At the core of this Darkness expression is an eight year old single malt Scotch whisky which has been matured in ex-bourbon barrels. Following that, the whisky is moved over to custom-made Oloroso sherry octave casks for at least three months. It's also non-chill filtered, and bottled without any additional colouring.
Small casks make for a vastly increased surface area to volume ratio compared to the much larger sherry butts, leading to more cask influence and more of those intense sherried notes we've all come to know and love.
Darkness 8 Year Old is a continuous release from the range that was previously built around very limited edition bottlings, though the name of the game hasn't changed - big ol' helpings of sherried deliciousness await you!
You can enjoy this beauty neat or in a variety of serves. Here's the brand's recipe for a tasty Highball called Lasting Darkness:
Lasting Darkness
50ml Darkness 8 Year Old
100ml Soda
Slice of grapefruit
Add ice to a highball glass, and pour in 50ml Darkness 8 Year Old. Top and lengthen with soda, and garnish with fresh grapefruit.
Nose: Candied orange peels, chocolate peanuts, cooking spice warmth and some dried cherry.
Palate: Amaretti biscuits, subtly toasty hints, powerful raisin and prune, just a touch of earthy oak lingers.
Finish: Slightly oily with a hint of smoke, though chocolatey hints persist.
