Three words that instantly make my heart beat faster: Thalassa Ardbeg Oloroso. A sherry matured young Ardbeg aged in Oloroso quarter casks? Yes Please! The 5 year old Ardbeg used for this maturation was split in this Oloroso quarter cask, and the Thalassa Ardbeg PX quarter cask I reviewed a while ago. Since it’s Dam Dranken Week at dram1.com I ofcourse had to review this other halve of that gem of a whisky as well, and what better day than Whisky Wednesday?
It’s another Thalassa Whisky, which means it spend time aboard the Tallship Thalassa for it’s second maturation. And anyone that’s ever spend time aboard the Thalassa knows it makes everything better. All kidding aside though, this review is as good a time as any for a shootout to the ship and it’s whisky trips. I truly had the time of my life aboard and it’s an experience I will never forget. The staff, the ship, the sailing, the distilleries… the list goes on and on. It’s truly the adventure of a lifetime and I recommend every whisky lover to step aboard at least once in your life!
Back to the whisky at hand though, I’m more than curious to see what I will think of this one. I truly loved the PX version and as I’m usually more into Oloroso finishes than PX.. this Thalassa Ardbeg Oloroso should be right up my alley!
Tasting Notes: Thalassa Ardbeg PX
Stats:
ABV: 57,1% (115,6 proof)
Age: 5 years old
Distillery: Ardbeg
Bottled by: Dam Dranken / King Cask
Chill-filtered: No
Natural Colour: Yes
Nose:
Ahh Sweet & Peat, an absolute weak spot for me, I love it. The nose of this Thalassa Ardbeg Oloroso is packed full of red fruit and savoury element. Amarena cherries, strawberry marmalade and just a touch of raspberry lemonade are paired with charred bacon bits, smoked pulled pork and peppered steak straight from the bbq. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is!
Palate:
A beautiful continuation from what’s to be found on the palate. A healthy helping of cherry, strawberry and raspberry paired with more of that peppered steak. There’s also a healthy dose of honey and vanilla here and some darker notes of coffee and cacao. Some salted caramel comes to mind as well which provides a lovely sweet layer drizzled on top of the peat.
Finish:
The finish is long, very long. And although there’s a little bit of a tannic presence near the end, that completely gets overshadowed by the luscious sweetness and peatness of this dram. Dark chocolate caramels, peppered roast beef, vanilla custard, cherry bon bon’s. It’s a lovely mixture of flavours in the fhinish that sings on for hours.
Food Pairing:
I would pair this Thalassa Ardbeg Oloroso with an extra dark chocolate in a heartbeat. In fact, that combination is so golden that I find it hard to recommend anything else. Although some smoked fish (mackerel in particular) on toast works amazingly too, you’ve got to try this with that dark chocolate, it’s an amazing combo!
Verdict:
I find it hard to be objective when it comes to whiskies like this. Not because I’m a huge fan of Dam Dranken, I always remain unbiased when it comes to judging whisky. But when something fits so perfectly in my wheelhouse… everybody has their own preference. And what might be a ninety pointer for me, could very well be much less for somebody that doesn’t love this particular combination of sweet & peat. But if you’re like me. If you like the Ardbeg Uigeadail’s of this world… then this whisky will completely blow your mind. It is that good!
