Overview
Independent bottler Adelphi has developed a stellar reputation over the past 30 years for bottling tremendous stuff. Just like the old adage “I've never had a bad Caol Ila”, so it goes with Adelphi. Their outturns are often in such fervent demand that most of us never even see Adelphi bottlings hit the shelf. I still always try my luck.
Adelphi is mostly known for bottling high quality single casks of single malt whisky from Scotland. However, over the years they've also released some bottles that are not scotch because, of course, Scotland isn't the only whisky-producing country in the world.
Featured in this break-even whisky tasting are a few of those Adelphi bottlings that showcase non-Scottish, international single/blended malts. We'll be visiting Japan, England, The Netherlands, Sweden, and two mystery destinations to be revealed on the day.
Special Guest
Carl Crafts from the Adelphi & Ardnamurchan Sales Team will be joining us to talk about the drams. He's a good fella with great chat, and we're very fortunate to have him. Buy him a pint. 🤠
The Lineup
This tasting is comprised of 7 drams in 20ml measures. Only 5 bottles are pictured because our special guest is graciously bringing two mystery bottles that fit with the “Adelphi International” theme!
Because the flavour profiles of the two mystery drams must remain secret until the day of the tasting, their positions in the tasting lineup may be different from what you see here.
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Mystery Dram #1 (single cask, international single malt whisky, supplied by our special guest)
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Mystery Dram #2 (single cask, international single malt whisky, supplied by our special guest)
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Adelphi Spirit of Yorkshire 5yr 2018 48%
- English single malt whisky 🏴
- 1st-fill moscatel hogshead
- Distilled in 2018, bottled in 2023
- Single cask #3054
- 1 of 330 bottles
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Adelphi “The Glover” 14yr 44.3%
- Blended malt, a fusion of Japanese and Scottish single malt whiskies 🇯🇵🏴
- Contains Hanyu (peated), Glen Garioch, and Longmorn
- Blended by Charles MacLean and Alex Bruce
- Youngest component was distilled in 2001, bottled in 2015
- 1 of 1,500 bottles
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Adelphi Akkeshi 3yr 2018 57.8%
- Japanese single malt whisky 🇯🇵
- 1st-fill bourbon barrel
- Distilled in 2018, bottled in 2023
- Single cask #1011
- 1 of 253 bottles
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Adelphi Zuidam 19yr 1999 52.9%
- Dutch single malt whisky 🇳🇱
- 1st-fill PX sherry hogshead
- Distilled in 1999, bottled in 2021
- Single cask #2547
- 1 of 165 bottles
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Adelphi Smögen 10yr 2013 58.1%
- Swedish single malt whisky 🇸🇪
- 1st-fill bourbon barrel
- Distilled in 2013, bottled in 2023
- Single cask #58
- 1 of 232 bottles
Ethos
My tastings are geared for whisky enthusiasts, but they're also intended to be fun, unintimidating, and inclusive of a diverse group of nice people. I'll make zero profit from this tasting. I just want to bring people together and open some silly whiskies that would otherwise be hoarded or flipped for profit.
Event Schedule
The tasting will start promptly at 2pm. Any presentational aspects of the tasting will wrap up by 4:30pm. The venue will reopen to the public at 5pm, but we can remain in the space for as long as we want to. I recommend you arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled start time so you can choose a seat, grab a pint, make yourself comfortable, etc.
The Venue
The Last Word in Stockbridge, Edinburgh is a place that's near and dear to my heart. I've been coming here for years, and I've had loads of fun combing through their substantial backbar. Part of Mothership and established in 2004, The Last Word is an excellent neighbourhood cocktail bar with a low-key atmosphere and superb hospitality. It has an extensive and criminally underrated whisky selection, courtesy of the owners and a series of fabulous venue managers who are serious whisky enthusiasts. It's a great space, and I'm happy they're graciously opening up for us.
For the duration of the tasting, The Last Word will be closed to the public, and we'll have the entire space to ourselves. 🎉
