Distilled in 2015, the whisky spent seven years maturing, including a finish in an oloroso octave, with a total of 235 bottles released in 2022.
Appearance: Amber gold/lager. A medium-beaded swirl line quickly forms with many medium to thick trails. A viscous film forms and clings to the glass. After a time several large teardrops form around the swirl mark.
Nose: Presents much lower than 60%, I’d guess mid to upper 40’s. Buttered and toasted hot cross buns, honey, Maltesers and a touch of cinnamon. Forest floor and damp tree bark, quite earthy and ‘natural’. Sweeter notes start to appear after a few sips, of cookie batter, chocolate and raisins.
Palate: A nice oily mouthfeel and an initial balance of sweetness and spice, which both build beautifully on the palate until the tongue tingles and the sweetness catches the jowls, showcasing the higher ABV. Sherry-soaked dried fruit, white pepper, cinnamon, sherry trifle and that mellower cookie dough element all pile onto the flavour train. There’s a lovely hum of sweet summer honey underpinning the overall flavour profile too.
Finish: The pepper spice, cinnamon, honey and cookie notes all last a decent amount of time. The sherry-soaked fruit is also in the mix. Dark chocolate is just noticeable towards the very end.
Overall: £35 for a 60% banger? Awesome value and unsurprising it sold out. If I’d had sampled this while still available I’d have purchased a coupe of bottles. ANother great bottling from Master of Malt.
