Nose: Cream sherry, raspberries, orange jus, marmalade, pine nettles, burnt popcorn, apricot jam, a little of the Hanyu earthiness.
Palate: There is a richness to the mouth feel and flavors. The cream sherry, Valencia oranges, raisins, peanut butter, rye, menthol, mild chili flakes.
Finish: Shortish on cream sherry, Valencia oranges, menthol, earthy.
Last Word: A more than decent Oloroso sherry butt with no off notes or flavors. Don’t expect to be blown away however for the 4 to 5 grand you will need to buy one.
Rating: 87/100
Hi Brian! It’s interesting trying the card series bottles after a (long) while. Recently, I tried the Queen of Spades & a Suntory Owner’s Cask. I don’t sample them very often, because I can’t afford to replace them. Last time I tasted them, I thought both were good, but not exceptional. This time around, I thought both were very good. I suppose tasting more recent NAS whiskies from Suntory & Nikka has moved the goalposts a bit. These had a depth & complexity you just don’t get any more. A shame they are ridiculous prices now! I have a bunch of open bottles that I could retire on if they were unopened. Better I drink them anyway!
Well your in a very exclusive club Alan. Very few people will ever get to taste them!