Any shopkeeper will tell you a lot of people are anxiously waiting for new independent Irish whiskey, especially these (officially undisclosed) Bushmills casks that seem to have been brought to the market by the Teeling brothers. This is a brand-new one, already sold out in most places.
Irish single malt 27 yo 1988 (49,5%, The Nectar of the Daily Drams 2015, joint bottling with LMdW)
Nose: another generously exotic nose (guava, tinned pineapple, kiwi, banana). Rather warm and honeyed, slightly buttery, maybe a little less of the acidity that you find in other examples, but more redcurrant jam and nice hints of fresh cassis. Melon, strawberry candy (marshmallow). In the background there’s vanilla cream, cinnamon and hints of cedar wood. Light mint.
Mouth: very, very exotic again. Mango, maracuja, litchi, quince, gradually joined by spicy notes (ginger, aniseed) and some grapefruit zest. Blackcurrants. Grand Marnier. Hints of salty oak towards the end.
Finish: long, creamy but with more spices (nutmeg, ginger), zesty notes and a light hint of tobacco.
I’ve tried this one on three occasions now. The first time I was struck by the hints of red fruits (sherry?), which made it rather special for me. However these notes were softer the next time, showing a more classic, exotic profile. Anyway another excellent Irish malt. Around € 210.
Score: 91/100