The newest from Diageo’s Orphan Barrel Mission takes a return journey to Scotland within the type of the ominously named Citadel’s Curse. Don’t fear, it’s not so scary: It’s only a 14 12 months outdated single malt from Teaninich, aged in sherry casks. Single malts from Teaninch are uncommon however not remarkable, as Diageo makes use of many of the whisky as a core mixing element in Johnnie Walker and different mainline releases.
Right here we now have a pleasant little single malt that basically pours on the sherry. A brisk citrusy nostril is backed by a modest core of malty cereal and a few whit pepper, however should you’re not within the temper for a sherry bomb, you needn’t apply for entrance to the Citadel. The palate doesn’t let up, providing sherry, sherry, and extra sherry — to the purpose the place I’ve to surprise simply how “moist” these casks have been when Diageo bought ahold of them. The excellent news is it really works, and it by no means comes throughout as oxidized or overly winey; relatively, the malty core finds house for a barely meaty undertone earlier than bursting ahead with sweetness, evoking tea leaf, milk chocolate, sesame oil, and ultimately a dabbing of Nutella. Sherry carries full throttle into the end, which exhibits itself as enjoyably candy and sunny, with echoes of tangerines.
All instructed it is a completely pleasant middle-aged single malt designed not only for the sherry fanatic however for the sherry fanatic. $175 for a 14 12 months outdated, nonetheless, appears wildly overpriced. (Signatory’s 13 12 months outdated Teaninich could be had for nicely underneath $100.) Possibly it’s due to the curse.
94.8 proof.
A- / $175 / orphanbarrel.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] [BUY IT NOW FROM RESERVEBAR]
Diageo Orphan Barrel Mission Citadel’s Curse Single Malt 14 Years Outdated
$175
