Amrut NAS ‘Double Cask’ (46%, OB, C# 2874 & 2273, 306 Bts.,2010)

Two casks of Amrut single malt married together; the oldest whiskies ever bottled by Amrut and in the process of maturation they lost a staggering 60% to the angels. Lucky there was anything to bottle. The Ex-Bourbon casks were filled on 27-02-2003 (Cask Number 2874) and 25-07-2002 (Cask Number 2273) and finally bottled 27-02-2010 which resulted in just 306 bottles at 46%.

The nose is heavy and rich; loam, earthy, forest floor with big sweetness, tinned fruit cocktails or tinned pears in syrup. There is also a tussle between some grapefruit notes and lychee. Most definitely a duality defined by the floral and the honey aspect of the flavour wheel. It has characteristics that are reminiscent of age; there is some good depth here. There’s also the Amrut character, happy to see that the time in the cask(s) has not obliterated it. With more time in the glass the sample comes together. The taste is spicy and has loads of wood notes but is extremely vibrant; it has definitely NOT been dulled by the Bangalore heat. After a moment or two the tinned fruits come smashing through the oak spice and the sample reveals its sweeter side. Good interplay between the two. Hints of Juniper add some dimension. The finish is a blast of the oak and then sour cherries and dark chocolate laced with red chili flakes. After a moment or two some sweet dessert wine notes make an appearance. The finish is long and vibrant. Not a dull dram indeed.

She wears her age with grace.

$125

Score 86 Points

Visit Amrut Distillery at www.amrutdistilleries.com

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