Cask No. 39.132

Cask No. 39.132                 

Flowers pressed in wood

Speyside, Lossie

After fifteen years in a bourbon hogshead, we transferred this whisky to a virgin oak butt. The nose has hedgerows, camomile lawns and spring flowers; time brings out lemon and menthol cigarettes, but there is a core of wood – like opening a polished wood flower press. The palate has an interesting dichotomy – flowers and exotic fruits (mango, orange zest, lychee, dried papaya) against a backbone of oiled wood, toasted oak, tree bark and dry woody spice. The nose deepens a little with water (barber-shop, apothecary) but it is the palate that carries the real depth and character of this tasty, complex malt.

Drinking tip: In the garden at dusk.