Annandale Vintage 2015 Man O’ Words Oloroso Cask 813 - 60.8%

 

From the distillery website

Only 5% of Annandale’s 2015 production is maturing in sherry wood. Sourced directly from José y Miguel Martín SA, Spain and specially selected by Dr Jim Swan, these are very rare authentic sherry butts that previously matured sherry (rather than sherry-conditioned virgin oak casks).

Just one sherry butt of Man O' Words has been released from our 2015 production. Each bottle of this Single Cask, Single Malt is individually marked with cask and bottle number.

A well-integrated, sweet whisky with an initial blast of honey, toffee and vanilla cream. Great balance between sweet summer flowers and tropical melon and mango. 

Finish: A mixture of walnuts and almonds subtly integrated with dried fruits of plum and raisins.

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Deep gold, forms large beads which fall as slow, thick legs.

Nose: Sweet and floral, vanilla, caramel, dried fruit and hints of tropical fruit.

Palate: Creamy caramel toffee packed with nuts and raisins, malt and vanilla. Water adds further creaminess and brings out milk chocolate, tropical mango and pineapple notes, gentle baking spices.

Finish: Slightly spicy and drying, fruit and nut chocolate bars, caramel lingers on the palate

Summary: Now this is a whisky which really belies it’s tender age. The influence of the Oloroso cask is evident without it being a sherry bomb, bringing layers of typical sherry notes in perfect harmony with the fruity, tropical fruit notes of the Annandale spirit. Water brings out more of the fruity notes and chocolate, but this is a whisky which is more than suitable to drink neat.

Priced at around £150, this isn’t a cheap whisky and whether it’s worth the price is subjective. For me the price is undoubtedly a barrier, but if I had the budget and was given the choice between this and the less expensive unpeated ex-bourbon cask, I would choose this one every time.

If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Annandale distillery, follow the link to the company website.