N.Z. Malt Whisky Co 1990

The Cask Strength Collection contains a series of single malts that vary in age from 21 to 26 years. They are (obviously) bottled at cask strength, ranging from 50 to 65% ABV. This cask from 1990 has an ABV of 53,5%.

Grain cookies, lemon pie, toffee and rye bread. Those are the first impressions I get when I put my nose in the glass. That is followed by a big floral touch. Think fresh roses and tulips. A big dose of menthol too. The fruit translates into lime, pineapple, raisins and grapefruit. After a few moments, I get cuberdons, the cone shaped Belgian candy with raspberry flavor. This is quite a complex nose and very pleasant. With a teaspoon of water it becomes sweeter still. Then I get some honey and caramel in a supporting role.

The arrival is very powerful, warm and spicy. Very spicy, in fact. Black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves – even some chili. Then the citrus kicks in. Grapefruit? Some nuts and apples. This is really interesting. Diluted it becomes sweeter and more fruity and allows the cuberdons to shine through.

On the fairly long and spicy warm finish, it is mostly honey and vanilla until the death.

As far as I am concerned, this is the best NZMWC single cask that I have tried so far. And it can take water too.