Apparently the latest series of Maltbarn bottlings includes photos by a journalist in Nordenham (Germany) who died 30 years ago. Kind of a black and white ‘snapshot’ series from the past, really beautiful I must say.
We’re trying an undisclosed Highland Malt 1987, which obviously reminds us of this.
Highland Malt 32 yo 1987 (49,9%, Maltbarn 2019, sherry cask, 159 btl.)
Highland Malt 32 yo 1987 (49,9%, Maltbarn 2019, sherry cask, 159 btl.)Nose: very rounded, raisiny sherry. Plum jam, hints of milk chocolate, fudge and sweet berries. At the same time there is a mentholated / eucalyptus note as well as some worn leather. Almonds. Sweet tobacco. Whiff of cedar splints.
Mouth: quite dry, with some dark, earthy notes, pine wood and black peppercorns. Herbal liqueurs, orange peels and pipe tobacco. Nutmeg and clove. Some espresso. Aniseed as well. Quite intense, even a bit austere after the rounded note.
Finish: long, with some oak, cigar leaves, cocoa powder and herbal juice.
Really good, jammy and rounded sherry on the nose. A bit more woody and herbal on the palate, but still a nicely old-style whisky. Around € 280 but a lot of the bottles seem to be gone already.
Score: 89/100