[51.7%・Bottled In 2016・25 Years Old・Original Bottling・Limited Release of 8000 Bottles]
Nose:
The nose paints a picture of a misty winter morning on Islay, cold water hitting the sand, bringing about some seaweed. There is this distant bonfire that is somewhat memory triggering, soothing and soft as traces of plastic, muscat grapes, ginger and menthol, chalk and aged soy sauce add to the depth. The nose later reverts to the oceanic theme in time, oyster shells and more sea salt with some ashiness coming through.
Palate & Finish:
Bright on the palate, an alluring stroke of succulent fruits swirled with rich molten milk chocolate. Thick creamy malt flows well with some gooey mango and apricot jam to draw some citrus into the mix as the Chinese herbal note arrives with leather, charred oak and spices.
Lingering citrus fruits, a hint of raspberries with some reminiscent of milk chocolate, elongated and mellow.
Thoughts:
Brilliant stuff, such complexity, the dram really paints a picture.
They really did hit this one out of the ball park didn’t they?
☆☆ [Highly Recommended]
P.S. Thank you to Mr. Sean Baxter and the rest of the Diageo team for arranging the tasting experience. It is much appreciated.
-Nicholas
WhiskNick 