Black Bottle Andean Oak (70cl, 46.3%)

Andean Oak is a limited blended Scotch from Black Bottle, the third experiment in its Alchemy Series, made as a single batch and bottled at 46.3% in a 70cl bottle. The grain whiskies in the blend had a seven-month finish in new Andean oak casks with differing levels of toast and char. Andean oak gives an influence comparable to American oak, with more tannin and spice. The blend has a high malt content, and Bunnahabhain Moine adds a gentle smoky undertone. It is bottled without chill-filtration and without added colour. On the nose, dried nuts meet rich, spicy fruit, with maple syrup and oak. The palate brings vanilla, toasted coconut, caramel-coated nuts, raisins, cherries, nutmeg and cinnamon. The finish is sweet, with soft smoke.