88 / 100
The orange and sherry notes give this plenty of warmth, while dark bitter chocolate and oak keep the palate from feeling simply sweet. That contrast appeals to me: I tend to like oak when it has richer fruit and spice alongside it, and the black cherries, dried fruit and ginger give it some company here. The full-bodied, creamy palate sounds inviting, though the robust, intense finish suggests this is one for anyone comfortable with a firmly flavoured whisky. Praline and spiced orange on the nose add a softer opening before the darker palate notes take over. Overall, it reads as rich and layered, with the bitter-sweet finish providing a useful counterpoint rather than just more sweetness.
Reviewed by busstop.postcard
- Nose
- mixed spices, praline, spiced orange, Oloroso sherry
- Palate
- orange, black cherries, dried fruit, ginger, dark bitter chocolate, sherry, oak, full-bodied and creamy
- Finish
- robust and intense, bitter-sweet exotic spices, dark chocolate, oak