Berry Bros & Rudd has launched a duo of single malt whiskies titled 'The Duel', in celebration of what was reportedly London's last ever duel fought in public.
The duel is said to have taken place in Pickering Place — the secluded square to the side of Berry’s premises on St James Street. There’s some historical debate as to whether this is the case, given the enclosed space would have been unsuitable for duelling pistols, but it certainly makes for a compelling story.
The concept of the release is to show both characters involved in the duel. On one side is a 54-year-old Speyside single malt, from an unnamed distillery, distilled in 1970, representing ‘Justice’, or the factual retelling of the story.
Facing up to Justice is ‘Honour’, which conveys the more romantic, poetic side to the story, represented by a 1991 Laphroaig, aged for 34 years in a single hogshead cask.
Justice: ABV: 43.4%
Nose: Elegant honey notes, fresh lemon zest and a deep, rich perfumed oak aroma, sandalwood and a touch of soft vanilla fudge, dried apricots and golden syrup. Remarkably complex but open and bountiful.
Palate: Immediate notes of soft brown sugar, fresh strawberries, barbecued pineapple, and a dusting of lighter nutmeg and allspice. It’s complex, full of aged richness and extremely well balanced.
Finish: Exceptionally long, with softer, more intricate notes of scented oak, toasted coconut and vanilla custard. Superb in every respect.
Score: 94/100
Honour: ABV: 43.3%
Nose: A distinctly soft, aged smokiness hits first, with a wisp of aromatic woodsmoke, toasted vanilla and some lighter, barbecued meatiness. a dash of water reveals a touch of sea spray and coastal iodine.
Palate: The smoke is present but not overpowering, with a rich, maltiness working alongside the oakiness and coal dust. Then comes sweetness, in the form of barley sugar, some gentle lemon zest and a well-balanced, mouthcoating oiliness. A very well-aged example of how Islay whiskies can mellow over time but retain their dynamic structure.
Finish: The smoke lingers, leading into a touch of sea salt, then a soft, sweeter vanilla-led maltiness. Outstanding.
Score: 91/100
The Duel is limited to 50 sets and is available from Berry Bros London, BBR.com
