| Rich Howard | the nose is warm, smooth and well integrated, starting right off on blackberries and cream (slightly warmed cream), maybe some dark cherries, a touch of Seville oranges and just the tiniest hint of liquorice. a prominent but not overwhelming backdrop of toated oak with a just a few spices tossed in, with a tail of fresh berries and a light herbal touch. the palate follows the nose remarkably closely, with berries and cream, light citrus, and a bit more toasted wood and spices here than on the nose. very smooth at 43%. two drops of water tames the berries on the nose quite a bit, and the cream as well, still hints of blackberries, oranges as well, warm butter and a dash of powdered sugar, and prominent casking emerging as dry brambles and twigs. the nose has both transformed quite a bit, and it hasn't, if that makes any sense. the palate is also lighter on the fruit and berries (although they return a bit with time), heavier on the toasted oak and a bit more herbal on the finish. a few more drops and a few more minutes, and the palate is almost pure raspberries and cream, but overall a bit weaker now. quite nice with water, but since it's bottled at 43%, this doesn't need to be reduced. very pleasant, and very drinkable. |
