La Maison & Velier operates an unimaginable variety of sub-brands, and whereas its focus is on rum, it additionally has a bustling whisky operation, which is heavy on Scotch. The La Maison du Whisky Artist vary has been with us since 2011, principally single cask Scotch bottled at cask power. It’s known as Artist as a result of sculptors, painters, illustrators, and photographers are frequently invited to create the collection’ labels.
LM&V just lately despatched us 5 whiskies from its late 2024 batch of releases: Artist #13. All are single cask releases and extremely restricted. Ideas observe. (All are served in 700ml bottles and costs fluctuate broadly.)
Artist #13 Ardmore 13 Years Previous – Distilled in 2009. A surprisingly phenolic Highland whisky, layers of ash and tar on the nostril are counterbalanced, if solely barely, by a touch of orange peel and a few mint. The peat affect by no means actually lets up nonetheless, even after ample time in glass to air out, remaining Islay-adjacent all through its operating time. The palate follows swimsuit, exhibiting ample phenols and a slight contact of citrus, then a soothing vanilla cream. Sharp on the end with notes of inexperienced pepper and a aptitude of Latin spices. Wholly approachable, however I hoped for nuance. 113.6 proof. B / $200
Artist #13 Tamdhu 16 Years Previous – Distilled in 2006, it is a closely sherried (fully-matured in sherry butts) Speyside providing that’s evident from the beginning, given its deep amber colour. That sherry assaults the nostril in drive, hitting you with aromas of citrus oil, roasted nuts, and furnishings polish — all made much more expressive because of the over-60% abv presentation. It’s equally aggressive on the palate, the total drive of 16 years of sherry growing older punching you within the face, exuding overwhelming flavors of camphor and extra oily furnishings polish. It’s rescued by some late-game citrus notes which, whereas by no means dominant, are not less than tempering to a point. Water can be instructive however the outsized influence of all that reductive, oxidized wine is simply too highly effective right here, even with some H2O. 121.2 proof. B / $480
Artist #13 Bowmore 21 Years Previous – Distilled in 2001. That is an amazingly fruity expression of the Islay basic, its peat simmered down so extra nuanced parts can emerge. Tangerines and ruby crimson grapefruit kick off a brisk aroma that’s tinged with wooden smoke, with some a layer of sandalwood beneath. Sharp and tangy on the tongue, that is an orange marmalade-driven expertise that comes throughout as fairly candied, tempered barely with that lightly peaty, barely smoky aspect that evokes the influence of a burnt orange peel to coat the rim of the glass. It’s a reasonably easy expertise that’s mild and refreshingly nice, making for one among my favourite Bowmore bottlings in reminiscence. 112.4 proof. A- / $900
Artist #13 Glenburgie 28 Years Previous – Distilled in 1995. Intensely fragrant, the nostril of this well-aged Speyside bottling is loaded with such a twig of aromas that it’s laborious to completely parse. Orange blossoms and orange peel combine with notes of lilac, menthol, and white pepper, creating a novel mixture that’s fruity, floral, and spicy all of sudden. Time in glass evokes extra of a tropical bent, virtually approaching pineapple. The citrus dominates the palate, although it’s countered with notes of coconut and marzipan, a number of vanilla soothing what hits with a reasonably hefty punch of alcohol. Issues finally quiet down because the end lastly arrives, with a reprise of creamy almond notes and a few brown butter lingering. Evenly toasty with some latent oakiness. Actually fairly a delight from a distillery you hardly ever discover used exterior of blends. 116 proof. A- / $700
Artist #13 Glen Garioch 34 Years Previous – The grande dame of this lineup is that this previous Highland malt distilled all the best way again in 1988. In comparison with the final couple of whiskies, this one feels wrapped up in brown paper packaging. The nostril is vague and elusive, flippantly woody with aromas of almond skins, burnt orange peel, and a lighter lemon notice because it develops a bit. The palate is complicated, as one would anticipate from a whisky of this age, showcasing stewed fruit, macerated oranges, and even some inexperienced banana within the combine. Natural on the midpalate, with the end retreating to notes of dates, toasted hazelnuts, and a pinch of cloves. Maybe fading a bit, leaning into its austerity with some Turkish rug store mustiness beginning to develop. Nonetheless, a enjoyable expertise. 90.6 proof. B+ / $1000
Artist #13 Bowmore 21 Years Previous
$900
