As de Picos

An unaged malt distillate from the Picos de Cabariezo winery. It's not quite whiskey, but a spirit typical of the Cantabrian region. The aroma is primarily sweet, with hints of cereal must and a distinct alcoholic undertone, much like pure orujo. There are also some sweet, ripe fruit notes. It's not off-putting and makes you want to take a sip. On the palate, it's fairly straightforward and easy to drink, carrying fleeting cereal and wheat notes, with dominant sweetness. The finish is very flat, with alcohol being the main sensation on the tongue. It lacks deeper complexity, but unlike other neat spirits, it concludes quite pleasantly. I'm very surprised; for a strong distillate, it offers significant sweetness and drinks remarkably well. The absence of barrel nuances is noticeable, making it a very subtle and short-lived drink. Nevertheless, it's a true discovery, and it also suggests potential for a great whiskey from this distillate.