Navazos Palazzi Cask Strength Malt Whisky, Palo Cortado Single Cask

Nose: Oh, here's a pretty number. Rather faint at first, and the Palo Cortado takes the lead. Oxidized, nutty, fine caramel, and this wonderfully fruity vein. Actually, it's surprisingly fruity without being a fruit bomb. Seedless strawberries (you know what I mean), lots of red berries and fruit. A fine malt lurks behind the sherry; it took some effort to get there through the Palo Cortado. It gradually blends with the sherry.

Palate: All those sherry notes from the nose are there, and even a touch of coffee. Sweet malt, rich, too. The fruit is something like a burned jam, if you take my meaning. Definitely not sweet, and the oak gives it enough acidity to provide structure for the rest. Sadly, most of the fruit is gone here, but there are no surprises otherwise, and that's a good thing.

Finish:There's the jammy red fruit! It must have just been resting and biding its time. The rest is just a continuation of the palate. The malt is well made in its own right, but it really serves here to showcase what great Palo Cortado casks can offer and do. It's impressive to see how thoroughly the sherry is integrated (even with just a bit of time). I really like this. A lot. B+