ART & DECADENCE C. Box

Dinner’s final course – when the puddings, cakes, tarts, jellies, chocolates and cheeses emerge – is typically the moment for true decadence. We have attempted to create a whisky that would complement this juncture in the meal. Art & Decadence is built on malt whisky from the Balmenach Distillery, finished separately for almost a year in not one but three different ex-wine casks. Madeira, Sauternes and Marsala are all at home with dessert, and they bring succulence, preserved fruit notes and honeyed character to the underlying meaty sweetness of Balmenach. To this, we have layered in malt whisky from the Linkwood Distillery, aged in Palo Cortado sherry-seasoned butts, and malt whisky from the Glen Moray Distillery, finished in Oloroso sherry-seasoned butts. Grain whisky from the now-closed Port Dundas Distillery adds silk and gloss. We played with different bottling strengths to deliver the most intense yet pleasurable experience possible. Initially exploring 52% ABV, we feel 49% ABV brings the best balance of richness and power.