[55.0%・NAS・Bottled in 2017・Official Bottling・Limited Release of 600 Bottles]
Nose:
The nose is heavily influenced by the musky Sherry casks, muscat grapes with a rather big Chinese herbal tone that leaves quite an impression. The earthiness and coal smoke form the structure, though that does go well with the molasses and toffee treacle; together with the Christmas cake notes the thickness is well conveyed.
Palate & Finish:
Chocolate sauce poured atop of Muscat grapes, the Sherry grips on to the tastebuds with a gorgeous acidity from the dried grapes and seasoned sour plums. An excellent mouthfeel with sticky cranberries and cinnamon spices, just a bit of coffee ground and smoke from the mid palate onwards.
Grape and menthol jelly with the toffee and Ovaltine oozing out, there is a slight hint of burnt toast in there as well.
Thoughts:
Mr. Andrews’ third release is once again refined beyond its age and its provenience despite the herbal characters on the nose which could use some fine tuning. There appear to be a clear identity in place with their releases and I am already looking forward to what’s to come next.
✓
-Nicholas
WhiskNick 