Review #052 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 51.4% Comments: aged 15 years, matured 11 years in bourbon barrels followed by four years in fresh pinot noir barriques from Grant Taylor’s Valli vintage in Central Otago, New Zealand. One of 9,400 bottles. Tasted after: Springbank 10 Appearance (no score): Brown sherry color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Raisins, charcoal, and leather stand out most. The more I nose it the sweeter it becomes, also now picking up red currants and strawberry jam. It has a creamy smoothness to the nose that makes me think of frosting, maybe vanilla? It’s absolutely mouth-watering. Palate: 35/40 Nice oily mouthfeel. Here the wine influence is very noticeable. The predominant taste is of smokey wine tannins and salt, but just the right amount. Digging beyond that I get a little bit of orange zest and dark chocolate also. Finish: 36/40 Medium long finish. Meaty and sooty and savory. Immediately I get a peppery and tannin rich flavor that makes me think of taking a sip of Cabernet Sauvignon as I’m chewing smoked pork. Some of that Springbank character comes though also as I catch faint hints of hay, wood, and metallic flavors. It’s mildly salty throughout which plays nicely against the ending grape sweetness. With Water: Do not add water to this whisky. It’s very seldom I come across a dram that doesn’t love water, but this here is one. Even just a drop will transform the entire glass to brackish salt water. Total: 88/100 Final thoughts: Great combination of peat and wine, very enjoyable. The wine influence is substantial on this one, which is alright by me. I’m looking forward the trying the next annual release I’m able to find. Price: $140 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.