Let’s go back to the most productive Scotch distillery to taste the 15 yo Solera Reserve, a vatting of ex-bourbon barrels, ex-Portuguese sherry butts and virgin oak casks. The “Solera method” (used for rum and sherry maturation and described here) in this case is a bit different: the different whiskies matured in different type of casks are poured in a huge vat, which is never completely drained: it’s always halfway full, so every time new whiskies are added, they blend with the old stuff… Everything clear? The colour is gold.
N: a very open profile. The sherried soul prevails, with a lot of sweet ripe fruits (apples, sultanas… strudel indeed!, and orange zest). There are also caramel, vanilla and generous hints of virgin oak. Intense ripe cantaloupe, molasses and brown sugar.
P: compared to the nose, it’s quite consistent: ripe fruits (cantaloupe again, apple, strawberry candies and orange liqueur) and a vague, impudent sweetness… But everything is weak and the spicy oak is definitely too bold. The flavours are here, but they’re fleeting. And the body is too light, due to the low ABV. Some walnut, maybe.
F: a lot of wood and a hint of pepper. Butter, apple and caramel.
The nose is excellent, but the weakness of the palate changes our judgment. It’s a pity, considering premises and promises. Our vote is 80/100. Ralfy enjoyed it better, as you can see here.
Recommended soundtrack: Los Zefiros – He venido.
