Exceptional Cask Collection MMXXV Edition III, French Oak Meunier Cask | F. Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal
MMXXV Edition III, French Oak Meunier Cask, 59.7% ABV
Independent evaluation by F. Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal, Wallkill, New York. Reproduced in full and unaltered, with permission.
Evaluation product: Exceptional Cask Collection MMXXV Series, Edition III, French Oak Meunier Staves, 59.7% AbV
Evaluator: F Paul Pacult
Location: Spirit Journal offices, Wallkill, NY
Glassware: Spanish copita
Mineral water: None Day 1/ Day 2: 20% dilution
Evaluation date/time: August 10 & 11, 2026
VISUAL
Color: Butterscotch/marigold.
Clarity: Completely sediment free.
OLFACTORY
Dryness/sweetness scale 1 (dry) to 10 (sweet): 1-2
1st 2 minutes: Initial inhalations detect a melange of grainy/mildly spicy fragrances that are supported by arid notes of malted barley and unsweetened breakfast cereal; ground black pepper and bay leaf scents lurk in the background.
@ 5 minutes: Aeration accentuates the mild, soy-like spiciness more than the grain and that introduces a zestiness that’s pleasing.
@ 10 minutes: The final sniffs are treated to a moderately spicy bouquet that is more subtle than bold, but what lies beneath the surface is highly appealing and worth the patience needed to appreciate it. Last and importantly, the cask strength AbV serves only to support and push forward the reserved aromatic profile. Neither does it burn nor attack.
GUSTATORY
Dryness/sweetness scale 1 (dry) to 10 (sweet): 2
Entry: The opening taste profile is marginally sweeter than at any point during the aroma stages and that provides the opportunity for a bountiful, saucy Asian cuisine flavor that’s spicy, peppery (black peppercorn), malty, mildly sugary and, at times, nutty.
Midpalate: Again, the cask strength power remains controlled and unobtrusive as the flavor levels expand to now include more intense grain/malt, cooking spices (cardamom, coriander) and a light touch of caramel.
Texture: Medium weighted, moderately oily and viscous enough to last long in the throat.
Finish: This last stage is mostly about featuring the appealing texture as it coats the palate and throat in a warm, plush blanket of mildly spicy oil in the clean aftertaste.
OVERALL
First off, this is a lovely, well-made and exceedingly pleasant malt whisky that is complemented by its maturation process in French oak. The high proof is never an issue at any stage. The overall impression is of integration and laser beam-like concentration, without ever being heavy handed.
Day 2 Addendum
The room temperature mineral water reduction serves to accentuate the Asian spice aspect as well as the black peppercorn element, thereby creating a spicier, significantly tangier taste experience. Forced to choose, I prefer the full-strength version that’s brimming with elegance and malty animation. A splendid, ‘oh my, that’s delicious’, sophisticated single malt whisky that I knew within 10 minutes was going to be very special.
LIKELY RATING on 1 to 5 Star Scale: 5 STARS/HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION