It is becoming a yearly tradition that I’m trying a new Gouden Carolus limited edition. Last weekend, at the yearly Open Days at the Molenberg distillery, they presented a Gouden Carolus Pure Taste Oloroso Cask.
Like previous editions, it focuses on one single wood type, in this case American oak Oloroso sherry casks.
Mind that the distillery has no plans to bring out old whisky (at least not for now) so this is again a very young whisky of just 36 months old. It’s not a sherry finished whisky though, it spent its whole life in Oloroso casks.
With the basic wood types covered, I’m curious to find out what’s next. Either they go into exotic finishes (beer cask, different wines? meh…) or perhaps reconsider an older version?
Gouden Carolus Pure Taste Oloroso Cask (50%, OB 2017, 20 cl)
Gouden Carolus Pure Taste Oloroso Cask (50%, OB 2017, 20 cl)Nose: fairly young indeed. The most important difference with the standard version is the aroma of dried apricots and raisins / cooked grapes. There’s also vanilla, gentle spices and a hint of musty oak or damp leaves. I would have guessed this was a Port maturation, rather than sherry.
Mouth: very sweet, lots of raisins again, muscovado sugar and a winey edge. Sweet spices (cinnamon, pepper), a hint of caramelized nuts and mocha.
Finish: medium long, mostly on cocoa.
Quite nice, considering there’s only so much you can achieve in 36 months. Only available at the distillery for around € 20-25 if I’m not mistaken (20 cl bottle).
Score: 83/100