Emergency gravy replacement

The neat nose revealed a highly attractive leathery and minty combination, with further aromas of miso broth, sweet liquorice, darjeeling tea and sultana all noted. Water opened everything up and made it saltier, more umami and more rugged, bringing game meats, ramen broth and salted almonds. The palate began with classical impressions of camphor, hessian and leather, underpinned by some salty pork scratching and earthy dunnage vibes. Reduction brought out a touch of dark fruity sweetness, along with aniseed, clove and hints of beef stock and figs in armagnac. This was matured in an ex-bourbon hogshead for eight years before being transferred to a first fill American oak oloroso hogshead.