Blended Malt Whisky ‘Very Old’ (Whisky-Fässle)

A Blended Malt Whisky ‘Very Old’ is on the reviewing block today. This particular one is bottled by Whisky-Fässle, but we’ve seen quite a few of these Very Old or XO blended malts released in the last year or so. The Whisky Agency and Sansibar (also German bottlers, probably no coincidence) have done quite a few.

Anyway, I’ve no idea which whiskies were used for this blended malt. Same for the age. Then what do I know? Well, this whisky has matured in a sherry butt.

Blended Malt Whisky ‘Very Old’ (45,4%, Whisky-Fässle, 2016)

Nose: Slightly musty and dusty with tea leaves, straw and cinnamon. A whiff of ripe red apple, some brown sugar and the lightest touch of soy and menthol. Delicious.
Taste: Mildly drying with leather, tobacco and menthol, some lovely gentle spices (pepper, cloves) and a nice dustiness. A tiny bit of furniture polish and just enough earl grey tea.
Finish: Gentle spices, tannins and menthol. Medium in length.

Rating: 87

Not the most complex or rich, but an old school style that’s very rare and simply very tasty. Good stuff!

Sample provided by Whisky-Fässle

Photo: Whiskybase.com