Double Cask American Oak – Ex Single Quinta Tawny Porto & Maple barrels

Status: Released July 2024

Cigar Pairing: Maduro wrappers, heavy-bodied natural-casing cigars, or dark wrapper Cubans.

Food Pairing: Dessert cheese plate, Crème Brûlée, Crème caramel.

Two American oak casks with markedly different previous contents, ex-Tawny Port and ex-Maple, are brought together in this double cask expression. The Tawny Port influence contributes oxidative dried fruit complexity and structured tannin; the Maple cask contributes dense residual sugar, caramel warmth, and a sweetness that builds progressively across the palate.

Tawny Port is aged in small barrels over many years under deliberate oxidative conditions, transforming its primary fruit character into dried stone fruit, walnut, orange peel, and complex rancio notes. The cask provenance of a barrel that has held well-aged Tawny is specific and irreproducible. Maple barrels carry dense sugars from genuine maple syrup that interact with charred oak to produce layers of caramel, toasted grain, and persistent sweetness.

Tasting Notes

Nose. A symphony of rich aromas. The influence of the American oak Tawny Port cask is evident, with notes of ripe berries, dried fruits, and a subtle hint of oak. The unexpected touch of beeswax adds a layer of complexity. As the nose evolves, delicate whispers of maple syrup emerge, teasing the palate with the promise of sweetness to come.

Palate. The Tawny Port influence takes centre stage, enveloping the taste buds in a blanket of luscious flavours. Ripe figs, plums, and berries dance alongside hints of caramel and dark chocolate. The presence of Canadian maple syrup notes elevates the palate to new heights. The sweetness is balanced impeccably, adding depth and complexity without overpowering the delicate nuances of the whisky.

Finish. The whisky lingers on the finish, leaving one with a sense of satisfaction and contentment. The subtle undertones of oak and spice leave an impression, reminding the drinker of the whisky’s journey from cask to bottle. Best enjoyed neat as a decadent dessert whisky alongside a considered food pairing.

Check Out Whisky Tasting Notes from James Phang on Instagram

Technical Details

Edition: 2.07

ABV: 53.4%

Cask type: Double cask, American Oak, ex-Tawny Port and ex-Maple

Status: Released July 2024