Kinahan's The Kasc Project [B], Hybrid Cask (Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian Oak & Chestnut) Cask, Batch No. 01, Kinahan's, 43%

crumpled lantern8 Oct

The fruit carries through from freshly cut mango and pineapple on the nose to caramelized tropical fruits and barbecued mango on the palate. Poached spiced pear and a spicy undertone give the opening some shape, while prominent charred oak and espresso burnt sugar balance the sweeter notes. The medium-to-long finish is the strongest point for me: spice and tropical fruit linger alongside toasted cereal and pleasant creamy tannins. Nutmeg, clove and orange oil add further detail. That combination of oak and spice suits my preferences, though the syrupy palate and runny caramel make this a sweeter style than I would usually favour.

The mango, pineapple and spiced pear give this a fruit character I find appealing. The notes also point to a syrupy palate and prominent charred oak, which may make the fruit feel less light.