The fifth of six samples offered at the June 2023 outturn event of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), at the Jack Rose Saloon in Washington DC. This was a 15 year sherry-finished Dailuaine, bottled at 60.9% ABV.
Pomegranate and orange merged with dried apricots and raisins before heavier aromas of manuka honey, cocoa nibs and molasses mixed with strong black tea. Pastry notes of pain au raisins and chocolate sponge fingers arrived on the palate alongside custard and creme brulee topped with cinnamon and cloves. The sweet and rich character remained after adding water, but had now developed into demerara sugar, figs, plums and orange syrup. Fragrant turkish delight now emerged coated in thick chocolate and served with juicy dark fruits, vanilla pods and mulled wine spices with the light fragrance of pot pouri. Matured for 13 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead before transfer to a first fill Spanish oak oloroso hogshead.
Contrary to the previous bottle, a port-finished Auchroisk, this dram DID make people sit up and say "I'm buying this immediately." This (along with the next sample) was the standout of the afternoon, and received universally high praise. I won't tantalize you - here are my notes:
Nose: Burnt matches (mild sulfur), coriander, fresh cut grass, straw, plum ice cream, grape candy, raisins, almonds.
Mouthfeel: Rich and luscious.
Palate: Raisins, leather, almond oil, pepper, and a growing sense of oak on the back end. Sweet and sour both.
Finish: Leather, oak, buts, long-aged raisins.
Verdict: Really nice sherry finish on this one. The official notes are pretty close to what my table collectively sensed - a lot of fruit, chocolate, nuts, pepper, along with a lovely grassy quality. A very very nice sherried whisky here. Recommended without hesitation.
No comments:
Post a Comment