McGibbon's Port Ellen 23 Years Old, Provenance

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 57 by Martine Nouet and Michael Jackson.

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Tasting Notes

Martine Nouet Nose Fruity. A declension of apple fragrances. Cider, oven roasted apples with cinnamon. Apple blossom. All framed in burning applewood. Palate Firm, slightly tangy. Getting sweeter in time but oak keeps a spicy grip on the fruit. Finish Dry, spicy and almondy. Comment Reminded me of old Calvados. Oak tends to overwhelm fruit but a wee dash of water tones it down. Very unpeated for a Port Ellen!

Michael Jackson Nose Rich with ripe, red fruits. Some pear and Calvados notes. Pain au chocolate. Chocolate and caramel. Palate Sweet, then charcoal. Fresher with water. Finish Peppery. Charred. Becomes pleasantly astringent. Water reveals wood smoke. Comment A nose, rich in desert character, is balanced by charcoal-like dryness.