Highlands region – 60%ABV – $$??
Being that I don’t know much about this whisky (the exception being that it’s single cask, cask strength, 47 years old, natural color and no artificial coloring added) or the full scope of what Sirius Whisky Purveyors is up to with their whiskies, I’m going to keep the preamble to a minimum.
What I do know is that Sirius is an independent bottler to the Nth degree. Pun is actually intended here as Sirius is owned and run by Mahesh Patel – the man responsible for a very unique whisky show – the “Nth” or, Universal Whisky Experience — THE ultimate whisky show with respects to it featuring only the oldest, rarest, high cost whiskies.
It’s no wonder that Mahesh has chosen this cask of Dalmore (in addition to many other casks soon to be released) – it screams premium! A 47 year old single cask of Dalmore? You know it.
Whisky shows as well as old and premium single malts aside, Mahesh is a heck of a guy. A total charmer. Personable, smart, sweet and, man, he knows his whisky!
I will release more information about Sirius Whisky Purveyors as soon as it’s available to me.
On the nose – Sharp and bright yet its age is made known. Notes of sugar cane and demerara rum.
Tiramisu and a big, boozy orange with traces of cloves and allspice.
Interesting note here – raw ramen noodles! For a 47yo whisky – this is very alive. Not at all tired.
Roasted nuts, pickled ones too.
A full humidor cigar shop (I’m thinking Corona Cigar Company in Florida).
The addition of water softens the whisky a bit and adds a “dusty” element and puts a focus on the tobacco notes.
On the mouth – Incredibly hot. I think it’s safe to say that some water will help to open this one up a bit – it’s quite, tight. The addition of water is like sending this to a whisky masseuse.
An interesting mix of what you’ve come to know and love from a sherried whisky (tobacco, prunes, cinnamon, cloves, citrus, etc…) but there’s a young, juicy quality here that I can only equate to Hi-C fruit juice – hey, I have kids. What do you expect?
A touch of brine and a good deal of spice.
Finish – Decent length with allspice and oranges.
In sum – This whisky not only holds up to water but shines with it. Without the water, I found it to be just too hot (for my tastes). With water though, it’s really lovely. No signs of its age from an over-oaked perspective. However, it’s age shows in terms of complexity. A touch off balance without water but spot on with.
I’m not sure what the cost of this whisky will be but my guess is a 47yo Dalmore will cost a pretty shekel so you’re most likely going to break this out for the “special times” in life or, this will make a great addition to your whisky collection (if that’s your bag).