It’s at all times good to recollect one’s roots.
Long earlier than I understood the significance of fermentation and distillation, I assumed ageing was every little thing. Once I was simply beginning in 2012, ex-wine cask single malts had been simply changing into mainstream.
Like most drinkers, I began with the favored “Glens.” Not like the extra mature markets then, I didn’t have a selection because the native choice then was missing. I’m unsure if older variations of Fiddich 12 and Livet 12 had been partially aged in ex-sherry casks like they’re now. However a variety of the net chatter stated they weren’t. In the event that they had been, it’s definitely not apparent with the colour. My sense of odor and style had been additionally not that developed but to detect it.
The only malts that acquired me into ex-wine cask influenced single malts had been the Glenfiddich 15 and the Glenmorangie’s 12 12 months olds. The Fiddich 15 was partially aged in ex-oloroso sherry casks, whereas the three Glenmorangie 12 12 months olds had been individually completed in ex-port, ex-oloroso sherry, and ex-sauternes wine casks.
Over time, extra ex-wine cask influenced expressions from different manufacturers/distilleries like Glendronach, Springbank, Edradour, and Laphroaig grew to become recognized to me. It’s apparent that the market had fallen in love with this fashion, peated or not, sherry bomb or not.
Nevertheless, when you’re fast to undergo varied kinds and expressions, you’re going to be left questioning what’s subsequent. Are these ex-wine casks going to be the top of the street for whisky maturation?
A few solutions got here a couple of years later and – unexpectedly – from America. Certainly one of these is Excessive West’s A Midwinter Nights Dram. I used to be lucky to have been capable of purchase a bottle again when Dave Perkins nonetheless owned the model. It’s Excessive West’s Rendezvous Rye completed in French oak and ex-port barrels.
Sure, ex-port cask ending is widespread, however largely solely in single malt. Additionally, when this got here out, there have been no different port cask-finished rye. There was Angel’s Envy, however that’s a bourbon. Think about this, too: with rye whiskey being wanted to be aged in new oak, this is sort of a new oak whiskey completed in French oak and ex-port. I can’t consider a single malt that has carried out this but.
The opposite is St. George’s Baller single malt. That is their tackle making a Japanese whisky. They age their 100% American barley in ex-bourbon and French oak wine casks. Then they end this whisky in casks that held house-made Japanese-style plum liqueurs (umeshu).
Different varieties of ending like ex-brandy casks, ex-French pink wine casks, ex-Madeira and ex-Mizunara casks ultimately grew to become in style. Nevertheless, I’ve to thank that lull because it allowed me to get uninterested in whisk(e)y and look into different spirits.
Excessive West A Midwinter Nights Dram (Act 2.9 Scene 192) – Evaluation
49.3% ABV.
Coloration: Amber with a pink hue
On the nostril: Pronounced aromas of rye spice, cloves, leather-based and orange caramel. Beneath are refined aromas of strawberries, sakura, honey, vanilla and adzuki beans. After that may be a brush of grilled lime and lemon halves.
Within the mouth: The ethanol is a bit sharper right here. However the notes aren’t as intense on the nostril. This permits me to style extra of the refined notes hiding within the whisky. I get medium tastes of strawberries, sakura, adzuki beans, plums, dates, Fuji apples and Tup Tim Krob (Thai water chestnut served in ice and coconut milk). After that, mild tastes of rye spice, extra adzuki beans, vanilla, caramel, orange zest and honey. It goes on and on. On the finish, extra caramel, vanilla & oranges together with cloves and leather-based attain out.
Conclusions:
That is unusual for me as many of the rye whiskeys I’ve tried are extra expressive on the nostril than within the mouth. Its being a rye is extra distinguished on the nostril, whereas the cask ending flavors are extra expressive within the mouth.
It’s been some time since I final had this that it’s triggered me to neglect how beautiful that is. The Midwinter Nights title evokes a picture of me consuming the Rendezvous Rye out of a sturdy vessel made up of dried strawberries whereas mendacity down on a fluffy mattress of snow adorned with sakura petals and strawberries.
I can’t bear in mind how a lot this value once I purchased it, however at present costs vary from $89.99 MSRP to virtually $300. If you will get this at retail, then I say that is an 8, though, I’m solely basing it on this launch. Ever since Dave Perkins bought Excessive West, I haven’t purchased a bottle from them, so I can’t examine present releases to previous ones.
Rating: 8/10
St. George Baller Single Malt – Evaluation
3 years previous. 47% ABV. USD $49.99 from Ok&L Wines.
Coloration:Pale ale.
On the nostril: Fruit bomb with a pointy ethanol end. I get mild to medium aromas of lemon peel, lemon zest, dried apricots, dried mangoes, ice wine, Fuji apples, star fruit, and honeydew melon. After opening up extra, it turns into extra acidic. But, I get refined hints of espresso, roasted malt, and orange syrup.
Within the mouth: Similar to the nostril however the end isn’t as sharp. I get mild to medium tastes of dehydrated lemon peel, dried apricots, dried mangoes, inexperienced apple pores and skin, ice wine, Fuji apples, star fruit and honeydew melon. As this acquired to breathe, I acquired refined tastes of roasted barley, honey, extra inexperienced apple pores and skin, cereals, and leather-based on the finish.
Conclusions:
An fascinating however one-dimensional single malt. I don’t get any off flavors however there’s simply too many fruity notes which can have come from the umeshi-influence. I believe if there have been a bit extra pronounced malty and/or ex-bourbon cask taste, this could be higher and extra balanced.
The pale shade plus tons of fruits make me momentarily assume this was one thing like a Gewurztraminer crossed with a Sauvignon Blanc.
Not dangerous for the value and age. I can see why a variety of on-line opinions scored this poorly, however I may also see why some individuals love this. There’s simply an excessive amount of fruits to make me take pleasure in this commonly. I’m curious how newer batches have modified, as I purchased this in LAX on the finish of 2018.
