Nose: The most unique bouquet I’ve ever experienced. This whisky is robust, powerful, melodious, and utterly graceful. A sublime mix of heady Oloroso, caked with an oaked intensity which peaks on wood varnish, coffee beans, black pepper, potpourri and butterscotch. The malt is so muscular and the grains of the oak are so very well refined. I am completely blown away, I’m left speechless.
Palate: Heaven is spelt “T-O-R-T-E-N”. This conjures up flavours from yesteryear. It is history in a glass. An eruption of rich calves’ leather and mahogany, it reminds me of that extraordinary feeling of stepping into the Sistine Chapel; it has a true sense of provenance. There is smoke, but it does not overstep its mark; there is thick, creamy malt, but it is not cloying; there is sherry, but the whisky is not too dry. There is an array of vanilla, exotic spices such as cardamom and nutmeg, there are hints of toffee, cut hay, and sweet chestnut. And these flavours continue to develop over the palate.
Finish: To say this was long would be an understatement. This whisky lines the mouth, and trails gracefully like silk, with buttery, creamy sweetness, and notes of rich Christmas cask and walnut oil.
Overall: There are but a few moments in life when you are taken aback. When you experience something the likes of which few others will ever know, the likes of which you yourself will never know again. This is one of those moments. This is heaven.