Cask No. 41.188

Dates and figs, earthiness, sultanas and plummy dark fruits. The Panel agreed we were immediately in classical sherry-profile territory with this one. We also noted a subtle waxiness and lovely aromas of a leather tobacco pouch and crystallised honey. Water made it earthier, deeper, slightly meatier and added a note of camphor. The palate was big and bold, full of plums, star anise, old armagnac, Iberico ham and umami notes of cornichon and soy sauce. Reduction brought out impressions of dark ruby ales, beef stroganoff, aged pinot noir and dark fruit chutneys. At nine years of age, we combined two ex-bourbon hogsheads from the same distillery into this cask for further maturation and marrying.