Another TWE exclusive bottled for their 50th anniversary, this time a first fill sherry but finish Glen Grant. You can tell the cask has been active by the color of this one…
Nose: Deep and thick with sweet aromas of dried fruit along with notes of cigar leaves and maybe some black tea. Sticky caramel, and deep ripe berry jams in thick syrup. There’s also a nice spiciness to it, with mint and some chilly flakes. With time I am getting notes of ripe red apple candy and baking spices.
Palate: Sherry is king here for sure, with an abundance of dried fruit: dates, prunes, and sultanas all in sweet syrupy goodness, which then gives way to some peppery heat, minty notes we’ve encountered on the nose and more spices, and a nutty edge, which gives way to dark chocolate sprinkled with cinnamon and black pepper.
Finish: Long with oak, more black pepper, and chilly getting more earthy, with tobacco leaves on the very finish.
Conclusion: Big Badass sherry! A real treat for you sherry heads, and a lovely whisky it is. Thick, rich, and more-ish.
Score: 90/100
Still available online in case you’re interested but not cheap at £255.