Nose: Deep dark sherry as expected, with a ripe selection of prune juice, varnished oak and molasses. Develops on tangy hints of gooseberry and a little orange liqueur. Actually reminds us very much of Pyrat XO! Some vanilla and Peychaud’s bitters appear after a few minutes in the glass.
Palate: Huge, syrupy and rich. There’s a note that if stronger might be sulphur, but is just muted enough to add a fantastic dimension of Porcini mushrooms alongside the sterling barrage of rum spice, freshly cracked black pepper, Tiramisu and banana cake.
Finish: Long and increasingly tangy with puckering fruit, hints of dried chili and various barks.
Overall: We love this style of whisky – it’s not over-aged, but juicy and full of character.