Turntable Bittersweet Symphony

Turntable Bittersweet Symphony | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Central Europe, with components from various distilleries.
  • Type: Blended Whisky.
  • Distillation & Maturation: Features a significant sherry cask influence, particularly from Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, as well as virgin oak barrels from North British and Blay Ethyl distilleries.
  • Age Statement: Not specified.
  • Color and Clarity: Dark, indicating a strong sherry cask influence.
  • Bottle Design: Not described, but the focus is on the blend's composition rather than the packaging.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: A symphony of bittersweet aromas with a spicy aftertaste. The blend achieves a complex balance between the sweetness from Pedro Ximénez casks and the bitterness from the oak.
  • Unique Characteristics: The whisky has a medium milk dark chocolate flavor with a light bitterness, juicy orange main character, and maltiness. It also features dark fruits like figs, dates, raisins, and sultanas from the sherry casks.
  • Comparison: It is noted that such a complex profile is rare in single malt whiskies, highlighting the artisanal work in blending different casks to achieve a broad variety of aromas.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Interesting Stories: The blend includes a significant portion of malt whisky (81%) and utilizes a detailed and artisanal approach to blending, combining various casks from different distilleries to create a unique flavor profile.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Significance: The blend represents an intricate craftsmanship in whisky blending, showcasing the diversity of flavors that can be achieved through the careful selection and combination of casks from different distilleries across Scotland.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • Quotes: "Definitely a hefty sherry cask influenced whisky." "Very seldom you will have a malt whisky...which will deliver such a complex profile."
  • Opinions: The reviewer appreciates the complexity and balance of the blend, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in achieving such a diverse and harmonious flavor profile.

Summary

  • Turntable Bittersweet Symphony is a blended whisky with a strong sherry cask influence, particularly from Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks, as well as virgin oak barrels.
  • It features a complex bittersweet flavor profile with notes of medium milk dark chocolate, juicy orange, maltiness, and dark fruits.
  • The blend is noted for its artisanal approach, combining various casks to achieve a broad variety of aromas, a rarity in single malt whiskies.
  • The whisky showcases the intricate craftsmanship in blending, emphasizing the diversity and harmony of flavors possible through careful cask selection.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • For Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for the complexity and craftsmanship of whisky blending will find the Turntable Bittersweet Symphony particularly enjoyable.
  • For Sherry Cask Fans: Those who favor the rich, fruity, and sweet notes typically imparted by sherry casks will likely appreciate this blend.
  • For Beginners: New whisky enthusiasts interested in exploring blended whiskies with a complex yet approachable flavor profile might find this a fascinating choice.