Bottled in 2020 as an exclusive release for South African retailer, Whisky Brother. It was matured in American oak for 3 years & then moved into a PX sherry cask for another 6 years. It’s bottled at 63.7% ABV with an outturn of 546 bottles.
Appearance: Deep amber/almost red. That beaded swirl mark and many quick-forming legs. As with all the Three Ships dram, great viscosity.
Nose: Definitely 63+%! Big ABV wave! Caramel, cherry and vanilla. Barrel char and dusty bookshelves present a nice contrasting element to the nose. Pine needles.
Palate: Lovely mouthfeel, nice and oily. Spicier than the nose let on but with a malty and honey nut cornflake sweetness. The spice grows to a mild chilli heat that tingles on the tongue and side of the mouth. Butterscotch and toffee offer a nice mellow edge to the palate.
Finish: Medium in length. The malty/cereal notes feature strongly on the finish. There’s also the minty toffee note.
Overall: Really like this one. The higher ABV is my preference and compliments the flavours. It’s also got a smooth silkiness to it.
