Annandale 2017/2020 ManOSword Founders Selection Cask 348
The casks in which the New Make was later to mature took an exciting route. If Annandale's single malt whisky tastes anywhere near as complex as the Shaved Toasting and Recharring (STR) cask-burning process was, then we have a unique single cask bottling here.Originally, the barrels were filled with French Burgundy for up to seven years. The staves of the barrels were planed and toasted over fire with oak chips. This process is supposed to caramelise sugar and vanillin - exposed by the planing process. Finally, the casks were burnt out again and transported from Spain to Scotland. During the transport, the barrels were filled with Oloroso sherry. This ensured that the barrels remained hydrated.
Tasting Notes
Nose
With a neat cold, medicinal and iodine-like smoke, the single cask whisky ManOSword by Annandale greets us in the nose. Shortly after the olfactory receptors get used to the smoke, coconut and almond aromas follow, layered with bark mulch and a fresh potting soil. This reminds us a little of the coconut-soil potting tablets you can get in any DIY store.
Palate
The more than 60% vol. highlight the flavours very clearly and manage to create a full and at the same time dusty mouthfeel. A true peat explosion. We clearly perceive some pineapple next to the peat-smoke. A little later, vanilla and peach follow with a slight saltiness and subliminal but not unpleasant spiciness.
Finish
What remains is strong peat-smoke, a peppery spiciness and a slight tingle.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
This Annandale ManOSword is a true character, delivering intense smokiness and surprising fruity notes that make for a thoroughly enjoyable experience on the palate – perfect for a relaxed evening with friends and engaging conversations about the cask and its story.
Sascha 81/100
The complex cask treatment and high alcohol content give the Annandale 2017/2020 ManOSword an impressive balance of smoke, sweetness, and spice, maintaining a structured and nuanced profile – a technically sophisticated single cask Lowland whisky with a clearly defined character.
Value for Money: Fair
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What is special about the maturation process of the Annandale 2017/2020 ManOSword?
The casks were originally seasoned with French Burgundy, then planed, toasted with oak chips, and charred (STR process). During transport to Scotland, they were hydrated with Oloroso sherry, which promotes a complex aromatic profile in the whisky.
How does the high alcohol content of 60.6% affect the taste?
The high alcohol content intensifies the aromas and provides a full, dusty mouthfeel. It enhances the peat notes, fruity sweetness, and peppery spiciness in the finish.
Why is there no age statement on this Annandale single malt?
The whisky is a new make spirit matured directly in the special STR cask without traditional aging. The complexity arises from the cask process rather than extended maturation.