Cask No. 55.40

Cask No. 55.40

Playful mouth-tingles

Speyside, Findhorn

We transferred this from an ex-bourbon hogshead to a first-fill American oak PX cask after eighteen years. The nose was clean and bright – pineapple, Starburst, Maoams, chocolate-coated puff candy and Empire biscuits mingled with oiled wood and cigarette packets. The palate had Black Forest gateau and apricot Danish sweetness tempered by playful woody spices – nutmeg, clove, pink peppercorn and chocolate gingers. The reduced nose seemed slightly more delicate – baked apple with lemon juice, prunes and lime flowers. The palate became sweet, tart and mouth-tingling – cherry and custard, fruity perfumes and then fresh wood and subtle spices, somehow evoking an apothecary’s cabinet.

Drinking tip: While pouring over maps and planning journeys.