Union Distillery Virgin Oak Cask Autograph 01

Nose: Vanilla, malt, toasted cereals, woody, wet wood, caramel, toffee, light smoke, mild cinnamon spice, a bit of nail polish, citrus fruit reminiscent of pineapple and red apples, brown sugar, slightly buttery, light milk chocolate, a touch of walnuts, and a little alcohol warmth. To the unwary, the aromas might be mistaken for a bourbon. The aromas are very well-balanced. With water, the aromas become less complex, highlighting vanilla and malt sweetness, but it tames the initial spicy and alcoholic notes. Palate: Sweet, fruity, vanilla, caramel, burnt sugar, spicy, nutmeg, good bitterness, woody, medium oiliness, slightly buttery, mild honey, and alcohol warmth. The palate is less complex than the nose but has very potent flavors. The mouth dries out quickly after a sip, bringing forth a strong bitterness followed by burnt sugar and sweetness. With water, this whisky loses a lot of flavor and doesn't fully soften the initial alcohol. Finish: Medium to short, with bitterness and sweetness as the main elements. Adding water makes minimal difference to the finish. Overall Impressions: A very aromatic and potent whisky with interesting taste notes, but with poor correspondence between smell and taste. The alcohol warmth and robust bitterness might displease some drinkers but don't ruin the experience. Adding water reduces some complexity but makes it easier to drink for those who prefer smoother whiskies. I recommend drinking it neat or with a very large ice sphere at most.