Cù Bòcan Single Malt has released Creation #5, the fifth instalment in its limited-edition ‘Creation’ series – thought to be the first single malt that has matured in Colombian Andean Oak casks.
This isn’t the first time Cù Bòcan has experimented with a new cask type; 2019’s Creation #2 was the first to use Japanese Shochu casks for maturation.
Andean Oak, unsurprisingly, comes from the Andes Mountains, and is found in cold, extremely humid tropical climates. In terms of its impact on colour, aroma, flavour and mouthfeel, it is “aromatic and floral, (orange blossom and rose) and exotic and fruity (mango, papaya, passion). The nose is fresh and elegant with a spicy and resinous character. The palate is round, soft and sweet.”
Cù Bòcan Creation #5 was distilled in December 2011 and initially matured in refill American oak hogsheads before being filled into Andean Oak casks in June 2021. A little over a year later the whisky was removed from the casks.
For Scotch, a year is considered a short finish but Scott Adamson, the distillery’s Blender and Global Brands Ambassador, said the influence of the Andean Oak casks was “remarkable”.
He added: “The nose is incredibly herbaceous with aromas of ylang-ylang, carnation, eucalyptus before sweeter hints of white chocolate pralines and lemon sponge cake develop. The mix of Andean Oak’s unique properties and Cù Bòcan’s light smoke has resulted in notes of toasted clove, smoked nutmeg, and creosote.”
The current Cù Bòcan range comprises of Cù Bòcan Signature, the only ongoing product within the range, the Creation series and Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old, which was released late last year.
Cù Bòcan Creation #5 has been bottled at 46% ABV and is limited to 8,400 70cl bottles (RSP £60).
