Introduction
I picked up Woven Experience No.20 mostly out of curiosity. I’ve followed Woven’s releases for a little while now – each batch offering something different with a clear creative angle. This one was named “Friends in the North,” which hinted at regional influence, though I didn’t let the title colour my expectations too much. I was mainly interested in seeing how the blend came together, especially since Woven tends to work with small parcels of interesting spirit rather than mass-market stocks.
Nose
The nose opens gently but has a quiet complexity to it. Bright green apples are immediate, mixed with underripe pear and a clean, slightly vegetal note — something like fresh-cut grass or even cucumber peel. There’s a mild biscuity malt underneath, and though there’s no overt wood spice or heavy sherry influence, I got a faint trace of waxiness, almost like candle shop air. No big show of peat or cask; it’s all quite discreet and measured.
Palate
It lands with softness, medium-bodied, and quite clean. Those orchard fruit notes carry through — green apple again, moving into white grape and a soft nuttiness, like almond skin. There’s just enough sweetness to keep it round; nothing syrupy. A slightly earthy, grainy note appears mid-palate and keeps it grounded. Around the edges, I picked up something a little coastal — not in a peaty way, just a saline tingle. The integration across different component whiskies is good — nothing pokes out or feels isolated.
Finish
The finish isn't long, but it's well-shaped. Light spice – white pepper or ginger – shows up after the main flavours start to fade. That subtle waxy echo from the nose makes a quiet return, along with a dry maltiness. It fades cleanly, leaving the tongue dry rather than sweet. Definitely more delicate than bold, but it suits the style.
Price and Value
For a limited-run blend, it lands in a reasonable place. You’re not paying for age statements or marketing gloss here — rather, a thoughtful assembly of spirit from different sources, brought together with a clear palate in mind. For those interested in texture and subtleties, it rewards focus. If you’re looking for something bolder or more cask-forward, it may seem restrained. But from a quality-per-pound perspective, I found it fair, especially when compared to more commercial blends at a similar price.
Background
Woven is a relatively young whisky outfit based in Leith, Scotland. They focus on small-batch blends made from carefully chosen casks sourced across the country. You can learn more about their philosophy on the Woven Whisky website, where they talk about blending as a craft equal to distilling.
Experience No.20 likely leans on Highland and Speyside components, possibly some unpeated Island malt too, though the origination detail isn’t fully disclosed — part of Woven’s house style seems to involve keeping the precise makeup under wraps to focus attention on flavour rather than provenance. This batch settles in at 47.1% ABV, a good sweet spot for texture and detail without needing additional dilution.
Final Notes
Would I buy this again? Yes — especially as a whisky to share with friends who enjoy complexity without punchy peat or overpowering sherry. It’s the kind of whisky that sparks conversation because of its subtlety, not because it shouts across the glass.
Is it suitable for someone newer to whisky? I’d say yes, particularly if they’ve tried a few single malts and want to try something a little less predictable without jumping into very smoky or heavily oaked styles.
Is there a specific context where this whisky shines? For me, it fits quiet evenings where I’m not rushing — maybe with some music and time to actually pay attention to what’s in the glass. It asks for focus but doesn’t demand it.
And how does it compare to other blends from Woven? I’ve tried a few of their past releases, and this one feels more restrained and polished rather than experimental. That’s not a downside — it just reflects a more subtle direction this time.