50°
Distillery : Highland Park - Islands
Pedro Ximénez Octave Finish
Independent Bottling
By Master Of Malt
Limited Edition
Single Cask
Bottled in 2023
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength
Peated around 20 ppm
Everyone has heard about the Master of Malt online shop, but few people know that they were first and foremost independent bottlers, and have been since 1985. The Darkness range is the group's most emblematic, and this Highland Park 18yo finished in an Octave cask of Pedro Ximénez Sherry is undoubtedly one of their jewels. Only 117 bottles were made from this single 60-litre cask.
Let's Taste It :
Lots of wood, with several layers of varnish, melting dark chocolate, apple compote sprinkled with cinnamon, Agen prunes, dried figs, you can smell the bushes and heather typical of the distillery, but you have to say it quickly. Fine, chiselled smoke. Velvety and warm on the palate. Honey blends with chocolate mousse, fresh pear, apricots, a wide range of spices, paprika, cardamom, nutmeg. Fairly long finish, but lacks explosiveness, foresty, sandy, candied fruits, salt and pepper, slightly marshy earth.
In Short,
The Sherry adds a nice complexity, without overpowering the distillate, which retains its personality. It's really nice and rich, but there's something missing to make it great. The price is outrageous, especially for 50cl bottles.
Score : 89
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Puma Blue - Moon Undah Water
No comments:
Post a Comment