Whiskynotes iconWhiskynotesSep 27, 2026 ~4 min source read

Maltbarn’s September 2026 releases: one sherried blended malt and four lighter single malts

Maltbarn’s latest bottlings include a 33-year-old blended malt from a sherry cask and four single malts aged 16–24 years, spanning bourbon- and sherry-matured styles with scores from 83 to 90.

Maltbarn: Blended Malt, Glen Spey, Orkney, Caol Ila…

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Standout: Caol Ila 19 yo 2007 (bourbon cask) scored 90/100 for its bright citrus, menthol edge and pristine smoke.

Sherried highlight: Blended Malt 33 yo 1993 (49.3%) shows mature sherry fruits, dark chocolate and tobacco—bottled at 98 bottles.

Glen Spey 24 yo 2001 (53.8%, Maltbarn 2026, sherry cask, 148 btl.) leans grassy and malty on the nose with lemon-yoghurt and green fruit. The palate emphasizes sweet green fruits, barley, Seville orange and a strong load of grassy, bitter notes including quinine and grapefruit zest. It becomes austere and yeasty on the finish. The reviewer suggests it works well as a refreshing highball but is a challenging bottle for continuous sipping. Score: 83/100.

Orkney Single Malt 20 yo 2006 (51.5%, Maltbarn 2026, bourbon cask, 144 btl.) presents bright citrus, chalky minerals and beach-sand/sea-spray notes on the nose. The palate is lively with salted lemon, lime, mirabelle-like sweetness, grapefruit and ginger, backed by brine and cooling herbs. The overall impression is a crystalline, restrained Highland Park–type profile—consistent and austere by design. Score: 87/100.

Overall, Maltbarn's set divides into two camps: the sherried, fruit-forward blended malt and Glen Spey, and a group of lighter-coloured, mineral-lean single malts (Orkney, Glen Garioch, Caol Ila) that emphasize citrus, brine and restrained smoke. Bottle counts are small (98–150 each), and cask types are clearly listed on each label.

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