Linie Madeira Casks

Aquavit tasting, 17 December 2022, aquavit #1 Nose: Orange water, vanilla and caramel, sweet stone fruits, baking spices. Palate: Smooth initial taste with vanilla, toffee and somewhat subdued stewed red fruit notes. Mild herbal and baking spice notes develop, including liquorice, caraway, green anise, dill weed and faint mixed spices. The texture is creamy and rich. Finish: Medium/short. Fruity and slightly briny. A fleeting smoky oak flavor lingers. This is one of two versions of Linie aged differently. The standard expression is matured for 16 months in former sherry casks, with the first 4 months spent at sea. The finished versions then get an additional 12 months in either port casks, or in this instance, madeira casks. It's a very easy-drinking aquavit with a mellow and approachable character. The essence of the standard expression remains evident, but this version offers greater complexity, a more integrated character, and is well-balanced. It's understandable why this brand is so popular, though I felt it could have used a bit more intensity. “Good”: 83/100 (3.5 stars)