Tasting Notes
ABV
46.8%
Region
Highlands
Bottling
Distillery (Spirit of Oak Collection)
Cask type
First-fill Oloroso Sherry Casks
Nose
The nose immediately starts off with a load of sherry. That kind of dark old style sherry with waves of raisins, dark fruits and rum-soaked black cherries. Rich and intense. This is followed by Demerara sugar, marzipan and a touch of furniture polish. No signs of sulfur or other misnotes at all. A superb aroma profile that I could smell for hours!
Palate
Sweet and vibrant with sherry, dried fruits, dark chocolate-coated raisins and Demerara sugar. This is accompanied by a warming and spicy mix of nutmeg, cinnamon and subtle oak. Rich and mouth-filling. Creamy, sticky fruit jam emerges with dry notes of cocoa towards the finish.
Finish
The finish is long with sticky fruit jam - plums in particular. Lingering sweet with walnuts and subtle oak spice. Gets slightly drier in the end with cocoa and espresso.
With Water
Vibrant and lively on the nose with a few drops of water. There's more spice coming through with oak, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Besides sherry and dark fruits, dry notes of cocoa and espresso emerge. A little less sweet and fruity on the palate while marzipan, cocoa and espresso notes are significantly enhanced. Fairly dry with a second sip. The finish is still long but very dry with oak, walnuts, espresso and almost 100% dark chocolate.
Comments
A really excellent single malt. Round, balanced, rich in flavours and very complex with an incredible depth. Immaculate in every respect. A remarkable whisky that is even more refined and elegant than the 25-year-old. An incomparable taste experience. Whether this justifies the high price tag, however, everyone must decide for itself.
I thank Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd for the sample and the photograph!