Berry Bros & Rudd Spring 2022 Collection

We know Spring is most definitely upon us when Berry Bros & Rudd present us with their seasonal offering of fine drams and they've pulled some blooming beauties out the bag for us this year.

As Britain's oldest independent spirits bottler with over 300 years in the business and two royal warrants, Berrys are known for their excellent taste in selecting only the most exquisite drams so we're really excited to see what they've got lined up for us.

This exclusive series of limited bottlings includes a diverse range of styles and flavours on offer from producers across Scotlands whisky producing regions and the world. An 'Exceptional Cask' release from the esteemed Springbank heads up the selection along with single cask releases from the long established and quality names of Blair Atholl and Macduff to recent newcomer Rassay Distillery. Two single cask Islay whiskies, one of which is undisclosed - after all who doesn't love a game of guess the distillery particularly when safe in the knowledge that if BBR have selected it, it's sure to be good. Then there's the small batch release from Mannochmore, a rare opportunity to sample a single malt from this more elusive distillery. Rounding up the line up is a rare single cask from Paul John distillery, India and a funky rum from Jamaican distillery Monymusk. Read on for our thoughts and tasting notes on each of these releases. 

Mannochmore 2010 | Small Batch Release - 46%

Not often seen as a single malt, this small batch release from Mannochmore distillery was distilled in 2010 and crafted from 3 hogshead casks, matured for 11 years. A delightfully elegant dram, perfect for the lovely Spring weather we've been experiencing. Fresh cut grass, ripe green fruits and lemon zest with a nutty butter mouthfeel. Rather moreish and an easy drinker at the bottling strength of 46%.

Blair Athol 2009 | Single Cask 307583 - 55.2%

Fully matured for 12 years in a Californian red wine barrique, a big Highland dram that's well worth exploring. Lovely warm spice wrapped with baked red fruits with a rich nutty aroma. The spice combines well with the high alcohol. A rewarding dram when given some time to breathe.

Macduff 2009 | Single Cask 700443 - 51.9% 

Generally used for the Dewars blend, it's great to see a single cask Macduff release as they produce a lovely single malt. Honey, peach and orange oils with wafer biscuit and double cream. Soft stone fruits, vanilla and a little warm spice. Rich and long butterscotch finish. Would go nicely with a toffee apple pie with rich vanilla ice cream! 

Williamson 2014 | Single Cask 05057 - 61.8% 

A 2014 vintage Williamson release, distilled at the Laphroaig distillery and initially matured in two refill hogsheads then filled into and given a second maturation in a first fill Oloroso sherry butt for a further 2 years. Big smoke and ash, iodine and sweet peat. Big mouthfeel, warm charred nectarine, earthy and rich. Big and long finish. 

Undisclosed Islay 2007 | Single Cask 10008 - 55.7%

We've not been told which distillery this was distilled at but we think we might have a good idea as to which it could be. A delicate kiss of smoke and sherry, lemon zest, sweet ash and Arbroath Smokie! Citrus, tobacco, a delicate mouthfeel. A very refined and enjoyable dram. 

Raasay 2017 | Single Cask 23 - 56.1%

A peated, single ex-bourbon barrel from 2017, which was split into two quarter casks for 6 months, one which previously held Pedro Ximénez sherry and the other Oloroso sherry. Vatted together and bottled at cask strength. Delightful peat smoke, sweet rich fruits, warm spice, orange marmalade, dark chocolate and smoked cured meat. A very impressive dram. 

Paul John 2015 | Single Cask 6414 - 58.9%

This single cask release is the first Indian single malt to be bottled by Berry Brothers & Rudd. We didn't receive a sample of this dram so we've included the official tasting notes from Berry Brothers below.

The nose offers a whack of peat smoke and vanilla, but with time in the glass an alluring fruitiness appears offering underripe mango and a little banana. This theme continues on the palate as powerful peat smoke dominates the tastebuds, before a much more complex picture appears showing marmalade, baking spice and some buttery shortbread. A dram that demands attention from even the most ardent Islay devotee.

Monymusk 2004 | Single Cask 17 - 62.4%

A well aged Jamaican rum, distilled in 2004 and matured in cask for 17 years. Screaming out all the funky characteristics you'd expect from a Jamaican rum - over ripe mango, pineapple, banana and paraffin. Slightly chewy on the palette with lots of tropical fruit once again, honeydew melon, cherry wood and slightly herbaceous. If you like your Jamaican rums, this is a must.   

The full range is available via our online whisky shop. The release of the Exceptional Cask Springbank bottling has been delayed but we're hoping to receive bottles in due course. Stay tuned to our social media channels for details.