Black Bottle Alchemy Series Double Cask - 46.3%

 

Launched in 2021, Double Cask sits alongside Island Smoke as the first offerings in the Black Bottle Alchemy Series. In this expression, malt whiskies matured in Spanish sherry casks have been married with grain whisky matured in red wine casks.

Distillery notes

Two exquisite liquids become one, as malts finished in Spanish sherry barrels meet 12 year-old grain matured in red wine casks.

Nose: Blackcurrant, damson, Seville orange, walnut and coffee cake.

Palate: Cherry and raspberry, with a layer of vanilla cream. Softly spicy and warming.

Finish: Toasted brown sugar, runny toffee, a final hint of red berry brightness.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow, oily legs.

Nose: Caster sugar sweetness, berried fruits and a hint of nutty oak.

Palate: Oily mouthfeel, forest fruits, red cherries, raisins, vanilla caramel toffee and honey.

Finish: Dark fruit, caramelised sugar, caramel sauce, a drying touch of oak tannins and mild, warming ginger spice.

Summary: Another very good quality blend to complement the current range. The lovely introductory mouthfeel, together with the great balance between sweetness and fruit, is a real pleasure in a sub-£30 bottle of whisky.

This is another of those whiskies which should be a regular feature in many drinks cabinets, although my personal preference would be for the peaty pleasures of the Island Smoke expression. 

Transparency: This sample was part of a 5 dram sample set, purchased from The Spirits Embassy and used for a tasting session with Luke Fenton from Distell, and Ian Logan from Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited. No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.