Nose

The nose opens with the wonderfully evocative combination of dry Autumn leaves and bright lemonade. Incredibly vivid, the aromas that rise from the glass are firmly rooted in nature. Buttery and vinous florals – sunflowers, daisy chains. Dry earth and the memories of peeling paperbark trees. This second fill cask had so much to give! Lemongrass and coconut complement one another, and with air, further notes of cocoa firm up the already sturdy earthen base, and a bright, slightly vegetal, creamy Thai green curry emerges in the top notes. 

Palate

Incredibly thick with full body and texture, soft and sweet green candies flow in – aloe vera, green jelly and honey soaked pine needles. A firm, balanced grip of oak comes next, met by a release of aromatic spices. Dancing the line between sweet and savoury, the oak spice mingles with stone fruits (white peach, apricot nectar), and with air, the vinous and sweet side of the oak is highlighted again by honeysuckle and sweetened green tea.

Finish

Bursts of passionfruit and cocoa characterise the finish, again showing expert balance between the spirit and oak. There is a flicker of white pepper and green chili, nodding back to the Thai green curry note of the nose, and balanced with the emerging cocoa note. Together they are reminiscent of a really good chili hot chocolate – deep and rich with bright flickers and tingles that light up the entire palate. Really unique, and really wonderful.