Tonight’s dram is a sweet little cask strength drop from Campbeltown.
Nose: Big spirit and sweet wine notes, there’s power in here. Butterscotch, dark chocolate, coffee beans, vanilla and dried fruit.
Taste: Strong alcohol leads the charge, this is definitely cask strength. I’m looking for a taste here but all I’m really getting is spirit burn. time to reset my palate with greek honey yogurt and water. Take two: better, caramel, toffee, a hint of smoke that gets stronger, and a hint of tawny port. It delivers the alcohol the nose promised but they are fighting the alcohol.
Finish: Lingering notes of toffee and dark chocolate, not the greatest but pleasant.
I’m going to add a drop of water for the nose, then a splash for the second tasting.
Nose: More of the sweet caramel and toffee notes, more chocolate.
Taste: Much smoother, fruit and nut chocolate.
Finish: Shorter, but I’m willing to please palate fatigue on this. It’s a strong one.
Previous encounters with this dram haven’t been as overpowering, I think because I usually have it after a couple of other drams. I think it needs a retaste in more optimum conditions. It’s sweet, big and not really recommended for a warmish week night.