90 / 100
The sherry-cask designation gives useful context, while the palate notes specifically connect the cask with spice and sweetness. That sits nicely alongside the Christmas-cake spices and Seville orange marmalade, with the fresh, grassy nose and citrus finish offering a brighter counterpoint. The 17-year age statement adds context, but the interest here is in that balance of richness, spice and freshness rather than any assumed cask sequence or effect.
Reviewed by WildmintSoda
- Nose
- Fresh and grassy, Rich oiliness, Brioche, Rum-soaked sultanas, Candied lemon peel, Cinnamon, Bread dough
- Palate
- Christmas cake spices: cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, Mixed fruit peel, Seville orange marmalade, Cleansing freshness, Faintly toasty note, Spiciness and sweetness from the cask
- Finish
- Mouth-enveloping and warm, Aromatic spiciness, Bready note, Fresh citrus