N.Z. Malt Whisky Co 1989

The Cask Strength Collection contains a series of single malts that vary in age from 21 to 26 years. They are (obviously) bottled at cask strength, ranging from 50 to 65% ABV. This cask from 1989 has an ABV of 54,5%. It is 22 years old and was distilled at the Willowbank Distillery.

Again a sweet nose with yellow fruit and florale hints, but this one has some more banana. Unripe, mind you. The spices are more outspoken. Think ginger and liquorice. A bitter edge of blood oranges or grapefruit. Then some grain cookies shine through. Wait, make that parovita. You know, the diet cracker from wheat. Mild sour touch as well. With some water, the sourness is stronger, which is not an advantage.

It is quite oily on the palate and easily quaffable despite the high ABV. Spicy, no doubt. Then the oak kicks in. Quite a bit, in fact, pushing away the sweet fruit. Underlying I get some apples and pears. Some toffee again, but it is the spiciness from the oak that clamors for attention. Ginger in the lead. With a teaspoon of water the citrus takes over, which is good.

The finish is long on ginger and the like. Warm and spicy.

A very spicy whisky, that keeps the fruit from showing its true colors (unless you add water). The least interesting of the lot, in my opinion.