Big Franc’s Whisky Emporium

09/04/2024

Lagavulin 2022 Special Release 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch

NOSE - “Smokiness with charcoal and peat, backed by sea air.”

PALATE - “Sweetness masterfully turns into lemony notes and then into light sea salt, ending with smoky intensity.”

FINISH - “Long and peaty with some crackling spice.”

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09/02/2024

First, let’s appreciate the attention and design put into this bottle!

“Took an exceptional 15-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon and finished it for one year in new French Oak barrels sculpted by the virtuoso artisans of Tonnellerie Leroi. Bourbon is the quintessential American Whiskey. A storied spirit whose French roots have been strong since its inception over two centuries ago. This 16-year-old Limited Edition Rabbit Hole Founder’s Collection expression is an homage to bourbon’s French connection. Finished in new French Oak, Nevallier Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is named for the two forests in France, Nevers and Allier, from which the distinctive wood for the barrels was sourced.

NOSE - “fragrances of custard, orange, cherry, and caramel”

PALATE - “intricate dance of to***co, vanilla, fig, blackcurrant, spice and cinnamon”

FINISH - “long dramatic finish with intense spice and floral notEd”

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09/01/2024

08/18/2024

“Matured in American oak and Oloroso sherry casks, this sublime 19 year old whisky is the epitome of an aged Ardbeg. This is the 19 Years Old Batch 3 and is a new permanent expression, released only in limited batches each year..”

NOSE - “Faint waves of scented wood smoke mingle with sea spray and pine resin. Wisps of aniseed toffee and sweet lilies follow on the breeze while fresh citrus zest laps over notes of cayenne pepper.”

PALATE - “sweet smokiness. Treacle toffee plunge the palate into a second wave of soot and aniseed twists. Smoke bobs on the horizon, while smoked brown sugar, walnuts and spices gently dissolve away”

FINISH - “bitter almonds and clove in its wake, before slowly drifting away.”

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01/12/2024

“Matured in American oak and Oloroso sherry casks, this sublime 19 year old whisky is the epitome of an aged Ardbeg. This is the 19 Years Old Batch 2 and is a new permanent expression, released only in limited batches each year..”

NOSE - “Waves of sweet wood smoke and tart crème fraîche lap gently over bold notes of savoury fennel, celeriac and roasted tea leaves.”

PALATE - “An intensely salty mouthfeel shifts like the tides into soothing medicinal notes. Swells of aniseed pass over the palate, before rich fudge, birch tar and peat smoke crash down wildly”

FINISH - “Savory and smokey long finish.”

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01/07/2024

“Matured in a slightly higher proportion of Oloroso Sherry casks, this sublime 19 year old whisky is the epitome of an aged Ardbeg. Part of a highly sought-after and collectable Ardbeg series, Batch 4 is the latest expression. This sublime Traigh Bhan, like the bottles before it, inspired by Islay’s Traigh Bhan beach (pronounced tri-van).”

NOSE - “Rising aromas of herbal pine and fennel flow into sharp notes of citrusy lime sorbet and medicinal lozenge, while eucalyptus and saddle soap follow on the breeze. A splash of water releases a cascade of hazelnut, sweet vanilla, and currants, before rich minted chocolate brings the nose to a close.”

PALATE - “An intense wave of wood smoke crashes over the palate, leaving ripples of decadent dark chocolate and ground coffee in its wake. Sweeter notes of lemon curd and peanut brittle cut through the swell to reveal delicate hints of creamy raisin fudge and hazelnut. Menthol, fresh lemongrass, aniseed, clove and white pepper emerge from rich, smoky depths”

FINISH - “Sweet and peat collide with creamy vanilla fudge, dark cocoa powder, and a warm, woody clove tingle. A sharp, intense, and satisfyingly long finish.”

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12/29/2023

“Green Spot Quails’ Gate is the third edition in the Wine Geese series. Matured in American oak and ex-sherry casks, the liquid was then finished for 16 months in Pinot Noir casks.”

NOSE - “Vibrant oak fused with notes of ripe cherry and fresh, juicy raspberries. These aromas are in balance with Green Spot’s signature orchard fruits of apple and sweet pear.”

PALATE - “Notes of dried cranberries and red apple. Clove spice and grated nutmeg work in balance with the succulent fruits, seasoned oak and crisp barley.”

FINISH - “The toasted wood and pot still spices gently fade, with the fruits and red wine seasoning taking the final bow.”

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12/19/2023

“Blue Spot is matured for no less than 7 years in Bourbon casks, Sherry butts and Portuguese Madeira casks all bottled at cask strength.”

NOSE - “A light mix of pineapple, kiwi, green banana and lime zest followed by Pot Still spices, baked apple, hazelnut and toasted wood.”

PALATE - “A light mix of pineapple, kiwi, green banana and lime zest followed by Pot Still spices, baked apple, hazelnut and toasted wood.”

FINISH - “A lasting and distinctly palatable balance of exotic fruits and spices.”

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12/17/2023

Released to celebrate 135 years of whiskey bonding the very limited Gold Spot was released. “Gold Spot is matured for at least nine years in Bourbon Barrels, Sherry Butts, Bordeaux Wine Casks and Port Pipes. Non chill filtered and bottled at 51.4% ABV for a whiskey that is complex and full flavoured.”

NOSE - “A light mix of pineapple, kiwi, green banana and lime zest followed by Pot Still spices, baked apple, hazelnut and toasted wood.”

PALATE - “A smooth mouthfeel with a subtle mix of fruit, a hint of clove and cracked black pepper corns. Sweet spices, vanilla and cinnamon add to the wood’s nutty contribution.”

FINISH - “A lasting and distinctly palatable balance of exotic fruits and spices.”

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12/13/2023

“Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old 2021 Edition is the third batch of their 19YO tipple. These bottlings always crafted in small batches and offered once annually. This particular release was inspired by Islay’s Traigh Bhan beach (pronounced “tri van”) the local call “the Singing Sands”. Different casks were selected so it’s a tad spicier than other releases with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove standing up against the signature Ardbeg smoke. Each batch comes with its own code, batch symbol, and signature from a team member: in this case, it’s Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation.”

NOSE - “Cherrywood, cinnamon, and brine.”

PALATE - “Spicy ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove stand up against the signature Ardbeg smoke, followed by vanilla and salted caramel.”

FINISH - “Smoked almonds and spice. Savory and sweet.”

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