Diptych: A work of liquid beauty in two parts

While both whiskies have sweet, woody, spicy and fruity notes, these are different in each whisky. To understand why, you need to understand the differences between the two oak species used in this collection. Spanish oak and American oak have unique compositions, which, in turn, will affect flavour.

American white oak is higher in oak lactone and lignin and lower in tannins. The resulting flavours are sweet and can include coconut, vanilla and baking spices. In contrast, Spanish oak is lower in lactones and higher in tannins, resulting in a more ‘woody’ character that’s spicy, wine-like and more structured on the palate. With this in mind, it’s easier to understand the synergy between these two whiskies and why they are a pair to be poured side by side.

“This pair is perfect to compare and contrast,” says head of whisky creation Euan Campbell. “Higher tannin content in the Spanish oak brings deep spices, exotic woods and a ‘sugar puff’ sweetness, while the American oak offers more custardy desserts, tropical fruits and Black Forest gateau.”

You can try these whiskies side by side in our £67 Diptych flight – available at all UK Members’ Rooms on release.

Discover Diptych: A work of liquid beauty in two parts