THE JUBILANT RETURN OF VELVET FIG, AGED FOR 25 YEARS IN SHERRY CASKS
2020 marks the 15th anniversary of Wemyss Malts and as such we have created some remarkable releases to celebrate this milestone. Following on from the release of Black Gold in January, we are delighted to share with Cask Club members the exciting return of Velvet Fig now aged for 25 years in sherry cask.
Velvet Fig was first released back in 2014 and was Wemyss Malts first foray into both limited editions and sherry cask matured blended malts. The release was hugely successful and Velvet Fig later went on to win the Best Scotch Blended Malt at the 2015 World Whisky Awards. The original Velvet Fig is now sadly finished (except perhaps for a few bottles squirreled away by savvy whisky fans) and is still often fondly remembered and talked about among Wemyss Malts fans. With such fan reverence we tasked ourselves to bring back Velvet Fig and continue our exploration into sherry cask matured malt whiskies.
In 2019, Isabella Wemyss, Production Director for Wemyss Malts secured 5 casks of exceptional 1994 vintage sherry cask matured malt whisky from undisclosed Highlands and Speyside single malt distilleries. We then set about blending the whisky to add a velvety body, richness and complex wood tannin.
The addition of several casks of unpeated 1988 vintage, sherry matured Bunnahabhain malt whisky was at first an unexpected addition but once added imparted amazing woody aromas and a full, velvety mouthfeel.
The total of 20 casks were blended together and transferred into 14 refill hogsheads to marry for a total of 16 months.
The result is a exquisitely fruity, rich and complex malt whisky with aromas of antique wood, vintage leather and velvety flavours of dark fruits and chocolate.
COLOUR: Polished mahogany
NOSE: Rich blackcurrant preserve and maple toffee balance against complex wood aromas and aromatic spices that remind one of an antique humidor.
PALATE: Rich fruit notes of dried figs, maraschino cherries, dates, plums and dried apricot alongside premium milk chocolate creates a flavour reminiscent of Black Forest gateau. Subtle wood spices and a leathery meatiness adds depth to the whisky and an unctuous, velvety mouthfeel.
FINISH: A subtle sweet and floral note like gourmet Turkish Delight.
As of 12pm today Velvet Fig Aged 25 Years has been preview released exclusively to Wemyss Malts Cask Club members via www.wemyssmalts.com/cask-club and is priced at £126.95 for the 700ml bottle and gift box. Membership to the Cask Club is free to join and can be signed up to from the same website.
Cask Club members will require there login password: CSKCLB19SN