ABV
53.8%
Region
Highlands
Bottling
Distillery (Knockdhu)
Cask type
American Oak ex-Sherry Cask (#480, 600 btl.)
Nose
The nose reveals aromas of baked apples, sultanas, cake dough and a subtle buttery note. Smells like apple strudel with a pinch of cinnamon on top. There is also a slightly floral, perfume-like note, accompanied by some honey, caramel and a little liquorice in the background. The alcohol is well integrated.
Palate
Intense and powerful start on the palate with sweet vanilla, baked apples and some sultanas. In addition, a warming oak spiciness, accompanied by dry sherry and discreet nutty flavours. Full-bodied and complex.
Finish
The finish is long, spicy and fruity at the same time with creamy vanilla, some dry oak and a subtle nuttiness.
With water
After adding water, more floral notes on the nose, plus sherry, cinnamon, baked apples and some oak spice in the background. Pleasantly warming on the palate, but a little tamer, with sweet vanilla, baked apples, sherry and cinnamon. Seems juicier and less dry. The finish is still long, fruity and creamy with sherry, some dry oak and a slightly bitter fruit note.
Comments
This single cask was bottled only for the German market and impresses with its fruity, spicy aroma. Smells and tastes like liquid apple strudel - sweet, creamy and spicy in equal measure. The flavours are interwoven into a complex whole, with the sweetness predominating. The addition of water is recommended, as the alcoholic warmth is tamed a little, but the wonderful fruit sweetness remains for a long time. A dram for pleasant hours in the evening.
I thank Joh. Eggers Sohn GmbH for the complimentary sample!