David's Drink Diaries - Issue 24
Whisky is a world of tradition, but sometimes, it takes a bold move to create something truly unique. Never Say Die Whiskey is one such story - distilled in the USA, yet matured in England, a transatlantic journey that sets it apart. I recently caught up with Martha, one of the brand’s founders, to discuss their distinctive approach and the excitement of seeing their whiskey ‘out in the wild’ for the first time.
Beyond Never Say Die, this edition of my musings explores a selection of fascinating drams, from bourbon to rye, Danish whisky to Irish single casks, and even a couple of standout rums. Whether you’re looking for a gateway whiskey, a complex PX-matured single malt, or a rum that challenges expectations, there’s plenty to discover.
Let’s dive in!
Never Say Die Whiskey
I recently had a quick chat with Martha, one of the Founders of Never Say Die whiskey. Uniquely, the whiskey is distilled in the USA, but matured in England. Here is what she had to say:-
Of all your releases, which would you recommend to someone who is starting their whisky journey?
I'd recommend our signature Small-Batch Bourbon as a great starting point for anyone new to whisk(e)y. Bourbon is typically a good introductory whiskey because it's generally sweeter and smoother, with notes of vanilla and caramel making it more approachable than some other types of whiskey, which can be peatier or more robust. Our small-batch has an accessible ABV of 47.5%—lower than our barrel strength, which can go as high as 60%. It’s a carefully chosen blend of our most interesting barrels, crafted to complement each other and create a balanced and versatile bourbon that's easy to sip.
For those who love cocktails, I'd suggest our Rye. Its spicy, bold flavours really stand out in a mixed drink, making it a fantastic choice for cocktail enthusiasts.
Can you describe the first time you randomly saw your whisky on the back bar, how it made you feel, and if you engaged with the bartender about it.
The first time I randomly saw our Never Say Die bourbon on a back bar was at Swift in Borough. It was such an unexpected and thrilling moment. We decided to blend in as regular patrons initially, ordering Sidecars made with NSD.
When the server brought over our drinks, we couldn't contain the excitement any longer and revealed that it was actually our brand. Telling the bartender about the origin of the name, inspired by the racehorse Never Say Die, and the unexpected connection to The Beatles, was especially gratifying. Watching their reaction as we unfolded the story, and seeing the delight and surprise on their face, was very rewarding. As a co-founder of Never Say Die - seeing people's faces light up when they hear about the serendipitous Beatles connection never gets old!
Seeing Never Say Die 'out in the wild' was a profound moment. The path to launching a whiskey is a marathon, not a sprint; we started this journey back in 2016, and the ageing process alone stretches over many years. Witnessing our bourbon on that back bar made every step of that lengthy process feel worthwhile. It was a vivid affirmation that all the patience, hard work, and passion we'd poured into Never Say Die had truly come to fruition.
Never Say Die Barrel Strength Bourbon 60.3% - £81.95 from The Whisky Exchange
The nose bursts with baking spices, roasted nuts, plasticine, and hazelnut honey, creating a beautifully warm and inviting aroma. The palate is equally welcoming, offering a lovelyl sweetness alongside layers of spice. Stewed apples, citrus, sultanas, and a rich, custardy note all come through, making for a bourbon that is both bold and intricate. At over 60% ABV, it has plenty of heat, but the balance between spice and fruit ensures it remains approachable. This is a bourbon that delivers complexity, power, and elegance in equal measure.
Never Say Die Rye £65.95 52.5% from The Whisky Exchange
This is rich and layered with a nose that has a lot going on. There is an intricate mix of plum, caramel, vanilla and chocolate. On the palate, a well-balanced interplay of spice and sweetness unfolds, with baking spices, red fruits, manuka honey, and vanilla combining together seamlessly. The finish is long and warming and perfect for those, like me, who love a Rye whiskey.
Other Whisky
Copenhagen Raw Edition No 5 59.7%
I’ve always been a huge fan of this distillery, and this release does not disappoint. The nose is fascinating, bringing together savoury and tropical elements that instantly transport me to Hawaii. There’s ripe papaya, mango, and sugar cane, though I realise the latter contradicts the savoury note, yet somehow it all works.
On the palate, this whisky is full-bodied, intense, and gloriously unctuous. The texture is rich and oily, drinking almost like a heavily peated whisky—except there’s no peat. It’s quite extraordinary, with layers of complexity that continue to reveal themselves sip after sip. Made from Danish barley and matured in Hungarian oak, this is a truly unique dram.
Copenhagen Harvey Nichols Aquavit Cask 49% - £275 from Harvey Nichols
A decadent and aromatic nose, rich with plum, ginger, and vanilla, sets the stage for this intriguing whisky. The first taste has a savoury profile with a parallel to a crêpe Suzette, though without the pronounced orange intensity. Instead, the aquavit influence takes centre stage, introducing layers of citrus, aniseed, and caraway that add a whole new dimension.
This is a robust whisky, with the aquavit’s fruit lingering beautifully in the background. It sings to me, but with an unfamiliar tune, while I can’t pinpoint the exact aquavit used, its impact is undeniable. An exceptional whisky that rewards slow contemplation.
Green Spot 2013 10 Year Old Single Cask 239852 56.6% - £180 from The Whisky Exchange
The nose is inviting, with barley, honey, and marzipan offering a classic yet refined introduction. On the palate, the sweetness unfolds gracefully, revealing apricots, frangipane, and brown sugar. It has good depth and an impressive length that lingers well beyond expectation. For a 10-year-old whiskey, this punches well above its weight. The colour may be light, but the flavour is anything but. Stewed quince and warm spices emerge, adding further richness and complexity. A perfect example of how age is just a number when the balance and intensity are this good.
The Whisky Exchange Signatory Collection
Whitlaw 2013 11 Year Old 1st Fill PX Sherry Hogshead 58% - £89.95 from The Whisky Exchange
This was my first time tasting a Whitlaw, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a whisky with a deep mahogany colour and a nose that immediately tells you it has spent time in a PX cask - dark, luscious, and fruit-forward.
The palate follows through beautifully, hitting all the right notes of spice, rich dried fruits, and a subtle wisp of smoke. It’s indulgent yet balanced, offering the kind of warmth and depth that makes PX-matured whiskies so compelling. A fantastic introduction to Whitlaw.
Edradour 2011 13 Year Old 1st Fill Masala Hogshead 58.9% - £99.95 from The Whisky Exchange
Every time I taste an Edradour, I’m reminded of how much I love this distillery - and this dram is no exception. The nose is rich and umami-driven, almost Bovril-like, making me instantly crave a perfectly cooked rib-eye steak. On the palate, the sweetness from the Marsala cask complements the robust Edradour distillate beautifully. There’s a wonderful stone fruit element, almost acting as a seasoning - think barbecue peaches with a touch of caramelised sugar. It’s a whisky that feels indulgent yet structured, and one that I’ll be adding to my collection without hesitation.
Blair Athol 2011 13 Year Old 1st Fill Ruby Port 57.8% - £99 from The Whisky Exchange
The last of this Signatory Vintage trio bottled for The Whisky Exchange, and yet another from a distillery I always enjoy. One of the great pleasures of whisky is tasting familiar distilleries with unique cask finishes, and this expression is a prime example.
The nose is initially subdued but opens up with time, revealing plum, vanilla, and almond. On the palate, this is by far the hottest and spiciest of the three, despite having the lowest ABV. There’s an explosion of dark fruit—dates, prunes, and stewed plums—interwoven with clove and warming spices. A whisky that benefits from patience, but ultimately rewards you with a layered and expressive experience.
Rum
Worthy Park 2017 6 Year Old Ex-Bourbon Barrel 54% - £89.95 from The Whisky Exchange
This is exactly why whisky drinkers should explore the world of rum, it’s arguably even more diverse and delivers flavours you wouldn’t expect. The nose is intriguing, blending petrol-like funk with a sweet Barsac-style dessert wine character. It’s the kind of aroma that keeps you coming back, to appreciate the interplay of richness and sharpness. On the palate, those same notes carry through, with layers of tropical fruit adding further complexity. If the nose makes you hesitate, don’t be put off - this is a delicious rum with an incredible depth of flavour.
Worthy Park 2015 8 Year Old Ex-Calvados Barrel 64% - £99 from The Whisky Exchange
From the moment you lift the glass, the richness on the nose draws you in. For me, it’s apple crumble, vanilla, and a hint of cassis, with an intensity that I love. At 64%, you’d expect a punch, but this rum greets you with a firm handshake rather than a knockout blow. The Calvados influence is prominent, bringing a beautifully rounded baked apple character that makes it feel almost like dessert in a glass. Think apple crumble and custard, but with an added layer of depth and spice. A truly stunning rum that showcases the brilliance of this barrel finish.
Wine
Ramon Bilbao Edicion Limitada Garnacha 2020 - £17.95 from Slurp
Ramón Bilbao, has long been at the forefront of exploring Rioja’s diverse terroirs. With a century of expertise, the winery continues to honour the region’s history. Their latest release, Ramón Bilbao Edición Limitada Garnacha, is a tribute to Rioja’s forgotten past, reviving the Garnacha grape with a fresh, modern approach.
Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Rioja Oriental, where the cooler climate preserves the grape’s natural acidity, this wine captures Garnacha’s delicate floral aromatics and vibrant fruit expression. Crafted with a light touch - fermented at low temperatures in concrete tanks and aged in neutral French oak, it balances elegance and freshness with subtle structure. The result is a pale-hued, silky-textured wine with crisp red fruit and a whisper of oak influence. Described by Chief Winemaker Rodolfo Bastida as "pure lightness."
