At first we found notes of pencil shavings and medicinal herbs, then potpourri, sandalwood, paprika and scented hardwood resins. The cask was clearly dominant here, but with water … there was more complexity and elegance, bringing notes of mineral oils, date molasses, figs in syrup and natural tar extract. Still quite a “big” dram.
The palate when neat displayed a warm rush of oak spices, black tea tannins, balsamic glaze, boiled lime sweets and tea tree oil. With water we noted a generous slice of Iberico ham, treacle sponge cake, pomegranate syrup and winter mulling spices. This was matured for 12 years in a bourbon hogshead before being transferred to a first fill Spanish oak oloroso hogshead.