Scotland Malts: Strathmill Strathmill Single Cask 22 yrs, 1990

Strathmill, 22yr old, 1990.

Color: Very light gold or straw like? Openness of the nose: Very open, I would say five on a scale of one to six.

Nose: A very interesting type of nose altogether, one you can definitely enjoy for a while before taking that first sip. Honey, juicy wet apples, citrus fruit, fresh floral notes, even some perfume like hints. On second nosing a rich, subtle and delicate, landscape of flavors unfolds itself to me. First impression is still the warm smell of honey accompanied by these juicy wet apples one only finds in the peak of summer. Second nosing reveals hints of star anise and citrus fruits.

Taste: Sweet, fresh and round in the mouth, citrus fruit, apples, mixed with notes of hay and warm hints of star anise. Wow what a surprise! After a soft and subtle start I find dry and pleasantly fresh tannins in the middle, and then quickly an entire symphony of surprisingly smoky flavors set in. I also notice something I can only describe as a cigar tobacco like influence. Completely unexpected this delicate and gentle seeming whisky packs a really nice punch of smoke! After the smokiness settles it is gently wrapped up in subtle floral, apple and citrus fruit tones again. The dry and pleasant tannins carry on towards the finish and the smokiness disappears leaving a strange taste of dusty dried hay and liquorice behind which invites me for another sip. It seems to me this release really hit the spot. For a peathead surprising smokiness in a whisky is always a great thing, especially if it is so well rounded out and accompanied by so many subtle flavors. I will be enjoying this bottle till the last drop. It is a rare find since 22 year vintage and single cask Strathmill releases are not common in the market at all.

93 points.