Ayrshire Whisky Advent DramShare 2024, Prancer Group
Welcome to 2024 of the worlds biggest and best Advent Dram Share (maybe). For those that took part from last year thanks for coming back and for all those that are here for the first time, welcome to the madness!
This year includes 3 groups of 24 people with some bottles from elsewhere to make up to 25 drams for December.
All we ask in return is to engage with the group while doing this and anything in the future, Take part in our tastings, events and everything going on, we can't promise much but we will promise you will have fun!
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We know there are those of you out there beginning your Whisky journey and there is no end to this but enjoy the journey because there is one thing for certain We all Do!
Dram 1 : 01/12/2024
Contributor : John Bryson
Name :Arran(Lochranza) Private Cask 19-VA-1053 11 Year Old Shiraz Finish
ABV : 56.5%
Info : 1 of 419 Bottles Initially Matured in ex Bourbon before being finished in a first fill ex-Shiraz Wine Cask. Nose Sweet Plum, Cherry and Syrupy Figs burst on the nose followed by notes of sugared almonds and marzipan Palate Berries, RoseHip and Hedgerow fruits take centre stage on the palate Finish Medium finish with lingering Oak and Spice
Dram 2 : 02/12/2024
Contributor : David Irvine
Name : Fishermans Retreat Edition 14 Arran Yalumba Fortified Wine Cask
ABV :
Info :
A more accessible, yet equally rich version of our peated expression. Diluted to 50.0% ABV, this bottling brings forward the subtleties and nuances that the Yalumba wine cask imparts. The slightly lower alcohol content allows the intricate layers of smoke, fruit, and spice to shine through, offering a beautifully balanced tasting experience.
Nose
Dried fruits, toffee and vanilla lead the way in this 10 year old Lochranza, a subtle note of peat is present but in no way over powering, left a little longer, blossom honey and hints of lemon zest become more apparent when left to rest.
Palate
The boldness of this dram is something to be admired indeed, following on from the nose an initial sweetness fills the palate with fruity flavours imparted from the fortified wine cask, raisins, dates and figs to name a few, honey and citrus notes are also present, the gentleness of the spirit shines through with a subtle sweet peat smoke to round off this dram in style. At 50% abv the drinker has a lot to play with here.
Finish
This single malt, single cask whisky delivers on every front! The lightly peated Lochranza spirit has worked in harmony with the Yalumba Fortified Wine Cask to produce another outstanding and distinctive Limited Edition. Only 373 bottles available at 50% abv.
Dram 3 : 03/12/2024
Contributor : Richard Temple
Name : Glen Moray 12 Year Old (Glen Moray - Glenlivet Distillery) - 1994ish
ABV : 40%
Info :
Distilled at Glen Moray in Elgin, this 12-year-old Speyside single malt is matured in American oak casks for its full term, with 40% of the liquid matured in first-fill casks.
No Official Tasting notes as not sure of year of bottle but an interesting one to put in the mix.
Dram 4 : 04/12/2024
Contributor : Scott Murray
Name : MacTalla Oloroso
ABV : 54.8%
Info :
A generously sherried Islay single malt joins the Mac-Talla range. This limited edition spent its entire maturation in a selection of oloroso sherry butts from south-west Spain imparting robust notes of candied nuts and sweet, cakey spice to the hearty peat smoke at its core.
Nose
Plenty of peat to lead the way, with salted butter and seaweed joined by cinnamon and baking spice.
Palate
Those warming, sweet spices carry through to the palate, with raisins and currants in tow, while bold peat smoke rests comfortably at the heart.
Finish
Burnt caramel and rich smoke linger alongside fruit cake sweetness and spice.
Dram 5 : 05/12/2024
Contributor : Jim Paton
Name : Signatory Glenallachie Vintage 2012 Oloroso Sherry Casks
ABV : 48.2%
Info :
11yo
This beloved Speyside single malt was matured in oloroso sherry casks and bottled by Signatory for its small batch series. You can expect notes of raisin, fruitcake, dark chocolate and toasted baking spice on the palate. A single malt for all tastes.
Nose
Acetone, artificial cherry, tree resin, ship varnish - takes time and patience.
Palate
Slightly peppery start, followed by a light red fruity mix
Finish
mild, woody finish
Dram 6 : 06/12/2024
Come back on the 6th for the reveal