Abbey Whisky has a new Rare Casks bottling, distilled in 2001 at “one of Scotland’s finest distilleries” and finished in an Oloroso sherry cask.
Anon. 13 yo 2001 – Batch 1 (51,5%, Abbey Whisky ‘The Rare Casks’ 2015, 90 btl.)
Anon. 13 yo 2001 – Batch 1 (51,5%, Abbey Whisky ‘The Rare Casks’ 2015, 90 btl.)Nose: malty and fruity, with plenty of peaches and apples, golden raisins and banana. Vanilla custard. While this sounds creamy and mellow, there’s also a bite to it, a slight prickle of ginger and something highly acidic. White pepper to underscore this. Cashews.
Mouth: again a classic malty / fruity core. Apples and apple skin. Heather honey, nectarine. Slightly rough, grainy notes in the background. Bitter notes too. Something floral – hints of beer even, before it folds back on malt biscuits and spiced Mexican chocolate.
Finish: medium long, still showing jammy fruits but with strong peppery / woody notes as well.
This is a dram that keeps you interested. It’s intense and quite charming, but also nervous, not entirely easy-going. Some active wood is involved here. Around € 75.
Score: 84/100