Filliers 10 years old

A few years ago Filiers released single malt under the banner Goldlys – named after the river Leie – Lys in English - that turned gold from the drying flax on the riverbanks. But now Filliers is changing tactics. At the end of last year out of nowhere they released this Limited Edition Filiers 10 years old, limited to 2.000 bottles and a vatting of European sherry casks. I admit, I was curious and truth be sold got suckered into buying because the bottle is a veritable piece of art in my opinion.

Grainy wood is teh first thing I smell, followed by soft notes of pear drops, raisins and sweet malt. After a few moment those typical purple violet candies kick in with some rough grainy notes. But truth be told I also get some off-notes like oil paint and plasticine. Luckily that evaporates after about five minutes.

The arrival is rather weak and watery, unfortunately. The taste makes up for it somewhat with some dark chocolate, raisins, plum jam and baked pears. A bit of spiciness in the guise of cloves and cinnamon. Some nuts. It never becomes grand though.

The finish is medium long, mildly spicy and softly drying.

I had expected much more of this, to be honest. Oh, well.