Shelter Point The Collective
46% ABV - British Columbia, Canada
Nose: The nose starts with light fruits and touches on a moderate phenolic aroma. I think there is a malty underlayer with some citrus, toffee, and spices on top.
Taste: A mild smokiness rolls over orchard fruits and at the border finds orange citrus and spices—that slightly reminds me of a wine-finished malt.
Finish: Ends with malted sweetness, some dried fruits, and... a powdered candy(?). Perhaps some smoked notes too. Medium-long length.
Shelter Point. They continue to be not only my favourite local distillery but also one of my favourite Canadian distilleries. I get excited when I see a new release, and I have added quite a few new Shelter Point bottles in the last few months. It is great that some, like The Collective, are offered in a half-bottle (375mL) format. If you order direct from the Shelter Point Distillery, then it’s free shipping if you buy two bottles! Too convenient.
I’m enjoying this one, and I hope to be able to share it… but those days gathering with other whisky folks have been largely put on hold. It might not last until a time when gatherings aren’t so frowned upon! I suppose that is the downside of a smaller bottle: a smaller amount of whisky.
Details: The Collective is the result of a delicious blend of five specially selected casks that reflect the collective spirit and passion of the Shelter Point family. All whiskies selected are at least 4 years old.
4 Single Malt casks and 1 Single Grain cask, aged or finished in Virgin Oak, American Oak, French Oak, and ex-Islay (Laphroaig) casks.
Tasting Notes (Official): On the nose, The Collective has distinct notes of vanilla and cinnamon with bursts of fruity flavor. The palate is spicy and fruity leading to the satisfying finish that is long with an assortment of spices, cherry wood and salt.
Tasted 02 December 2020. (Posted 05 December 2020.)
