The finishing barrels for this whisky held wine from from Tuscany’s famed Sassicaia vineyard (Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc). Distilled 2005 and botled April 2012. Production was limited to 4200 bottles.
Tasting note: This whisky was finished for 29 months in x-Sassicaia red wine barrels. It presents a dull brassy gold appearance with some mahogany flashes as one swirls the glass. A moderately intense aroma offers suggestions of glace cherry and gentle spices with plenty of oak evident. Some subtle, sweet cherry-spice notes at mid palate are followed by a dark chocolate finish. Spices continue into the aftertaste. Red wine and whisky always seems to be a challenge. This one’s convincing but not a complete triumph. 45% Alc./Vol.