Shelter Point Double Barreled 4th Release Old Vines Foch
50% ABV - British Columbia, Canada
Nose: Dark fruits, plums, raisins, spices, and light earthy, chocolate notes.
Taste: Red fruits, a grain sweetness, hints of cranberry, and lots of spices leading into the finish.
Finish: Spices – slightly peppery, with lasting dried fruits and red fruit compote.
This was my first whisky purchase of 2020 – indeed it was on the 1st of January! I really enjoy drinking Shelter Point whisky and, in particular, their Double Barreled range. This is the fourth Double Barreled release and the first one to be finished in ex-Maréchal Foch wine casks – described as a wine with intense flavours from ripe cherry, vanilla, and coffee, to tobacco and sweet earth.
This whisky really does impart strong wine vibes; from the nose right through to the finish, it has me guessing that the finishing casks were really fresh. Even for the relatively short finishing period of 152 days, I find that it has a strong influence on the base single malt. Shelter Point is only a moderately short ferry ride and, combined, a five hours drive to Quails’ Gate winery – same-day shipping!
I have managed to collect all the Double Barreled releases, except for the ex-Blackberry Wine casks release that I had just missed from their inaugural 2017 release. I am enjoying this one alongside the third release, an ex-Pinot Noir wine cask finish. Buy on sight! Shelter Point Double Barreled is great value.
Details: Malted and unmalted barley aged 4 Years in American Oak before being finished for 152 Days in Quails’ Gate Old Vines Foch wine casks. Bottle Number 151 of 1644. Bottled 2019.
Tasting Notes (Official): Nose: Dark chocolate, cherries, almonds and marzipan. Stewed fruits, oak and rum raisins followed by a selection of wine gums. Palate: Sweet, stewed fruits with oak and nutty chocolate. Finish: A warm lingering finish with fruit and nuts.
Tasted 21 February 2020. (Posted 21 February 2020.)
