Tasting Notes:
Nose:
Immediate barrage of stone fruit, that classic peach and apricot combo synonymous with Bushmills. Leans into dryer, dusty woody notes, pencil shavings, reminiscent of the woodwork classroom in school. Vanilla is prominent from the years spent in ex-bourbon, leaning into top notes of eucalyptus and mint. Feint hints of apple compote and some nuttiness.
Palate:
Good heat considering it’s ABV of 43%. Buttery texture coats the sides, with some banana taking over from the stone fruit. Similar to the nose, a welcome dryness meets on the second chew. The undeniable vanilla sweetness dancing with the lingering astringency brought on by the wood tannins. Some feint dried raisin and date from the sherry casks rear their heads in the end.
Finish:
Long and lasting. Slightly grassy, or more hay, with sparks of white pepper and anise.