Table Whisky – a pleasing single grain concept
What do we put on the table when we are gathered round with some friends, enjoying perhaps the end of the week and ready to start the weekend with a nice dinner? Probably something that will tickle your fancy, but not overpower too much. Leave the artisan beers and sherried whiskies for after dessert. Warming up with a nice dram can be a good idea, and it seems that the smartly looking Table Whisky expression that is made by the Leith Export Company is aimed at just that.
Upon a visit to the Port of Leith Distillery in December 2024, this whisky was served as a welcome dram (but after the tour we attended). I must say, at that moment, it was very enjoyable. Since we arrived in Scotland by plane, we took some miniature examples home. Let us see if the concept works, and if this is the ultimate aperitive dram, or perhaps indeed a bottle you can keep on the table for the duration of your gathering. (It seems this whisky has a new importer in The Netherlands, so a few Dutch bloggers wrote about it this week, making me move my review up. Comparison is good. Spoiler: I rate it the highest among them.)
Table Whisky, bottled at 43 % abv
First things first: This is a single grain whisky that was distilled in Edinburgh, so I assume this comes from the North British Distillery. The whisky matured in virgin oak and sherry casks. We can see the natural colour and the whisky has not been chill-filtered.
Upon Sipping: There is no information about how long this grain whisky matured, but it certainly does not come off like a young spirit. The combined influences of the spicy virgin oak and the not less spicy sherry seem to put a stamp on the Table Whisky straight away. There is some glue to be found, not unusual in grain whisky, but also a meatiness that gives some body on the nosing. Citrus influences take over and then it moves towards a buttery sensation.
A sip of this stuff will cover your mouth with a nice, chocolate-like dry character, milky and creamy. All very gentle and humble, serving the palate a pick from a box of chocolates. The finish is almost non-existent, but the silky exit seems to be in sync with the intention of this bottling. Adding a little splash of water gives way to a more industrial aroma on the nose, but somehow it is so fragrant that it keeps on satisfying. The chocolate notes are very nice. The taste sensations are very honest and stay away from bitterness, which is quite the accomplishment when using virgin oak.
Word to the Wise: Table Whisky convinced me the concept works. This is a single grain that was allowed to mature in quality casks, and the abv at 43 % is just enough to make it nice and sticky, without ever outstaying its welcome.
This whisky is a real recommendation if you want to kick off a tasting and set the palates, or during a chocolate dessert or high tea.
Score: 83 points.