Whisky : Red Snake #49; Blackadder Single Malt

Country/Region : Scotland

ABV : 61.1%

Cask : First Fill Ex-Bourbon

Nose : Bursting with ripe tropical fruits and cream; strawberry shortcake, fresh peeled cinnamon bark, and rich malty grains.  Hints of candle wax, canned peaches, and spring tree buds come and go.

Palate : Overall light body with a pleasant waxiness— unmistakably young and spirited.  Loads of fruity spice cover the palate— tropical fruit jelly infused with chilis.  Lovely maltiness along with a cleansing citrus that reminds me of an Arnold Palmer.  Juicy fruits, tropical citrus fruit punch, and the fruity-nut note of almond pastries emerge as the dram develops.

Finish : Lingering tropical fruits and li hing mui (salted dried plum)

Score : 8

Mental Image : Tropical Fruit Cup.

Something Similar : Glen Ord 9 Year SMWS 77.57 (similar summer fruit, waxier body, more complex)

Something Similar : Arran 18 (similar tropical fruit and maltiness, bit more salt/earthy notes)

Something Worse : Craigellachie 13 Year (similar fruit/mineral, less complex/finish)

Notes :  Outstanding!  This had everything I could possibly want in a young first-fill ex-bourbon single malt.  There was an excellent bouquet of tropical fruits, a touch of earthiness, and fresh punchy spices.  I do not know what else to say— for the price $70-80— this is absolutely brilliant.  I would be shocked to learn this is more than decade old and reminds me of some of the best young SMWS drams.

The only thing I do not like is not knowing the distillery that made this— I want more.  Mystery bottles can be a lot of fun, I do have a soft spot for the bespoke bottles Alexander Murray puts out for the Costco, but I really love being able to find some clues to hint at the origin of the whisky.  If I had to guess, I would reckon this reminds me of a Glen Ord with its fruit/wax, a Craigellachie with some of the fruit/spice, and quite possible an Arran with the rich tropical fruit/maltiness and hints of earth.  No matter the origin of this dram, it was so good that I would have no quibble grabbing a bottle to have at home.