New Release: KININVIE 1990 23 Year Old Official Batch No.002

Compared to the previous batch, this one has a more fruity and rich aroma. KININVIE 1990 23yo OB BATCH No.002 42.6% Hogshead & Sherry Butts The aroma features ripe plums, baked apples, vanilla, chocolate, with a subtle oat-like note reminiscent of Danish pastries. Upon tasting, the alcohol sensation is more pronounced for its ABV, with hints of ginger, plums, vanilla. The sweetness is not strong, and there's a savory oatiness with some vegetal notes. The finish is not particularly long. [Good] This is the new release of KININVIE 1990, aged for 23 years as Batch No.002. Incidentally, the previous Batch No.001 was destined for Taiwan, but this batch has the same specifications and ABV of 42.6%. The aroma contains fruity notes from sherry casks, with hints of ripe plums, cooked apples, chocolate, and vanilla, as well as nuances reminiscent of Danish pastries. When tasted, there's a contrast with the aroma - the fruitiness perceived in the nose doesn't come through as strongly, instead revealing more straightforward cask characteristics. Notes of oats, ginger, and vegetation emerge, leading to a drier, more delicate finish. While Batch No.001 had sherry butt notation but showed little of that character, this No.002 batch - despite having identical specifications and tasting notes - actually exhibits clear sherry influence with a fruity profile. Tasting reveals a contrast to the aromatic impression, showing similarities to No.001 with plain, straightforward nuances and lacking depth. Considering the relatively low ABV for its specifications (both 001 and 002 have identical strength), and the flavor profile, it's likely that water was added. While Balvenie typically releases with higher ABV adjustments, KININVIE appears to be set at a lower strength. William Grant & Sons might recognize this as the ABV where KININVIE's character is most effectively expressed.