Murray McDavid presents new Cask Craft series - Blog post by Steven Kramme

In this blog post, our Whisky Blogger Steven Kramme will taste 6 different bottles from Murray McDavid. It's from their "Cask Craft" series. They have sourced single malts from all over Scotland. However, it's the focus on different cask types that makes them stand out. Read about whisky from: Strathdearn, Mannochmore, Dailuaine, Croftengea, Glen Elgin and Linkwood

Post by Steven KrammeIn this blog post I will be tasting 6 different bottles from Murray McDavid. It's from their "Cask Craft" series. They have sourced single malts from all over Scotland. However, it is with a focus on different cask types that makes them stand out. Something they are really good at at Murray McDavid. They have also made it easy for people by writing on the bottle which 2 scents are dominant. The 6 bottles in this series are all bottled at 44.5% alcohol.STRATHDEARN TOMATIN MURRAY MCDAVID CRAFT CASK SHERRY FINISH SINGLE HIGHLAND MALT WHISKY 44.5%1. Strathdearn has been aged in Oloroso Sherry casks. It's a lovely sweet whisky. Fruit notes are the first thing you notice, followed by a slightly spicy aroma in the nose. There is a fine taste of sherry that lingers in the mouth.MANNOCHMORE MURRAY MCDAVID CRAFT CASK PORT FINISH SINGLE HIGHLAND MALT WHISKY 44.5%2. Mannochmore has been aged in Tawny portcasks. The powerful whisky, with a hint of fruit, pairs well with the port cask. There's plenty of cherry fruit, chocolate and, above all, sweetness.

DAILUAINE MURRAY MCDAVID CRAFT CASK BOURBON FINISH SINGLE SPEYSIDE MALT WHISKY 44.5%3. Dailuaine has been aged in bourbon barrels from Koval. It's clear that this is tasty whiskey with all the good things from the bourbon barrel. I sense honey and vanilla. Some fresh fruit. It's all pretty well balanced.CROFTENGEA MURRAY MCDAVID CRAFT CASK MARSALA FINISH SINGLE HIGHLAND MALT WHISKY 44.5%4. Croftengea is a distillery I didn't know about before. But it's definitely something. The whisky has been aged in masala casks. This gives notes of dried fruit, raisins, nuts and oak. But what strikes me first when you open it is that there is a little smoke. Not a lot, but enough to make you notice it.GLEN ELGIN MURRAY MCDAVID CRAFT CASK PEATED FINISH SINGLE SPEYSIDE MALT WHISKY 44.5%5. Glen Elgin which has been aged in casks from Caol Ila. It is by far the most peated whisky in this series. But in addition to nice smoke, you can also find notes of citrus and a little ginger. It's nicely balanced without being boring. I would still serve it to people who don't like smoke.LINKWOOD MURRAY MCDAVID CRAFT CASK MADEIRA FINISH SINGLE SPEYSIDE MALT WHISKY 44.5%6. Linkwood is the last in this series and it has been aged in Madeiracasks. It is probably the sweetest whisky in this series. As soon as you smell it, it's like sticking your nose in a bag of candy. Not in a negative synthetic way, but with lots of fruit and sweetness. You can sense honey and mild chocolate.CONCLUSION ON THE MURRAY MCDAVID CRAFT CASK SERIESMurray McDavid has, in my opinion, made some really lovely whisky. There is something for everyone in this series. From super sweet to lightly smoky. For me, there are three things that really stand out compared to many other whiskies. Firstly, you have chosen to have all the whiskies at 44.5% alcohol. This means that the aromas and flavors are a notch higher and that the whiskies don't "burn" quickly. There is a good finish that stays in the mouth for a long time. Secondly, Murray McDavid has experimented, both by choosing casks and distilleries that you don't often see. The results are surprisingly good. This is clearly something that makes them stand out from others. Thirdly, there's the price. The price is only 350 kr. which is unheard of for quality whisky. Buying all the bottles would probably be a bit much, but this is real value for money. My personal favorite is Linkwood, which has a really good balance and sweetness. So next time you are looking for a whisky, give Murray McDavid a try. You might even be able to afford more than one bottle. Sláinte Steven Kramme