Valinch & Mallet The Spirit of Art Blend «Esters’ Delight #2» 2008

Valinch and Mallet's Spirit of Art series gives this Esters' Delight blend its theme, and the name is earned: a Jamaican blend from the 2008 vintage built around ester-driven funk. Bottled as a single cask at 14 years and 56.9%, it is certified unsweetened.

Drawing on multiple distilleries and matured in ex-bourbon wood, it shows the loud, fruity side of the island without tipping into harshness. Ester, tropical fruit, glue and pineapple fill the nose, then the palate brings tropical fruit, ester, glue and citrus over a notably oily, mouth-coating texture. Biscuit dough and a light bitterness add depth, and the finish runs long, warm and funky. The balance between fruit, solventy funk and structure is the draw here, an unsweetened blend that rewards attention and suits a drinker who wants Hampden or Long Pond style funk at full strength without it becoming overwhelming.