Together with the excellent undisclosed 1973 Speysiders, there was also a new Speyside 1998 release in the Archives series. Heavily sherried this time.
Speyside Region 18 yo 1998 (52,7%, Archives 2017, sherry butt #1034, 239 btl.)
Speyside Region 18 yo 1998 (52,7%, Archives 2017, sherry butt #1034, 239 btl.)Nose: deep sherry, with blackberry jam and black cherries. A whiff of chocolate before it becomes drier, more savoury, with teriyaki sauce, leaves, a hint of roasted nuts and something of a smoking gun. Cigar boxes too.
Mouth: again traces of dried fruits (dates, figs) but quickly taken over by dark chocolate, heavy roast coffee and smoky touches. Oranges and honey. Earthy notes. Herbal tea.
Finish: medium long, herbal/ tannic, fading on chocolate, ginger and prunes.
A true sherrybomb, quite dry and not without a hint of gunpowder. Luckily also packed with dried fruits. Around € 115.
Score: 85/100