Overall rating
87.53/100
ratings
37
Whiskybase ID
WB239012
Category
Single Malt
Distillery
Bottler
Whisky-Doris (WD)
Vintage
06.2004
Bottled
03.2022
Stated Age
17 years
Cask Type
Sherry Butt
Cask number
13
Number of bottles
240
Strength
53.1 %
Size
700 ml
Bottled for
20th Anniversary
Added on
24 sep 2023 2:54 pm by kanpai79
UncoloredNon-chill FilteredCask StrengthSingle Cask Whisky
Overall rating
87.53/100
ratings
37

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Whisky reviews for Secret Orkney 2004 WD

8 users have left 8 reviews for this whisky. Average rating is 87.53 points.

Read the reviews
  1. glen efze scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    Whisky Doris is the German mail-order company Doris Debbeler and her team, who also offer their own bottlings. To celebrate their 20th anniversary, they are offering, among other things, this 17-year-old Secret Orkney, which, of course, comes from the Highland Park Distillery. The whisky was matured in a sherry butt, is not too dark for 17 years, and will be available from early 2025 for €145 on the Whisky Doris website.

    glen-efze.de
    • Nose
      The nose offers subtle sweet aromas, a touch of orange juice, and slightly sour notes of apricot. Smoke isn't really present on the nose, but light smoky notes can be detected on the back of your hand. Once detected there, they're a bit more present on the nose, more like nutty cocoa aromas than direct smoke, and they combine well with the wood. With a few drops of water, the whisky deepens, revealing mango, apricot, and a touch of honey, followed by the nougat spread—not Nutella, but good chocolate with roasted nuts. The smoke resonates without being overpowering.
    • Taste
      The whisky is clearly evident in the mouth, with its slightly smoky, waxy heather peat notes, roasted herbs, and a hint of tarragon. The alcohol is a bit stronger in the mouth than on the nose, but it's not stinging or burning. A subtle hint of leather and tobacco is present, along with the hazelnut crunch, butter fudge, and subtle wood. The aromas are finely interwoven; nothing stands out unpleasantly or disrupts the harmony.
    • Finish
      The Highland Park character lingers on the palate, which is a unique selling point. It's a blend of smoke and herbs. I don't know if heather smells like that (no, it smells different out in Scotland—or does it? Whatever...)—but it's a good description of this aroma. And it lingers on the palate for a long time.

      This was certainly a good refill butt—at least there are no overpowering sherry aromas. Somehow, the term "understated" suits this whisky. It's elegant and refined—but in a northern, maritime way, with spice and a subtle funk. A very nice Highland Park that offers more than the fake jute bags of dark soup that were available for a while.

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