Kirkland 20-Year Speyside Single Malt
46% ABV - Speyside, Scotland
Nose: Bright red fruits, orchard fruit, light citus notes, spices, and I can’t help but notice a little wood varnish.
Taste: Sherry spice, cooked fruit, and the brown sugar (from the tasting notes on the bottle). Stretch note of vanilla cola.
Finish: Sweet fruits. Slightly sharp, slightly drying.
This is definitely not a complex whisky despite the 20-Year age statement. The label states that it was finished in Oloroso Sherry casks for a minimum of 6 months, after having matured in ex-Bourbon. That said, it does show quite a bit of a Sherry character—it’s not rich, deep, and complex though. However, for the price point of $85 CAD that is more than fair.
Details: Bottled for Alexander Murray & Co.
Tasting Notes (Official): Aromas of toasted brown sugar complimented by notes of sherry. The finish is smooth and complex, with a hint of dark chocolate.
Tasted 09 November 2022. (Posted 01 May 2023.)
84/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
