The winter is here finally (even in Israel), and we’ve had some lower temperatures the last few days (under 10C is considered chilly in these parts of the world). that’s the time you bring out the sherry, and heavy peat, right? Right. I sampled a few interesting Millstones last year, and this was one of them (a peated version and rye also are available). Basically if you’re not familiar with Millstone, it is the single malt label of the Zuidam Dutch distillery. Zuidam are a well known distilling company, making Genever, Liquors and Rum. I quite like their whiskies myself, and think they are showing great promise and a high level of distilling, far beyond other EU whisky makers. You do not get any Off notes, or funky whisky notes you often get in European whiskies (in some, ok.). After 12 years in sherry, this whisky is delicious , IMHO. let’s dram:
Millstone 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured , 46.0% , £77 | € 67
Nose: a very nice sweet and deeply sherried nose. Not monstrous sherry but pretty pronounced. Lots of spice and vanilla. Dried fruit. Mainly sultana with a balsamic touch. Sherry, right?
I’m also picking up some earthy notes and Demerara sugar. Good balance.
Palate: nice and sweet with lots of date paste and a touch of rum marinated dried prunes . Quite a bit of desert wine notes as well as crushed peppercorns and a punch of cinnamon and cardamom. Really feels like a nice sherry aged scotch malt. Really nice stuff. Chocolate too infused with clove.
Finish : ray dun and nut chocolate. Cinnamon and sweet sherry.
Bottom line:
This is one tasty sherried whisky. excellent balance, and showing maturity and finesse. I would never guess this is not a good sherried scotch if you did not tell me. that’s a lot when it comes to non-scotch whiskies. Certainly a dram to try and enjoy on a winter night. Good stuff, and available EU (whisky base shop) and UK (Master of malt here).
Score: 86/100
Cheers Sjoerd for the sample
Rating?
See inside 😉