I’ve always been the odd man out when it comes to Nadurras. I like them well enough, and I recognize the quality, but they’re not whiskies I get pumped about. I just don’t have the same visceral reaction to them that so many others do. Maybe this bottle will change that. It’s a limited edition bottling called Triumph, and instead of the usual 16 years of maturation, this one has seen 18. Also, the barley used is exclusively of the “triumph” variety, yielded during the 1991 growing season. Apparently this type of barley is no longer in use. Triumph barley. Sounds like a winner, doesn’t it?
Nose: Fresh and fruity. Red and green apple skin, peach, mango, pineapple, apple vinegar, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, gentle honey and vanilla.
Palate: Thick mouthfeel, with a really warm, soothing honeyed arrival. Very malty, with apples, cinnamon, allspice, honey, vanilla, clover, heather, anise, and barley.
Finish: Medium in length, getting slightly more astringent. Big grapefruit, apple cider, pear, lemon candy, malt, barley, honey, vanilla, anise, allspice, woodspice, ginger ale, and sweet & sour sauce.
Thoughts: Well, I’ve no clue what the triumph barley did or didn’t do to this (some added maltiness, maybe?), but it’s easily a step up from any 16 year old batch I’ve tried. For such a well-aged whisky, the spirit itself does a lot of talking, with a fantastic array of semi-sour fruitiness. The wood-derived flavours of sweet honey and vanilla balance things out nicely. Definitely a sweet and sour vibe going on here, and it works well. Still not “my style,” but I do enjoy this one thoroughly. Easily the best Nadurra I’ve had. Grab it if you can find it.
@Taco, yeah I've tried a few of the 16 batches, and they've all been pretty nice, but this one's a clear favourite. Shame to hear that like everything else these days, the aged Nadurra is going the way of the dodo.
I still have an unopened bottle of this in the back of my cabinet, still waiting for that special day to open, as it is long gone from stores here. Like you, I feel that the 16 is a quality, pleasant malt and a solid 87, but I don't buy it that often. However, I do like to have one available in the cabinet, especially as the weather gets warm. I had planned to pick up two more 16's before they disappear but bought two more Perpetuum instead, as they are more likely to quickly disappear. I'm glad to see you rated it higher than the 16, since that means I should really enjoy it. Now I just need exciting news to make me pop the cork.