The Toshan Man

Limoncello on Steroids

Hepburn’s Choice is a new star on the firmament of independent bottlers and is imported to Belgium exclusively by none other than Bert Bruyneel, the man behind the Asta Morris label. Which just means that it is probably good stuff. Let me give it a go with a malt that I am quite familiar with.

The nose is immediately extremely sweet, but a lot more mature than its 11 years would make you expect. It is pretty creamy and round. Fairly malty, too. Peach and pears. Soft on the spices. Evolves from lemongrass towards lemon pie.

Creamy and very oily on the palate, it offers a peppery attack, but again it is immediately ubersweet. My teeth almost clatter out of my mouth, so sweet! But I quite like it. Limoncello on steroids. Some green banana, coconut and vanilla in the background. A hint of bubblegum in the distance, but the good kind.

The medium long finish remains utterly sweet on white fruit with a touch of oak.

This surely stands out between the average 11 year old Toshans, that sometimes tend to be somewhat low profile and ordinary. This one is ready for battle. Price? 49 EUR. Bang for your buck!