Chamarel 2014 ex-Islay cask, Highveld Aging Series

Aged in French Oak casks for at least six years in the cellars of Chamarel to create their well-known XO, which consists of approximately 70% column still and 30% pot still, this rum was taken one step further with an additional two years of ageing in an ex-Laphroaig whisky cask.

This single estate rum made from pure and unique sugarcane has been bottled exclusively for the South African market.

Profile:  A marriage of two worlds

Colour:  Burnt Amber

Nose:  A familiar nose (this classic Islay distillery) come to mind but it’s the typical fresh Hogshead notes that come screaming from the glass including baked pudding fruits, sponge cake and golden sticky toffee apples. Combined with a typical and familiar French Oak style Chamarel XO, one feels intrigued by two very different worlds, somehow finding balance. Unpacking the rum, more spicy notes of nutmeg and a hint of star anise combine with herbs and salt to create a nostalgic note of roast chicken skin. Allowed to breathe the Islay seaside comes to mind but the vegetal fresh sugarcane is always present.

Palate:  Peat smoke, subtle spices, and baked pudding notes. Tobacco leaf, leather chesterfields and tropical humidity. The finish is so powerful that it takes over mid-palate and almost steals the show!

Finish:  The finish driven by this ex-Islay peated whisky cask delivers an extraordinary spicy smoke and lingering finish that is very satisfying and very recognisable in the whisky world!  Very moresome!