Millstone Specials is a series of limited edition from Zuidam distillery, focusing on less common cask types or other experimental bottlings. We’re looking at the latest 31st edition, a heavily peated Millstone spirit matured in a Palo Cortado cask.
I admit, when I see Palo Cortado casks on a label, I’m often inclined to put it on my shortlist. As far as I can tell, this is the first time Millstone was bottled from this type of sherry cask. I hear Zuidam has a few dozens of these casks lying around though.
Millstone 5 yo 2019 – Heavy Peated Palo Cortado (46%, OB 2024, Special #31, 2365 btl.)
Nose: mentholated freshness with leathery notes, burnt herbs and lots of tobacco notes. This works well alongside the peat smoke and smouldering ashes. Heavy peat is relative – I find it fairly mild, perhaps because it’s closer to wood smoke than to Islay peat. Then hints of Nescafé, plums, bread crust and some black peppercorns.
Mouth: a bit sharp considering the pretty common ABV. Cold coffee and a lot of pepper notes, walnuts and clove. The Palo Cortado makes it really umami-driven, with only echoes of sweetness. Strong black tea, salty touches, more coffee and traces of bitter chocolate. Hardly any fruits for instance, except maybe some burnt raisin bread. Then a hint of liquorice and earthy / sooty notes in the end.
Finish: long, on coffee, leafy herbs, chestnuts and dark ashy notes.
This is a dark and dry Millstone, with plenty of tobacco. Overall a wintery style, perhaps a little out of tune with the season. It also lacks a bit of body, in my humble opinion. Available from Whiskysite.nl for instance.