As i poured this amber nectar into my glass this blood orange hued malt opened up immediately with sherry cask influence but this is a masterclass of elegance and balance with layer upon layer of complexity and flavour. I was transported back to licking the back of my moms wooden spoon when she used to make her Christmas cake (with extra sherry soaked fruit of course!)on the original wave of joy you get toasted vanilla, chocolate covered raisins, sugared almonds and old fashioned toffee or fudge. Then just when you think that is all this whisky has to give comes the second wave of joy, hints of brown bread ice cream, aromatic spices, iced custard danish pastries, lavender honey and polished oak.
Can the mouth feel match the nose? you bet your life it can, another exhibition of balance between fruit, oak and alcohol. My first thought is of fig jam on brown toast drizzled with dark Manuka honey with those roasted nuts you get everywhere at Christmas (that Christmas vibe again)then out comes the fruit: damson, black berries (especially black cherry)& dried dates.Add in some nuances of menthol and aromatic old tea chests and even a touch of french toast with added cinnamon and you have still a blockbuster of a finish awaiting you. Buttery toffee apple, mocha, more cherry and chocolate, nut brittle, bread & butter pudding made with dark blood orange marmalade to name but a few on this epic finish but as i only had a 3cl sample of this i am sure this sublime Tasmanian devil would have revealed more to me on further tasting? Truly who cares about age when you can have a whisky this complex and yet so elegant, balanced and with so much powerful nuances of flavour.
[email protected]craig@whiskyflaneur