Review - The Three Drinkers Cask Selection No.1

Introduction by Matt Chambers. Tasting notes & thoughts by Tobias Gorn.

The members of the Amazon Prime TV series The Three Drinkers have teamed up with retailer Master of Malt to release their first whisky - The Three Drinkers Scotch Whisky Cask Selection No.1. The whisky is a 17 years old blended malt inspired by different distillery locations within the first series of the show and is bottled at 45% ABV. It is non chill-filtered and of natural colour with only 300 bottles, which have been individually numbered and also signed by The Three Drinkers. The Cask Selection No.1 will be sold via Master of Malt and is available now. A bottle will cost £40.

The new release arrives as the second series of the TV programme appears on the horizon. The first series of The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky appeared on Amazon Prime last year and explored the world of Scottish whisky in a new and innovative way. It was launched to 65 countries around the world. Further adventures are planned for The Three Drinkers - whisky expert Colin Hampden-White, wine and spirits communicator Adrian Smith and Helena Nicklin, wine writer and Editor of The Winerist - so watch this space.

Our friend Tobias Gorn went to the unofficial launch of the Cask Selection No.1 and came back with some tasting notes and thoughts, which he offered to share with us. Please find these below.

Tobias' tasting notes
A complex and beautifully blended malt with plenty of sweet, inviting and savoury aromas. The nose has dried apricots, toffee, caramel and a touch of baking spice including cinnamon and nutmeg. There is also a touch of vanilla in the background. It has a great balance between fresh notes and the signs of the long aged elements. There is a whiff of distant smoke - this is not a main characteristic but plays a nice supporting role.

This whisky is all about the beautiful more robust aromas and flavours associated to darker, rounder whiskies that have been aged in ex-sherry casks. The palate starts with a delicious sweetness displaying dried fruits and spices - think of prunes, cocoa powder and some sweet green walnut. It is surprisingly easy drinking and very moreish with a medium weight body. A nice, long lingering and sweet finish with some aged savoury notes on the aftertaste (the spices and distant smoke again, plus a hint of dried tobacco). Balanced and long with complexity.

Tobias' verdict
Firstly, it has to be said that this is outstanding value for money for a one-off, individually numbered and signed expression with a minimum age of 17 years . It is also good to see our friends The Three Drinkers coming out with a product of such quality.

This not just another celebrity endorsed product, but one that has been carefully put together to show their expertise. The three of them seem to be doing so well at educating a very broad audience via the series, their media activities and events, and now through this beautiful Scotch.

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Tobias is a good friend and long time supporter of us at WFE. We could not attend the launch of this new Tullamore DEW but were delighted that Tobias agreed to share his notes with us.

He started his drinks industry career in 2003 and has the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and time as a head sommelier for Michelin star establishments on his CV. Over the last decade his main attention has been to fine wine, whisky, gin and Cuban cigars. He judges for many wine and spirits competitions and is a panel chair judge and ambassador for the IWSC. He is also an official clay pigeon shooting instructor, coach and referee as well as an award-winning drinks and cigar writer and consultant.