Black Gate BG047 Australian Single Malt

Smell (undiluted): Notes of dark malt, amber ale, fruitcake, and aged oak dominate, but a powerful alcohol presence obscures everything. The intense alcohol vapor makes it challenging to discern anything further from the initial smell. Smell (diluted): Water softens the alcohol burn, but be cautious not to overdo it, as this spirit dilutes easily. It also requires some time to settle after adding water. All the original aromas remain, now accompanied by added sweet fruit scents, a more pronounced sherry cask character, and a generally more welcoming profile. Taste (undiluted): Sweet, rich oak, cooked fruit, and immense sherry are present, but the high alcohol content again hinders full appreciation. The texture is incredibly smooth and potent when tasted straight. Taste (diluted): Dilution transforms the spirit; soft, sweet fruit flavors emerge as the robust malt recedes. The cask influence becomes less intense, and the texture turns smooth and creamy. Aftertaste: Moderate/Short. The finish is unexpectedly brief when undiluted, as the alcohol sting overshadows any subtle complexity. Adding water extends the finish, introducing subtle ginger and white pepper notes to the lingering taste. This whisky was produced in April 2016 and bottled in June 2021. It matured exclusively in a small (likely 100-liter) ex-apera cask. Only 120 bottles were made; this is bottle number 79. It's an intensely sherried spirit when undiluted. While a quick smell and taste of its unadulterated form is worthwhile, a true evaluation requires dilution. Add water gradually to find the optimal balance. At that point, you'll notice a faint smoky character originating from the still, not from peat. This distillery is a small, overlooked treasure with limited production, highly sought after by collectors. The still uses direct gas heat, and maturation typically occurs in small ex-sherry barrels. This combination yields a spirit comparable to Glenfarclas, with this particular bottling resembling Glenfarclas 105. “Very Good”: 87/100 (4.25 stars)