Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt (Aldi)

I had hoped to do a blind taste test with this and the Oban with a friend, but sadly didn't happen.

£17.99 single malt from Aldi. It's not bad, it's won awards. Slightly flowery, a little burn, a little smoke, little spice, taste doesn't last long.

So, there's nothing wrong with it, for £17.99 you can't complain, it's good value for money, better than most other whiskies at that price. But as a single malt, it's not going to set the world alight.

I think the wierdest thing about it is the short finish. It's pleasant enough in your mouth, but then gone.

Having said that, if you don't know about whisky, it's a great place to start, and if you just fancy a drink, rather than want something to sip and enjoy, you can't go wrong for the price.

 

Oban Distillers Edition 2021 Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

 

This is an interesting one. Slightly flowery, woody, maybe a hint of peat/smoke, dried fruit, not too sweet, no burn. Very nice to sip and enjoy.

Here's the interesting part: I'll admit, it's more complex than what I'm used to, also it "should" be more expensive than what I paid for it. Another "bargain" I spotted via hotukdeals. RRP 95, usual price £85, I paid £45 .

It's very nice, but is it worth £95? probably not. Am I glad I bought it? Yes. It's nice to try something different, especially at a price point way above what I'd pay, but reminds me a little of the Lidl 23yo whisky, i.e. I can enjoy it for what I paid for it, as £45 I think it's great, but I don't think it's 2 or 3 times as "good" as other whiskies I've bought and enjoyed. I'd happily recommend anyone buy it at the reduced price, but couldn't tell anyone to spend £95 on a bottle, but maybe that's just me thinking about cost/value/worth rather than quality?

Penderyn Sherrywood

 

Looks like I saved the best until last from the Penderyn sampler set. I'm tempted to buy a bottle of the Sherrywood.

This one is full of flavour, slightly fruity, woody, spicy, little burn, so worth buying a bottle again to experience it more and get to grips with it.

Happy New Year