Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon is a 20-year-old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky bottled at cask strength 61.1% ABV, matured in a first-fill sherry butt and limited to just 331 bottles. Distilled in 2005 and bottled in 2025, this exceptional expression represents Artist's 15th anniversary celebration, with each cask individually selected and bottled in Scotland for La Maison du Whisky (LMDW).
The Artist series has built a reputation for sourcing exceptional casks from renowned Scottish distilleries, offering whisky enthusiasts access to rare and limited expressions. This Speyside release comes from "The Dark Side of the M" distillery, showcasing the classic elegance and complexity that defines the region. The first-fill sherry butt maturation adds layers of rich fruit and spice character to the already refined Speyside spirit profile.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Rich dark chocolate, dried figs, candied orange peel, warm Christmas spices, toasted almonds
- Palate: Luxurious sherry influence with dark fruits, toffee, cinnamon bark, honeyed malt, leather undertones
- Finish: Long, warming finish with lingering spice, dark chocolate, and subtle oak tannins
Product Details
| Spirit Type | Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
|---|---|
| ABV | 61.1% (122.2 Proof) |
| Volume | 700ml |
| Age Statement | 20 Years |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Distillery | The Dark Side of the "M" Speyside |
| Region | Speyside, Scotland |
| Cask Type | 1st Fill Sherry Butt |
| Cask Number | #413 |
| Limited Edition | 331 Bottles |
| Distilled | 2005 |
| Bottled | 2025 |
Perfect For
- Serious Collectors: Artist 15th anniversary limited edition with only 331 bottles worldwide
- Cask Strength Enthusiasts: Full-proof bottling at 61.1% ABV showcases the whisky's true character
- Sherry Lovers: First-fill sherry butt maturation delivers rich, complex fruit and spice notes
- Special Occasions: 20-year age statement and limited availability make this perfect for milestone celebrations
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Artist #15 The Dark Side of the Moon taste like?
This 20-year Speyside single malt offers a rich, sherry-influenced profile with dark chocolate, dried fruits, and warming spices. The first-fill sherry butt maturation creates layers of complexity with candied orange peel, toffee, and subtle leather notes, while the cask strength bottling at 61.1% ABV delivers full intensity and character.
Should I add water to this cask strength whisky?
At 61.1% ABV, this whisky benefits from a few drops of water to open up the flavors and reduce the alcohol heat. Start neat to appreciate the full intensity, then gradually add small amounts of room temperature water until you find your preferred strength, typically around 45-50% ABV for optimal flavor balance.
How rare is this Artist release?
This is an extremely limited release with only 331 bottles produced from a single cask (#413). As part of Artist's 15th anniversary celebration and individually selected for La Maison du Whisky, this represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of whisky history from a respected independent bottler.
What makes this different from other Speyside whiskies?
Unlike many Speyside expressions, this Artist bottling showcases the impact of first-fill sherry cask maturation over 20 years, creating deeper, richer flavors than typical Speyside profiles. The cask strength bottling and single cask selection also provide a unique, unrepeatable expression that differs from standard distillery releases.
Is this worth the investment for a whisky collection?
This Artist release combines several collectible factors: 20-year age statement, cask strength bottling, first-fill sherry maturation, extremely limited production (331 bottles), and Artist's 15th anniversary significance. For collectors of independent bottlings or rare Speyside expressions, this represents excellent value and potential appreciation.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.