Picture: The Whisky Exchange |
Independent bottler Wemyss Malts presented its newest addition to their blended malts range: Velvet Fig. This blend without an age statement (NAS) matured wholly in ex-Oloroso sherry casks and will take its place next to The Spice King, Peat Chimney and The Hive.
They also release on a regular basis a range of single cask whiskies and a classic blend, Lord Elcho, in a NAS and a 15 years old version.
William Wemyss, Managing Director, made the following statement on Velvet Fig: ”We are thrilled with the new Wemyss Malts Velvet Fig blended malt as it will provide a unique, yet complementary addition to the Wemyss blended malt range. Velvet Fig is sure to be a favourite with those who have a passion for sherry cask matured whiskies or are looking for the perfect festive whisky.”.
Identity Card Wemyss Malts Velvet Fig
- Official bottling from Wemyss Malt
- NAS Blended malt Scotch whisky
- Alcohol: 46% ABV
- Outturn 6000 bottles
- Non-chill-filtered and natural colour
Buying baklava in an Oriental bazaar
Tasting notes
Colour: Velvet Fig has a beautiful copper colour and leaves slow legs on the side of the glass.
Nose: The first aroma's swirling upward from the glass are soft and sweet. A rich cake with oranges and nuts served with a cinnamon and dried orange tea. An abundance of warm winter fragrances makes you long for the festive season: roasted chestnuts, clove, figs (obviously) and dates. That typical wood flavour you encounter in a cosy cabin.
Water gives you even more roasted chestnuts in conjunction with raisins and Turkish delight.
Taste: The winter festivities continue on the palate. The start is rather sweet and soft but suddenly unleashes a warming spiciness. Dominant flavours are again orange and cinnamon. A mixture of nuts sprinkled with honey. Turkish pastries with pistachio and lots of sugar, in other words, Baklava. The spicy outburst carries the signature of warm winter spices such as nutmeg and galanga or ginger.
A few drops of water release an instant treat of spiciness: pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and fragrant wood bark.
Finish: The aftertaste is long and sweet. Fig jam, sweet mirabelle plums and singed liquorice root.
Conclusion
Velvet Fig is a beautiful round whisky, perfect for the upcoming winter and the festive season. I'll let you imagine the cliché fireplace yourself.
This is another excellent statement to prove that quality blends are well-matched for single malts. And grist to the mill of the pro-side of the NAS debate.
The suggested retail price is set to £40 or a little above €50. Velvet Fig will be available very shortly from specialist stores and online retailers.
As for me, this is impressive stuff and absolutely budget friendly. I would recommend it for the dreaded Christmas wish lists. Heck, I'll be putting it on mine...
Honesty abides me to say that the review sample was sent by the people of Wemyss Malts. But again: impressive stuff in this price range!
Source and images: press release Wemyss Malts
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