My taste notes-cracking open Devil's Cask 56.9%abv Batch 1

[Quaich1]

I cracked open one of my bottles of The Devil's Cask batch 1 First release at 56.9% abv.
As many of you know I first tried this expression last November 2013 during my dinner with Iain McCallum, Master of Malt for Morrison Bowmore who was visiting from Scotland. Now that this expression has landed here in Ontario, albeit in a very limited number for the general public, I present my taste notes from this afternoon's tasting.
Neat-

Nose: Raining robust, bold, deep and sweet peatiness, rum and raisin on steroids, sherry trifle infusion, aged toffee, burnt almonds, pungent sponge candy erupting into angel food cake dripping with dark caramel. Black cherries effervescence comes to the fore. Aromatic pipe tobacco waffs in over time.


Palate: Bowmore peat and smoke in an Oscar winning performance, warming chest deep, smooth. Arrival of Zante currants and mixed peel.

Finish: Long, the peat merging with dark cherry syrup; smoke filling the senses, Smith Brothers cherry cough drops (the guys with the beards a la ZZ Top-the band members) and never ending lip-smacking smoke.

The addition of a few drops of water:

Nose: Extends with coffee crisp chocolate experience and chocolate-covered coffee beans.

Palate: The peat actually deepens and intensifies with a medicinal fleck and layers of prune nectar.

Finish: More intense billowing smoke and fireplace ash added to the background of sweet and dark fruit mix.

*****General Comment: I have to say that The Devil's Cask Batch 1 First Release is a gem of a dram. It is a cask strength masterpiece by Morrison-Bowmore which really appeals to nose and palate. It's the real deal, not overpowering or excessive but a "meaty" sherried Bowmore full of character and one to savor over time. I would rate it 95.

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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[Grant M]

Great description, I wish i could have got hold of more than 1 bottle. My bottle is long gone but i do have a batch 2 to drink.

[William]

Great notes Murray as usual
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There's no bad whisky. Just good whisky and better whisky.