Nose
The initial hit off the nose is warming and redolent. Cloves, cinnamon, candied orange peel and vanilla dominate. A slight lactic tang brings to mind a glazed carrot cake; extremely inviting and homey. The vegetal notes have softened dramatically, and while still present, take a back seat to the wood influence.
Palate
Spicy and dry, with layers of cocoa, caramel and spices. A strong incienso and oak presence. Immediately present are the beginnings of that classic aged Agricole funk, more inviting than challenging, the tastes of mineral and warm rubber evoke images of a race track more than a factory fire. The initial hit then resolves to more carrot cake; this is by no means a sweet rum. This expression is no more richer in mouthfeel, but there is a lot more clarity to the image, the structure is more coherent and flavors more complex.
Finish
Once again a long finish, smooth, clean and but supple. There is an appetizing bitter cocoa note and it goes down like spiced Mexican hot coco, warming but with restraint.
Reminds us of
Crème caramel