Cask No. 1.205

Cask No. 1.205  

Captivating complexity

Speyside, Spey

Where to begin? A captivating complexity torpedoed the senses with a myriad of wondrous sensations as the warming tingle of ginger mingled with orange groves, cinnamon swirls and creamy layers of clotted cream. Bundles of dried wood with sour cherry sweets and the floral spice of carnations twisted the tongue in a multitude of directions. Rich marmalade added a citric twang before a spicy kick of pink peppercorns and cloves. A big and juicy structure enticed us into the shadowy depths of a dunnage warehouse, only to discover dark cherries on a black forest gateau and oak vats of cassis. The finish was truly opulent with bitter chocolate mousse and sweet tobacco packed into orange boxes. After spending 22 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead this was transferred to a 1st fill Pedro Ximinez hogshead for the remainder of its maturation.

Cask: First-fill Pedro Ximenez hogshead
Age: 23 years
Date distilled: September 1993
Alcohol: 54.3%
USA allocation: 60 bottles