Union Distillery Extraturfado Wine Cask Finish Autograph 04

• Brazilian Single Malt • From Rio Grande do Sul • Aged for 8 years in American ex-bourbon oak casks • Finished in ex-wine casks for 12 to 24 months (type not specified by the distillery) • Approximately 40 ppm • No caramel coloring • No chill filtration • Limited batch of 1100 numbered bottles Smell: A prominent presence of peat, charcoal, extinguished campfire, slightly saline, smoked meats (like smoked sausages), decomposing organic matter, and bitter herbal notes; in the background, you're hit with sweetness, vanilla, salted caramel, wine notes, citrus fruit, dark fruits like plums and raisins, vanilla, dates, and a slight buttery quality. An interesting aroma of aged whisky is noticeable. Low alcohol perception, showing great balance among the aromas. Taste: Excellent correspondence between smell and taste, but with more alcohol warmth. The peated, sweet, and spicy notes hit strongly, demonstrating an excellent delivery of flavors. The smokiness follows as perceived in the aroma, bringing out burnt wood, extinguished campfire, embers, and smoked meats, followed by a very interesting saltiness. The fruity and sweet notes also recall dark fruits like plums and raisins, along with notes of vanilla and caramel. A slight woodiness can be perceived. A potent and flavorful whisky. Finish: Long, primarily due to the peat. Sweet, spicy, and very smoky aftertaste with a slight bitter touch. Overall Impressions: One of Union Distillery's great achievements, and this is my favorite from the Wine Cask Finish series. Exceptional delivery of aromas and flavors, reminiscent of the best in Scotch whiskies. It has more balance in the nose than on the palate, which does not detract from the experience at all. I recommend tasting it neat or with at most a splash of water, as this whisky was meant to be enjoyed in its purest form, the true state of Brazilian artistry.