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Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1%

Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1%

Scotland Single Malt Scotch Score: 8.7/10

Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1% is a highly acclaimed Single Malt Scotch whiskey crafted in Scotland. With an impressive rating of 8.7/10, it features distinctive notes of Apple, Brine, Brown Sugar. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts seeking single malt scotch expressions from Scotland.

About This Whiskey

The Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 Year Old 1996 is a single cask release that showcases the complexity and depth of the North Highland region of Scotland, renowned for producing whiskies with a distinctive coastal and slightly peaty character. This particular release, with an ABV of 56.1%, is bottled at cask strength, which allows the full flavor profile to come forward. The 1996 vintage has benefited from nearly two decades of maturation in a single cask, offering a more concentrated and rich whisky experience. The whisky presents itself as a bold, refined expression with nuances of fruit, spice, and oak.

Tasting Notes

NOSE: The nose opens with a vibrant mix of green apples and citrus zest, followed by the gentle influence of vanilla and a soft layer of honey. As it opens up, there’s an increasing presence of spice, with ginger and cinnamon gently tickling the nose, paired with a hint of toasted oak. A delicate layer of sea salt and a subtle note of brine add complexity, alluding to the coastal influence of the North Highland distillery. As the whisky breathes, a faint trace of dried fruits—specifically apricots—emerges, enhancing the overall fruity profile.
TASTE: On the palate, the whisky is initially rich and full-bodied, with a smooth, creamy texture. It starts with an influx of dried fruits—raisins, dates, and a touch of fig, which gradually develop into a layer of spiced oak. The cask strength of this whisky adds a robust intensity, accentuating flavors of dark chocolate, brown sugar, and toffee. There's a slight salty edge, likely from the coastal influences, alongside a delicate trace of smoke, though it’s not overpowering, providing a subtle complexity to the experience. As the whisky moves across the tongue, a spicy kick from black pepper and clove emerges, balancing the initial sweetness and deepening the flavors.
FINISH: The finish is long and warming, with the initial sweetness of dried fruit and toffee fading into a deeper, more savory profile. The lingering flavors of oak, spice, and a hint of smoke are the final notes, offering a refined and pleasing conclusion. A gentle brine note lingers in the background, providing a coastal edge that keeps the finish intriguing and complex.

Flavor Profile

Apple Brine Brown Sugar Cinnamon Clove Dark Chocolate Date Dried Ginger Honey Oak Pepper Salt Smoke Tart Toast Toffee Vanilla Zest

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Frequently Asked Questions About Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1%

What type of whiskey is Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1%?

Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1% is a Single Malt Scotch whiskey from Scotland. This type is known for its distinctive characteristics and unique production process.

How should I taste Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1%?

For the best tasting experience, pour Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1% into a tulip-shaped glass and let it rest for a few minutes. Start by nosing the whiskey to appreciate its aromatic complexity. Take small sips and let the whiskey coat your palate. You may want to add a few drops of water to open up the flavors. We recommend enjoying it neat to fully appreciate its character.

What foods pair well with Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1%?

Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1% pairs excellently with smoked salmon, oysters, and strong cheeses. The smoky character matches beautifully with seafood and robust flavors.

What are the main flavor notes in Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1%?

The flavor profile of Exclusive Malts North Highland 17 year old 1996 Cask # 7025, 56.1% features Apple, Brine, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Clove. These flavors create a complex and layered tasting experience that has been highly praised by critics and enthusiasts alike.