Part of Diageo's Special Releases for 2024, Spirited Xchange Second Edition, a collection said to be an exploration of the uncharted territories of taste, produced under the guidance of master blender Dr Stuart Morrison. Ambrosial Feast is a single malt from the Caol Ila distillery on Islay, crafted with unpeated barley, short fermentation, cloudy warts and part-filled stills. Matured for 11 years in a combination of American and European oak refill and rejuvenated wine casks; while some distillers refer to barrels that have been shaved, toasted, and re-charred as STR casks, Diageo refers to them as 'rejuvenated'. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.3%. (Bottle size 750ml)
Nose: Unexpectedly mild, with unusual nutty-spicy top notes that together suggest an old fashioned dairy, with a creamy cheese being made, open milk pans. A little water sweetens the nose, bringing up a light hint of fruit.
Palate: Smoothly creamy and mouth-filling and notably fruity and nutty in style. Lightly tannic and drying overall, with an oaky spiciness, this is a truly unusual and beautifully textured malt with layers of fruity, nutty flavour. A dash of water brings out more of the creamy, rich smoothness and emphasises the fruitiness.
Finish: Of a good length, again nutty, finishing dry and with a pinch of warming spice that carries on in the aftertaste. Similar, though shorter, with a drop of water.
