MONYMUSK 2010 MBS

Nose : refined, distinguished. The particularly fruity (apricot), creamy (almond, coconut) and vanilla first nose quickly becomes increasingly exotic (mango, persimmon, guava). Allowed to breathe, it releases beautiful woody notes (beeswax, oak stave, praline). A few heady florals (broom, mimosa, carnation) and spices (ginger, cumin, pink peppercorn) wonderfully punctuate the stripped back classicism of the aromatic palette.

Palate : lively, assertive. The attack is medicinal (camphor, ointment) at first. Then, copying the nose, it develops delicious exotic flavours (mango, persimmon, guava). On the mid-palate, spices converge, with star anise, cardamom, curry, cumin and nutmeg. They bring in their wake candied fruits, nuts (date, almond, walnut, apricot, quince, raisin) and citrus fruits (orange, lime). The end of the palate is very herbaceous (chervil, wicker, lovage).

Overall : long, balanced. Completely unexpectedly but with perfect timing, fresh fruits (pear, pippin apple) arrive to bring lots of juiciness to the start of the finish. Some will also be able to pick out red and black fruits (raspberry, strawberry, bramble, blackcurrant). This wonderfully refreshing sequence settles in for the duration. With their velvety and powdered notes (cocoa, ginger), the retro-nasal olfaction and the empty glass act in unison to clearly evoke an American rye whiskey.