Halcyon Spirits is back with its sixth release. It is a Strathmill single malt distilled in 1996 and finished in a fresh Oloroso sherry hogshead. This bottling has a really limited outturn: only 132 bottles.
Strathmill 28 yo 1996 (55,3%, Halcyon Spirits 2025, Oloroso sherry cask finish #2053, 132 btl.)
Nose: starts with a wave of polished exotic hardwood, as well as mild sherry. Hints of pipe tobacco, old leather, hay and hints of red berries. Then sweeter fruits (pear, melon) along with a bit of honeycomb, caramelized walnuts, orange oil and dried mint. The wood becomes slightly floral and musty, and stays strong throughout. Ater some time a very subtle hint of tropical fruit appears as well.
Mouth: quite punchy. Especially the woody side comes out again, as if a dash of American bourbon went into this. Then Seville oranges, more honey, orchard fruits, some new leathery notes and plenty of cinnamon. Even hints of rye spice: nutmeg, dusty grains, some grassy herbs. There’s an increasing bitterness (bitter almond and herbal extract) along with maple syrup.
Finish: long and drying, with more walnuts, earthy pepper, citrus and plenty of wood spice.
An intruiging nose, as expected from Strathmill, which is often a bit of a crossover malt in my experience. On the palate it is somewhat rougher and becomes really spicy. Overall plenty of power in this interestingly imperfect whisky. Available for £ 220 from their online shop.