I have been neglecting my local Costco. There was a time, a few years ago, when I would monthly wander into that big-box jungle and see what fruits I could extract. Their prices on industry standards like Oban 14 and Lagavulin 16 have been admittedly uninspired on my last few visits, which might account for the waning of my interest. This weekend I noticed a new version of the 2013 classic: Kirkland (Costco’s brand) has a new version of its 20 year-old Speyside single-malt with a sherry cask finish (link to the last one I reviewed, in 2013, here). As before, this is bottled by those big-box contact maestros, Alexander Murray & Co. from a mystery distillery in Speyside. The whisky in question was aged for the majority of its life in ex-bourbon, and then finished (possibly by Murray & Co.) for only 6 months in Oloroso sherry and bottled at 46% ABV. (Not 40% this time! Yay!)
This bottle retails for $58, a thirteen-dollar premium over its 40% ABV 2013 predecessor that is actually pretty tame considering the other increases over the last half decade. Example: Glenfiddich 18 was $44 in 2011 (!!!!), and is now $70-something at the same store. Yowch.
There is a wild raging debate on the Internet about the actual source of Alexander Murray & Co.’s big-age, low-price malts. Some rumors suggest that the majority of the company’s barrels come from Tullibardine (a whisky chameleon of sorts), while the company has definitely bottled Macallan before, and is reported to have contracts with both Diageo and Edrington. Rumors persist as well of Longmorn and Mortlach, and I swear I’ve tasted Alexander Murray juice that was the spitting image of a Mortlach in the past. As usual, though, there is no certainty about the provenance of this bottle, and isn’t that really half the fun, anyway? Aside from getting a 50% discount on 20 year-old malt, of course.
As I opened this bottle, I whispered a prayer to the whisky gods, “Please, let this be Mortlach…”
Update: There’s a 19 year 2022 version of this
Nose: Distinct dried fruit notes – fig, dried berries, fruitcake, etc. – overlay a musky, meaty (but not quite sulfurous) layer of malt. Caramel apple and hints of cocoa (stopping short of actual chocolate) complete the picture. This is somewhat limited in scope, but not objectionable, and the sherry is clear and present.
Palate: Slightly syrupy body. The same fruits start things out, followed by a hotter-than-expected tongue burn for 46% ABV. Red vines, caramel, and old leather appear in sequence. A bit muddled, and not as sweet or fruity as I’d like.
Finish: Dried figs again, and drying red-wine tannins. Mildly bitter, and vague. Fades out with aromatic cocktail bitters (gentian) and anise.
With Water: A few drops of water appears to make a mess of the dried fruits – making some fresh and hiding the rest. Cherry, I think? The tongue burn does appear to be lessened, and the water adds a note of cinnamon. OK, I guess. Add the water only if you find the tongue burn annoying.
Overall: Not exactly a competitor for Macallan 18 or GlenDronach 18, but at $58 this delivers on its promise: Sherry-flavored malt with some age on it. There’s nothing stand-out about it (aside from the price), but you’re not likely to be too disappointed if you go in with that expectation. For the record, I think it’s a mediocre cask of Macallan, despite the initial meatiness (which would suggest Mortlach).
I have it on very good source that their 18 Highland Malt about 5-ish years ago was Dalwhinnie.
I think it’s damned drinkable, bordering on brilliant for the price especially within the context of today’s cost structure for “pedigreed” single malts. To the point, in fact, that I’m strongly considering buying it by the case!
A few years ago I drank a bottle of their “highland malt”, which was 16 years old and 40% ($45). I wasn’t disappointed for the price. Then, maybe 2 years ago or less, I saw the 18-year old sherry-finished KS, now at 46% and at $50 (or $55, can’t recall). Still have that bottle, very pleasant for the money, even if not spectacular. Was very reminiscent of the 16. I wonder if they keep aging the same stock, finishing it, playing with it and releasing as previous bottlings sell. 46% is a move in the right direction, NCF and NC would be even better. I might grab the 20yo. Or the next iteration 🙂
Thanks for reviewing it, I’m glad someone is doing that.
I picked one up. Sounds like the kind of bottle that should be uncorked, tasted once, recorked then left to “age” for a few weeks/months before palate develops more…
Doing this did wonders for Balblair 21 year old.
Thanks = thinking of picking up a bottle – appreciate your experienced – thorough and quite interesting review. Did you also review the 24 yo and if you – can you comment if you is it worth the extra $21 over this offering ? Thanks
I have not reviewed the 24 yet. Generally, Kirkland (Alexander Murray) whiskies are worth what they charge for them. You’re not going to get amazing knock-your-socks-off whisky, but you will definitely get your money’s worth. At least, that’s been my experience with the company.