Launched on 18 Aug 2016, this is a re-release of the critically-acclaimed 14yo Virgin Oak first issued in July 2010. Non-chill filtered and with natural colour & matured initially in European Oak casks & finished in small batch of the finest Virgin Oak casks.
Appearance: Honey gold/fresh apple juice. Lots of short medium legs, a viscous film and some tear drops from a good swirl mark
Nose: That classic woody, vanilla and honey medley hit first. Followed up by some red apple skin and maybe even a slight icing sugar-dusted tropical notes. As the glass matures the sugary sweetness comes forward, shrouding the oaky aroma.
There’s also freshly baked fruit pie in there too, it’s a lovely nose, good start! The ABV remains ever present, I’d say it’s bang on what you’d expect for 46%, there but sympathetic to the aromas. I get coconut more now, along with subtle grilled pineapple.
The nose cycles through sweet – tropical – wood notes
Palate: Not a hugely oily mouthfeel, there is texture but light. Not immediately spicy but it is more evident once it hits the chest. Mostly a sweet arrival, deep and rich dark fruits and cinnamon.
Not a hugely oily mouthfeel, there is texture but light. That pastry element follows through from the nose. There’s a slight tannic element to the palate.
Finish: The finish for me is quite short. Wood notes, slight confectionary sweetness and a touch of sweet Christmas spice. It is a light one.
Overall: A good start, it’s an easy sipper and full of evolving aromas and flavours. One that everyone will get something different from and discuss!
