Rosencrantz
Reviewed
March 25, 2020 (edited October 4, 2021)
Initially an annoying alcoholic whiff arrives at the nose, vanishing with a little aeration, highlighting the fruity aromas of pineapple, mango, candied orange and hazelnut. Caramel, nutmeg and milk chocolate flakes complete the bouquet, rather simple but pleasant. Background woodiness.
The palate is less rich than than the nose, with a strong presence of wood that slides on the tongue bringing with it a noticeable vinous astringency. Once the impact is over, the fruity and sweet aspect of the whisky returns, albeit with a bitter base note that quickly breaks the balance, and the alcohol content (albeit low) roars too much, and in the end there is a slightly defined sweet and bitter mash.
Fairly short, very dry finish of hazelnuts and wood.
The nose was not great, but at least it made you think of a harmless but pleasant drink, and instead you find yourself with a mess that is not clear where it came from, with that cask of French wine launched in the mix without a clear reason, maybe in the (failed) attempt to save the salvable.
A memento for those who think that the more a whisky has aged the more it improves, to be summed up with a "no fucking way".