Style: Fruity and Malty
Nose:
Spicy wind of black peppercorn blows on the top, while fresh papaya, overripe tangerines and poached pears swirling on ground level. A curious limestone flick, light nutmeg and cinnamon dust falling upon the golden malt. Glazed ginger dices, carrot cake with a thin layer of vanilla cream. White floral confectionaries beaming softly. Red chillies and barley tail.
Palate:
Creamy malt and yellow fruits fuse together and lay out at the front. Pear drops and orchard fruits building around a solid WGS-esque barley core. Soft floral fragrance filling up the last blanket to complete a nice, round sweetness. Sliced ginger. Cinnamon and nutmeg dust slowly piling up over time. A bit of umami and wood smoke in the back drop, am I detecting the faintest hint of peat here? Another hot chilli injection. Mocha, walnut and oak settling in at the back. Coconut Jaffa cake to finish.
Finish:
Sweet agar agar with more coconut shavings. Assorted boiled fruits, barley slightly brushed with lime and orange cordial.
Thoughts:
I was told that “Enviable Speyside” is now the new code name for Balvenie, I guess you learn something new everyday. Although I like the sound of Burnside a bit more, it does give you a sense of mystery doesn’t it? Now, back to this whisky, I think it is, or at least, showing traits that reminds me of Glenfiddich/ Balvenie. The style is quite typical, with a good level of fruitiness at the front, and layers of malt and subtle notes from behind. Not necessarily my favourite style (since Snow Phoenix), but it is still a beautifully crafted spirit that makes it an excellent sipper.
☆ [Recommended]
-Esmond
[52.1%| Independent Bottling| 1996 Distilled| 2020 Bottled| Single Cask| Non Chill Filtered| Non Coloured| Hogshead| *]
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