La Maison & Velier operates an incredible number of sub-brands, and while its focus is on rum, it also has a bustling whisky operation, which is heavy on Scotch. The La Maison du Whisky Artist range has been with us since 2011, mostly single cask Scotch bottled at cask strength. It’s called Artist because sculptors, painters, illustrators, and photographers are regularly invited to create the series’ labels.
LM&V recently sent us five whiskies from its late 2024 batch of releases: Artist #13. All are single cask releases and highly limited. Thoughts follow. (All are served in 700ml bottles and prices vary widely.)
Artist #13 Ardmore 13 Years Old – Distilled in 2009. A surprisingly phenolic Highland whisky, layers of ash and tar on the nose are counterbalanced, if only slightly, by a hint of orange peel and some mint. The peat influence never really lets up however, even after ample time in glass to air out, remaining Islay-adjacent throughout its running time. The palate follows suit, showing ample phenols and a slight touch of citrus, then a soothing vanilla cream. Sharp on the finish with notes of green pepper and a flair of Latin spices. Wholly approachable, but I was hoping for nuance. 113.6 proof. B / $200
Artist #13 Tamdhu 16 Years Old – Distilled in 2006, this is a heavily sherried (fully-matured in sherry butts) Speyside offering that’s evident from the start, given its deep amber color. That sherry attacks the nose in force, hitting you with aromas of citrus oil, roasted nuts, and furniture polish — all made even more expressive thanks to the over-60% abv presentation. It’s equally aggressive on the palate, the full force of 16 years of sherry aging punching you in the face, exuding overwhelming flavors of camphor and more oily furniture polish. It’s rescued by some late-game citrus notes which, while never dominant, are at least tempering to some degree. Water is also instructive but the outsized impact of all that reductive, oxidized wine is just too powerful here, even with some H2O. 121.2 proof. B / $480
Artist #13 Bowmore 21 Years Old – Distilled in 2001. This is an amazingly fruity expression of the Islay classic, its peat simmered down so more nuanced elements can emerge. Tangerines and ruby red grapefruit kick off a brisk aroma that is tinged with wood smoke, with some a layer of sandalwood underneath. Sharp and tangy on the tongue, this is an orange marmalade-driven experience that comes across as quite candied, tempered slightly with that gently peaty, slightly smoky element that evokes the impact of a burnt orange peel to coat the rim of the glass. It’s a fairly simple experience that is light and refreshingly pleasant, making for one of my favorite Bowmore bottlings in memory. 112.4 proof. A- / $900
Artist #13 Glenburgie 28 Years Old – Distilled in 1995. Intensely aromatic, the nose of this well-aged Speyside bottling is loaded with such a spray of aromas that it’s hard to fully parse. Orange blossoms and orange peel mix with notes of lilac, menthol, and white pepper, creating a unique combination that is fruity, floral, and spicy all at once. Time in glass evokes more of a tropical bent, almost approaching pineapple. The citrus dominates the palate, though it’s countered with notes of coconut and marzipan, lots of vanilla soothing what hits with a fairly hefty punch of alcohol. Things eventually settle down as the finish finally arrives, with a reprise of creamy almond notes and some brown butter lingering. Lightly toasty with some latent oakiness. Really quite a delight from a distillery you rarely find used outside of blends. 116 proof. A- / $700
Artist #13 Glen Garioch 34 Years Old – The grande dame of this lineup is this old Highland malt distilled all the way back in 1988. Compared to the last couple of whiskies, this one feels wrapped up in brown paper packaging. The nose is indistinct and elusive, lightly woody with aromas of almond skins, burnt orange peel, and a lighter lemon note as it develops a bit. The palate is complex, as one would expect from a whisky of this age, showcasing stewed fruit, macerated oranges, and even some green banana in the mix. Herbal on the midpalate, with the finish retreating to notes of dates, toasted hazelnuts, and a pinch of cloves. Perhaps fading a bit, leaning into its austerity with some Turkish rug shop mustiness starting to develop. Still, a fun experience. 90.6 proof. B+ / $1000
Artist #13 Bowmore 21 Years Old
$900
