Epitome, you say? No idea, but “according to rumours” this could be one of these malt bases blended at birth (and often re-casked / finished at some point), intended for premium Edrington blends.
Indeed, that’s basically the same concept as these wonderful 1973/1975 casks of late. A good guess in this case would be a mix of Macallan, Highland Park and Glenrothes.
‘Epitome’ 24 yo 1993 (53,1%, Maltbarn 2018, sherry cask, blended malt, 170 btl.)
‘Epitome’ 24 yo 1993 (53,1%, Maltbarn 2018, sherry cask, blended malt, 170 btl.)Nose: a gentle profile, with berries and plums, subtle leafy notes, mint and some ‘un-modern’ oak influence (without vanilla, that is). Marmalade. Touches of blood oranges. A slightly earthy style with some sourish touches, keeping it really fresh. Hints of walnuts and panettone.
Mouth: citrus and plenty of spices soon after (cloves, peppermint). Some tobacco notes, even some liquorice and cinchona bitterness. Dark chocolate. Dried herbs. Sultanas and brioche in the background.
Finish: medium, still on spicy oranges and berries, with earthy wood.
Very good quality for money here, showing an old-style, fairly thin but complex profile without having to pay extra for a name. Around € 100. Sold out from Maltbarn direct, maybe from distributors?
Score: 88/100