Nose: Licorice, raisins, and baking spices rest on a bed of malted barley. A hint of smoke is also present. The proof is hidden behind the rich scents, though a trace of ethanol peeks through. Interesting and inviting.
Palate: Chocolate, tobacco leaves, lightly roasted malt, and seasoned oak alongside sweeter butterscotch and anise notes are the first to grab my attention. They fold over one another comprising the base. A smoky element further complements these flavors, and is joined by a nuttiness which helps round things out. The proof is well hidden, but shows through in the richness of the sip. It offers a creamy mouthfeel, making for a superb palate.
Finish: Spice pops first in the long finish, with raisins and anise lingering after the initial spike. By comparison, the finish is less complex than the palate, but still enjoyable overall.
|
Nose: Sweet (jelly beans), malty. Fruitier, juicier than the regular bottling. A hint of smoke.
Palate: Firm, sweet, with smoky undertones and fruitiness. Malt, oak, and smoke at the base. Intriguingly two-tiered.
Finish: Medium to long with fine, oaky expressions, from bananas and vanilla to cocoa. Much drier than it began.
|