Blue Hanger 26 year old 14th Limited Release Berry Bros. & Rudd

Profile: The Blue Hanger 26 year old 14th Limited Release Berry Bros. & Rudd at a glance

• Limited Rarity: Limited to only 2,500 bottles worldwide and correspondingly sought after
• Exceptional Maturation:Marriage of malt whiskies with a minimum age of 26 years
• Careful Cask Selection:Composition of seven casks - six ex-bourbon hogsheads and one ex-sherry butt
• Traditional Bottling:Bottled without chill filtration or added coloring
• Legendary Origin:Part of the Blue Hanger series by Berry Bros. & Rudd Rudd, first created in 1934 for diplomatic export.

Portrait: What makes the Blue Hanger 26 year old 14th Limited Release Berry Bros. & Rudd special

When a whisky returns after a hiatus of more than ten years, it had better have a good reason – or at least a very good presentation. The Blue Hanger 26 year old 14th Limited Release, just to be on the safe side, has both. He seems to have used the time to become even more elegant - if that was even necessary.

Behind this comeback is Berry Bros. & Rudd from London, a house with a history dating back to 1698. While trends come and go elsewhere, here they probably sit relaxed in a leather armchair and think to themselves: "We were here before trends were invented."

The name "Blue Hanger" goes back to William Hanger - and yes, this title of nobility is absolutely essential. As 3rd Lord Coleraine, he was not only a man of rank but also known for his distinctive style and his predilection for blue clothing. One could say: He was ahead of his time in terms of fashion – and incidentally inspired one of the most elegant whisky names ever. The series itself has also had its share of adventures: Originally created in 1934 for diplomatic export, it disappeared for decades before being revived in 2003. Since then, it has become a kind of liquid collector's item. Previous editions are highly sought after today – a bit like concert tickets, only without the queue (at least in theory). The 14th edition is strictly limited to 2,500 bottles worldwide, non-chill filtered, and bottled without added coloring. The youngest whisky in it is 26 years old, and some components are considerably older.
The blended malt was composed from a total of seven casks: six ex-bourbon hogsheads and one ex-sherry butt – a selection that demonstrates that nothing was left to chance. The entire project was curated by Felix Dear, who clearly knew exactly how to orchestrate a comeback without making a fuss. In the end, what remains is a whisky that doesn't try to impress – it simply leaves its mark. In true lord fashion.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Blue Hanger 26 year old 14th Limited Release Berry Bros. & Rudd tastes like

• Nose: On the nose, inviting aromas of milk chocolate and crème caramel emerge. These are joined by fresh citrus peel and hints of preserved orchard fruits, lending the overall impression a vibrant yet harmonious depth.
• Palate: On the palate, the whisky is soft and captivating. The notes are round and balanced, with a pleasant combination of sweet and fruity impressions that unfold seamlessly.
• Finish: The finish is long and smooth. The previously perceived notes linger harmoniously, providing an elegant and tranquil conclusion.