Chieftain's
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
1996 Braeval 19 yr, Speyside
Red Beaune Cask Finished
52.4% ABV (104.8 proof)
Price unclear, but probably north of $100 (sample provided)
Color: gold
Smell: lots of creamy sweetness (toffee, caramel), with some vanilla, toasted almonds, and hint of red berries. Pretty big alcohol punch and oak influence as well. Nice nose. It gets a little oakier as it sits.
Taste: Soft and smooth on entry. Mouth-coating sweetness throughout - almond croissants come to mind. It's also quite floral, with an orange marmalade note that reminds me a lot of Glenfiddich 15. The red berries also come through on the midpalate. Good balance, but the medium finish brings in a slightly bitter note that doesn't mesh as well.
Overall: It's really good. Light, fresh, sweet, and slightly floral in style. B+/A- for me, but price may become a factor in your consideration. Nit-picking, I think the hint of bitterness on the finish detracts ever so slightly from the overall experience...to that point, it's a solid A-.
