Strictly Confidential is a line created to challenge what you know about fine spirits.

In the first release for Strictly Confidential, Secret #1, its rich and nostalgic profile originates from perhaps the finest local distillery in this particular spirit category.

Unwanted by some, prized by others, the liquid in this bottle was salvaged from 40 French Oak Barrels that previously held…in them from the well-known…distillery in the Cape. 120 litres came from these 40 barrels. Now, those are the type of wet barrels every distillery or independent bottler wants to receive!

Details we are permitted to provide are few, but these barrels contained 12-year-old spirit, which has now been bottled undiluted at cask strength.

Tasting Notes

Profile: Rum & Raisin.

Colour: Golden brown sherry.

Nose: Rich booze-ey rum and raisin ice cream. Few noses in the spirits world that provide such a rich & instantly nostalgic nose. Allowed to settle there is the brandy element. Brandy snaps, then dried sultanas, spices, caraway seed, coffee, frozen grapes, vanilla ice cream with sprinkles.

Palate: Warming, more Brandy snaps and then ginger biscuits. Fruity, pot still, hot cross buns (the spicy version), a little chili even. Slightly light mouthfeel considering the impact of the nose but no complaints.

Finish: Warming & long. This is a spirit to be enjoyed next to a fire on a cold evening. Sweet and bitter at the same time, the finish doesn’t end. Keeps one warm… OBS style… The spirit refined version of it at least.