Introduction
I’ve always had a soft spot for seasonal bottlings, especially those that promise a rich, festive character. The 2025 Old-Fashioned Christmas release sparked my curiosity. I didn’t expect explosions of complexity, but I was hoping for a satisfying winter dram—something comforting after a long day. The bottle doesn’t reveal the distillery behind the spirit, which made it even more interesting. I gave it a proper tasting on a quiet night and took my time with it.
Nose
Right out of the glass, the aroma matches the theme well. There’s a clear sherry-forward presence—dried figs, sultanas, and a hint of orange oil. Behind that, I caught soft notes of fruitcake and candied pecans, with a touch of dusty cinnamon. It’s fairly rich but not overpowering. After a few minutes, I noticed faint whiffs of chocolate-covered almonds and even a trace of mulled wine spices. It’s warm, somewhat nostalgic, and puts you in a December frame of mind.
Palate
On the palate, it's medium-bodied with a nice, rounded mouthfeel that stays coherent throughout. Sweet dried fruits come through first—dates and raisins—followed by a darker note of cocoa powder and espresso. A soft touch of spice gradually builds: nutmeg, clove, and hints of ground ginger. There’s clear influence from heavily seasoned sherry casks, though it doesn’t cross into sticky territory. Some slightly tart red currants add a bit of contrast near the mid-palate. It’s smooth overall, with a thread of oak adding structure.
Finish
The finish is medium-long, lingering mostly on stewed fruits, dark chocolate, and a mild tobacco dryness. A trace of roasted walnut shows up late, along with gentle spice that slowly fades. No harshness or off-putting tannins, which I appreciated. It doesn’t demand more attention, but it leaves a satisfying impression.
Price and Value
At just under £90, it sits in the premium blended malt territory. I think the price is justifiable if you're specifically looking for a sherry-matured seasonal profile. The packaging is festive without being over the top, and the whisky delivers enough substance to make it more than a novelty. That said, collectors looking for age statements or known distillery names might not find what they’re after here.
Background
This is an annual release bottled exclusively by The Whisky Exchange, often from undisclosed distilleries but always built around rich, Christmassy flavours. From what I’ve gathered, it’s typically composed of sherry-matured malt whisky from Speyside or Highland origins, blended to reflect seasonal desserts and traditional winter aromas.
While the distillery sources remain a secret, the profile this year feels in line with some well-aged Speyside malts I’ve tried in the past. You can learn more about their other in-house bottlings at The Whisky Exchange.
Final Notes
Would I buy this again? Probably, especially for December. It won’t blow anyone’s mind with complexity, but it fits the occasion well. If you enjoy sherry-forward malts with a dessert-like bent, it’ll do the trick. I wouldn’t necessarily give this to a total newcomer—there’s a lot of cask influence that might overwhelm—but for someone with a few bottles behind them, it’ll make an enjoyable winter evening dram.
How does it compare to other Christmas-themed whiskies? It’s less novelty and more sincerely crafted than many in that niche, and it has enough underlying character to make it drinkable beyond the holiday season. If you're into seasonal releases but want one with actual depth, this is worth considering.
And what kind of moment suits this bottle? For me, it's something I’d pour after a meal, maybe with a bit of dark chocolate nearby, or just during a cold, quiet night when the mood calls for something soft, sweet, and gently spiced.