The Whisky Exchange Black Friday 2020 Single Malt

The Whisky Exchange’s annual Black Friday release is becoming every bit of a yearly pre-Christmas tradition as setting up a Christmas tree or having a small piece of advent calendar chocolate for breakfast.

Now in its fourth year, the limited edition 2020 Black Friday single malt is a 22 year old Highland whisky from an undisclosed distillery. A few hints are given as to the source of the whisky, with the press release stating that the distillery is “near the Speyside borders” and that it’s “known for its distinctively smoky style that sets it apart from its neighbours”. Hmmm, I wonder what it could be. It’s quite an ARD one to pin down, does anyone have any MORE info? Ok, I’ll stop.

Speaking of this year’s release Sukhinder Singh, co-founder of The Whisky Exchange, said: “Customers want something different on Black Friday and we’re the only whisky specialist that produces its own special bottling for the day. Our customers trust us, so while nobody knows what to expect when we reveal our Black Friday whisky, they take a chance on it, and for good reason: we’re well-known for finding very nice whiskies. Plus it’s a bit of fun!”

Let’s get to the whisky.

Black Friday 2020 Edition
22yo Highland Single Malt
The Whisky Exchange
1,400 bottles
50.5% ABV
£99.95 here SOLD OUT

Nose: Some menthol and eucalyptus initially, along with a touch of germoline. Then a crisp apple and pear skin freshness, with smoked herbs – rosemary and thyme – and some hickory and camphor. Distant bonfire smoke in the background.

Palate: Barbeque embers, beach bonfire and big peat smoke up front. Then there’s apple core, white grape skins and cloudy lemonade, with a herbal note of heather and smouldering conifers. Cedarwood and antique furniture underneath.

Finish: Earthy smoke, with toasted nuts, clove, cinnamon, and polished oak.

Overall: If you managed to nab a bottle (previous releases have sold out in under an hour) you’re in for a real treat. It’s medicinal, smoky, herbal and earthy with a touch of green fruit to keep things lively. Complex, balanced and very rewarding… and for under £100 it’s really good value too, which isn’t something I say all that much in today’s whisky world.