The Oamaruvian

Sitting in the bar at the Dowans looking at their whisky collection I noticed this bottling by The New Zealand Whisky Company called The Oamaruvian. Bottled in February 2015 at 58,4% (cask strength) at an age of 16 years old from barrel #544. Not planning to make notes on this Scotland trip but just needed to sit down with it looking outside over Aberlour and trying to get to the bottom of this dram. On the bottle it tells us the following story:

New Zealand whisky evangelists and winemakers Warren and Deb Preston identified Oamaru's historic Harbour Precinct as an ideal seaside climate for whisky maturation. Next they did something profound. They decanted over 200 barrels of Dunedin distilled single grain whisky out of American bourbon barrels and into French oak NZ wine barrels. 

The Dunedin Double Wood was born. Eight years on, the New Zealand Whisky Collection is proud to present The Oamaruvian - specialy selected casks chosen for their rich toffee, floral nose and creaming soda mouth feel with a hint of Oamaru sea spray to finish

The nose has dark and thick wood notes with creamy toffee and red apples. Oranges, spices and a hint of balsamic between the sweet crème brulee notes. Light figs, candied ginger, tumtum sweets and tropical fruits in the back.

This all carries on to the palate that is thick and bit woody with loads of sweetness in it. But also notes of floor polish, leather and a dirty wax coat. Spices, citrus fruits, honey, creamy vanilla and raisins. Dried apricots, red apple, honeysuckle, ginger, nutmeg and a light floral note of cherry blossom. Finding different fresh and dried fruits in it.

Finish is sweet and of medium length. It is a lovely dram for sure and scoring it an 7,5 out of 10. You can see the influence from the casks, it is maybe a bit heavy on the wood notes, almost lingering towards tannins, hints of sulphur and a virgin wood feeling. Honey sweet, spicy and fruity overall.

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