2025 Fireside Chapter Release - Ex-Pedro Ximenez cask finished in ex-peated cask

Our 2025 Fireside Chapter Edition 63.2% ABV is a single cask release of which there are only 273 bottles available.   

There are two options for this product -

A single bottle in a branded box which is £95

or

A large presentation box the same as the First Release Whisky which has the bottle of Fireside Chapter whisky, 2 x Glencairn glasses and has been signed for all 3 distillers which is £135 (a real collectors piece).

The concept behind the Fireside Chapter Release is that it will be an annual offering.  Over the next 5 years we will release one every Autumn to create The Whittaker's Fireside Chapter Collection.

Tasting Notes - courtesy of Paul from Ake & Humphris, Harrogate

Aroma

Like the first release you get notes of hay and Sugar Puff cereal. Also, due to high ABV, a slight pear-drop lift. Underneath this a butter toffee note leads to hints of spices like Ras el Hanout, cardamom and a very delicate fennel nod. When cut with water the aroma takes on more rum and raisin ice cream vibes but if you inhale too hard the alcohol heat will catch you off guard!

Palate

The palate, uncut leads with a big hit of glyceric heat forcing salivation in a very arresting fashion.  This warmth leads to candied almonds and caramel boiled sweet flavours with an overwhelming sense of underlying purity of spirit.  Finish is ever-long and framed around sweet nuttiness with a crunch of rendered cane sugar.  After the cut with water there’s a real punch of booze-soaked sultanas and you can almost imagine chewing through.  Palate closes with a rum and raisin ice cream feeling but where the gelato creator over poured the rum.  There’s also a bourbon-like sweetness that is tremendously satisfying.  Deeper into the finish you can find a touch of molasses and burnt sugar.  The finish feels at least 45 minutes long! (The duration of the vinyl LP played while checking this out!)

Conclusion

Another different and engaging expression from Whittaker’s.  Echoes previous releases but shows other dimensions and covers new ground beautifully.  More sympatico with mid-level whisky enthusiasts.  This will arrest and excite any adventurous or experienced palate.