Speyside Region Very Old Selection Sansibar

The German Sansibar bottled this ‘secret’ Speyside ‘Very Old Selection’ for the Dutch Whisky Association. As I understand it, it’s a blended malt, but all malts are from Speyside, obviously. No age statement, merely the mention ‘Very Old Selection’ which makes one presume some malts of respectable age were used. Lovely label, by the way.

Oh, this is special! I was expecting a sweet whisky, but this is rather herbal and… special. Think hay, rust, blood, walnuts, raw barley and something that reminds me of aluminum. Somewhat odd, but very interesting. After a few moments I get some gingerbread and hazelnuts.

The body is quite light. But the weird nose goes into second gear. Jute sacks, blood, nuts, raw coffee beans, Seville oranges and more walnuts. It is even a touch umami. Dried Italian ham with a drop of olive oil. Very nice. And spicy at the same time. Think curry, kurkuma and paprika. What a lovely surprise.

The finish is fairly long and drying with a big spiciness at the death.

Bizarre and unexpected nose and palate, but special and worth seeking out. Thanks, Marcel!

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