Cask No. 44.184

Selected by American Members at The Tasting Panel Experience 2024

About Mists and mellow fruitfulness: Cask No. 44.184 Mists and mellow fruitfulness was matured for 15 years in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead and 3 years in a 1st fill American oak Oloroso hogshead. This journey created a boldly expressive dram that members really had fun with! On the neat nose, members discovered indulgent notes of barbecue-maple syrup, burnt toffee brittle and buttered caramels with ripe orange, golden raisin and marmalade. On the neat palate, a striking combination of grilled pineapple, charred steak, chocolate mousse and ginger tea were found. After the addition of water to the dram, the diluted nose turned a little more savoury with beef jerky, stewed apples, rosemary and smoked soy sauce. The diluted palate returned to sweeter notes of shortbread cookie, Snickers™ Bar, and hot chocolate before old books and older leather gloves on the long, long finish.

Thanks to the members who helped bring this cask to us!  

Charlie MacLean's Tasting Note: Like breakfast on a misty September Speyside morning. We were drawn to a table by mellow aromas of butterscotch and maple syrup served alongside a burnt toffee brittle and gently smoked ham. Neat, we savoured a sweet fruit compote with charred pineapple and dates keeping a well charred steak company. With a bit of water, we were now looking forward to an early dessert with a vanilla crème brûlée topped with marshmallows, stewed apples, and a drizzle of smoked soy sauce. When it came down to the flavours though, casually distracted by a leather-bound book, we were delighted to find Snickers bars, hot chocolate and shortbread hidden in the dessert cup, topped with a drizzle of soy sauce and charred fruits. After 15 years spent in a refill bourbon hogshead, this whisky was transferred to a first fill American oak oloroso hogshead.

USA allocation: 258 bottles