Agitator Chestnut Cask

Agitator Chestnut Cask, NAS, 43 %

I love the fact that Agitator Whiskymakare in Sweden use chestnut casks extensively in their maturation of whisky. Up until 1988 this was also allowed in Scotland, but it is no longer legal to mature Scotch in chestnut casks. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) does go on at length about the use of traditional casks, which is perfectly fine. The SWA has been instrumental in preserving Scotch as a unique product. But the use of chestnut casks is traditional - also in Scotland, albeit in much smaller quantities than oak. So, why prohibit it?

The Agitator Chestnut Cask is available in Sweden at SEK 549 (85982).

Nose: This whisky has a certain spring in its step! Fresh and vibrant, with a warm and embracing woodiness that avoids dryness and tannins. Hints of black coffee and black peppercorns add depth.

Taste: Light-bodied and delicate, not as assertive as the nose suggests. Then, a shift occurs, bringing a rich, dark, and sweet fruitiness—a blend of orchard fruits and grapes. Behind that, notes of rich fudge and vanilla ice cream emerge.

Finish: Medium-long and continuously evolving, never quite settling down. It presents a delightful mix of fresh and dried fruits, sweetness, and darker notes of coffee and chocolate.

Comment: Complex and rich beyond its years.

Score 86/100

This is Nordic whisky review #397 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
-Thomas