Year: 2018

Steel Bonnets

Sean Handley Blends, English Whisky, Scotch ,

Bottled by: Lakes Distillery
Bottled: 2018
ABV: 46.6%
More Info: WhiskyBase

Here’s a first! A blend of Scottish and English malt whiskies!

The Lakes Distillery have released this bottling in honour of the “Steel Bonnets”, the much-feared border reivers who raided settlements around the Scottish borders between the 13th and 17th centuries.

They did not see themselves as English or Scottish and developed a certain independence of spirit whose people were loyal to kin, not kingdom.

Check out the short film:

Sounds intriguing! Let’s get it in the glass…

Nose: Golden syrup, sourdough, roasted sweetcorn. Slightly coastal with sea shells and salt.

Palate: Salty toffee, vanilla cream, and barley sugar. Some bakings spices mingling with a soft note of wood smoke.

Finish: Cloves and oaky pepper.

A well-rounded blend that balances sweetness with smoky spices. This is very pleasant stuff to be enjoyed in the safety of your keep beyond the reach of any passing marauders.

There’s a load more information and bottles available for £65 here on the Lakes Distillery site.

Kilchoman Port Cask 2018

Sean Handley Islay
Distillery: Kilchoman
Bottled: 2018, Distilled: 2014
ABV: 50%
Cask: Port
More Info: WhiskyBase

Oh my! A port-cask matured Kilchoman.

I was very lucky to try the 1st edition of this at a tasting a few years back. It was jammy, earthy and all-round delicious. Let’s try the sequel!

Nose: Redcurrants, Easter egg chocolate, dirty puddles, leaf litter, engine grease, bonfire smoke, and nicotine.

Palate: Tobacco and maple syrup. A smoky serving of spices: cinnamon, clove, white pepper. An acidic red-wine edge to it – like a peppery Shiraz.

Finish: Chewy, earthy peat that lasts and lasts.

I’m a big fan of this style of whisky – it’s raw and punchy and full of the aromas of the outdoors.

Available now for around £70-£80.