I am always on the lookout for unique and exceptional spirits and one bottle that has recently caught my attention is the Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch. With an impressive 25-year aging process in ex-bourbon casks, this Scotch whisky promises to deliver a depth of flavors.
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Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Overview
As a whiskey enthusiast, I was intrigued by the Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch, which is exclusively available at Costco. This Scotch is said to have been aged for 25 years in ex-bourbon casks, which is a long time for a whiskey to mature.
Product History
The Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch is bottled by Alexander Murray & Co, an independent bottler that has been around for over 100 years. The company has a reputation for bottling high-quality whiskeys from around the world. The Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch is one of several whiskeys that Alexander Murray & Co has bottled exclusively for Costco.
Price Range
The Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch is priced at around $70-90 for a 750ml bottle, which is a reasonable price for a whiskey that has been aged for 25 years. However, it is worth noting that this whiskey was discontinued in 2017, so it may be difficult to find in stores.
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Tasting Notes
Aroma
Upon opening the bottle of Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch, I was greeted with a rich and complex aroma. The notes of vanilla and honey were immediately apparent, followed by a subtle hint of smoke. As I continued to nose the glass, I picked up the scent of ripe fruit, specifically apples and pears. The aroma was well-balanced and inviting, promising a delightful drinking experience.
Flavor
The first sip of Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch was a revelation. The flavors were intense and layered, with a strong presence of vanilla and honey. The fruit notes from the aroma were also present, with a subtle hint of citrus that added a refreshing quality to the drink. The smokiness that was present in the aroma was more subdued in the flavor but still added a pleasant complexity. The mouthfeel was oily and smooth, with a slight burn that faded quickly.
Finish
The finish of Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch was long and satisfying. The vanilla and honey notes lingered on the tongue, with a subtle hint of oak that added a pleasant bitterness. The fruit notes were also present in the finish, with a slight tartness that balanced out the sweetness. The smokiness that was present in the aroma and flavor was more pronounced in the finish, adding a pleasant warmth that lasted for several minutes.
Rating
I would rate Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch as an excellent whisky and give it a strong 8.5 out of 10. The aroma, flavor, and finish were all well-balanced and complex, promising a drinking experience that was both satisfying and memorable.
Mixing And Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch, it’s important to keep it simple. This Scotch whisky has a rich and complex flavor profile that can be easily overwhelmed by strong mixers. Stick to simple mixers like club soda or ginger ale to enjoy the full flavor of this whisky.
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Cocktail Suggestions
While Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, it can also be used in cocktails. Here are a few cocktail suggestions that I recommend:
- Whisky Sour: Combine 2 oz. Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch, 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz. simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
- Rob Roy: Combine 2 oz. Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch, 1 oz. sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry.
- Blood and Sand: Combine 3/4 oz. Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch, 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth, 3/4 oz. orange juice, and 3/4 oz. Cherry Heering in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
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Food Pairings
Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are a few food pairing suggestions:
- Cheese: Pair Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch with a sharp cheddar or blue cheese for a delicious combination of flavors.
- Chocolate: The rich, complex flavor of Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch pairs well with dark chocolate. Try pairing it with a piece of high-quality dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Smoked Meat: The smoky flavor of smoked meats like brisket or sausage pairs well with the rich, complex flavor of Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch. Enjoy a glass of this Scotch whisky with your favorite smoked meat for a delicious combination of flavors.
Conclusion
After trying the Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch, I can confidently say that it is a quality whiskey worth trying. The whiskey has a unique and pleasant nose, with a defined fruitiness that can’t be missed. The flavors are complex and well-balanced, with notes of honey, fruit, and vanilla. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of dried fruit.
Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch is a great choice for whiskey enthusiasts looking for a quality and unique whiskey. It’s definitely worth trying, and I would recommend it to others.
Related Posts
As a whiskey enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting spirits to try. If you enjoyed the Kirkland 25 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch, then I recommend checking out some of these related posts:
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