Golani Black’s cask 54 was a general market release and cask 3 is a private release for Israel’s Hermitage stores.
I think this goes to show where the Israeli market has gotten in 2018. From a sleepy whisky market dominated by blends, to a thriving single malt market. This year, there have been several single casks or special editions being bottled for either the market, specific stores and even whisky groups.
This is a trend that will increase, and it’s nice to see the local producers in on the trend.
Golan Heights Distillery, Golani Black Cask 3 for Hermitage Stores, Distilled 18.5.2015, Bottled 14.8.2018, 293 Bottles (51.7% ABV, NCF, NC)
Appearance: Amber, a necklace and some residue left on the sides of the glass.
Nose: The signature Golani toffee hits the nose first, with honey and warm spices. Cloves and a bit of a curious maritime salinity (Hermitage stores are based in Haifa, Israel’s main port city), a note of fruity sourness comes through.
Palate: Sweet spices, cinnamon and white pepper, with honey and oak and a caramel covered apple.
Linger: Sweet on the tongue and spicy and warming around the gullet. The latter part of the finish brings forth the mint leaves that are present in many of David’s expressions, and the sweetness remains for quite a while.
Conclusion
This is a very fine cask, with a beautiful balance on the palate.