Pike Creek 21 Year Finished in Speyside Single Malt Casks

The second of my samples from last year’s Northern Border limited editions is a disappointing contrast to the excellent Gooderham. The delicate floral notes on the nose are hard to pick out amid an excess of ethanol. The palate is soft caramel flavors but they’re quickly overwhelmed by a very spicy, almost harsh finish. I appear to be in a minority here so perhaps my sample was atypical, but more likely this one just fails to live up to the promise of its age and finish.

A great first impression of smooth rich caramelized oak, sweet toffee and light apple acidity. It has a dry mouthfeel though and overall comes across a little thin. Maybe most closely comparable to Gibson’s Venerable. It gives the same impression, good quality yet lacking. I wouldn’t turn it down but I prefer the 10 year rum finished over this. $90 in Ontario.