Nose Unmistakably Port in character with blackcurrant compote, stewed plums, cherry bakewell, dark chocolate, cinnamon pastries, and sweet tobacco. Then fresh nectarine, earthy vanilla, figs, rosewater, dates, and brown sugar. There’s a very green note underneath before the bourbon cask DNA pulls through and gives you a smattering of American oak aromas. Give it a bit of time and there’s a faint meatiness as well as hints of mulberry and polished walnut.
Palate Nutmeg and black pepper create a spicy backdrop that more chocolate, dark fruit, and slightly menthol herbs burst through. Give the spirit a second to settle in your mouth and it’s a bit like rolling around a blackcurrant boiled sweet on your time. Blood orange, dry tannic European oak notes, spent matches, and clove follows, with perfumed, chocolatey elements close behind.
Finish A Szechuan peppercorn zing is there with creamy butterscotch and coconut revealing that the American oak casks have plenty to say here too.