Tasting notes by Thijs Klaverstijn (Words of Whisky) 9.1/10

Nose: Dark, brooding and intense. Notes of strong coffee, fresh ginger, black pepper and cigar tobacco, but then an abundance of (dried) red fruit. Raisins and dates, but also orange peel, poached pears and ripe banana. Finally a whiff of cocoa powder and meringues.

Taste: Uhm, yes please. It’s incredibly alive and vibrant at such an advanced age, just like last year’s release. And the mouthfeel is creamy. There’s a touch of smoke, some leather, a fair amount of oak spices and espresso too. Then some cherries, dark chocolate truffles and a whisper of copper.

Finish: Lingering chocolate and some herbal touches. Also some charcoal. Very long.

Tasting notes Ruben Luyten (WhiskyNotes) 92/100

Nose: all on dried fruits like dates, figs and raisins, with caramel cinnamon dusting and lots of tobacco leaves. This has a very rich ‘herb shop’ quality. Some candied ginger. Later baked bananas and blackberry syrup come out. Polished furniture builds alongside brass polish and coffee ganache. Some rancio notes as well, reminding me of old cognac.

Mouth: quite punchy, with more tobacco leaves, walnut cakes and leathery notes. Then hints of cherries and cranberries, with chocolate and minty notes. I have the impression the texture is thicker than last year. Aromatic peppercorns. Hints of marmalade and herbal tea towards the end, as well as hints of liquorice.

Finish: long, with a fruitcake flavour, more marmalade and cocoa. Tobacco stays strong. Hints of herbal tea in the very end.

Truly marvelous stuff with a big body but also an elegant, perfectly polished sherry style. Especially the tobacco notes and sourish fruity notes make this a whisky to cherish. Even a point up from last year.