Finally … it’s Halloween! On the scariest, spookiest, and most spine-tingling night of the year, I take you down to the fiery pits of hell! Guarded by demons and enshrouded in the reek of brimstone, there waits for us a whisky whose torrid character and fiery temper make it a perfect October 31st sip. I am speaking of The Caskhound’s recently released Liber 15 Years Old nicknamed “EL Diablito Sulfuroso” (meaning as much as “The little sulfur devil”). According to the stylish label, this overproof single malt from Destilerias Liber in Spain is “fully matured in an old PX sherry cask”. And it is said to be “tasty as hell”. I happily second that statement. “The last of the wee sulfur devils” carries its name absolutely rightly! The properly aged and heavily sherried dram is ablaze with smoulder, sparks, and sulfur. If you are, like me, a fan of this flavor profile, you would not need to read any further; you could just go on and order a bottle … however, if you already made it this far, you could also stay around a little bit longer and check out my full tasting notes below. Either way, “Happy Halloween, my friends!” and remember to be ghoulish, ghastly, and gruesome (at least for one night a year)!

by Tobi

Eye: Shining bronze.
Nose: “El Diablito Sulfuroso” has a blazing bouquet that brims with extinguished matchsticks and spark-spraying flintstones. Also, there is crumbled caramel, brown sugar, dried apricot, squashed bramble, charred wood, and dusty parchment. All aromas have settled well. In their entirety, they form a tightly knotted tapestry of most intense and intriguing smells.
Palate: The first sip is scorching hot and fiery – like a fire cracker going off in the mouth. It marks the beginning of a great tasting experience during which this 15-year-old Spanish single malt whisky presents itself dryish, powdery, and flavor-rich. I get burnt cake, smouldered wood, dark fruit and berry, brandied cherry, and sun-dried crops. Plus cinnamon, chipotle, and a pinch of salt. Overall, there is not a lot of sweetness to be tasted here; but every now and then, a wee splash of sweet cola brightens up the mix.
Finish: The long and strong finish is – again – filled to the burst with sulfur. As it goes on, the whisky loosens a bit of its dryness. Instead it becomes more chewy. Its most prominent farewell gifts are cocoa nibs, toffee crumbles, orange zests, strawberry chips, and apple rings as well as linen cloths and cellar walls. And, more commonly, blackberries and raisins and cherries.

Type: Single Malt Whisky
Region: Spain
Age: 15 years
Alc. volume: 58.7 per cent
Cask type: Old PX sherry cask
# of bottles: 320
Bottle size: 0.5 litres
Price: ~90.00 Euro
More info: https://destileriasliber.com/ (Distillery) ; https://www.thecaskhound.de/ (Importer)

*** I bought the bottle as a regular customer. ***