Impressions, shoulder level: Pours from the bottle with intensely fruity aromas that settle to golden apples, white grapes, allspice, and fresh white bread. The palate is a starburst of fruit and wood spice, with mangos, peaches, white grape juice, freshly cut cedar, and pine. At 60+% ABV, the presentation is remarkably balanced, and the heat and intensity build at a confident but deliberate pace (a small amount of water - a few drops max- and a few minutes of rest really brings out the best in this expression). The finish is the star of this expression; it’s outstandingly long and lingers on a very pleasant Manuka honey-like note, with a faint black tea note in the background. This is my first Chapter 7 expression, but they’re quickly becoming my favorite independent bottler.
About this bottle
Chapter 7 is a Swiss independent label which specializes in hand-picked single cask releases. They are bottled at cask strength and are non-chillfiltered. Allt a Bhainne, a Speyside single malt distillery, is not often seen on its own as it is typically used for blends. This cask was filled on the 4th of August 2008. The whisky finished its maturation in a first-fill bourbon hogshead and was bottled on the 4th of September 2017 at a cask strength of 60.7% ABV. Only 321 bottles are available.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 3 parsed reviews.
A little harsh on the palate. Light and airy, not the richest taste. But very good, just not the easiest sipper without water.
After adding a cube of ice, this was fantastic. Highly recommended.
Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.
