James Eadie Whisky Trade Mark X Blended Scotch Review

let’s begin

First founded way back in 1854, James Eadie Whisky is an independent bottling company. This expression is an extra special release as it is a blend based on one of the first releases by the original founder.

The Brand

The difference between James Eadie and other independent bottlers is that they focus on small batch, single cask releases. This makes their drams ultra rare and exclusive. They bottle some of the best malts available and their limited output makes them highly desirable.

It’s not only the malt that they seek out, but they also choose some of the finest woods to mature their chosen drams. They haven’t always been in production, as the brand, based in Burton-on-Trent, stopped production in the 1940s.

They were re-founded again by Eadie’s great great grandson, Rupert Patrick, and have flourished ever since. Patrick himself has a history in the Whisky industry, having once been a director at Diageo. Their re-release of Trade Mark X follows the original recipe that Eadie created.

Tasting notes for the James Eadie Whisky Trade Mark X Blended Scotch

Bottle cost: £29.13

For more information and to buy James Eadie’s Trade Mark X Blended Scotch Whisky click here

The recreation has been made using ledgers from the brand’s archive as a pre-WWII bottling of the original whisky.

So what is the actual whisky like?

It begins with a nose of sherry and peat. There are dried fruits, oaky vanilla, cinnamon and a lovely hint of thick smoke. The smoke really sets off the dried fruits and allows their sweetness to come out. The cinnamon and spices are soft yet warming, with lots of life to them.

The palate is thick and chewy, with more peat and oak. Sweet nuts and malted grains also appear, adding richness and depth to the spices.

Chocolate and earthier tones of grass and blossom also appear, rounding off the other flavours well. They are sweet and go perfectly with the natural nuttiness of the dram. Tangy summer fruits add a lovely zest that really bounce off the smoke and spices.

The finish is strong, with lots of fruits and oak. The peat smoke is not too far off either.

This is an exciting dram, not only for its history but also for its future. It has a lot going for it, in terms of flavour and backstory. Well worth a look.

What are your thoughts on James Eadie Whisky Trade Mark X Blended Scotch? Leave a comment below and let’s have a chat!

Tags: Independent BottlersJames Eadie

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.