New Release: SCAPA 2005-2016 11yo GM Distillery Labels for La Maison du Whisky #438 45%

The aroma was quite unusual, but is this bottle unique? SCAPA SCAPA 2005-2016 11yo GM Distillery Labels for La Maison du Whisky #438 45% 1st Fill Sherry Bourbon Barrel The aroma features plums, orange, milk chocolate, matsutake and shiitake dashi soup, faint hinoki and leaf mold. When tasted, it has a unique mushroom dashi and earthy character, with a jam-like sweetness and a subtle sulfur note, leaving a rich aftertaste. [Good, Interesting] This is the SCAPA 2005 from GM Distillery Labels bottled by La Maison du Whisky, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It was bottled at the standard 45% ABV. Despite expecting a classic profile, the aroma alone felt mysterious. Though labeled as first-fill bourbon barrel, it carries nuances reminiscent of sherry casks, most notably the unique matsutake dashi-like mushroomy earthiness from Nagano's matsutake. This character is evident not only in the aroma but also in the flavor, which carries a slight sulfur element. Typically, mushroomy or earthy notes are rare in new releases and usually develop over time in the bottle. The fact that these characteristics are already present here makes it an intriguing and fascinating whisky to try, even if I wouldn't call it a must-try. While not a flavor I'd seek out again, its intriguing nature makes me want to occasionally revisit it. Looking forward to how this whisky might evolve in the future, though I have no idea what changes may come.