This sample arrived very late (thank you Royal mail, and Israeli mail, you suck!) and too late for an online Facebook tasting session in which both this travel retail and the batch #2 of the ‘regular’ Arkle anCnoc (see my earlier notes here) were to be tasted. As we say better later then never… This Travel Retail only version was matured in Ex-Bourbon casks, bottled at 46%, NAS , and the packaging designed again by that lovely Peter Arkle , to resemble old vintage suitcases. Pretty stuff. Now let’s see what’s on the inside.
anCnoc Peter Arkle travel retail exclusive 46%, OB 2012 , NAS , € 50
Nose : Classic textbook Ex bourbon goodness with hints of banana. Pear and apple fruit salad add a generous dash of vanilla. Wood and Spice sprinkle some Honey and Nuts & Muesli and wee citrus to make it fresh and you’re done. Superb.
Palate: Wood, Dark chocolate. Bitter cocoa beans. Fruit : Pears, Apple crumble, and some lemon rind.
Finish : Dry bitter double espresso, with touches of citrus.
A wonderful sipping malt for spring or summer (depends where you are located, Israeli spring = very hot EU summers). fresh, wood and apple pear sweet citrus mix.
I think it even beats the first two ‘regular’ batches. it’s lovely, if you’re lucky and flying soon, get one on the way, at this price, it’s worth a shot.