Lemac N° 9

Notes: - Single Malt / Single Barrel - NAS (the company doesn't want to emphasize the Whisky's age / avoid age comparisons with Scottish whiskies) - Produced at the Lamas distillery - Not peated or smoked - 100% ex-bourbon American oak barrel (interesting!) - 43% ABV - No coloring or chill filtration - LEMAC consists of two partners (my contact was with Henrique Carolenske) - LEMAC = Henrique Carolenske's surnames (a tribute to his family) = "LE" from Carolenske and "MAC" from Machado - Number 9 = Numerological aspect; for Eastern cultures, it signifies longevity and prosperity - Book-shaped box (a tribute to Brazilian arts); Machado de Assis - a major inspiration -, Paulo Coelho (global Brazilian references) - The concept for LEMAC is to introduce other whiskies to the line (not a vast portfolio - await new releases) Nose: Immediately, aromas of "barley wine"; malty sweetness, fruity citrus reminiscent of jabuticaba and guaraná, herbal notes from a bitter plant or tea, spice leaning towards clove, medicinal (different from what's found in peated whisky), woody, caramel, propolis, vanilla, slightly buttery, and low alcohol perception. Very unusual aromas for single malt whiskies. Palate: Good correspondence between palate and nose, with accentuated sweetness, spiciness, and the presence of a slight bitterness. The vanilla notes are also more pronounced, along with a bit more alcohol warmth. The medicinal notes found on the nose, however, are less noticeable on the palate, though still present. Woody and light clove notes are still perceptible. Finish: Medium to short, with a greater presence of sweetness, vanilla, and alcohol warmth (which is not unpleasant). Overall Impressions: A good whisky, with very exotic notes and impeccable presentation. I recommend it for those who want to try something different, which doesn't resemble the standard of Scottish whiskies. I also recommend tasting it neat, with ice, or a small splash of water.