Millstone – 1996 American Oak Single Cask Special #12 (6cl, 52.3%)

This is a single malt from the Dutch Millstone distillery of Zuidam, distilled on 25 October 1996 and bottled on 29 August 2017. It was matured in an American oak hogshead and bottled at 52.3% ABV, with 301 bottles filled. The label notes that the grain was milled by Dutch windmills. The nose is classic ex-bourbon malt, with bananas, mangoes, vanilla and panettone, then candlewax and a little moss. The palate is full of stewed tropical fruit, including bananas, guavas and blood oranges, with pipe tobacco, citrusy hops and pink pepper. With water, pink grapefruit and citron come forward. The finish is long, fat and fruity.