The Old Man of Hoy Arcadian Raw Cask 12 Year Old is a testament to the unique character of Orkney Island whisky. This expression, bottled by the renowned independent bottler Blackadder, showcases the raw, unfiltered spirit of the region, aged for a full 12 years in a single cask. This rare gem, is one out of only 344 bottles released.
The Old Man of Hoy distillery, situated on the rugged Orkney Islands, has earned a reputation for producing robust, maritime-influenced whiskies. Their distinctive house style, characterized by coastal notes, peaty influence, and a touch of sweetness, is a result of their unique terroir and traditional production methods.
Average Retail Price: $549+ Unavailable or Auction Only
Bottling series – Orcadian – Raw Cask
Vintage 02.06.2005
Bottled 01.2018
Bottle no. 91 of 344
Strength 60.8 % Vol.
The Old Man of Hoy Arcadian Raw Cask 12 Year Old Tasting Notes
Appearance: Straw color, oily slow-moving legs.
Nose: Seduced by a collage of coastal notes –a salty tang reminiscent of sea spray. Underlying this is a rich maltiness, complemented by hints of honey and vanilla. As the whisky breathes, more complex aromas emerge, including dried fruits, acidic citrus, and a subtle smokiness.
Palate: The palate is full-bodied and robust, with a rich, oily texture. The initial flavors are dominated by sweet malt and honey; I taste some cereal. A point of contrast sets in with peppery spice and a touch of grassiness–Earthy peat, a very faint emergence of smoke. As the whisky unfolds, notes of citric and bittersweet dark chocolate add a layer of complexity.
Overall Impression: The Old Man of Hoy Arcadian Raw Cask 12 Year Old is a remarkable whisky that showcases the best of Orkney Island distilling. It’s complex; the journey is unique and seductive, with lingering notes of smoke, salt, chalk, and a pleasant bitterness. Complimented by a long, satisfying finish–Wow, this is an exceptional dram!
I have indulged in some very good ‘Old Mans’ by Blackadder through the years! This was a rare one I had the pleasure of sampling –Have you tried it?
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