M&H APEX Pomegranate Batch 8
This small batch single malt whisky from Israel was matured in ex-bourbon casks and then aged for six months in pomegranate wine casks. A type of cask that we have never come across before.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The M&H APEX Pomegranate opens with cinnamon, clove, caramel and milk chocolate. A subtle note of ginger joins in, while the flavour of wood and red grapes adds a deep complexity. An unexpected but pleasant nuance of dried tomatoes in oil rounds off the nose.
Palate
The single malt from Israel envelops the palate with a warmth that is immediately noticeable. The creamy texture carries notes of figs and dates, which are accompanied by a strong vinous flavour. Clove and ginger add a certain spiciness, while oak and caramel lend a pleasant sweetness. A hint of earthiness and leatheriness adds an extra dimension to this whisky.
Finish
The finish is long and warming, with a sweet and spicy note that is reminiscent of baking cocoa and caresses the palate with a chocolaty intensity.
Thoughts
Marcel 75/100
The M&H APEX Pomegranate Batch 8 is a spirited whisky that delivers plenty of fun with its spicy and sweet fruitiness – despite its youthful roughness, it’s a well-crafted dram perfect for enjoyable evenings.
Sascha 74/100
This Israeli single malt impresses with an intriguing cask combination and shows a solid balance between spice, fruitiness, and oak, though it still feels somewhat unrefined and will surely need time to fully develop its potential.
Value for Money: Expensive
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86/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the finishing in pomegranate wine casks influence the flavor of the M&H APEX Pomegranate Batch 8?
The six-month maturation in pomegranate wine casks imparts a unique fruity note with wine-like aromas, enriching the flavor with subtle acidity and complex depth. This type of cask supports the balance between sweet and spicy elements.
Why does the M&H APEX Pomegranate Batch 8 have no age statement, and how does this affect the whisky?
The whisky is a small batch without an age statement, meaning it’s blended from different vintages to achieve a specific flavor profile. The absence of an age statement gives the distiller more flexibility in selecting casks without being restricted by a minimum age.
What distinguishes the Israeli whisky M&H APEX Pomegranate Batch 8 compared to classic single malts from Scotland?
This whisky comes from Israel and takes advantage of local climatic conditions that accelerate and intensify the maturation process. Additionally, the finishing in pomegranate wine casks is an unusual choice that gives the whisky a distinctive fruity and spicy character, setting it apart from traditional Scottish single malts.