Specification: Crafted to showcase complexity and depth, Rare Cask is drawn from the broadest spectrum of casks, 16 different types, ever identified by the master Whisky Maker. Far less 1% of those casks maturing at the distillery have been identified as fitting to bestow the Rare Cask name. With rarity at its core, this is a whisky crafted from casks so rare they will never again be used in any Macallan whisky. Combining Spanish and American sherry seasoned oak casks, a high proportion of them first fill, gives rise to an exquisite whisky with a splendidly rich hue, and an unmistakably woody whisky. Soft notes of opulent vanilla and raisin on the nose, give way to apple, lemon, and orange. Balanced by a spicy quarter of root ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Oak resonates, timeless, polished and rich. Vanilla and chocolate lead the finale along with a light citrus zest. The finish is full, warming and woody.
Specification: On the nose, there are aromas of violets, roses and mint combined with cherries and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Well-structured, fresh and full-bodied. Bonacosta comes from Masi vineyards in the hills of the historic Valpolicella Classico zone. The soil is red calcareous sediments on basalt. Following a light 15% green harvest, the grapes were harvested separately, first the Molinara and Rondinella, then the Corvina a week or two later. The must underwent fermentation at 25-28C, using selected yeasts. Contact with the skins lasted sixteen days for the Corvina and ten days for the other grapes. The fermentation lasted a total of twenty days and was followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for six months, 86% in large Slavonian oak barrels and 14% (Corvina only) in small new Allier and Slavonian oak casks. Though run by the Boscaini family for six generations, it is really in the last fifty years that Masi has established itself as one of the Venetos most innovative wine producers. In the late 1950s, they identified certain historic vineyard plots which are vinified as Amarone and bottled separately to this day. In 1964, they launched the now-legendary Campofiorin, which revived the technique of a second fermentation with semi-dried grapes. Masi have also rescued the ancient Oseleta variety from extinction, and continue to use it in two of their celebrated "Supervenetian" wines.
Specification: Released in the UK in 2014, the Mount Gay Black Barrel rum is made from single column and double pot distilled rum, though using a higher proportion of double pot distillates than their other expressions. It is also finished in heavily charred bourbon barrels before being bottled.
