Old Perth Sherry Cask Blended Malt

Old Perth CS Sherry Cask LE No2 / 58.2% ABV Nose - (undiluted) Grape candies, dark grape beverage, cranberry beverage, cloves, caramel, fruity/tart brewed coffee (with water) Much less intense, mild fruit, diluted apple beverage, a hint of white wine vinegar without the sharpness Taste - (undiluted) Dark chocolate, slightly bitter dark grape skin fruitiness, dark dried stone fruit funk, cloves, fruity heat/tingle, damp sherry-soaked wood (with water) apple/pear cider, mild tingle, orange peel, faint metallic grape candies, candied ginger Finish - (undiluted) Lasting fruity tingle, mild metallic fruit sweetness, light fruity bitter grape stems (with water) Gentle fruity heat, grape candies, apple cider Score - 73/100 Overall - This one was somewhat unfocused. The initial aroma reminded me of grape candies and had a dark grape juice funk. This surprisingly did not carry over to the taste, where I experienced a more conventional heavily sherried profile, but it wasn't overly sweet, instead offering a balanced, subtly sweet dark fruit with a touch of tempering bitterness. There was a peculiar metallic quality I detected from the palate through the finish, present with or without water. I believe the nose is superior without water, but the palate is better with a bit of dilution. It wasn't a bad pour by any stretch, but it was certainly a bit all over the place. It might benefit from some aeration to soften or could be better suited for mixing. Would I consume it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically request it? - No Would I purchase a bottle? - No NOTE - Price was not considered in any reviews.

Received this as part of an advent calendar in 2016. Just found the box and realized I never finished my samplings. The nose is sweet and potent. The alcohol is detectable but it isn’t completely unpleasant. Upon first taste, there's a blast of spice and sweet caramel that fades to tart raisins and rubbing alcohol. The tartness remains in the aftertaste. This isn’t my favorite spirit. It’s not terrible, and I wouldn’t mind drinking it again, but I’m not sure I would buy a bottle for myself. I enjoy the immediate flavor but wasn’t a fan of how it almost soured in my mouth the more I drank. Perhaps a bit more aging, or maybe a longer barrel finish would improve it.

Aroma of vanilla and alcohol. Not impressive. The taste isn't overly harsh, surprisingly. Tastes like a band-aid with a hint of sourness and caramel.

Very caramel-forward