Embracing Autumn: The Seasons Collection from The Whisky Exchange

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, whisky lovers can rejoice in the arrival of a new seasonal offering from The Whisky Exchange. The Seasons: Autumn collection builds on the success of the summer release, promising to deliver the warmth and flavors that accompany this cozy time of year. This year’s lineup features three expressive whiskies: Dailuaine 12 Year Old, Ledaig 17 Year Old, and Caol Ila 9 Year Old, each embodying the character of autumn with its own unique profile.

Delve into the essence of autumn with these exquisite whiskies.

The Autumn Tapas

Like a carefully curated selection of seasonal dishes, the Seasons: Autumn collection offers a delightful tasting experience. The aromas evoke memories of fallen leaves and warm spices, reminiscent of family gatherings over hearty meals. I couldn’t help but picture the baked apple pies and pumpkin-spiced treats that become staples in our homes during this season.

Dailuaine 12 Year Old 2011 (52.1%)

Kicking off the collection is the Dailuaine 12 Year Old, aged in a rejuvenated hogshead. Its initial nose envelops you with mild fruity notes of peach and stewed Golden Delicious apples, alongside the comforting scents of ginger and nutmeg that truly set the autumnal mood. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and spice, almost like walking through an orchard at the peak of harvest time.

Mouthfeel: As you sip, the creaminess unfolds with rich stewed orchard fruits coupled with buttery vanilla and subtle oak spice. The transition is stunning, evolving with nutty notes of toasted almonds and a hint of liquorice that lingers just long enough to entice another taste.

The finish is medium, leaving behind herbal honey and that warming earthiness reminiscent of golden days fading into crisp nights—truly a perfect transition whisky. This Dailuaine might just compel you to savor each moment of autumn just a bit longer.

Ledaig 17 Year Old 2006 (55.4%)

Moving on, we encounter the robust Ledaig 17 Year Old from 2006. The nose of this whisky is wonderfully complex—think farmy peat mingled with sweet prunes and berries. There’s a comforting treacle note that wraps around the earthy depths of coal smoke. This sits perfectly alongside hints of herbal honey and singed orange peels, creating an aromatic experience that is both alluring and mysterious.

Mouthfeel: Imagine a bonfire on a chilly evening; the flavors reveal a powerful darkness, with layers of sooty notes dancing over black peppercorns. A touch of caramelized apple and chocolate adds richness, alongside a bittersweet char that almost brings to mind baked plums.

The lengthy finish is quite the spectacle, evoking memories of lacquered barbecue meats and roasted plums, each sip dragging you back beside that warm autumnal fire. Scoring an impressive 88 points, this Ledaig stands tall, a robust offering for those who savor depth and complexity in their drams.

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (52.1%)

Finally, we arrive at Caol Ila 9 Year Old, highlighting fresh and vibrant notes characteristic of its Islay heritage. The aroma immediately reminds me of the shoreline—mercurochrome, sea spray, and those pebbly beaches where you can lose track of time.

Mouthfeel: Sweet notes collide with briny characteristics, swirling around apple juice and a hint of medicinal smoke that doesn’t overpower but instead beautifully complements. There’s a comforting roundness to this whisky, allowing the bonfire ambiance to seep in without losing its essential character.

The finish is long and juicy, echoing the sea, taking you on a journey from the drying edge of the tannins across your palate. Caol Ila manages to balance sweetness with an element of mystery, earning a solid score of 86.

A Seasonal Toast

As I sit down at the end of the day, the collection from The Whisky Exchange invites reflections on the beauty of autumn. Each dram offers a unique journey, from the delicate fruitiness of Dailuaine to the layered complexities of Ledaig, finishing with Caol Ila’s captivating essence of the sea. As the season changes, so does our whisky choice—embracing the rich and robust flavors over the lighter tones of summer.

Consider picking up a full collector’s set or indulging in each whisky individually—such treasures are meant to be appreciated as the nights draw in, and the cozy firesides beckon. Whether you’re a connoisseur or new to the whisky world, the Seasons: Autumn collection is certainly worth exploring. Cheers to celebrating the flavors of the season!