Navazos-Palazzi Palo Cortado Cask Malt Whisky (July 2014)

The whisky's aroma presents a deep, salted caramel scent. Just below this are traces of charcoal, smoke, and the dry sweetness of the sherry cask. The final notes of the finish offer the faintest hint of cacao. On the palate, the whisky retains the dryness of the sherry with delightful notes of caramel and smoke. As you taste, the charcoal notes from the nose add depth to the flavor and enhance the experience into a rich, dark, salted sensation. There is the slightest hint of floral notes (likely from the sherry cask) and smoke in the finish. An absolutely delightful experience, robust, complex, and utterly delicious. This whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a splash and otherwise unadulterated.

This whisky is perfect for Tequila enthusiasts! Anyone who appreciates a good Añejo tequila will feel familiar with this. And at cask strength, it's potentially a better value overall;-). I drank one dram without even noticing. If there were a category for smooth summer whiskies, this would be a winner. Its very thin mouthfeel doesn't overwhelm the palate. The only drawback is the rather short finish accompanied by some bitterness. Adding a teaspoon of water brings out floral notes, but doesn't significantly alter the finish (still very short) or the bitterness. Overall, a very enjoyable dram..

I felt the intense combination of wine cask influence and young malt whiskey did not harmonize well. The majority of the flavor came from the barrel, with minimal malt or yeast characteristics. I believe a higher age statement or improved blending techniques could enhance this whisky significantly.