[50.0%・NAS・Bottled in 2015・Official Bottling・Limited Release]
Amrut has certainly captured our attention in the past couple of years with releases such as Intermediate Sherry and Portonova. However, to me they tend to feel a tad too excessive, much like some of the stupendously massive releases we get from Tasmania.
With the Spectrum though, I think you see a self-conscious distillery that has listened to the crowd and proactively addressed that issue with an offering that has seemingly taken a step back in terms of intensity and as a result it has been rewarded with a massive leap towards greatness.
Nose:
Big dark sherry with a rustic diesel note. Toasted cereal and cocoa dust lending an aromatic note that counters well with the spices, fragrant with a well controlled sweetness, a rare feat these days. A subtle leathery note that seems to expand as time sweeps, ground ginger and nutmeg powder with vanilla icing sugar sprinkled upon poached plum jelly.
Palate & Finish:
A well satisfying sherry sweetness that is bursting with vibrant juiciness. Rich syrupy dates and banana toffee, sticky cherries with a cola bear note that after a moment transforms into very life-like notes of 75% dark chocolate and maraschino cherries. Balsamic sugar and icing sugar with the maltiness acting as a backdrop that understands the art of subtlety.
The variety of flavours lasts well into the finish with just a touch of after eight to finish off.
Thoughts:
Ladies and gentlemen, I think Amrut has got themselves an iconic release here. They have constructed the right formula with big cask induced flavours at 50%, it’s immensely enjoyable.
I have said this before on several occasions, my conspiracy theory is that based on how I assume the bible and the WWA operate, the Spectrum will be a favourite to win an award next year, and justifiably so!
☆☆ [Highly Recommended]
–Nicholas
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