A dram of considerable heft

After 12 years in ex-bourbon wood we transferred this into a first-fill American oak PX hogshead. The nose picks up cereals (Cheerios, Weetos), toasted oak and astringent notes of balsamic, white port, cranberry sauce and lemon marmalade. Similarly, the palate gets malt loaf, strawberry tarts and other red fruits; but now a savoury hit arrives (beef jerky, meaty gravy); then black pepper, black tea and bouquet garni to finish – a dram of considerable heft. Water brings tamarind, balsa wood, dried oranges and porcini mushrooms to the nose, while the palate, more tannic than before, finds twiglets, soft smoke and Big Red gum.