Auchroisk 1990 25 Year Old Special Releases 2016

Tasting notes by Billy Abbott (TWE)

• Nose

  Fresh, green and sharp initially, with some softening sweet vanilla developing. Citrus zest and freshly tumble-dried laundry (lemon-scented Bounce) follow. Lip balm, touches of mint cream, clove and aniseed finish things up.

• Palate

  Creamy and floral to start, with leafy notes of mint and fern backed up by softly spicy aniseed. Water beefs up the spicy notes, and adds in custard tarts and notes of fleshy orange segments. The spiciness build through the palate, culminating with a touch of black pepper.

• Finish

  Dark chocolate, blackcurrants, blackcurrant leaves, rye-bread crusts, orange peel and a burst of anise heat before it fades away.

• Comment

  The emphasis here is on the American oak, but great grassy and leafy character is hiding behind, tempered by just the right amount of spicy oak.