A couple of weeks ago, Asta Morris released the Dalmore NAS and this Strahmill 1991 almost simultaneously. It turns out I got to try the best one last.
Strathmill 22 yo 1991 (50,3%, Asta Morris 2013, ref. AM025, 239 btl.)
Strathmill 22 yo 1991 (50,3%, Asta Morris 2013, ref. AM025, 239 btl.)Nose: a big, fruity nose. Yellow apple, ripe banana, papaya and pineapple cubes. Thick honey and vanilla. Pollen and beeswax. Lots of butter pastry notes. Almond paste. Cinnamon and mint. Very bourbonny, so much that at a certain point it seems a crossover of Scotch malt, grain whisky and American whiskey, with leathery notes and maple syrup. Hints of dried coconut. Faint grassy notes as well. Very complex actually, yet direct and seductive at the same time.
Mouth: creamy, warm fruity notes (dried banana, pineapple, apple) merge with brighter citrus notes. A bigger grassy nervousness now. Beeswax. Gentle oak (nutmeg, pepper and soft herbs). Even better with a few drops of water.
Finish: long, sweet with herbal touches.
If you know Strathmill 1974, it’s easy to see where this is coming from (or going to). If you don’t count the BenRiach selections, this is my favourite Asta Morris release so far. Around € 80. Still available in the shops of The Nectar, I’ve heard.
Score: 91/100