£64.95. Created from first-fill ex-Bourbon casks in which their single malt spirit has been matured. Cask strength, NCF & NC.
- Malt: 100% locally grown, traditionally floor-malted barley from the Cotswolds.
- Yeast: Two complementary varieties – Anchor and Fermentis.
- Water: Village water supply – filtered, softened and demineralised before use.
- Wood: Premium first-fill ex-Bourbon casks from Kentucky, made from American white oak (Quercus alba).
Appearance: A shade darker than white wine. Not as viscous as the Reserve or Sherry cask it would seem. Lots of thin to medium legs and some teardrops. A thin film on the glass.
Nose: The nose carries the ABV well, no real ABV ‘hit’ (not a negative) but there is a presence for sure. Barley, stewed fruits, pastry and apple skin. Getting more wood now (leave it): Oak and smouldering plywood (after it’s been drilled (again, leave it).
Palate: I was really impressed with the balance of this one when I first tasted it, I’m reminded of that now. Lovely rich buttery arrival, subtle spices at first, mixed with those pastry and biscuity notes. The spice builds on the second sip. Lemon sherbert starts to appear, a more acidic clean element to the dram. There’s a slight drying.
Finish: That slight drying effect, lemon zest, pastry and sharp stewed fruits. Black pepper and Cola cubes
Overall: Another lovely whisky from @Cotswoldistill. For me, not quite as fantastic as the Sherry cask, but that’s a high benchmark indeed!
