86 / 100
Smoke and saltiness meet a generous run of fruit here, while the palate’s Christmas cake and chocolate pudding bring a sweeter counterpoint to earthy peat. That push-pull sounds more interesting than a one-note smoky dram, though the slightly bitter, drying finish is a real reservation. The Bourbon and Marsala wine cask details give the 13-year-old bottling some context, but the listed notes are what make it appealing. At the SGD 173.02 sale reference, I’d weigh that layered contrast against the drying edge rather than call it an obvious bargain.
Reviewed by SilverRover
- Nose
- Wood smoke and saltiness, Apples, strawberries, and oranges, Marzipan, hazelnuts, and sweet grape must
- Palate
- Fruity hard candy, vanilla, and icing sugar, Christmas cake, chocolate pudding, raspberries, and strawberries, Earthy peat, dates, and a creamy texture
- Finish
- Warming, with lingering spices and sweetness, Wood, oak, black pepper, earthy peat, campfire, and sea salt, Roasted nuts with a slightly bitter, drying character