Bushmills Rare 21 Year Old, Bourbon, Madeira & Sherry Cask, Batch No. 06448/2018, 2018, 40%

This reads as firmly rich, with raisins, fig and toffee giving the palate plenty of weight. Dried apricot and fruit add some lift, so it does not seem limited to darker, sweeter notes. The finish brings mint and licorice alongside lingering dark chocolate sweetness. That mix of richness and a little freshness is appealing, though the profile sounds more dessert-led than delicate.

Reviewed by honeycombkoi

Nose

Caramelized toffee, Dark chocolate, Orchard and tropical fruit, Honey, Orange peel

Palate

Rich raisins, Fig, Dried apricot, Fruity notes, Toffee, Vanilla, Toasted oak

Finish

Mint, Licorice, Lingering dark chocolate sweetness