For me, one of the highlights of the first Whisky of Voodoo outturn by venturous indie bottlers Brave New Spirits was “Coven of Resurrection” – a 13-year-old grain whisky from Cameronbridge with a finish in a 1st-fill red wine cask. Since that one really made my jaw drop, I ordered the grain in the second outturn, too. It goes by the title of “Blood Moon”. Like its predecessor, this spine-tingling sip is also 13 years old. But this time, the whisky in the bottle originates from North British Distillery and rocks a different cask formula: one part of the bottled liquid comes from 1st-fill Bordeaux red wine casks, while the part comes from 1st-fill Oloroso sherry casks. With an ABV of 49.8 per cent, it seems reasonable to assume that this sweet and creamy Scotch was bottled in elevated drinking strength rather than natural batch strength. This also shows in the opulent flavor profile and oh-so-pleasing mouthfeel, both of which promise easy-going and more-craving indulgence during the degustation. As all Whisky of Voodoo releases, this one not only delights the nostrils and the palate, but also the eyes: The movie poster-styled label looks really damn cool, and makes “Blood Moon” an excellent whisky of choice for the soon-to-be-celebrated Halloween night (and, of course, any other night throughout the year, too)!

by Tobi

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Eye: The name’s “Blood Moon” – and so’s the color!
Nose: Beguiling scents rise from the glass, transporting the sweetness of dates and the chewiness of cake. These aromas are underpinned with the heaviness of brittle. Also, there is nougat, marzipan, redcurrant, and – for spritziness – a splash of citrus juice.
Palate: Chocolate milk, hazelnut cookie, caramel pudding, and candied almonds – enriched with a subtle note of sulphur. When it fills the mouth with its rich flavors, this 13-year-old North British presents itself as a total tongue-pleaser! Vatted from both Bordeaux red wine casks and Oloroso sherry casks, the stimulating spirit focuses on funfair treats and confectionaries. I don’t get too many fruit notes on the palate. However, in between the other sensations I happen to find some orange liqueur, too.
Finish: Usually, comparatively young grains do not have overly long finishes. But here we get to enjoy the final flavors for quite a while. They include coconut bites, brittle chips, nougat pralines, cooked plums, and extinguished candle wicks – all sprinkled upon with brown sugar.

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Type: Single Grain Whisky
Region: Scotland
Age: 13 years
Alc. volume: 49.8 per cent
Cask type: 1st-fill Bourdeax wine & Oloroso sherry
Bottle size: 0.7 litres
Price: ~50 Euro
More info: https://www.bravenewspirits.com/ (Bottler) ; https://kirschwhisky.de/ (Importer)

*** I bought the bottle as a regular customer. ***