Syndicate 58/6 sounds more like the name of a secret society than a whisky. Turns out, it’s both.
The name refers to both an exclusive English club of scotch enthusiasts that draws members of Parliament, and a blended scotch whisky founded in 1966. Today we’ll be focusing on the latter.
It’s a solera blend, meaning that its oldest stock has been mixed with additional whiskies. This blend includes 18 single malts and four single grains, as well as small traces of the original 1958 blend. And it’s all been allowed to rest in Oloroso Sherry casks for four years.
The coloring of Syndicate 58/6 is an exceptionally light, almost translucent gold. Nose-wise it’s heavy on the stone fruits, with deep notes of cherry, apricot, date and plum.
The effects of the four-year sherry nap are evident from the first taste. It is strikingly smooth and gentle on the front of the palate, with initial notes of vanilla, oak and fig. It’s in the center of the palate that a slow-building medium spice begins to develop, which picks up momentum in the back and conjures flavors of chocolate and charcoal before quickly dissipating and finishing with a taste that’s borderline savory.
Blended scotches sometimes receive a bad rap, but Syndicate 58/6 is a testament to the artistry a skilled blender can achieve. We’d gladly join the club.
Stats:
— 43% ABV
— $160
CE Rating: ★★★
