Tasting Panel Notes

Cask No. 37.84

Sophisticated but frolicsome

Speyside, Spey

After 12 years in ex-bourbon wood we transferred this to a second-fill Sauternes hogshead. The nose starts grassy and floral (pot-pourri, bath bombs), turns sweeter (vanilla slice, marshmallow) discovers citrus (orange peel, starburst) and ends with tobacco and leather. The palate is sophisticated but frolicsome, with perfumed, herbal elements, sherbet straws, mango and Mayan chilli-chocolate mousse – tree bark underpins everything. The reduced nose seems more refined – dried flowers, elderflower and roses in a wooden bowl; plus cherry liqueurs and cigar boxes. The palate becomes lip-smacking and tasty – with rhubarb and ginger jam, chalky sweets, walnut whips and a warm, spicy finish.

Drinking tip: A good dram to savour when needing to imagine new ideas or alternative scenarios.