West Cork Cask Collection Cask Strength, Bourbon Cask, 62%

Green apple and lime give this a bright opening, while vanilla and treacle bring a softer sweetness. The palate’s cookie dough, cooked banana and cinnamon sound generous without losing the fruit and citrus. Its long, hot finish suggests the 62% cask strength is a real part of the character, so this seems less suited to someone seeking an especially gentle dram. Still, the contrast between rich sweetness and brisk fruit makes it an engaging, approachable idea for a blended whisky at full strength.

Reviewed by cinnamon kettle

Nose

Sharp green apple and lime, Mellow vanilla, a hint of treacle and sweet fruit, Green wood and herbs

Palate

Cookie dough, cooked banana and raw cinnamon, Green apple, pear, herbs and citrus peel, Honey, toasted graham crackers and slightly bitter baking chocolate

Finish

Cherry bakewells and lemon peel, Long and hot, with banana, mint, vanilla, honey and oak, Rich, creamy vanilla and grassy notes