Millstone 2019/2026 - 7 y.o. - Banyuls Cask - Special #39

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 46% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Full seven-year maturation in Banyuls casks defines the character of Millstone Special #39. The Dutch single malt was distilled on 5 March 2019 and bottled as an official distillery bottling on 18 April 2026 at 46% in 0.7-litre bottles. Limited to 1,053 bottles, it has a natural colour and is non-chill-filtered.

Maturation in casks previously used for Banyuls, a fortified wine from southern France, gives the malt a warm, fruity wine accent without making it seem overly wine-driven. Cherry cake, red fruit compote, strawberry and orange form its fruity core, balanced by the freshness of lemon. Vanilla, honey and white chocolate add roundness, while cinnamon provides a spicy accent. Dark chocolate and delicate spice accompany the finish.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose is rich and fruity, with cherry cake and red fruit compote meeting a fresh hint of lemon. Orange, vanilla, honey and cinnamon then emerge, underpinned by gentle vinous warmth.
• Palate: The palate is rounded and balanced, with strawberry, cherries, orange and ripe red fruits. The Banyuls casks deepen the fruit character, while vanilla, white chocolate and gentle spice add further roundness.
• Finish: The finish is medium in length and gently warming, with cherries, dark chocolate, red fruits and a delicate spicy accent lingering in balance.

Distillery/Bottler:

Zuidam Distillers was founded in 1976 by Master Distiller Fred van Zuidam and designer Hélène van Zuidam. Based in Baarle-Nassau, the family business is now run by their sons Patrick and Gilbert. Patrick’s ambition to create a Dutch whisky of his own led to the first experimental casks in 1996 and ultimately to the Millstone brand. Its name refers to the millstones of the Dutch windmills used to grind the grain.

For Millstone, Zuidam allows the mash to ferment for seven days and distils it slowly in small copper stills, an approach designed to produce a fruity, complex spirit. Various carefully selected cask types give each bottling its individual character. With Special #39, the focus is on full maturation in Banyuls casks; it is released as an official distillery bottling.

Facts: