Equipo Navazos La Bota 88 De Malt Whisky Overseas Dry Oloroso Cask

Description

I had the chance try try this extraordinary spirit week or so ago.  And I was literally, bowled over.  Independent sherry bottlers Equipo Navazos matured Spanish grain spirit in one of the finest dry Oloroso casks I have ever tried.

And what an experience tasting this gem was.  This is an unknown Scottish single malt, possibly barely a 5yo, that has then been further matured, in Spain,  in some of the finest and ancient dry Oloroso casks that money can buy.

This single cask bottling is believed to be around a 12yo.

I could imagine the Scot’s were not too happy about this.

For me, it is that sublime and beautifully refined, with the poise of old oak and that distinct flavour of a very classy Oloroso sherry. Nuts and stewed Autumnal fruits, sitting on top of sweet and creamy barley, the sprint is lively and then the seaside flavoured  peat as well.  700 bottles, bottled in 2018.

Official notes read, “It’s a Whisky of remarkable character and complexity. It boasts an enticing peaty touch to the nose (which may give some a clue as to its origin) balanced beautifully with the intense influence of the old Sherry cask. Fragrant and soft with poached pear, roasted malt and a hint of coffee bean and crème brûlée, the aromas give way to a sweet palate, intense and softly fruited, with florals, butterscotch and plenty of peaty smokiness—like Balvenie meets Islay. It’s got some power—even at 46% it’s happy with a touch of water—yet remains in perfect proportion. Finishes with notes of wild honey and, again, that delicious twang of iodine. La Bota de Magic”.