Rich Howard | strong initial notes of slightly musty attic furniture, dusty cardboard, hints of ripe banana peel, black liquorice, fresh varnish, floral notes of yellow freesia, some wet heather, maybe some hints of sand and sea air in the background. the palate is quite strong, somewhat sweet and creamy, with notes of banana peel, varnish, sweet gingerbread, and an undercurrent of heavily toasted oak. water softens and sweetens up the nose a bit, with hints of double crust apple pie, gingerbread and plenty more freesia and other floral notes, minte leaves, savory notes of seaweed cakes, soy sauce, and some lime peel on the tail. the palate has some apple and lime now as well, sugared crystalized ginger, ginger ale, but also mint and those savory notes of seaweed and soy sauce. summary: starts off somewhat musty and floral, but opens and sweetens nicely with water to sugared ginger and lime juice with heavy savory and earthy undertones. no water if you prefer sweet, a drop of two if you prefer savory. [tasted blind for the 2011 Awards] |
Oliver Klimek | Colour: Bright gold -
Nose: Smoked ham, vanilla, apples, liquorice, hints of tropical fruit, nutmeg and pepper. -
Palate: Peat, honey, vanilla fudge, raisins, tropical fruit compote, hints of ginger and nutmeg -
Finish: Long, sweet and smoky. -
Overall: A nice sweetness adds to the peat and fruit here making this a Caol Ila with an interesting twist. |