Braeckman 10 Year Old Single Grain Oloroso Finish

The 10 Year Old Single Grain from Braeckman is released in 50cl bottles at 46%, but they have just released a single barrel that got a finish of 10 months on an oloroso sherry cask and bottled at a whopping 60.5% ABV. Moreover, the mashbill was rye and malted barley. The sherry cask has given this grain a lovely amber color. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Oh, my, yes, this is great! Baked banana, chocolate with praline filling, fresh figs and some soft spices like cloves and thyme. A buttery croissant slathered with orange marmalade, marzipan and nut oil. Very smooth, round and succulent. Grand nose! Good body and sweet arrival. Does not burn, despite the cask strength. A bit less sweet and the nose promised due to a truckload of wood spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, baker’s spices), but still round and rich. Gingerbread, speculoos, dark fruit and chocolate. Reminds me of Sinterklaas (not to be confused with Santa Claus). The finish lasts forever, is spicy and warm, but leaves the mouth completely dry. Impressive homegrown grain that clearly took advantage of a very active oloroso cask. Top notch. Only 916 bottles are available at 90 to 100 EUR… for half a liter. Too rich for my blood, but what a stunner.