Nant Port Cask 63% Single Cask Single Malt

Nose: (neat) Raisins, prunes, heavy fortified wine, a dusky floral tone (old rose?), sandalwood, oak cask. Very reminiscent of armagnac. Nose: (diluted) An explosion of syrup, herbal notes, floral aromas and deep, musky wood tones. The intense neat profile is considerably softened but not weakened at all. The ethanol presence is completely removed and the nose can be more deeply explored. Over time, as it rests and recovers from the shock of watering, the nose asserts a beautifully balanced fortified wine character. Palate: (neat) An hot, spicy arrival but balanced by almost overdone sweetness. Like the nose, the palate is similar to cognac or armagnac and here it is mixed with madeira. A huge oak presence comes forward on the development and the texture is rich and creamy. All the flavours are clustered around plum-pudding and dark Christmas cake. Palate: (diluted) The heat is markedly decreased and the palate gains overall balance and cohesion. A warm, soothing dark fruit and port wine presence blankets the palate and sweet notes are more present with red berries and plum jam evident. Finish: Very long. The dark wine-soaked fruit flavours fade into the horizon. When watered the finish loses nothing of its length, but is more relaxed and soothing and there is greater red-berry presence. The nose is very good and brings you back for repeated inhalations and the palate on this oaky, rich, fruit-pudding of a whisky is so expansive and dense it is impossible to dislike. It is the after-dinner or dessert whisky par excellance and would be a wonderful nightcap - it’s big but easy to drink and very satisfying. It is the only single-cask 63% Nant whisky I’ve had and I have to say it was a definite step up from the 43% expressions I’ve tried. However as luscious and decadent as this whisky may be it does leave me pondering - is it still actually whisky or has the spirit just become a vehicle to carry an intense, winey cask influence? Meh, who cares what it’s called or how you define it – it’s very pleasant to drink and could rival most Speyside sherry monsters. If you are a fan of Dalmore or Aberlour and interested in looking further afield I would recommend a taste of this (but if possible do have a taste before buying a bottle because at AUD$200 for a 500ml bottle it’s just barely reasonable value). Tasted from a 30ml sampler. “Very Good” : 85/100 (4 stars)