Valinch & Mallet 2001 Diamond Demerara Guyana 18-Year

As I started this review, I didn't know that it's a Skeldon. It was a nice surprice as I saw the bottling year.

Nose: Like a Skeldon, dark dried fruits, grapes, blueberries and blackberries escape. I can name countless other fruits such as cranberries and gooseberries. Some liquorice, molasses and burnt sugar are included. The whole thing also has a flowery or aromatic touch. I would still like to name black tea with rum.
That's a fantastic smell. This is reminiscent of the Black Tot 50 or an old Navy.
Very great diamond and that from 2001, fantastic.
Wait ... it just occurred to me, this is 2001 Demerara ... this is a Skeldon, I'm very sure.

Taste: Sweet start with dried fruits (cranberries, blueberries), liquorice, woody notes in connection with black tea rum or that could also be some coffee. Barrel aromas seem a bit stale, that's typical REV or Skeldon.
The tannins develop towards the middle, which briefly tips into the medicinal and becomes sharper. Then the rum comes back a little fruity. Liquorice accompanied by a slight bitterness and the black tea with rum push towards the finish.
Finish is a bit spicy. Slight bitterness of wood tannins, black tea with rum, dried fruits such as blueberries, blackberries.

Aftertaste: black tea with rum, dried fruits, some liquorice

Conclusion: Yes, a great Skeldon, even better on the nose than on the palate. Nicely balanced. Recommended for lovers of old Navys.

Overall rating: 92 points

Sweetness: 1/5
Fruit: 3/5
Sharpness: 2/5
Complexity: 3.5 / 5
PL 200 €: 4/5