Alpha Centauri V Scotch Universe – 54.8%

The universe – an infinite space full of secrets waiting to be discovered. Michel Reick could hardly have found a more fitting synonym for the diverse world of Scotch whiskies for his brand. With Scotch Universe, he leads us on a taste journey – as complex and fascinating as outer space. On the flight path are distilleries from all regions of Scotland, which come up with handpicked single malts or single grains. Some of them smoky and stormy like a star collision. Others serene and balanced like the dark side of the moon. All named after celestial phenomena.

Spectrums of colour, glistening light or dense darkness: discovering the Scotch Universe can feel like looking through a telescope into unexplored worlds. And just like these, the brand’s whiskies do not reveal all their secrets. The fact is: all of them come from carefully selected casks bottled separately in Scotland, are neither chill-filtered nor coloured and have a high, cask strength alcohol content. In addition, the label with coordinates leaves plenty of room for speculation and the spirit of discovery.

The Alpha Centauri V was distilled in 2009 and bottled under the Scotch Universe label after 160 months of maturation in a First Fill Sauternes Wine Barrique. It is an unpeated Speyside whisky.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Forest honey, black tea with lemon and Boskop apple meld against a backdrop of a very subtle hint of thyme. Accompanied by a green pear that is not quite ripe yet.

Palate: Clearly sweeter than on the nose. Forest honey with fine spice in combination with a hint of tannins, caramelised Boskop apple and a lightly hinting, rounding bitterness.

Finish: Sweet and long, with a transition to subtle fruit before the bitterness rounds off pleasantly.