The search for something unusual befitting of a month with 5 Wednesdays is always going to be hard for a society of whisky lovers. We certainly managed the curious but perhaps not the extraordinary, read on.

AnCnoc 12 y.o. (40%abv)

A classic nose of honey and orange, the palate had good length. Although the name was new (to me) the whisky was anything but, “non-offensive” and “mini-baresk” where mentioned at some point.

Score: 6.3

Dalmore ‘Cigar’ no age (44% abv)

Finished in Cab Sav casks there was a  dark and  broody copper colour to the dram.  The red wine tannins added to the palate, from earl grey tea too a more astringent and sometimes metallic finish that lingered well. The nose was soft and lacking however, perhaps designed that way to accompany a cigar. “I wouldn’t drink it if it tasted like it smells”.

Score: 6.9

Couvreur’s Clearach no age (43%abv)

Spirit produced in Scotland but matured in a French cave may not be scotch but it is certainly enigmatic. The appearance was golden but cloudy and the nose gave hints of breakfast with cinnamon and marmalade. A faintly detectable wet cardboard aroma hinted at its unusual aging conditions. Poetically described as smelling “like rain on a slope of heather”  Aged in sherry casks the taste was lively and complex with pepper and savory vegetables, reminiscent of Poitin.

Score: 6.1