Mancarella has just released two sister casks from a Secret Speyside distillery, both 1993 vintages and bottled for German whisky shops. The one we’re trying is the version for DeinWhisky.de.
Secret Speyside 26 yo 1993 (51,1%, Mancarella for DeinWhisky, sherry hogshead #36, 349 btl.)
Nose: spicy sherry, with minty notes and ginger, as well as light sandalwood and tobacco. Slightly ethereal orange peel. Light caramel in the background. Tangerines and yellow apples. Not a sherry bomb but a punchy yet elegant profile. Malty and earthy hints. This is a more modern and oak-driven style than some of the older secret Speysiders, but a very nice nose nonetheless.
Mouth: again slightly wood-driven, with a nicely oily texture. Crushed peppercorns, cinnamon and mint. Orange peel and lime leaf as the main ‘fruity’ component. Some toast. I know very few of these undisclosed malts are Glenfarclas nowadays, but in this case it is definitely that profile. Subtle earthy notes and hints of tea.
Finish: medium, on Darjeeling, raisins, light herbs and malty notes.
A nicely balanced and nuanced whisky, with gentle sherry notes and a sophisticated oak influence. Available for around € 150 from DeinWhisky.de