The last sample of the three in this little set is the Treacle Chest release for 2017. Like the Vanilla Burst tried in the previous release this highlights a single flavour profile. The cask used this time is first-fill ex-Oloroso casks so very different from the vanilla one.

The Dram

The Treacle Chest is the second release from the Family Collection. This is a slightly larger release of 6300 bottles from 14 first-fill ex-sherry hogsheads. The extra bottles coming from the larger vessels rather than more of them. Like the previous bottle we tried this expression is a malt blend from two different distilleries but from the Highland region this time.

I feel like a bit of a parrot but it is a good problem to have when I say that this contains no artificial colouring or harsh chill-filtration. The price is again very reasonable at £46.95 for a bottling strength at a very respectable 46%.

Tasting notes

Colour – Copper orange

Nose – Rich sharp orange peel and the treacle from the title

Palate – Quite sweet initially with spiciness in the form of cinnamon. Some milk chocolate is in there as well. This develops into a malted bread note. Good texture on this one like the Vanilla Burst in the previous review.

Finish – Slightly peppery finish with develops into a sour herbal note

Final Thoughts

This is another good whisky which has been well made and packs in a lot of flavour for very few notes. This whisky and indeed the concept of the Family Collection is exactly what would make an easy gift for anyone who likes whisky. Does the person like sherry matured whisky? Yes then go for the Treacle Chest or do they prefer something more bourbon-y then go for the Vanilla Burst.