Amrut Blackadder Raw Cask Sherry Finish

Blackadder is one of the few independent bottlers that has brought this Indian single malt to the market. This Raw Cask – which means it contains some cask residue and oils and the like – was released in June 2013. It was drawn from a sherry cask.

Wonderful nose on both sweetness and peat. Yellow and dark fruit. Think sultanas, figs and dried pineapple wrapped in a jacket of soft peat that emanates enough smokiness to make your mouth water. After a few minutes, banana kicks in, as doe mocha and caramel pudding. I love it! With water it not only becomes sweeter, but also more smoky. So everything is more pronounced without losing power. A swimmer.

The arrival is soften than expected, despite the high ABV. But once it wraps itself around your tastebuds, it explodes in a huge spiciness. Curry, ginger, black pepper, cloves, chili. The fruit has to struggle to find its way through it, but eventually the banana and pineapple succeed, soon to be followed by mirabelles, the little yellow plums. The smokiness is a lot less than on the nose, but I am not bothered in the least. Diluted it remains fruity and I even get some pastry as well.

The finish is very long and spicy until the dram dies a sweet and smoky death.

This one won the silver medal in the Malt Maniac Awards of 2013 which comes as no surprise. Just under 100 EUR. A winner from Robin Tucek and his team.

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