Monymusk 1997 EMB - For Begnoni - 67,9%
Photo taken somewhere in Stuttgart
After two fantastic sessions we (sadly) complete the last Velier release of the tropical triptych containing the mark EMB. Giuseppe Begnoni is the owner of the treasure chest "Whiskyparadise" and a famous collector who bought the world's biggest whisky collection from E. Giaccone, who died in 1996. Coming with 22 years of tropical aging and a congener content of 427,2 g/hlpa (almost double the 2010) it's technically no EMB according to Jamaican Ester Classification.
Nose
Do you also hear Hendrix smashing his Voodoo Child anthem? It's definitely the funkiest of the three, with plenty of nail polish, sweet-and-sour overripe pineapples and dried mangos. Yet, it's a bit defensive at this stage. Let's tear down the wall with a few drops of water. Oh boy, now we're talking! Revealing a fresh sweetness of wet paint, chestnut honey, tamarind paste, salted caramel and essential oils, dominantly eucalypt, lavender and violets. That lavender note is truly an asset and seems to be distinctive for this mark. We also find a meatiness of fried lamb in coconut butter. This plus mint sauce and you have an english meal.
Palate
An explosion of exotic fruits, notably overripe pineapples, bananas and agaves, carried by a pleasant sweetness and slight sourness. It's not as powerful as the 1995, but extremely well balanced, with a heavy body and oily texture. Actually the palate wouldn't require water, but we are curious (and ruthless) as you know:
All the edges are gone and chocolate creme with coffee beans are now running the show.
Finish
Similarly endless as it's predecessors, with a strong espresso, cocoa and mezcal-y note coating the whole mouth.
Rating
Velier did a terrific job picking those casks, with each one being individually great. The 1995 was earthier, fatter and more complex, while the 1997 was funkier and fruitier, but also more balanced (especially on the finish). In contrast the 2010 was spicier, austere and more herbal. The chance to see another EMB release by Velier in the near future is close to zero. That's a tragedy even Shakespeare couldn't describe. Yet there is light at the end of the tunnel.
