Amrut Cask Strength bottled 2007

I haven’t tried all of the Amruts yet, but I should make it a life mission to do so. The Intermediate Sherry and the Two Continents are both on my dream team wishlist, but they’re both in the $150+ range. However the CS release isn’t and it doesn’t disappoint. This one is at 61.9% and was bottled in 2007.

Nose: Lovely orange tang, like Orangina. Marmalade on toast. Drying, musty oak. Another reviewer said sawdust; very perceptive. Melons, pineapples, peaches, and big juicy dates drizzled in honey. A very refreshing fruity quality to this to counter the granular woody notes. After a couple of minutes in the glass, the rough edges from the high abv. disappear, and the nose becomes smooth and luscious.

Palate: Salt, marmalade, gentle vanilla, cereal, roasted almonds, leather, nutmeg, light caramel and peaches; all of which cooperate beautifully with that familiar sawdust note. The arrival is gradual with a well-timed buildup, slowly moving us towards a crescendo of fruits and spices (more nutmeg and white pepper).

Finish: Guess what? More sawdust. The faintest of wisp of smoke seems to be just out of reach. Leather. Some juicy peaches reappear. More gentle vanilla. Almonds. Nutmeg. Orange rind and Orangina. A touch of tea. Wow… Long and gorgeous.

CS is almost always the way to go, and Amrut’s no exception. I’ve tried the standard fare and the Fusion. I liked them, but this one outshines both. What I like is that it isn’t just the standard single malt on steroids; there’s more to it than that. The sawdust note is unique and lovely, and it counterbalances the rich, fruity sweetness. I’ve yet to meet an Amrut I didn’t like. It’s a shame that the more premium offerings are so expensive in Taiwan. However, this stuff is both affordable shockingly good. Highly recommended.

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