Braeval 1994/2019 - Sansibar

Nose

A gentle, inviting sweetness from the glass. Honey and vanilla dominate the first impression, accompanied by creamy caramel that suggests an almost buttery creaminess. But this whisky has more than just sweetness: a malty depth provides structure, while oak notes are subtle.
After a few minutes in the glass, the flavour opens up further - and suddenly a light coconut note is added. Very exciting! An underlying floral freshness gives the whisky a fine elegance. No alcoholic burn, no intrusive notes - simply a wonderfully balanced nose.

Taste

The first impression on the palate confirms what the nose promised: creamy, round, sweet and at the same time full of character. The vanilla and honey are immediately present and envelop the palate with a silky texture. The malt then becomes more prominent, and with it a pleasant spiciness that testifies to the long maturation in oak barrels.
However, the highlight is the subtle coconut note that slowly blends into the flavour - almost as if the whisky has been given a hint of tropical exoticism. The oak remains present, but never dominant. There is no excessive bitterness or dryness, but a perfect balance between sweetness, spice and wood.

Finish

The finish is exactly what you would expect from a 25-year-old Speyside malt: pleasantly long, warm and deep. A slight peppery note provides a spicy kick without being overpowering. The oak notes come to the fore, but they are mild and pleasant. At the very end, a fine blend of sweet and spicy flavours lingers on the tongue.