Blooming nuts

Flowering blooms, lavender fields, patchouli and aromas of a well-loved cosmetics bag and elegant leather gloves greeted the Panel. The nose deepened into a blend of jumbo oats, mixed nuts, fennel and poppy seeds, enriched by blackcurrant cordial and treacle sponge. On the palate, nuts took the lead: whole nuts, cracked walnuts and walnut loaf – before black grapes, prickly pears, pink peppercorns and candied sultanas joined in. Perfume from a silk scarf and glowing oaky embers lingered in the background. Water brought out strawberries, damsons and figs in a trail mix of sweetness and spice. The finish offered ginger warmth, autumn berries and smooth caramel sauce. Following eight years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, we transferred this whisky into a first fill ruby port barrique.