Unnamed Speyside drawn from a single sherry hogshead and bottled at 12 years of age and 55.2% ABV. Quickly sold out online – which I suspect is related to the colour and the fact that a large number of drinkers find a darker hue as irresistible as a moths find flames. Fortunately, they’re far less likely to get burned with this whisky – it’s really rather good.
Nose: Tobacco leaf sits alongside plump raisins, golden sultanas and glace cherries. Soak these in spirit, add flour, eggs, sugar and spices and you’re right on for an excellent fruit cake. Here’s the cake is joined by leather satchels, ripe plums and a very controlled selection of brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Dilution softens things up quickly, expressing bourbon biscuits, fig rolls and burnt pastry cases.
Taste: Big, dusty old-school sherry. And as such, highly appealing. Maraschino cherry, damson jam and chocolate orange, together with polished mahogany and tobacco tin. Star anise, clove and cinnamon add a perky spice whilst cake mix and brandy butter add yet more delectable treats. Water offers spent coffee beans and chocolate sponge together with a handful of slapped mint leaves.
Finish: Quite long and favouring dark sugars and spiced orange slices.
Everyone loves a mystery. Except whisky drinkers – they want to know exactly what they’re getting in to. Alas, I can’t offer to throw any light on which Speyside distillery this TWE single cask hails from. But I can certify that it’s very good indeed. Big robust sherry and with a profile which belies its 12 year old status. Sadly sold out online – but I’d certainly suggest keeping your eyes open for any stray bottles of this.
Review sample provided by The Whisky Exchange