Blended Scotch Whisky Release 2024 40 Years - Living Souls
A 40-years blended Scotch whisky? One often expects a deep, heavy maturity, perhaps dominant oak notes and a certain dignity. But the Living Souls Blended Scotch Whisky Release 2024 surprises with a freshness that you wouldn't necessarily expect in this age category.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The exciting complexity of this whisky is revealed from the very first nosing. Exotic fruits such as papaya, apricot and orange rise to the nose, accompanied by a subtle maritime breeze. Cool smoke is subtly noticeable - not intrusive, but harmoniously embedded. A fine citrus note, perhaps lemon, brings additional freshness. There are also hints of heather and a subtle spiciness. The aroma is not overly intense, but extremely inviting and complex.
Palate
On the palate, the whisky unfolds in all its splendour: oily, voluminous and wonderfully balanced. The tropical notes continue - pineapple and mandarin provide a juicy fruitiness, while a subtle spice of white pepper adds excitement. The smoke remains present but restrained - cold and finely interwoven with a nutty note of roasted almonds. A hint of BBQ sauce adds a slightly sweet and savoury nuance that rounds off the overall impression perfectly.
Finish
The finish is medium to long, with a great balance of wood, earth and freshness. The oak is present but not dominant, rather it provides a pleasant structure. An unexpected but extremely exciting effect is the minty-fresh smoky note that is noticeable in the aftertaste. There are also fine pine needles and a slight saltiness, which give the whisky an interesting maritime depth.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100
A 40-years whisky that surprises not only with its freshness but also delights with lively fruitiness and a hint of smoke – drinking this is simply a pleasure! Living Souls has managed to combine elegance and character without falling into boring oak clichés. For anyone seeking a multi-layered yet never dull dram, this blend is a real winner.
Sascha 85/100
The Living Souls 40 Years impresses with its balanced harmony between fruity freshness, subtle smoke, and a well-integrated wood note that neither dominates nor gets lost. The complex structure, featuring mineral and maritime nuances, gives the blend remarkable depth and makes it a technically accomplished example of a matured blended Scotch. A whisky that captivates both nose and palate with its precision and harmony.
Value for Money: Good
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Living Souls. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
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83/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does a 40-years blended Scotch whisky differ from a single malt of the same age?
A 40-years blended Scotch combines various malt and grain whiskies, resulting in a complex, balanced mixture. Unlike single malts, which come from a single distillery, the blend often offers a greater variety of aromas and a more harmonious structure without any single flavor note dominating.
What role does the maritime note play in the flavor of this whisky?
The maritime note, recognizable by salty and pine needle-like nuances, gives the whisky a fresh, slightly salty depth. It evokes the proximity to the sea and complements the fruity and smoky aromas, making the flavor more lively and complex.
Why is the smoke in the Living Souls 40 Years blended Scotch whisky rather restrained, and how does this affect the tasting experience?
The smoke is subtle and finely embedded so as not to overshadow the whisky’s freshness and fruitiness. This creates a balanced tasting experience where the smoke acts as a harmonious complement, combined with nutty and spicy notes rather than being dominant.