A Sponge-ified configuration of a 2001 refill butt of unknown whiskies all stirred around together (Edrington?) combined with a 2000 refill hogshead from Glenrothes. An interesting amalgamation offered at 47.2% ABV and still available via Decadent Drinks for £89.95.
Nose: Vivacious cranberry, raspberry and orange all offering their zingy, sweet top notes and sitting alongside toffee, shortbread and vanilla cream. Unpretentious and effective. Reduction offers jam tarts and split vanilla pod alongside burnt popcorn.
Taste: Deeper and less obviously fresh than the nose – here, there’s far more sherry influence with sugars, herbs and cask qualities. Cherry juice and burnt toffee sit alongside digestive biscuits, chilli, ginger and pepper. Whilst crushed redcurrants are joined by mandarin and a handful of chocolate shavings. Water produces a notably juicy palate with oranges, plums and gooseberry foot livened with red berry cordial.
Finish: Medium in length. Gingerbread men and mentholated oak sit with berry cordial.
Saturnalia offers solid good drinking whilst the Glenrothes ‘orange-y’ character is allowed plenty of space for its character to shine. Everything is where is should be with no jaggedness resulting in a blended malt that is appealing and likewise quaffable.