Whisky: Aultmore 23 Year (1991), Berry Bros & Rudd for Shinanoya

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 49.9%

Cask: Hogshead

Age: 23 Year (Distilled 1991, Bottled 2015)

Nose: Honey, toasted oats, crystalized ginger and pineapple chunks, melted crayons, honeydew rind, heather, hints of white pepper.

Palate: Medium-bodied, gentle, honey, heather, dried grass and herbs, lemon-lime granita, orange blossom, a kiss of salt and touch of white pepper.

Finish: Long and mild with citrus and grass.

Score: 6-7 (81)

Mental Image: Meadow Meditations

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was soft and gentle with notions of breakfast as honey, rolled oats, toasted almond, crystallized ginger, and dried pineapple chunks appeared.  Beside the well-fashioned bowl of oats sat chopped fruits, slightly acidic pineapple, honeydew rind, and dry, grassy, slightly floral heather.  Hints of white pepper tickled around the edges with a bit of spirit, while melted crayons lent a familiar waxiness.  Medium-bodied, the flavor profile was equally as soft spoken with honey and grass throughout as touches of fruit and an ever so slightly musty mustard green arrived at the end.  Honey and herbal-floral heather touched down with dried grass and mild parsley.  Lemon-lime granita and orange blossoms emerged with a sweet, refreshing citrus accented by a touch of salt and white pepper.  The finish was long and mild, with citrus and grass.

No deep thoughts on this whisky from me; it was the kind of dram suited to relaxation, contemplation, and disappearing into the background of the moment.  I am not sure what to make of Aultmore to be honest, it is not a malt I encounter with any frequency. This week featured the first reviews I have done of an Aultmore since 2019, and I tripled my total in the process.

Overall, sweet and relaxing like bunnies and butterflies in a Spring meadow.