It’s been a while my friends! No worries though, I haven’t given up the hobby. But with both a new (whisky related) education, a baby on the way and a new house to move to… I’ve simply been a bit swamped. But when my good friend Robbert (Confessions of a Whisky Freak) reaches out to try their new, hand selected, Berry Bros Williamson 2013, I simply can’t help myself and have to make some time free for a quick review. Because this stuff is amazing!
Berry Bros. & Rudd is by origin a London based wine (and whisky) shop, who’ve long ago started bottling their own releases as well. Having grown as one of the most noteable independent bottlers out there, these releases have fans worldwide and selling out a Berry Bros release is never a hard feat. Here in the Netherlands the company even has dedicated Friends of Berry Brothers & Rudd liquor stores. You really only see these type of embassay stores for the big ones. Which in a way tells you all you need to know about this iconic bottler.
What makes this bottling even more unique, is that it’s a hand selected cask by none other than Riley from Craft Spirits. A Dutch importer who have earned their spot in the Dutch whisky by absolute storm. Securing some amazing distilleries and independent bottlers alike. If you’re from the Netherlands and haven met either Robbert or Riley yet, be sure to seek them out at one of the many festivals in The Netherlands. Such as The Art of Drinks this weekend!
But let’s get back to the whisky at hand, before I dramble on too much. This 13 year old Williamson that Riley selected is ofcourse none other than a Laphroaig! Indendent bottlers often use the name Williamson to refer to Laphroaig (because they can’t always legally name the distillery itself) referring to Bessie Williamson. The famous female owner of Laphroaig from the 20th century.
Aside from the fact that the whisky the glass in front of me is a Laphroaig, I also know it had a finish of 2 years in moscatel casks. Which is something I haven’t yet tried with a Laphroaig. So without further ado, let’s dive into the tasting notes, because I – for one – can’t wait to try this!
Tasting Notes: Berry Bros. & Rudd – Williamson 2013
Stats:
Age: 11 years old
ABV: 60,9% (121,8 proof)
Distillery: Laphroaig
Bottled by: Berry Bros. & Rudd
Selected by: Craft Spirits
Natural Colour: Yes
Chill-filtered: No
Nose:
Waves of rolling peat and billowing smoke emanate from the glass as soon as you pour yourself this Berry Bros Williamson 2013. There are plenty of the classical Laphroaig notes here, that fans of the brand know and love. Such as iodine, tar, band-aids, charred meat and rich vanilla. But there’s also something here that I’m not used to finding in a Laphroaig. Which must be those Moscatel casks. Honey drizzled dried fruits, paired with some citrus elegance makes the nose of this Lapghroaig utterly unique and bafflingly tasteful!
Palate:
Saying that this palate packs a punch would be an understatement. This is Mike Tyson on steroids, in the best possible way! Beautiful savoury notes of charred brisket, pulled pork and pork belly drippings pair with an almost syrupy mouthfeel full of tropical fruit flavours. Grilled pineapple and fresh papaya come to mind! But there’s also lots of liquorice root with a healthy sprinkling of sea salt. Intense, but beautifully complex!
Finish:
Those last notes I mentioned on the palate? They are back with a vengeance in the finish of this dram and it turns completely into salted liquorice (a note I absolutely love in my whiskies). For the dutchies amongst us, think of “Zoute Haringen drop”. Near the end of the finish there’s some menthol appearing as well. The finish is very long and the lovely fatty (almost waxy) mouthfeel coats the mouth for a very long time. This is definitely one to sip and savour!
Verdict:
Heavily peated whiskies like this are sometimes a bit of an acquired taste. But those who like a bit of a peat punch, will absolutely love this dram. And for those of us who consider themselves a fan of either Laphroaig or Berry Bros? This is an absolute must try! My compliments to Riley for picking an absolute banger of a dram!
