Double the Malt, Double the Pleasure

To prove that we are not know-it-all's, the Chix are fessing up. Until recently we had never encountered the term "double malt" and had never had the opportunity to try one. That all changed when DC Scotch Chick, who was footloose and fancy free one Friday, took advantage of a free tasting of Eades Double Malts at the Wine Specialist. Having arrived a half an hour early to pick up some supplies, DC Scotch Chick didn't think she would be around to partake. However, the kind Scotch Gents from Eades were setting up for the evening and were happy to oblige.

Before we get on with the tastings you might be asking yourself the same question DC Scotch Chick did. Just what is a double malt scotch? How does it differ from a blended scotch--one or two single malts mixed with other grain whiskeys? Is it the same thing as a vatted malt--a mixture of single malt whiskys from different distilleries?

After much searching and with little success the Chix had come to a dead end and decided to go right to the source. They emailed the Gents at Eades, who graciously replied with a detailed explanation. The Chix were right in assuming that it is indeed a vatted malt. However, the Eades Gents point out that a double malt goes beyond a vatted malt. According to managing director Chris Allwood, Eades' definition of a double malt is:

1. Two renowned single malts from the same distilling region brought together in perfect balance (neither malt should dominate the other so that we can get the best of both and create something that is greater than the sum of the parts).

2. Each single malt was Double Distilled so that the maximum character is retained in the spirit before it is aged. Triple distilling tends to make a less robust and character-full spirit.

3. The malts are then double matured, first in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, and then in fine wine casks. This is possibly the most important part; the wine casks take out any residual harshness or heat and infuse layers of new aromas and flavors that enhance the character of the whisky.

4. The single malts are married after the second maturation if we are using two different wine casks and before if we are using one type of wine cask.

For example, the first double malt DC Scotch Chick sampled was the Highland. Eades Highland Double Malt is 85% Ben Nevis and 15% Clynelish. The Highland is pleasant and retains just a hint of smoke from the Clynelish to give a more rounded flavor to the fruitiness of the Ben Nevis. Whether or not it's the double maturing, DC Scotch Chick would agree with the Eades Gents that there is little, if any, residual harshness.

The second double malt sampled, was DC Scotch Chick's preferred double malt – Islay Double Malt. A well paired mixture of 60% Bowmore and 40% Caol Ila, the Islay Double Malt is a sweet peat – a perfect fit for an American palate. It has just enough peat to bring out the best of what makes an Islay malt. And, while it is also very sweet, it isn't the cloying sweet one can detect in say, the Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or, but, rather, a slight sweetness not typical to most peaty scotches. DC Scotch Chick couldn't resist. She tossed a bottle of Eades Islay Double Malt into her cart for her July 4th celebration with CA Scotch Chick and her Gent. Below please find the Scotch Chix review of the Eades Islay Double Malt.