Cem Tunçel
Before Boğazkere Wine Cask Finish
Nose
Bright and welcoming. It opens with a gentle sweetness reminiscent of lemon bonbons—specifically carrying that nostalgic, zesty comfort of a Turkish Olips Lemon candy; those who are from Turkiye would probably know what I mean 😊. Delicate whispers of jasmine flower and a hint of nail polish hiding in the background. As it sits in the glass, a crisp, freshly sliced green apple emerges, adding a beautiful brightness to the bouquet.
Palate
That lovely lemon bonbon sweetness carries over beautifully. Soon, a gentle wave of warming spice joins the party—cloves taking centre stage, with just a soft whisper of ginger humming in the background. The palate completes with a juicy, mouthwatering vibrancy that keeps you reaching for the next sip.
Finish
The departure is lingering and sweet, leaving behind the cozy memory of lemon bonbons, aromatic cloves, and a faint, warming trace of ginger. Medium-long finish.
After Boğazkere Wine Cask Finish
Nose
The influence of the Boğazkere cask is immediate and striking with a distinct, structural tannin presence. The original sweet lemon and the fresh green apple flavours continue. The delicate whispers of jasmine flower are still there, but they have stepped into the background together with a hint of nail polish.
Palate
A beautiful contrast. While the palate is noticeably drier and less overtly sweet than before, that nostalgic Olips lemon bonbon flavour bursts through with surprising, vibrant strength. The spices have truly woken up here—bold, aromatic cloves and a sharp kick of ginger step into the spotlight, combining with a stronger mouthwatering impact, wine-forward dryness that makes the dram feel structured and complex.
Finish
The dram leaves a beautifully balanced impression. The lightly sweet lemon bonbon lingers all the way to the end, perfectly poised against a final, harmonious echo of cloves and ginger. Medium finish.
Al Onur Sozer
Before Boğazkere Wine Cask Finish
Nose
Fresh and elegant. Notes of vanilla cream, fresh orchard fruits, and bright citrus zest lead the profile, supported by subtle floral tones and a gentle oily nuttiness.
Palate
Crisp and lively on the arrival, showing vibrant citrus character with fresh fruit sweetness. A delicate nutty oiliness adds texture and balance, giving the whisky a clean yet layered mouthfeel.
Finish
Medium to long. Lingering citrus oils and soft fruit notes remain pleasantly on the palate with a refined freshness.
After Boğazkere Wine Cask Finish
Nose
More expressive and structured. Red wine tannins emerge immediately alongside notes of fresh red fruits, citrus peel, and subtle vinous sweetness. The influence of the wine cask brings added depth and complexity.
Palate
Noticeably drier and more textured. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity dominate the development, creating a mouthwatering profile with citrus-driven sharpness and hints of underripe pear. The wine finish adds grip and intensity, particularly across the upper palate.
Finish
Medium to long. Drying tannins and lingering citrus remain on the upper palate, leaving a persistent, slightly wine-driven freshness with elegant bitterness and structure.
Manuk Ayazian
Before Boğazkere Wine Cask Finish
Nose
Bright and approachable, with notes of fresh citrus, golden honey, creamy vanilla, and ripe pear.
Palate
Sweet honey and toasted nuts lead the way, followed by rich caramel and gentle baking spices. A subtle peppery warmth and a hint of citrus add balance and freshness.
Finish
Medium in length, leaving lingering notes of honeyed malt and soft spice.
After Boğazkere Wine Cask Finish
Nose
The wine cask influence brings added depth, introducing ripe plum alongside layers of vanilla and honey. Light tannins provide structure without dominating the spirit.
Palate
Honey and vanilla remain at the core, now complemented by warming cinnamon and clove.
Delicate stone-fruit notes, particularly peach, emerge on the mid-palate, while soft wine-derived tannins add complexity and elegance without overpowering the whisky.
Finish
Medium to long. Slightly drier than before due to the tannic influence of the Bogazkere cask, with lingering spice, orchard fruit, and gentle oak.
Overall Impression
The Boğazkere wine cask finish enhances the whisky’s complexity while preserving its original character. The finish shifts the profile from a citrus-forward, honeyed malt toward a richer expression featuring plum, peach, warming spices, and refined tannins, resulting in a more layered and sophisticated dram.