Iniquity Whisky Gold Batch No. 008
Tasting Notes
Nose
Initially, this is a lovely and intriguing nose because it is hard to pick any individual notes. If you take the time, say 20 minutes, to explore the nose it is very rewarding indeed, with initially dark chocolate, raisins, marzipan, burnt fruit cake, Morello cherries, autumn leaves, apple and pear skins all making a brief appearance.
Palate
There is a healthy alcohol tongue tingle and, warmth without heat. The silky, velvety mouth feel is a sensual pleasure that reminds you that appreciating good single malt is about as good as it gets with your pants on and your feet dry! Once you get over the not very obvious alcohol hit at 56.8%, the flavours become less integrated and less tangled, more independent. The mouthfeel is rich and velvety, disguising the power and strength of the alcohol. The initial dryness gives way to an intense cherry flavour that in turn yields to orange zest, marmalade, ginger, caramel, honey on burnt toast, chilli jam and a touch of sweet grapiness. The transition from dry to sweet is unusual and emphatic. Add a few drops of water and the whole thing repeats itself, but with the volume turned up to eleven!
Finish
Long and warm. Orange zest and muscatel grapes mix effortlessly with the cherries. Imagine if you will, a cherry strudel with cream and then a hint of dark chocolate.
Provenance
56.8% ABV
6YO
Technically this whisky could be described as a Double-Barrel Whisky. It spent 4 years in 3rd fill port casks before being dumped into a STR, port seasoned, French oak 225 litre, American oak cask for a further 2 years.
Comment
A sophisticated and challenging dram, one of, if not the best one, yet! Add a few drops of water and turn up the volume on the fruits. This is not for sharing, not even with your very best mate! It's self-indulgence perfected.