Nobilis Enmore (Versailles) No. 1 MEC 1988 32yr 49,1%

"Clearly more intense than other releases from the 88 Enmore batch. Aromatically fully present with both the dark notes of old Demeraras full of dried fruit, leather, licorice and old wood, plus present spicy notes and some roasted aromas - all in great balance. Very good, one of the top representatives of the vintage."

"Lots of licorice, dark roasted aromas and some cherry on the nose. Pleasant bitter tones, leather and an intense wood influence on the palate. A great 1988 Enmore! I'm missing a creamier mouthfeel for a 9+ rating. Those who like licorice will get their money's worth here."

"An Enmore whose age has brought all its benefits. It has a very elegant, dark nose of leather and roasted oak, with pronounced spices of licorice, aniseed and vanilla. Dark chocolate (or cocoa) and coffee give a slightly bitter aftertaste, amplified by black tea, tobacco and aromatic herbs. The fruitiness, quite heavy on prune, red fruit (cherry) and grape, goes hand in hand with that deep, subtle profile found in old Enmore. A true olfactory delight. The attack on the palate is just as refined as the nose suggests. Oak mingles with spices (licorice, aniseed, winter spices, vanilla, chili, pepper and cinnamon) for an opulent, gourmand spectacle that opens with coffee, dark chocolate and nuts. The herbaceous, bitter and smoky side doesn't take over, as dried fruit and black tea give the flavors an almost sweet edge. The alcohol is very well integrated. The finish is long, warm and greedy. The dark oak, with its typical house spices, transposes perfectly with baked caramel, molasses, tobacco, dried fruit and earthy, herbaceous notes. Dark chocolate and coffee add opulence. A very pleasant, sensual and profound Enmore, which has begun one of the finest epics of the independent bottlers."

"Seems watered down and too old. Unfortunately, the barrel seems to me overlaid. So only difficult to assess how the initial product was once. The 88 Isla del Ron bottled in 2012 shows how it could have been a few years ago.pity"