Oscar Wilde wrote that “we live in an age when
unnecessary things are our only necessities”. The age in question was the late nineteenth century, when the Aesthetic Movement gave rise to the Decadent Movement, where more was always more. Art was made for the sake of art; there were no ulterior motives. Similarly, a whisky like Art & Decadence may not be strictly a necessity – and that is the whole, glorious point.
Art & Decadence is built on malt whisky from the Balmenach Distillery, finished separately for almost a year in not one but three different ex-wine casks. Madeira, Sauternes and Marsala are all at home with dessert, and they bring succulence, preserved fruit notes and honeyed character to the underlying meaty sweetness of Balmenach.
To this, we have layered in malt whisky from the Linkwood Distillery, aged in Palo Cortado sherry-seasoned butts, and malt whisky from the Glen Moray Distillery, finished in Oloroso sherry-seasoned butts. Grain whisky from the now-closed Port Dundas Distillery adds silk and gloss.
Rich and aromatic on the nose; creamy with banana, toffee and custard notes. On the palate you find dried fruit; golden raisin, apricot, apple and plenty of vanilla finishing with lingering dark chocolate and oak.
A Rich and Potent Whisky, Designed for Dessert and Decadent Behaviour
A RICH AND POTENT WHISKY
The Aesthetic Movement, begun in the latter half of the 19th century, witnessed a change in the subject matter and influences of western art. It gave rise to the Decadent Movement, where ornamentation and the superfluous flourish were prized; iconography and patterns from other cultures were layered in complex compositions, and a new sensuality began to emerge.
This is the era of Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley – abundance, delight and pleasure were art’s watchwords. The dandy was reborn, the peacock became a cultural symbol, and gold was everywhere. Beauty, excess and ornamentation have been our focuses with the extraordinary label and outer packaging for Art & Decadence. A whisky of such decadent flavours merits a decadent design.
Recipe and Facts
Flavour profile
Rich and aromatic on the nose with red apples, waxed wood and wine notes. Creamy, with a liquorice aroma. Banana, toffee and custard blended with Sauternes. On the palate, notes of
dried fruit – golden raisin, apricot, apple and plenty of vanilla. Lingering flavours of dark chocolate and fragrant oak.
Recommendations
Dinner’s final course – when the puddings, cakes, tarts, jellies, chocolates and cheeses emerge – is typically the moment for true decadence. This whisky compliments this very important juncture in the meal.
Technical details
Bottled at 49% ABV.
Natural colour.
Light 10 micron filter, not chill-filtered.
Blended Scotch Whisky.
A limited edition of 9,496.
Released: November 2023.
Lead whiskymaker
James Saxon
James Saxon
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