Sample X 9 Years

Did not expect much from this after initial nosing. The aroma is very muted for a Port Mourant. On the palate this really delivered. Nice soft mouth feel. Very flavorful, raisins, baking spices with alcohol very well integrated. The raisins continue for a long time on the finish. Found this very enjoyable, but the muted aroma keeps the score back.

Typical PM with the slight bitter wood. Despite its age it remains vibrant. Good pick from Sample X!

Another Sample X bottling, this time from the famous Port Mourant still. C: W wine N: 5min Less oily and maritime, but in a way meaner than the Sample X Albion. Nevertheless unmistakable a young Guyanese as well. Rubber bands and petrol, granny apples and celery. It´s all here. After 20min the oiliness appears, and it gets sweet. I could have sworn someone put syrup in this while not looking. A very sweet Port Mourant nose. M: A blend of pineapple and sweet white pepper. I really like this. Not complex but good young Guyana. F: Short. B: 2 please. Good price too.

Somewhat weird Port Mourant, at least at the moment (irl Sample x tasting). Where's the aniseed in the nose. The nose is quite closed. Again needs time. Taste: better than the nose (Albion other way around). Aniseed! Yes! (Always better in booze than the real deal). Dry. Quick glance. Need to try again. Atypical PM. Overall I like the Albion better.

Clearly recognizable proximity to the Barikenn Port Mourant 2012, although this release is still a bit younger on the nose: The focus here is clearly more on the fresh fruit aromas and the light lactic acid note, the wood is again clearly less present. A bit more fruity on the palate, but a combination of bitter roasted notes and alcoholic spiciness comes through now. The integration of the alcohol is not optimal, so this rather cutting note unfortunately remains a constant companion in the mouth and finish. The rest of the aromatics again bring spices, light minerality and subtle sweetness into play; unfortunately, this doesn't do much to change the basic imbalance. Too bad - a dilution would actually have been interesting here. An attempt with a few drops of water actually brings a slight improvement in my subjective perception, but this trick can no longer change the overall verdict decisively.