Whisky: Penderyn 9 Year (2012) for Jack Rose "Apples to Armagnac"

Country/Region: Wales

ABV: 59.98%

Cask: Oloroso Cask

Age: 9 Years (Distilled 2012, Bottled 2021)

Nose: Oaky cinnamon and vanilla, black pepper, barbecue chip, brown sugar, flambéed fruit.

Palate: Full-bodied, syrupy tinned fruit, wood spice, brown sugar, date cakes, sour cherries, almond.

Finish: Long and lingering with baking spice and fruity almond extract.

Score: 6

Mental Image: Lady Fingers and Tiki Torches

Narrative & Notes: Intense— is how I would describe this whisky in one word. The cask took the driver's seat as oaky spice dominated the aroma with cinnamon, black pepper, brown sugar, and caramelized tomato paste. Hints of balsamic and roasted chestnuts put the nose somewhere between barbecue potato chips and brandy flambéed desserts. The first sip was loaded with woody spice— cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and black pepper barreled forward with a bit of spirited heat. Brown sugar, date cakes, and sour cherries appeared doused in brandy and set alight. Toward the end, tinned fruits took hold— pineapples and peaches— with hints of roasted almonds and fruity almond extract.

The cask played a significant role in directly affairs with this dram as only hints of the typical Penderyn tinned fruits appeared as the wave of syrupy spice receded. A few drops of water muted the spice and brought the tinned fruit forward.

I imagined this would be a perfect pairing with a nice cigar, preferably with a mocha-chocolate profile. I felt the spice needed something to balance against, like brandy; I think dessert would be another great option. The bold flavors on this dram make it perfect for the end of a meal when your palate might already be a bit muted— this was intense enough to cut through the fog.

Overall, my experience with Pendryn has been a mixed bag, and I have typically had better luck with first-fill bourbon maturations than any wine cask. Yet, this was quite enjoyable, and though it was a bit hot at times and a tad spicy for my taste, I can see the appeal, especially as an after-dinner whisky.

Image Credit: Potomac Wine and Spirits