Undisclosed
WhistlePig
45.2%
30 Years
Aged 30 years in American oak and finished in barrels that previously held Vin Santo, an Italian dessert wine, this is said to be the oldest known bottled North American single malt. Distilled in Canada, presumably by Glenora, the whisky is bottled at 90.4 proof and priced at $4,999.99.
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The nose is musky, earthy, deep and complex. The longer it rests in the glass, the more fragrant, perfumey wine notes waft from the surface. Tasting notes include sweet cream, cocoa powder, Demerara, burnt caramel, buttercream frosting, tobacco and some earthy umami character. Those perfumey notes offer up lavender, plum, red apple and raspberry preserves.
Silky mouthfeel, moderate viscosity. The earthy and tobacco notes from the nose are back and play a bigger role. They surround a very clear oaky spine that delivers some bitter tannin. For a 30-year-old whisky, though, oak doesn't domineer to the point you'd expect (complimentary). There's also some fruit going on here, with cherry plus more apple and plum, with a touch of minerality.
The finish is dry and medium in length, opening with ash, char and a faint savory, rich note reminiscent of animal fat. Tannin and a bit more minerality close things out.
Would I drop 5 grand on this? Of course not. You couldn't dream up a whisky I'd spend that much on. This is a gorgeous expression, though. It's nuanced, flavorful and a very well-structured sip. The finish is a bit of a weak spot in contrast to the nose and palate, for me, but overall — from the name to the packaging to the whisky — this is a lovely, complex, fun and a very enjoyable bottle.
92
Disclosure: The producer provided this sample to review free of charge, and without expectation of review or rating.
