Gold at Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition

A very old fashioned Highlands single malt, a one-in-a-kind wonderful cask that showcases a style of sherry maturation that reminds of that of many decades ago. Already from the colour we can expect a treat: dark amber, with lively orange hues. At the nose it’s a blast of old dry sherry, very oxidative but at the same time very raisiny and rich. Dried plums, a dark brooding whiff of old bookstore, a bit of wood paint, the fragrance of dark chocolate. Very winey, but also lively, with the sherry well integrated with the malt. At the palate it’s just as sherried, but also very balanced, and again with the depth that reminds of whiskies from times past. It’s winey, raisiny and spicy, but also mineral. Dry, while at the same time rich and chewy, with notes of tamarind, orange rinds and vermouth. It’s much more intense than expected, considering how much the “angels” have taken. The finale is dry and peppery.