This is a new entry onto my “Milestone Whiskies” list, which keeps growing as I explore more and more different types and bottles of whiskies. Produced by the Virginia Distillery Company, which holds a special place in my whisky journey – theirs were the first whiskies that I really explored and fell in love with – and this is a triumph for master blender Amanda Beckwith.
Aged in Cuvée casks (formerly 1st-fill European red wine casks) that go through the “STR” (shave, toast, re-char) process, this whisky is aged at least 4 years and benefits from Virginia’s major seasonal temperature fluctuation which allows the barrels/casks to have a quicker influence on the distillate than is possible in cooler, more temperate climates like Scotland’s. The distillery uses hand-made copper pot stills and a spirit safe from Scotland. This single malt (100% malted barley) is non-chill filtered and natural color.
This review is based on multiple separate notes-taking sessions over 2 months using Glencairn, Glencairn copita, and Glassique Cadeau (Tequila) Copita glasses with varying resting/aeration times in the glass.
COLOR: Amber/Bronze
AROMA PROFILE: Dark red fruits/berries (black currants, slightly sour cherries, raspberries, plums), dark chocolate, honeyed malt, baking spices (cloves, light cinnamon, nutmeg), ginger, & sweet tobacco leaf.
PALATE: Honeyed malt, the fruits from the nose + apricots, powerful black pepper & oak tannins, cocoa/unsweetened dark baker’s chocolate, orange peel, prominent oak/barrel notes, burnt brown sugar, vanilla, candied ginger, sweet tobacco (like a Swisher Sweet), & the baking spices from the nose.
FINISH: 10+ seconds
MOUTHFEEL/VISCOSITY: Medium-long viscosity in the glass with slow-forming/running tears / It coats the palate well & the flavors last with a nice warming “hug” on the finish.
VALUE: I prefer this to many older, much more expensive scotches.
ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? Yes – I have several bottles that I bought on sale during Virginia Spirits Month.
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