That Boutique-y Whisky Company has gained fame for its extensive collection of independent bottlings released since 2013, and at this date a total of 883 of them have been documented on WhiskyBase. Recently, the company expanded its repertoire by introducing its first five core range expressions, effectively extending this impressive list. Additionally, there is a sixth core release in the form of their World Whisky Blend, which we have previously reviewed and will omit from this discussion. Instead, let’s focus on examining the remaining five releases from That Boutique-y Whisky’s core range.
Canadian Corn Whisky 8-Year-Old That Boutique-Y Whisky Company Review
We kick things off with an uncommon find on this side of the Atlantic Ocean: a Canadian Corn whisky. This 8-year-old corn whisky underwent initial maturation in ex-bourbon casks before being transferred for a second maturation period in ex-Oloroso casks. Bottled at 45.8% ABV, it retains its natural colour and texture, devoid of chill filtration. Interestingly, this whisky comes in a larger 700 ml bottle, priced at approximately £37, a departure from the standard 500 ml size typically associated with Boutique-y releases.
Colour:
Dry Oloroso.
Nose:
Neat: There is a notable intensity and a strong resemblance to bourbon. The aroma carries hints of roasted corn, along with the sweet and creamy notes reminiscent of rum & raisin ice cream. Additionally, there are undertones of plum pie, lightly dusted with cinnamon, and a touch of pepper. The scent is rounded off with the sweetness of maple butter.
Palate:
Neat: The whisky offers a syrupy mouthfeel initially, followed by a slight dryness. The palate reveals notes of charred oak and cracked black pepper, balanced by the sweetness of caramel made from reducing maple syrup. There is also a subtle savoury element reminiscent of slightly salted popcorn, accompanied by the rich, fruity flavour of blackcurrant jam.
Finish:
The finish is notably peppery and oak-driven, and quite long. It leaves a lingering impression of caramelised almonds, adding a nutty sweetness to the conclusion.
Comments:
I’ve talked about bias before, I’ve addressed my biases previously, and admittedly, I didn’t have high expectations. Canadian whisky, especially corn-based ones, hadn’t impressed me much, except for a few older Canadian releases. However, I must confess that That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s 8-year-old Canadian Corn Whisky exceeded my expectations. It boasts a satisfying mouthfeel and pleasant flavours, displaying a surprising level of character while remaining remarkably easy to enjoy. This whisky stands as a genuinely pleasant sipper, and considering its quality, it comes at a genuinely attractive price point.
Rating: 82/100
Islay 8-Year-Old That Boutique-Y Whisky Company Review
Moving on to the next selection, we have an 8-year-old Single Malt hailing from Islay. The distillery remains undisclosed. Following the cask acquisition by Boutique-y, the whisky underwent a second maturation process in refill Bourbon and refill Sherry octaves before being blended together. It is bottled at 45.8% ABV in 700 ml containers, retaining its natural state without chill filtration or added colouring, consistent with the core range. Remarkably, this expression comes with a modest recommended retail price of £41.95.
Colour:
Amber
Nose:
Neat: The nose is distinctly earthy, featuring maritime peat, crushed seashells, sea foam, iodine, and a briny note akin to oysters with a hint of lemon juice. There is a subtle presence of sulphur, likely originating from the sherry octaves, which surprisingly complements the overall scent. Additionally, with time, a smoky ashiness reminiscent of a fireplace emerges.
Palate:
Neat: The palate offers a pleasant lemony peat, starting off subtle and gradually intensifying over time. There are distinct malt notes, accompanied by subtle hints of vanilla, followed by a noticeable oakiness that becomes more pronounced with subsequent sips. The flavour profile includes the sweetness of peach, a generous sprinkle of pepper, and a shift towards a more earthy peat reminiscent of Ardmore. Additionally, there are subtle undertones of plums and hints of lychee.
Finish:
The finish is characterised by herbaceous notes paired with earthy peatiness and woody undertones. It lingers on the palate for a substantial duration.
Comments:
This whisky reminds me of a Lagavulin, though I have no means to confirm this assumption. That Boutique-y is constrained by their supply contract and hasn’t verified or disproved my speculation. Regardless of its origin, it presents very good value. It’s genuinely good Islay whisky, straightforward yet notably more intriguing than the majority of 40–43% Islay whiskies found in supermarkets at a similar price point.
Rating: 84/100
Speyside 12-Year-Old That Boutique-y Whisky Company Review
Continuing our exploration of the core range, we encounter a 12-year-old Speyside single malt that has undergone a secondary maturation process in new Oloroso casks. Similar to the other expressions in the core range, the distillery remains undisclosed. Maintaining consistency, this whisky also bears an ABV of 45.8% and retains its natural colour, and stays without chill filtration. It is available in 700 ml bottles like the other expressions, with an expected price of £44.95.
Colour:
Chestnut.
Nose:
Neat: The nose offers aromas of pralines, milk chocolate, allspice, cinnamon, and fresh orange juice. Additionally, there are subtle hints of pine needles and resin notes in the background.
Palate:
Neat: On the palate, there are pronounced spice notes accompanied by the sweetness of grape juice. The whisky has a pleasant mouthfeel. Flavours of stewed berries and freshly mowed grass come through, along with subtle oak undertones. Floral notes of rose and violet add a delicate touch, complemented by hints of icing sugar. The palate also reveals crushed walnut and walnut oil.
Finish:
The finish is medium in length, with peppery spice, oak, and lingering floral notes.
Comments:
This whisky is approachable and straightforward, though it lacks intricate complexity. Personally, I found the nose slightly more appealing than the palate. However, given its affordable price point, this remains a very good and straightforward option for relaxed sipping, particularly on chilly evenings, gently guiding you toward the festive holiday season.
Rating: 83/100
Highland 18-Year-Old Peated That Boutique-y Whisky Company Review
Next, we venture into the Highlands with an 18-year-old peated Highland single malt. For its second maturation, Boutique-y combined ex-Bourbon, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximenez casks. Despite the varied cask influence, the bottling remains consistent at 45.8% ABV, unchillfiltered, and with natural colour. While the price sees a moderate increase, it still falls within the realm of reasonably priced whiskies, with a recommended retail price of £84.95.
Colour:
Deep gold.
Nose:
Neat: The nose reveals an earthy peatiness, quite robust and marked by scents of burning leaves, peppercorns, and aromatic eucalyptus. In the backdrop, there’s a subtle sourness akin to salt and vinegar. Additionally, there are notes of burnt wood, hints of tar, smoked chalk, and engine oils, balanced by a dark sweetness that smoothens the rough edges.
Palate:
Neat: The aromatic elements from the nose translate directly onto the palate. The whisky is notably heavily peated, with dominant flavours of eucalyptus, burning leaves, and tar persisting. The sweetness imparted by the bourbon and PX casks is evident, accompanied by notes of almonds enveloped in caramel and an additional layer of peppercorn spiciness. The palate also captures nuances of roasted oak.
Finish:
The finish is characterized by lingering smoke intertwined with burnt oak notes. There’s a distinctive essence of smoked peach reminiscent of a barbecue, leaving behind a lasting ashy sensation on the palate.
Comments:
Initially, I thought this whisky might be a Ruadh Mhor, a peated Glenturret. However, considering that Glenturret didn’t produce peated whisky until 2009, that possibility was ruled out. Perhaps it could be Ardmore? Regardless of its origin, I find this to be an outstanding whisky. I am highly inclined to purchase a bottle as soon as it becomes available in France or through European retailers that ship to France.
Rating: 87/100
Blended Grain 30-Year-Old That Boutique-y Whisky Company Review
Finally, we arrive at the fifth addition to the core range, excluding the previously reviewed World Whisky Blend. This offering is a 30-year-old Blended Grain, where the distilleries involved remain undisclosed, as is typical with Boutique-y core range releases. Similar to the Islay 8-year-old, this blended grain underwent a secondary maturation in a marriage of refill casks, combining ex-Bourbon hogsheads and ex-Sherry octaves. Maintaining consistency, it is bottled at 45.8% ABV, without any additional colouring or chill filtration. The recommended retail price for this blended grain stands at £74.95.
Colour:
Amontillado sherry.
Nose:
Neat: There’s no mistaking the nature of this whisky – it’s unmistakeably a grain, but notably, it’s an aged one. Unlike the sharp neutral spirit scent often found in younger grains, this one exudes richness and roundness. Surprisingly robust for its ABV, the nose offers notes of roasted corn, vanilla, beeswax, propolis, and shortbread that practically oozes with butter. Hints of pine resin as well.
Palate:
Neat: The palate delivers a creamy sensation, complemented by a delightful blend of spiciness and sweetness. The taste begins with the indulgent notes of shortbread, followed by a bold kick of pepper and the subtle sweetness of vanilla and rose water. Intriguingly, there are hints of cactus liqueur, mingling with the refreshing zest of orange juice, all harmoniously accented by delicate floral undertones.
Finish:
The finish is marked by a pronounced surge of pepper, intensifying and warming the throat as it lingers. Subsequently, polished wood notes emerge, accompanied by the lingering sweetness of vanilla and butterscotch. After a brief moment, only the woody essence remains, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.
Comments:
The specific grains in this blend remain a mystery, but Boutique-y has certainly excelled in their blending efforts. This whisky is rather enjoyable, boasting a flavourful and somewhat summery character. What makes it even more enticing is its affordability. It’s an ideal choice for celebrating your best friend’s birthday without stretching your budget. Similar to the peated Highland expression, I’m highly inclined to secure a bottle as soon as it’s accessible in the land of Molière.
Rating: 87/100
Samples provided by Dave Worthington, That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s lovel-y and beard-y brand ambassador. However, it has no influence on my thoughts and what I’ve written about these whiskies. All pictures were nicked fr … courtesy of Master of Malt and TBWC’s websites.
18yr Highland as been confirmed to be a parcel of Knockdhu or should I say peated Ancnoc. Delicious indeed and more than fairly priced.