88 / 100
The Bourbon & Shiraz cask wording raises an oak question, but the documented character leans much more toward fruit and sweet-tart contrast than explicit wood. Red-wine-poached pears, crimson marmalade and malt loaf give the nose a layered thread; on the palate, green-apple tartness against strawberry jelly and honey liqueur sounds especially well judged. Gentle cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg bring a measured finish. This reads as an engaging, fruit-led blended malt, though the oak influence itself is hard to assess from these notes.
Reviewed by busstop.fox
- Nose
- Popcorn drizzled in melted salted butter, Heather and gorse flowers baking in the hot summer sun, Pears poached in red wine, Crimson marmalade on malt loaf, Following reduction: cherry clafoutis, toffee apples and mango chutney
- Palate
- Juicy and fruity, Green-apple tartness balanced with strawberry jelly and honey liqueur sweetness, Following reduction: a floral hint, followed by diluted blackcurrant juice
- Finish
- Gentle cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg, Following reduction: white pepper