Brave New Spirits - The WhiskyHeroes

Indie bottler Brave New Spirits @BNS_Whisky keep coming out with new releases!

Here's my thoughts on two recent ones from the new WhiskyHeroes series!

Brave New Spirits have 5 ranges:

Cask Noir : Carefully curated bottlings with some unusual wood finishes - Starting life in some of Scotland’s finest studios (aka “distilleries”) each release takes inspiration from classic movies and novels from a bygone era.  From thrilling and adventurous to dark, romantic and mysterious, these whiskies embark on a journey of discovery, into an exceptional world of exotic flavours and interesting & unusual casks.

Whisky Of Voodoo : Small batches of whisky selected by the Master of Ceremony - Whisky of Voodoo is a range of special, small-batch single malt and single grain whiskies. Designed to entice and enchant, these carefully selected whiskies are matured and finished using the finest casks, often sourced from exotic, far-flung locations.

 

Whisky Heroes : A range of spectacular single-cask whiskies and exclusive small batches, matured only in classic bourbon and sherry casks. Each bottle is infused with a dash of mischief and a pinch of heroism. These casks are the heroes of the whisky world, so the whiskies and the presentation of the range reflect this. Each bottle is designed to be bold. Each whisky is full of character and adventure, every release chosen for its ability to take the whisky fan on an adventure of flavours and history. 

Cask Masters : This series honours the centuries of ancient traditions and craftsmanship that have made single malt Scotch whisky one of the world’s finest products. Each unique label pays tribute to the art of whisky making, with each individual bottle in the series highlighting a different element of the many processes involved in creating landmark Scotch whiskies.

The Yellow Edition : Carefully selected single cask bottlings - Brave New Spirits proudly present their Yellow Edition range. A selection of whiskies, specially chosen to reflect the character and diversity of their country of origin. With The Yellow Edition, we aim to present whiskies to delight connoisseurs all over the world. Whiskies with a focus on provenance, individuality, quality, class and of course, flavour.

BNS sent me these samples, here's my honest thoughts:

Paul Dempsey said

"The WhiskyHeroes collection offers a spectacular selection of single-cask whiskies and small-batch releases, each carefully matured in classic bourbon and sherry casks. Every bottle carries a hint of mischief and a touch of heroism, with these exceptional casks truly standing out in the whisky world.

The whiskies and their presentation reflect this, with bold designs that mirror the unique character and adventure within each bottle. Every release has been selected for its ability to take whisky lovers on a journey through flavours and history. Whether you are enjoying a quiet moment by the fire or swapping stories with fellow whisky enthusiasts, these whiskies will transport you to new and unexpected places. Perhaps you'll even find a deeper appreciation for the craft of whisky along the way."

Deep Creatures of the Lake

Peated Inchmurrin (so really Inchmoan) Loch Lomond spirit filled into a FF ex-bourbon barrel.

Matured for 10 years giving 425 bottles at 58.1% ABV, NCF, Natural colour

In the mist-shrouded heart of Loch Lomond, where the water runs deep and ancient secrets linger, a whisky emerges—a tribute to the land, shrouded in legends. "Deep Creatures of the Lake" - 10 years old Loch Lomond, matured in 1st fill Bourbon Barrels. One head of this creature is resolute and grainy, the other expressive and malty. It’s a whisky that beckons you to explore its gentle, smoky depths. Each drop carries a tale whispered by the winds that sweep across Loch Lomond.

My thoughts:

Appearance: pale gold in the glass, swirls cling as a thin line, bead up slowly, tank around and then fall as slow thin legs.

Nose: tropical fruit and gentle peat smoke to start, a distant bonfire maybe? There's lots of dried pineapple, banana and mango here, a little citrus zest and some sweet honey.

Palate: thick sweet arrival, honey, lemon juice and a drying icing sugar. The tropical fruit from the nose is back but fresh rather than dried. The smoke is here but it's a little subdued. There's a little orange, some marzipan, gentle salinity and a lovely peppery spice.

Finish: Lingering dry smoke, peppery spice, citrus zest and tropical fruit.

Overall: geek note: the label says Inchmurrin which normally suggests Straight Necked Pot Stills at High Collection Strength but being peated I'd suggest this was more likely to be Loch Lomond's Inchmoan style spirit. Either way it's a lovely dram,  the distant smoke and tropical fruit notes merge well giving a lovely mouth feel and satisfying warmth,

Defender of the Crown

Annandale peated spirit from a FF oloroso butt.

Matured for 8 years giving 676 bottles at 52.9% ABV, NCF, Natural colour.

In the rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway the Annan River weaves its silver thread and the ancient town of Annan emerges. A place steeped in history where kings once walked and legends were etched into the very stones. “Defender of the Crown” hails from Annandale distillery. It has spent 8 years of its life in a 1st fill Oloroso Sherry butt, where Annandale’s peat has slowly absorbed some of Olororo’s flavours of figs and raisins. As you raise your glass remember the centuries enveloped into its amber depths. The kings, the poets, and the quiet resilience of a distillery reborn.

My thoughts:

Appearance: dark gold, almost bronze, in the glass, swirls cling as a thin line, bead up slowly and fall as fast thin oily legs.

Nose: meaty, fruits and spicy to start. BBQ steak drizzled in thick black BBQ sauce. Balsamic vinegar drizzled strawberries, figs, dates, walnuts and a lovely tobacco note. There's peanut brittle toffee, BBQ duck, plums and a little salinity.

Palate: thick meaty arrival, continues where the nose finished. Sherry soaked dried fruit, dark chocolate, treacle toffee, marzipan, plums and a blanket of gentle peat smoke. A few more sips offer an interesting mushroom note, some salinity & a bite of peppery spice.

Finish: lingering BBQ steak, sherry soaked dried fruit and gentle spice.

Overall: At 8 years old this is some of the oldest Man O'Sword (Peated) spirit from Annandale. The Oloroso butt has been very active adding some lovely sherry notes to the Annandale spirit. I've had a few bottles of Man O'Sword but this extra maturity gives a lovely dram.