Aultmore 10 Year Old 2006 Whiskytroef

To celebrate their 5th anniversary, the Belgian whisky club Whiskytroef (which translates into whisky trump) bottled this young Aultmore from 2006. Only 30 bottles? That must be a shared cask, which is not only understandable for a club, but also wise. Every member of the club got a personalized label. This is only the 10th Aultmore I try so far, imagine that! And after my own bottling (Aultmore for MMM, remember?), I have really learned to appreciate this malt, so the expectations are quite high.

The nose starts off fairly closed, but your patience (and hand warmth) are rewarded with a very aromatic nose on tarte tatin, almond paste, butter and lemongrass. I get some potato skins and hazel nuts. Hint of eucalyptus and bitter oranges. Wood shavings and hay. There is a lot going on here and it brings a smile to my face.

It is quite quaffable without water, although the arrival is quite muscular. But it is also sweeter than the nose promised, which I find to be a good thing. White fruit and citrus, supported by a good spiciness (think pepper and candied ginger, but also liquorice, some tannin and vanilla). The eucalyptus from the nose returns and gives the malt a fresh lift.

The finish is very long and warm on vanilla and spicy oak.

Lovely young Aultmore that puts its official brothers a bit to shame. Thanks for the sample, Tom!

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