[61.0%・NAS・Bottled in 2017・Official Bottling・Single Cask Release of 199 Bottles]
Nose:
Squid ink & coal smoke up front but beneath the earthy veil lies rose petals and cured hibiscus. It’s dirty and refined at the same time, with a curious heat rub note gradually surfacing from the background.
Palate & Finish:
A healthy dose of strawberry jam on the palate, a tad too peppery and a tad too oaky but at the same time the prolonged sweetness of stewed berries is satisfying enough to dismiss the imperfections, until the arrival of a bitter note from chewing on pills.
An elongated finish with quite a poised follow through of subtle smokiness and strawberry preserve, the cask influence provides a much desired thickness and creates a body that stands up to the spirit, offering a playful sweetness that’s quite delightful.
Thoughts:
Australian “Sherry” casks tend to give quite a distinct profile, and this cask highlights some of the more attractive traits.. I wonder if the peat added to the dram though..
✓
-Nicholas
WhiskNick 