolate. Finally there is a hint of oakiness, but it is again fresh, like newly sawn sawdust. If you leave this whisky in the glass for some time, the chocolate notes become bolder and take on a darker cocoa character.
On the palate, the brightness continues with fresh vibrancy. There is however a punch of white pepper heat and clove spices bringing depth. The sweetness on the palate matches remarkably closely to the nose; white chocolate and vanilla sugar. Oakiness becomes much bolder on the palate but still retains the fresh sawdust appeal. To ramp up the freshness even more lemon zest and orange oil appear. The dominant green apple character is ever present from initial inspection to the final hint of the rather long finish.
Linkwood 2013 10 Years Old is a refill ex-bourbon American oak matured single barrel, bottled at 57.7% ABV. Each 70cl bottle is priced at £67.95. This whisky is exactly what a sunny spring afternoon sitting outside in the sun deserves. It is cool and calm with a hint of the spiciness that summer is about to bring.
Glentauchers 2013 10 Years Old
This pale gold whisky is malty, creamy and fudgy on the nose. There are plenty of fresh red apple, orchard florals, and fresh ginger notes. Sweeter notes of milk chocolate and toffee mix with gingerbread and vanilla spices. It feels bold and slightly robust.
On the palate this whisky has an edge of oiliness with biscuity malty notes. The power of the alcohol comes across in waves of pepperiness and earthy spiciness. This cuts through the viscosity nicely. There is plenty of red and green apples flavours along with white currants. Milk chocolate and a golden unrefined sugar character bring sweetness. A hint of marzipan lies beneath.
With a extra body and maltiness this whisky feels like the one for sunset, just before you have to put on a thicker jumper. This Glentauchers 2013 10 Years Old has been matured in a single American oak barrel. This 58.6% ABV bottling of Glentauchers is available for £72.95.
Caol Ila 2014 9 Years Old
This distinctly peated Caol Ila has an ashy, sooty style peat smoke that lends itself remarkably well to complimenting more delicate fresh and zesty notes. In particular lemon zest and candied lime citrus notes, plus some delicate dried white grapes. Creaminess comes in waves of white chocolate, vanilla bean ice-cream and almond milk. Spicy cardamon spices add warmth without overpowering.
In the mouth the big ashy and charcoal smokiness hits you upfront. There is a buttery character with some milky chocolate buttons and salted vanilla fudge. Earthy notes make an unlikely pairing with damp moss and sweet brioche. The finish is all about the citrus balancing sweet candied lime, lemon curd and a hint of bitter Seville orange marmalade. Of course the underlying peaty warmth carries through the whole experience.
This Caol Ila shows that smoky whisky can be perfectly suited to warmer weather (with the right selection of casks). This bring all the bright and uplifting citrus notes that spring time hints at. The Caol Ila 2014 is a single first-fill ex-bourbon American oak barrel, bottled at 59.9% ABV and selling for £74.95.
