I compare the current batches 12 and 13 with each other:
12er: more fruit, slight acidity of green grapes, lemon zest
13s: more sweetness, more honey, more vanilla, less acidity
Nc'Nean's core DNA is present in both, albeit in different forms; somehow similar, but different... very nice.
Personally, I find the 13 more pleasant on the nose, sweeter, deeper. Both batches take nothing. If you are looking for more fruit, take the 12, if you want more sweetness, you can go for the 13.
[86 - 82 = good whisky -> get (second) bottle? Maybe...] 84/100 for the 12
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Nose
12s: light fruits, apricot and peach are dominant, slight acidity of green grapes, lemon zest, lime.
Honey and vanilla play more in the background. He looks quite sparkling (but not alcoholic).
Very fine powdered sugar sweetness.
Over time, oak spice in the form of cinnamon, plus a handful of herbs.
[13er: also light fruits, but more sweetness, also in the form of honey sweetness; compared to 12 it seems "heavier", deeper, more fruit and above all more sweetness.
In contrast, I have almost no acidity here (which is more pronounced in the 12); if acid, then more in the direction of orange.
The oak spice/cinnamon moment and the herb garden are also present, but take a back seat here. But I still have a hay moment in my nose here.
More vanilla and more honey, going towards acacia honey.]
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Taste
12er: herbal right from the start; Spices come pushed behind; the fruits are not so present at first, but appear later. Slight acidity as in the nose. Slightly bitter note of espresso powder.
Second sip: creamier, becoming more viscous; full load of herbs and spices. Here, too, the fruits hold back at first, but come later; apricot, peach.
[13er: more fruity, the herbal component is there, but not as intense as with the 12er. Overall, more focus on fruit and sweetness, honey and vanilla come through well.
Second sip: more herbs and spices this time; not as viscous as the 12; the 13 knocks on the palate with more peppery spiciness.]
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Finish
12er: light fruit notes of stone fruit, the bittersweet something of coffee/espresso; bit of tannins, spice; overall short to medium-long finish.
[13er: here they don't give each other anything; then Nc'Nean's core DNA comes through again; practically identical to the 12.]