Sullivans Cove TD0190 16 Year Old Single Cask 2007

'Old & Rare' American oak ex-bourbon Single Cask TD0190 was filled on the 1st of June 2007, and decanted on the 20th of November 2023, for a maturation of 16 years and 5 months. After such a long maturation, this 200-litre American oak ex-bourbon cask yielded only 168 bottles at 47.4% ABV.

    Nose:    Quite the attention grabber! Starting off with fresh green apples and a whole lot of American oak. Initially, the oak profile is on the tight side, but with air it loosens and begins to express its buttery sweet self – cashew nuts in honey, sponge cake and vanilla cream. At the same time as the oak profile is unfolding, so is the bounty of Sullivans Cove spirit character – incredibly fruity and citrusy with mango, guava, kiwi and cantaloupe. A delicious and brilliant complimentary array of flavours.

    Taste:    Wow, incredible texture and presence. Thick and waxy spirit simply bursting with candied ginger, deep chamomile, daisies and Dutch cocoa powder. The structure and body are both full and broad, initially oak-driven, but now coming into perfect balance as the spirit expresses sweet citrus and salted cantaloupe, filling out the mid-section. Wafers and sponge cake come next (with berry jam this time!), and the palate continues to unfold with orange sherbet, Turkish delight, more Dutch cocoa powder and a beautiful bright herbal and floral layer.

    Finish:   Leading the finish is the rich, chocolaty side of American oak, swiftly accompanied by the delightful warmth of citrus and fruity notes, particularly guava, reminiscent of the nose. As the finish unfolds, the herbal and bright elements intensify, and impressions of watermelon candies, daisy stems, subtle savoury hints akin to a hot chocolate stout, all rest upon a broad structure supported by beautifully firm tannins.