corsair hydra

Overall score: 19/23 Anticipated trying this one for some time. While the 42% ABV makes me question it, the smoking process involved a unique mix of woods – pecan, apple, sugar maple, black walnut, and persimmon – followed by aging in port casks. It's also a single barrel from an already limited production. Corsair often delivers interesting results, but sometimes they are difficult or even a failure. This inconsistency causes concern, but I'm hopeful. Nose: Wow! The tawny port is immediately apparent, with a hint of smoke and strong leather notes. It's just sweet enough, followed by many layers of wood, varying from dry and tart to green and subtly vegetal, to mildly herbal with hints of mint, and finally ashy. There's a nuttiness that vaguely resembles buckwheat. These aromas combine harmoniously, creating a very pleasant nosing experience. Vanilla makes a strong appearance at times. Palate: The initial taste is the dryness of tawny port with subdued dried fruit, followed by an influx of ashy smoke. A tartness emerges from the smoke, seeming quite leathery. Despite the presence of tannins from the leather, it doesn't feel excessively tannic. I worried about a campfire taste, but it's not overpowering. The port and smoke are well-balanced. This is an elegant malt that seems much older than it is. It bears some resemblance to Kavalan Soloist Port (22/23), though with its significant fullness (especially for the low proof), it doesn't quite reach that level. There's a faint campfire note, but it's minimal. Pleasant baking spices are also present (cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, clove). The port contributes a nice fruitiness, specifically blackberry with hints of plum and cherry, perhaps a touch of peach. Despite the fruit, the palate remains quite dry. Chocolate notes appear intermittently, and the overall impression suggests a much older spirit. The malt flavor isn't very pronounced, but its sweetness is present and appreciated. Eventually, a subtle nuttiness, reminiscent of buckwheat, likely from the malt, is detected, though it's faint. Finish: Dry, tannic wood, blackberry, a trace of ash, and some lighter spices with a slight peppery kick. A subtle, rich (not sweet) nutty malt character underlies it all. - Conclusion - This is excellent. It's a shame it's not a regular offering. The balance and depth are commendable. The flavor profile is quite distinctive yet not challenging (aside from the slight tannins from leather and smoke). This is among my preferred Corsair releases, ranking above Ryemageddon (17/23) but below Grainiac (21-22/23). Therefore, it falls into the 18-20 range. I'm reconsidering an 18 now. Comparing it directly, I enjoy this more than Cadenhead's Tullibardine 25 (1993) (19/23), but its intensity impacts my palate, making direct comparison difficult. It's quite similar to Lismore 21 (19/23). The Lismore offers more balanced complexity but also some blended flavors and a hint of sulphur. If forced to choose, I'd likely favor this. Its quality is remarkably close to Joseph Magnus (21/23). The Joseph Magnus is richer and spicier, but this possesses more nuances. I wouldn't rate it a 21 yet, but it's closer than I expected. This is truly good. I was about to rate it a high 19, but tasting it alongside Joseph Magnus, I'm settling on a 20. A 21 might even be possible upon further tasting. Near the end of my tasting, I recalled Paul John Christmas Edition 2020 (16/23), so I sampled it for comparison. Many might prefer the Paul John, particularly its buttery toffee note, but I appreciate how this one skirts the edge with its ashy smoke, bordering on campfire, integrating pleasant leather instead of becoming barbecue-like, and developing depth with spices and fruits. It has a more American character, perhaps. It's spicier and more assertive. In this instance, I find the final result superior. I thought I was finished, but I've revisited this. I no longer see it as being as close to Joseph Magnus as I initially did, nor is it a clear favorite over the Lismore anymore. I still believe it surpasses Amrut Peated, but I can now genuinely consider giving it an 18. I'm lowering the score to a 19. I still really like it, but it seems less substantial than before. It's unfortunate, as a slightly higher ABV would elevate it significantly, but as it stands, it's definitely more diluted than many other whiskies, prompting this reduction to a 19.

Very smooth and easy to drink. The smoke is subtle yet noticeable. It would be interesting to compare it directly with the Corsair triple smoke.

The aroma has notes of cedar smoke, molasses, and barley, resembling BBQ sauce. On the palate, there are flavors of smoked meats, fire embers, and malt.

Smoky, sweet, with notes of honey, fruit, leather, cereal, and wood. It's smooth, though the mouthfeel is a bit thin. The palate and finish are excellent.

This offers a pleasant smoky flavor that provides a gentle warmth.

Smoke and wood notes, pairs well with a fine cigar