Lee Martin
May 27, 2026, 03:12:05
Poured a dram that was pale gold, almost like weak tea with a drop of honey. 🥃 First thing on the nose was this chalky, clay-like minerality. Then came the fruit – ripe peaches, greengages, and a little kiwi tang. Not loud, more of a quiet background hum. The spirit itself... well, it's not the most boisterous in the world, if you know what I mean. It felt a bit angular, a touch nervous on the tongue at first. But then it softened, thanks to that roundness from the bourbon wood. It's got this lovely fresh, almost tart quality. I'm getting lemons, lemongrass, and maybe some rhubarb? A bit like a large rhubarb tarte, with a hint of natural vanilla and cardamom. There's a sour wood note too, which actually works. It’s saved from being too simple, though. There are good surprises – a drop of agave syrup sweetness, spearmint freshness, even something that reminds me of a fresh 10yo cognac. The finish is rather long. Apparently it spent 25 years in shy refill wood, from an ex-future-Royal Salute 25 posh cask. 👀 The style is one I always enjoy. An excellent cask, really. Impeccable, in its own quiet way.
