While at the Spirits of Toronto event, I attended the Master class hosted by Gordon and MacPhail. We were given five different single malts to try, of which the last two were mystery Scotches. Prior to the class starting, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sniff each of the five offerings, and I noted something “special” about the fifth glass. When taking a whiff I immediately thought of an old empty wine barrel that was left out in a cold wine cellar. Perhaps I thought of an old dingy wine cellar itself. Regardless, this was either a bad thing or a good thing, and I couldn’t tell which.
By the time we got to tasting the fifth glass, much of that particular scent was gone and in its stead was a youthful, fruitful scent rich and vibrant with tangerines and unripened banana. On the palate the scotch was slightly peaty. The vibrant citrus notes continued on, but they were richer and creamier than what I have tasted in other Scotches. Voluptuous is a good way to describe the mouth feel, with a long after-taste that lingered on and on. This Scotch had all the vibrancy of a young Scotch, but instead of the usual harshness associated with a more youthful drink, there was a smooth finish with a matured sharpness. Yet unlike other old Scotches that I had, this one wasn’t too sweet, which works well with my preferences.
