Goldlys 1994 Limousin Cask

The first time I tasted a Belgian whisky from Goldlys (which was the Goldlys Owner’s Reserve), I was not a happy camper.

At the Whisky Festival in Ghent last weekend, the other expressions from Goldlys were also available for nosing & tasting, so I figured I'd give one of their more special expressions a go.

I tried this Goldlys 1994 Limousin Cask.

The nose was promising at first with fresh fruits, vanilla and a lot of oak. There was some burnt sugar there and something that reminded me of a waxy product that my mom used to clean furniture. Polish! Unfortunately, the small soon became rather pharma-like, unnatural, chemical. My expectations took a steep dive. 'Told you so!' a small voice in my head whispered.

In the mouth it's rather dry and very herbal. I am reminded of a pair of leather gloves, fruit, but it's overpowered by nutmeg and peppers. I'm not sure I like this at all. It reminds me of American dram, but doesn't even come close to Buffalo Trace or Bernheim.

The finish is rather long and dry, with wood playing the first fiddle and chasing the honey and banana touches behind the choir.

I saw this expression being praised on many a blog (scoring it more than 86), but I'm not convinced. Maybe I just don't get it. Or else, I'm just not ready for this kind of drink.