Sullivans Cove NAS ‘Cask Strength American Oak (60%, OB, Bourbon, C#HH0602, 222 Bts, D’ 21/2/2001 B’ 10/09/2009)

‘Distilled with conviction’ A strong citrus nose almost concentrated in character, very different from scotch along with hints of pine and Marmite. Orange, pine Marmite and hidden well below all this activity is some shy malt. It’s quite strong and there’s also moments of hot buttered popcorn and gun oil. And hints of green malt. There’s a lot going on in the glass, quite extraordinary. This call for water; now there is increased popcorn and some heavy diesel notes followed by some green malt. But the buttered popcorn is every where. The taste with water is a sudden and rapid departure from the nose with some good sweetness (think of barley sugar candies) some, light malt and lots of heavy oaky notes and leather. A little of the popcorn desperately waving in the background and shouting “Don’t forget about me!” It’s much different from a Scottish malt however this is not a criticism, it just is and it’s very good. The finish is warming and long with all of the aforementioned descriptors and the conclusion is that it’s quite well balanced.

Opens up nicely with water.

$112

Score 80 points

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