Box American Oak

When Box launched its American Oak in 2016, they still did so in 500ml bottles. By now the malt had turned 5 years old and matured on first fill boubon casks, getting an extra finish on American new oak, casks that had not yet previously been used. The label proudly states that the malt is peated to 45ppm, which is pretty heavy.

Candied nose on apples, pears, pineapple and coconut, but the new American oak adds a lovely spiciness. Think cinnamon, vanilla, crème brûlée, lemon tart and even a hint of pastry. This is almost a liquid desert. But peated? Nothing much on the nose.

Good body. Quite oily, almost creamy. Wonderfully sweet and very spice. Yes, on the palate, the peat is very prominent with a nice development of smoke. The sweetness of the nose returns – double time – but becomes darker all the while, if you know what I mean. It leans towards barbecue.

The finish is medium long, sweet and warm. It remains spicy until the death.

My favorite Box so far, but with only 4 releases tried, that’s not saying much, of course.