LITTLEMILL 1988 Berry Bros. & Rudd

Nose : fine, distinguished. In true Littlemill style, the opening is herbaceous (cut hay), slightly salty, spiced (pepper, cinnamon) and especially fruity (pear, apple). It gradually grows increasingly creamy, tangy (lemon tart) and heady (iris, carnation). A handful of exotic fruits (pineapple, banana) punctuate the aromatic palette beautifully.

Palate : elegant, precise. Its slightly rough texture is reminiscent of Golden Delicious apple peel. Crunchy and juicy, the mid-palate showcases the perfect maturity of the many fruits that reach their crescendo here, with apple leading the way, accompanied by pear, Mirabelle plum and white peach. Gradually, acacia honey coats the taste buds, while spices and aromatic herbs (lime blossom, vervain) add balance and subtlety to the back of the palate.

Overall : long, taut. Menthol and green barley add the freshness required to ensure this finish stands up to time, with the addition of dried fruit (apricot, dates). Citrus fruit (lemon) and pineapple give way to a burst of chillies (Espelette pepper, Cayenne pepper). The grand finale culminates with vanilla-scented and iridescent notes (slate, heady florals). The retro-nasal olfaction is spiced (star anise, cardamom) and roasted (coffee, tea).