Cem Tunçel
Before Boğazkere Wine Cask Finish
Nose
Bright, vibrant, and beautifully nostalgic, at least for me 😊 The aroma opens with a generous burst of citrus—vivid lemon taking the lead—harmoniously mingled with the crispy fresh orchard fruits and a lively kick of ginger. Beneath this fruit basket lies vanilla, alongside a wonderfully vivid note of fresh, green plum that instantly whisks me back to childhood in Istanbul where I had a lot of those climbing up the trees 😊. A gentle kiss of saltiness drifts in from the background.
Palate
Wonderfully alive and instantly mouthwatering. The palate delivers a beautifully fresh, crisp sensation, coated in the rich warmth of honey and bright citrus. In the meanwhile, the spices wake up beautifully—a bold surge of zesty ginger combines with a crackle of crushed black pepper, creating a lively, tingling spicy freshness.
Finish
The departure is long, satisfying, and beautifully spiced. As the sweetness gently recedes, you are left with the cozy, lingering glow of ginger, a final prickle of black pepper, and a bright whisper of citrus. It stretches from a medium-long to a beautifully sustained long finish, leaving a crisp, clean, and memorable impression.
After Boğazkere Wine Cask Finish
Nose
Beautifully transformed, yet comfortably familiar. The once-crisp citrus and fresh orchard fruits have deepened into a rich lemon-citrus jam, while that nostalgic green plum note continues to shine through. The coastal saltiness still lingers in the air, but it is now joined by a sophisticated new companion: the gentle, structured whisper of Boğazkere wine tannins humming quietly in the background. Despite the added depth, it retains its wonderfully bright, fresh single malt identity.
Palate
A vibrant explosion of warmth and flavour. The spices have truly taken charge here, delivering a bold, crackling surge of black pepper that is much more intense and dominant than before. Yet, the dram remains mouthwatering with some additional impact of tannins from Bogazkere Wine. Flowing perfectly from the nose, the palate is coated in that decadent citrus-lemon jam, wrapped in a generous embrace of sweet vanilla. Those fresh orchard fruits have evolved too, tasting softer and riper; except the fresh green plum, it is still there as before 😊
Finish
A beautifully sustained, long finish. As the warmth slowly settles, you are left with a final, comforting embrace of that sweet lemon jam paired with a lingering, cozy prickle of black pepper that stays with you until the very last echo. The nose, palate and the finish are aligned.
Al Onur Sozer
Nose
Bright citrus notes lead the way, accompanied by a touch of sea salt. A distinct wine-like astringency intertwines with aromas of dried red berries, creating an intriguing balance of freshness and depth.
Palate
Despite its high ABV, the alcohol is remarkably well integrated and barely noticeable. The palate is rich and oily, delivering a satisfying mouthfeel. Sweet and gently tannic, it showcases pronounced wine influence, complemented by notes of ginger, red fruit, and a pleasant drying character.
Finish
The wine cask influence continues through the finish, which remains both sweet and tannic. Layers of cherry and red berry notes emerge gradually, leading to a medium-long finish that lingers elegantly on the palate.
Manuk Ayazian
Nose
Inviting and elegant, opening with golden honey and ripe pear, followed by delicate floral aromas. Gentle oak spice weaves through the bouquet, while a touch of citrus adds brightness and freshness.
Palate
Soft and well-balanced, featuring notes of honey and creamy vanilla layered with warm cinnamon spice.
Light tannins provide structure, while baked apple brings a comforting orchard-fruit sweetness and depth.
Finish
Medium to long in length, gradually developing into lingering oak spice with subtle cherry notes that add a pleasant fruity complexity to the fade.
Overall Impression
A refined and approachable dram that balances sweetness, fruit, spice, and oak with impressive harmony. The combination of honeyed orchard fruits, gentle tannins, and warming spices creates a whisky that is both elegant and easy-drinking, while the lingering cherry and Oak notes provide a satisfying and memorable finish.