88 / 100
The appeal here is the push and pull between cinnamon and crushed black pepper on one side, and caramelised fruit and sweet marmalade on the other. That gives the Madeira-finished malt a clearly spicy core without losing its fruit-led character. The dry, gently warming finish sounds like a thoughtful counterweight to the sweeter notes, rather than an abrupt change of direction. A measured, flavourful fit for someone who enjoys spice when it has sweetness to play against.
Reviewed by wildmint.sparrow
- Nose
- Sweet ripe fig and orange marmalade, with fresh gooseberry and grapes., Hints of moss, juicy pears, Madeira wine, fruitcake, pineapple, chocolate and vanilla.
- Palate
- Cinnamon and crushed black pepper over a deep earthy base., Caramelised fruits, crystallised ginger, raisins and dry oak, with dark fruit, vanilla and shortbread.
- Finish
- Dry warmth fades into sweet marmalade., Medium length, with drying spicy oak, cinnamon, nuttiness and lingering spiciness.