Hedge Finds
September 21, 2023
Today the theme is blackberry, wood-fired stills, and a price point around €40 per 50cl. Tasted semiblind.
Outlier (Andreas, Isle of Man) – Hedge Fund (Blackberry and Elderberry), c. 2022, 45%
A fairly new outfit on the Isle of Man, who also produce rum on their wood-fired still. The rum has made some waves, so we hope to try that as well.
Nose Sweeter and more generous, between the two. Elderflower, honeysuckle, brambles, and yes, ripe blackberries.
Palate Arrives smoothly. More on orchard fruit at first, ripe apples and pears, but also berries - particularly sweet blackberries but also a touch of raspberry, all alongside that floral sweetness. Gains slightly more bitterness, with touches of seeds/pips, and gains a little tartness in the finish, which goes on quite long.
Comments Fair price, and high quality. A distillery to keep an eye on. Maybe a touch flabby, but this is nitpicking. Easy sipper and the mixologists should be having a field (blend) day.
Price around €40 per 50cl.
Score?6/10
Bakonyi Íz és Párlat (Veszprém, Hungary) – Földiszeder (Wild Blackberry) párlat, 2008/2021, 50%
Also known as Csetény pálinka, after the village where the distillery is located. I'm not sure why this is labelled párlat instead of pálinka, perhaps the fruit was imported? The label suggests this rested for 13 years before being bottled. I love the presentation with the etched glass and fabric top.
Nose More tart and narrow, blackberry sorbet, pips. A very pronounced florality too, magnolia and lemon verbena.
Palate Certainly tighter than [the Outlier] and more floral, lots of magnolia hand soap (though without soapiness, if that makes sense). Some effervescence, then more fruit emerging, a few overripe blackberries, blackberry yoghurt. The ABV helps with the finish, which is quite long, without development.
Comments A very different profile, tipping way towards floral at the expense of fruit. Well made, but I would prefer less magnolia here.
Price around €43 per 50cl.
Score?5/10