Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: Uncharted Whisky Co. Rumours Chapter 3Secret Islay 14 Year Old

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OVERALL
RATING

9

Scotch Whisky Review: Uncharted Whisky Co. Rumours Chapter 3Secret Islay 14 Year Old

Uncharted Whisky Co. has emerged seemingly out of nowhere in recent years to establish itself as a small but highly regarded independent bottler.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
Independent bottler Uncharted Whisky Company released this whisky as part of its “Rumours” triptych. Chapter 3 is an intriguing 14-year-old single malt from a secret Islay distillery. Distilled in September 2008 and bottled in April 2023, this whisky has been matured in an ex-bourbon hogshead (cask UC016), preserving the distillery’s coastal and smoky character. Bottled all natural at a bold cask strength of 58.2% ABV, the cask yielded just 276 bottles.
Appearance:
Pale gold, straw. Thick and viscous in the glass with pronounced legs.
Nose:
A bonfire on the beach with pebble minerality and a touch of seaweed. Tarte au citron with buttery pastry, lemon citrus, and vanilla.
Palate:
Medium to full mouthfeel. Pastries with lemon and vanilla cream, seasoned with sea salt. Smoke from earthy peat burning on mineral rocks. Alcohol is well integrated.
Finish:
Long. Earthy peat smoke dances with the lemon citrus and fades into bright spice.
Comments:
This is a wonderful dram from Uncharted Whisky Co. Absolutely delicious, and bound to delight Islay fans.

Should You Buy Uncharted Whisky Co. Rumours Chapter 3?

If you’re a fan of cask-strength Islay whiskies, this seems like an absolute must-have based on the notes and score. Uncharted Whisky Co. has emerged seemingly out of nowhere in recent years to establish itself as a small but highly regarded independent bottler.

If you’re also a music fan, this brand is well worth your attention. Many of their whiskies are named after the founders’ favorite songs and album titles, perfectly aligning with the idea of whisky and music complementing each other—transporting you to different places and evoking nostalgia for both.

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Is It Good Value For Money?

It’s hard to say without knowing which distillery it comes from. However, looking at the broader market for independently bottled Islay whiskies, they’re certainly not as affordable as they once were—but that applies to almost everything.

At £125 or £155 (if you can find it), this isn’t as much of a bargain as some third-refill Caol Ilas were a few years ago. That said, this is a well-regarded, balanced, and flavourful single barrel from Islay, showcasing classic notes that suggest Caol Ila or possibly Bowmore, though the former seems more likely.

If you’re looking to explore a new independent bottler, this is an excellent place to start.

Final Thoughts On Uncharted Whisky Co. Rumours Chapter 3?

Overall, this is a delicious and well-balanced single cask expression from Scotland’s west coast. It has a good age for a complex integration of both spirit and cask influences and comes in a beautifully understated bottle from the good folks at the Uncharted Whisky Company.

If you’re looking to replenish some empty Islay spots on your shelf, this is well worth considering.

Ed Leigh

Ed Leigh is a recognized authority on independent bottlers and artisan Scotch whisky. In 2019, he founded TopWhiskies.com, a specialist retailer dedicated to promoting these often family-run businesses and showcasing their small-batch releases. Based in London, Ed holds certifications in both wine and spirits from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

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