Review: Diageo Orphan Barrel Project Woven Honor Single Malt Scotch 18 Years Old
The latest whisky from Diageo’s Orphan Barrel Project returns us to Scotland and the world of single malts. This is actually something of a rarity for the Orphan Barrel Project, as most Scotches released to date from the OBP have been single grain.
Woven Honor hails from Speyside’s Linkwood Distillery, which was originally founded in 1821 and was mothballed only twice since then, both times in the 20th century. The whisky in this release spends 18 years in ex-bourbon barrels, with no finishing involved. As for the name, “To pay homage to this liquid’s heritage, the label depicts a spider meticulously constructing its web in undisturbed artistry. This mirrors the careful and uninterrupted production process behind Woven Honor, where each step evolves naturally, ensuring a singular and authentic outcome.”
Let’s give it a try.
Well, it doesn’t get any more straightforward than a Speyside whisky spending a long time whiling away in ex-bourbon barrels, and Woven Honor bears that out. A fresh, cereal-driven nose features supporting players of lemon oil, walnuts, and a touch of green grass, almost heathery. Very clean on the whole, with lingering elements of lavender.
The palate makes no major shifts, though it’s sharper than you’d expect for a 46.3% abv Scotch. Here the fruit takes a more forceful focus, with a biting note of lemon alongside some grapefruit notes. Chewy nougat, more almond than walnut here, evokes a touch of sweet marzipan as it develops on the tongue — again filtered through some citrus overtones. The finish sees just a hint of chimney soot, adding some needed austerity that reminds the drinker this is a well-aged single malt.
At $185, Diageo is asking a lot for an “orphan barrel” of whiskey from a distillery that hasn’t had any downtime since 1990, when it was last resurrected, but at the very least it’s hard to argue with the quality in the bottle — even though it’s about as traditional as it gets for Scotch.
92.6 proof.
A- / $185 / orphanbarrel.com
Diageo Orphan Barrel Project Woven Honor Single Malt Scotch 18 Years Old
$185
