Chief's Son "900 Standard" Single Cask #58

Whiskey Tasting: The Oak Barrel, Sydney, January 19, 2021. Whiskey #3. Nose: Fresh-cut hay, orchard fruits, tobacco, sultanas, leather, wood shavings. It's clean, with a hint of vanilla, but too closed off when neat to fully reveal its character; an initial wave of ethanol needs to dissipate before you can appreciate it. A splash of water helps uncover the aroma. Palate: A very cereal-forward arrival. Bright grains with herbal compote, anise, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, and cacao. Similar to the nose, it's tight and hot when neat. Although it's a 'big' whiskey, its texture is a bit thin. As it rests, a more toasted grain flavor becomes noticeable. Water tames the palate without significantly altering the profile or causing imbalance. Finish: Medium. Toasted cereal transitions into sweet and tart dark fruit notes in the aftertaste. Water initially dulls the nose but, given time to recover, it gains body and sweetness. The palate is brisk and spicy, even when diluted well below 40% ABV. It's a potent whiskey, with the cask influence clearly present as a distinct woody aroma, but it doesn't quite integrate with the spirit. It's well-balanced but seems young. However, it also shows considerable potential – the distillate has a strong character that would benefit from extended aging in suitable conditions, developing greater depth. The significant drawback for me is the high price. Regardless of its quality and potential, it currently costs the same as an 18-year-old Springbank, and it's simply not in the same league. 'Above Average': 82/100 (3.25 stars)