STARWARD 2017 ex-Apple Brandy Single Cask Antipodes

Nose : Refined, delicate. With rare intensity, the first nose reveals especially ethereal aromas of marshmallow, sugared almonds and orange blossom. These opening notes immediately place the spotlight on the aroma palette’s finesse. Allowed to breathe, liquorice, apricot and quince jelly appear harmoniously alongside a nobly spiced wood (pink peppercorn). This first stage of the tasting is punctuated by stunning notes of lychee and sweet chestnut.

Appearance : Cuivre orangé.

Palate : Taut, lively. The deeply sophisticated attack gives an incredibly precise rendition of quince jelly infused with vanilla pods. Staying on the same track, the mid-palate turns eastwards with rosewater, Turkish delight and rice pudding. The heady end of the palate (orange blossom, dahlia, hyacinth) is characterised by notes of grated ginger, dried walnut and precious wood (oak).

Overall : Long, invigorating. At the start of the finish, a delicious apple jelly appears alongside smoke rings from a Havana cigar. Next, citrus fruit zests (lemon, grapefruit) add energy to an also heady end of the finish (eucalyptus, ginseng). The beady retro-nasal olfaction highlights the freshness of a deeply original palette of flavours. The empty glass is rich (Vienna coffee, eclair).