Powers Gold Label, Ex-Bourbon Cask, 43%

busstop compass20 Jun

The fruit is the most approachable part here: russet apples and ripe pears on the nose lead into green apple and broader orchard fruit on the palate. Peaches and citrus zest add detail to the aroma, but spice keeps the character from seeming purely fruit-led. Cinnamon appears on both nose and palate, while nutmeg, ginger and black pepper sit alongside vanilla, honey and toasted oak. That sounds lively rather than soft. Green peppers on the palate and copper pennies in the finish may be less appealing to someone looking for uncomplicated fruit, which makes this a slightly mixed fit for my taste. Still, the progression from apple toward dried fruit and lemon zest gives the fruit character some range, with barley and toasted wood providing a savoury counterpoint.