Introduction I’ve been interested in Kim Chang Soo’s work for a while now, especially with how seamlessly he brings a personal, artistic touch to blending and bottling. When I learned he was releasing a single cask whisky matured in a Moscatel sherry cask, it piqued my curiosity. This style of cask isn’t commonly used—certainly not in this part of the world—and I wondered what kind of character it might bring to the spirit. Bottled at cask strength, non-chill filtered and without colour added, this edition seemed to honour transparency and craft. Nose Straight from the glass, it’s aromatic and immediately layered. I picked up dried apricots, honeyed nuts, and dark, tart grapes—all hallmarks of Moscatel, but handled with restraint. There’s a toasted quality here too, perhaps from the wood: almond skin, toffee, and a light wisp of sandalwood. A splash of water opened up more floral notes—think lavender and orange blossom—which added brightness without diluting the richness. Palate At first sip, it’s full-bodied and coats the tongue with a noticeable weight, but not overly sticky. The initial sweetness leans toward golden raisins and Turkish delight, followed by oak spice and something slightly herbal—like mint tea or crushed thyme. That counterbalance is what made it interesting for me. There’s a roundness from the fortified wine influence, but it’s never cloying. Mid-palate, the whisky tightens up a little, with cinnamon and a touch of char lending structure to the sweeter edges. Finish The finish is long and well paced. I got a touch of bitter almond right at the tail end that helped clean things up, followed by lingering dried fruit—fig and prune, mostly. It’s warm but not overly hot, especially for its cask strength. There’s a slight earthiness that grounds the flavour, leaving a dry, peppery fade hours after. Price and Value This isn’t a budget bottle by any stretch—it’s a limited edition single cask release with clear attention to detail. But in my opinion, the price aligns with the quality. You’re paying for craftsmanship and a flavour profile that’s hard to find elsewhere. If you're someone who enjoys sherried whiskies and values individuality in a bottle, this one earns its asking price. Background Kim Chang Soo is known in the whisky community for his dedication to careful cask selection and blending, with a background that fuses graphic design and packaging with his passion for whisky. This release, labeled “Month of Memories,” comes from a single Moscatel sherry cask and was bottled in South Korea at 51.2%, completely unaltered from its natural state. Its intent appears to reflect both the poetic and technical sides of whisky making. The Moscatel cask used here brings a more aromatic, lightly oxidised dessert wine influence compared to the punchier PX or the nuttier Oloroso, and it felt intentional—more nuanced than heavy-handed. You can learn more about Kim Chang Soo's projects through the official website. Final Notes Would I pick up another bottle if I had the chance? Yes, especially given the single cask nature—it’s a complex pour with personality, and one I’d like to revisit after some time open. For someone newer to whisky, I’d say it's approachable with a splash of water, but the ABV and layered flavours might be better appreciated by intermediate or seasoned drinkers. This dram fits best into moments where you’ve got time to sit with it, perhaps after dinner or during a slow evening. It’s conversation-worthy. Compared to other Moscatel-aged whiskies I’ve had—mostly from Spanish distilleries—this one feels more disciplined and less syrupy, which suited my palate well.