Thick and fast frills

The descriptors came thick and fast – roasted peanuts, grilled pineapple, honey-glazed ham, brandied pears and cinnamon clove pancakes. This boasted an incredibly rich, bold and complex palate, evoking a dense 'Super Tuscan' wine with high tannins and plenty of acidity balanced by dark fruit flavours and an intense spiciness. After reduction, the scent was that of chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, brandy-soaked raisins and caramel shortbread. The taste was a lot more relaxed; the caramelised sugar on top of that crème brûlée or a sticky pecan pie with a drizzle of cream. Following eight years in an ex-bourbon barrel, we transferred this whisky into a first fill American oak PX hogshead.