Nant Port Cask 63% Single Cask Single Malt

Nose (undiluted): Raisins, prunes, profound fortified wine, a muted floral scent (aged rose?), sandalwood, oak barrel. Very similar to armagnac. Nose (diluted): A flood of syrup, herbal notes, floral scents, and deep, musky wood undertones. The potent undiluted profile is significantly mellowed but not diminished. The alcohol presence vanishes, allowing for a more thorough exploration of the nose. As it settles and recovers from the addition of water, the nose reveals a beautifully harmonious fortified wine character. Palate (undiluted): A hot, spicy entry but tempered by nearly excessive sweetness. Similar to the nose, the palate resembles cognac or armagnac, here blended with madeira. A significant oak influence emerges during development, and the texture is rich and creamy. All the flavors are centered around plum pudding and dark Christmas cake. Palate (diluted): The heat is considerably reduced, and the palate gains overall harmony and coherence. A warm, comforting dark fruit and port wine presence coats the palate, with sweet notes becoming more prominent, featuring red berries and plum jam. Finish: Exceptionally long. The dark wine-soaked fruit flavors recede into the distance. When diluted, the finish retains its length but is more relaxed and soothing, with an increased red-berry presence. The nose is excellent and invites repeated inhalation, while the palate of this oaky, rich, fruit-pudding like spirit is so expansive and dense that it's impossible to dislike. It serves perfectly as an after-dinner or dessert dram and would make a wonderful nightcap – it’s substantial yet easy to enjoy and very fulfilling. It's the only single-cask 63% Nant whisky I've encountered, and I must say it was a definite improvement over the 43% versions I've sampled. However, as luscious and decadent as this whisky may be, it prompts reflection – has the spirit merely become a vessel for an intense, wine-influenced cask character, or is it still truly whisky? Regardless, its name or classification is irrelevant; it's exceptionally pleasant to drink and could compete with most Speyside sherry bombs. If you appreciate Dalmore or Aberlour and are curious about exploring further, I would suggest trying this (but if possible, sample it before committing to a purchase, as at AUD$200 for a 500ml bottle, it's barely justifiable value). Tasted from a 30ml sampler. “Very Good”: 85/100 (4 stars)